Express Problems Pictures

[ampmike]

OK,I tried diff power tubes because the one el34 caused an arc in the other socket.Now the 6v6 can handle power and standbye with no problems so I will take some readings next,No sound either when it was on for that breif time but no fires.Mikey

[crbowman]

Mike,
I'd definitely replace the burnt tube socket. Once they arc like that it sort of burns a trace between the pins that's almost impossible to get rid of.
You do need a connection from PI grid like Mark says.
The plate voltages that you posted look WAY high to me. I'd double and triple check all the power supply values and wiring.
Aside from that nothing is really jumping out at me from the pics.

[ampmike]

Well I have about had it,Had the 6v6"s in ,Went to take some readings,must have slipped with the meter and that v5 took off like a blow torch,Shut it down and now Im installing a new socket and triming back all the leads,Im not having fun anymore,Very nerve racking!!!

[marcoloco961]

I know its tough to wait on a new socket at this point, but I think you are spinning your wheels until you get one in. As Mr. Bowman and others have said, those burnt carbon traces will almost undoubtedly continue to cause problems. With all the shorting you have had already, you will be lucky if nothing else is damaged.

I think I would go as far at this point to test both transformer (unhooked from amp). Check the PT for proper voltages unhooked and test the continuity of the OT to make sure no windings have been burnt. You are going to have to remove and replace the V5 socket. Go ahead and double check all connections and clean up the listed (issues) everyone here has spotted. You can get some 18 guage stranded heater wire at radio shack or your local hardware store so you can get to work on that part right away while waiting on a new socket. Might as well go ahead and address all lead dress issues now before they are issues later. Look carefully at the pics of Francesca. Patience is a virtue when it comes to these amps. Plus you don't want to burn the house down during the learning process...

Test or replace all diodes around the power tube sockets to be safe, they are cheap and could have been damaged by the shorting. Make sure and do a real careful clean up before trying again. Little solder balls and solder whiskers rolling around inside the chassis can cause all kinds of problems. Even the flux residue can cause carbon traces like the one on the socket. Good clean-up is very important. I clean all connection of flux residue before the first fire up. I use rubbing alcohol to clean with.

[WhopperPlate]

Mikey, I can't emphasis enough Marcoloco961's last post. Carefully read and follow everyone's suggestions and be patient. With so many issues already known (especially the missing voltages!) it's simply not a good idea to be popping in any tubes . Good way to take out expensive components Really I can't stress this enough.

While waiting for your new tube socket and capacitor, take the time to study "Francesca" photographs concerning proper wiring layout.

[ampmike]

Im on it guys,I agree,I do have extra sockets and Ill order more wire.Thanx Guys,Mikey

[marcoloco961]

Im on it guys,I agree,I do have extra sockets and Ill order more wire.Thanx Guys,Mikey

Hang in there Mikey, this is the part where you actually start to learn about amps and how they work. If they all went together and worked the first time, we wouldn't learn nearly as much about them. Don't worry, you will get it working with all the good help here, and it will be well worth the time when finished.

[ampmike]

Thanx Man,You guys are the best,rj said he will send me whatever i need.
I have extra sockets but I think Im going to re wire everthing.And clean everthing real well,Thanks again

[M Fowler]

Mike if you need any help were all here for you.

Your right to get the parts, replace the socket and go over the wiring as suggested and make darn sure the B+ wiring is correct under and above the boards.

Hang it there.

Mark

[WhopperPlate]

Hey Mikey,

Listen to everyone and keep your chin up, you'll have this one bagged and tagged eventually.

[ampmike]

Thanx Charlie,RJ sent some parts ,I should have them in a day or so,I movrd som wire around working off Jim photos,I should be able to try again soon,Thanks for your support Bro It really means a lot.We will get this workin Im sure ,Mikey

[marcoloco961]

Curious how things are going with the project Mike. Any updates available yet?

[ampmike]

Hey Man ,Thanx for asking,I got all the parts needed from rj and tomorrow Ill be bugging you guys,I should be ready to give a start up another try.I wasnt feeling well for about a week,I stopped taking a med and had a hell of a week,But Im back on my feet and ready to go.Ill be on tomorrow ,Thanks ,Mikey

[ampmike]

OK Guys,I replaced the power tube sockets and cleaned up some wires.
No Tubes and just power on the bulb limiter just a low glow. Pin 5 power tube is -32,Pin 1 on v1 started at 1-.190 and just kept climing up to .655,That probobly aint right.Heaters are all good.Pin 6 on v4 is 1.039 v5 pin 6 is the same,Im not going any futher till you guys tell me Thanks Mikey

[marcoloco961]

OK Guys,I replaced the power tube sockets and cleaned up some wires.
No Tubes and just power on the bulb limiter just a low glow. Pin 5 power tube is -32,Pin 1 on v1 started at 1-.190 and just kept climing up to .655,That probobly aint right.Heaters are all good.Pin 6 on v4 is 1.039 v5 pin 6 is the same,Im not going any futher till you guys tell me Thanks Mikey

Have you downloaded the build guide yet Mikey? I usually put that thing right in front of me and follow the start up procedures to a "T". Start on page 42 @ Pre-start up steps and follow from there.

Your grid voltage for your power tubes looks to be in the ballpark.

On page 44 of the build guide there is a power up without tubes procedure. Go through that and let us know what you find out.