is there a site for SS amplifier troubleshooting/ repair ?

[chopstuck]

I have a few older Crown PA amps and Van Alstine stereo amps I need to fix.

I have an old HP single trace TUBE scope but I really don't know where to start on solid state.

I imagine it's similar tactic -- go from the PS to the input, but is there a helpful place to look for insight ? I have plenty of solid state device books but the applications exceed what is needed for simple audio. I guess I need a "How to fix SS amps you broke yourself for dummies" book.

Any help would be appreciated.

[selloutrr]

signal tracers are very helpful.

It's pretty easy to tell where the issue happened in solid state produces. look for a huge burn mark then work back and figure out why it died. more times then not the burned part is a result of another failure. If things are old consider a cap job. the worst part about SS repair is it's often not worth the time, energy or parts it takes to fix.

You'll need a schematic, a way to test Transistors and IC chips.

Your local library should have books on circuits and troubleshooting. If you understand how the circuit works you can think through it logically and troubleshoot the issue.

[tubeswell]

You may find something useful about servicing transistor amps in here

[C Moore]

Some of these guys are into SS stuf....
Good Luck

http://www.ssguitar.com/index.php?action=forum

[groovtubin]

I have a few older Crown PA amps and Van Alstine stereo amps I need to fix.

I have an old HP single trace TUBE scope but I really don't know where to start on solid state.

I imagine it's similar tactic -- go from the PS to the input, but is there a helpful place to look for insight ? I have plenty of solid state device books but the applications exceed what is needed for simple audio. I guess I need a "How to fix SS amps you broke yourself for dummies" book.

Any help would be appreciated.

Find toubleshooting solid state amps by Ben Gaddis, ( circa 1973 TAB books) blv me, i HAD ta have a job, and HAD ta work on SS amps, which i NEVER have, only tube stuff, this saved my A$$!!! I blew the guys away at Action Music, can ya imagine the tech who was lvg telling me a SS amp on bench was DC`g, and i ask him this STUPID question, WHATS THAT?? He had the look that killed, and i`m sure he told the boss, this was right B4 i got that book, and madem EAT IT! lol! Cleared the bench really quick, and went on to be very good at fixing anything SS!! U CAN TOO!!

Best wishes, jim@Omegaamps.com