Can tube sockets be marked wrong?

[acalan]

I built this amp.Couldn't get it to work. Triple checked every thing.Built it using a Weber Diagram.The two power tube sockets were wired just like the diagram show.The tubes would not warm up -no sound.Months went by,then I looked up Triode Electronics.That's where I bought the transformers from.I looked at their wiring diagram.All the wiring was identical at the power tube sockets,Triodes diagram shows the KEY in the base between pins 1 and 8.The Weber diagram does not show the key.So I finally took a look at the sockets that came with the amp kit and I noticed that the key is between pins 4 and 5.I ordered two new power amp sockets and the key is between 1 an 8 so I installed them.Just waiting on a couple of 1500 ohm resistors to get here(hopefully tomorrow).did I get the wrong tube sockets sent to me the first time .They are 8 pin sockets.Originals have key between 4 and 5. The ones I just put in last night had the key between 1 and 8 pins. I think it will finally work.

[Leo_Gnardo]

So I finally took a look at the sockets that came with the amp kit and I noticed that the key is between pins 4 and 5.I ordered two new power amp sockets and the key is between 1 an 8 so I installed them.Just waiting on a couple of 1500 ohm resistors to get here(hopefully tomorrow).did I get the wrong tube sockets sent to me the first time .They are 8 pin sockets.Originals have key between 4 and 5. The ones I just put in last night had the key between 1 and 8 pins. I think it will finally work.

Never seen anything like this but if them's the facts then YES tube sockets can be marked wrong. Where did you get that kit?

Key goes between pins 1 & 8, every time I've ever seen.

[M Fowler]

Never seen that either but I have some black octal sockets where the numbering on the side and that can confuse you when the lights are out and can't see the locating pin cutout.

[acalan]

I'm going to try to get my son to take a picture of this. It won't happen till tomorrow afternoon.The number on the socket are very small,so it may not be readable

[Phil_S]

I understand the numbers might be wrong. The socket itself should be useable. The pin locations are evenly distributed around the circle. Just assume the key is between 1 and 8. Did I miss something? BTW, there is no excuse for misnumbering.

[acalan]

If there was not the positioning key on the tube I could have rotated the tube until the pins on the tube aligned with the proper pins on the socket.I didn't think of doing this until I had already disconnected all of the wires from the sockets.I also didn't want to damage the tube by filing off the key.I got the new sockets all soldered in and I'm just waiting for a couple of resistors to get here.It's a shame that a store like Radio Shack doesn't stock 1500 ohm 2 watt resistors.They have 1500 ohm 1/2 watt resistors but the wiring diagram calls for 2 watt.I'm going to try to post a picture of the original sockets if possible.I racked my brain for months before finding this out.I think I took out the turret board twice looking for wiring problems .I think I finally solved the problem

[Stevem]

Four 1/2 resistors of about/ around 6000 ohms in parrallel, or two 1 watt resistors of around 750 ohms in serise will do ya, if you have the room for them.
You do not need spec on 1500 ohms, within 20% will do just fine!

[Phil_S]

There is no difference in the configuration of the socket. It is just numbered wrong. The numbering system is arbitrary. If the pins on either side of the key are numbered 4 and 5, then:

Pin as numbered:Pin should be numbered
1 : 5
2 : 6
3 : 7
4 : 8
5 : 1
6 : 2
7 : 3
8 : 4

Just rewire the sockets you have so the setup aligns correctly with the tube.

I find it difficult to see the numbers when I'm working. I often take a Sharpie and write the pin numbers on the chassis. Pin 1 is to the left of the key. Start there and go around. Foolproof (pretty much.)

If the bad numbers on the socket bother you, scrape them off.

[johnnyreece]

Hmmm...I never look at the numbers...I just start at the locating pin and count every time, for better or worse...

[ToneMerc]

Hmmm...I never look at the numbers...I just start at the locating pin and count every time, for better or worse...

Same here, the indexing pin is my reference. I keep a 4 inch magnifying glass at my bench because the eyes of an 18 yr old have long left me.

TM

[Phil_S]

What I really need is one of these:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... OgodfGkAVg
But I'm not paying $30+shipping. I'm too cheap.

[acalan]

Still working on getting a picture of this socket.(just got home from work).if I was more of a electronic tech ,I'm sure that I would have figured this out earier.But being new to this ,I thought that I was the problem.(which is usually true)But I wired these sockets using the weber diagram ,which makes no reference to the socket key.I'm going to try to load the weber 5e3 diagram to show my point.If it wasn't for the Triode diagram ,I would still be thinking that I did something wrong.You guys all know that 1and 8 are at the socket key.NOW I KNOW IT TOO

[johnnyreece]

Yeah, the Weber diagrams just show the pins. I've seen their layouts multiple times. Sounds like this was a good learning experience for you! And, it didn't get you killed, so that's pretty good.

[acalan]

I finally was able to get some help getting a picture of my 8 pin tube socket.I removed the pins so you would be able to see the numbering.You can see that the key in the socket is between pins 4 and 5.. It should be between 1 and 8.,which is directly opposite of where it is. I don't know how this could have happened.

[Phil_S]

I don't know how this could have happened.

It looks like the numbers were silk screen or ink jet printed. The operator put the sockets into the printer 180 degrees off from where it should have been. It is possible the printing machine has a key that is located 180 degrees off. In any case, the only thing wrong with that socket is where they put the numbers. Scrape them off and use a Sharpie to put the correct numbers on the socket. You'll feel much better after you do this.