Courses to Take To Be An Amp Repairman ?

[yZe]

Not just tube amp, but any amp, power amp, mixer, etc . .

Here is what my community college offers
I have highlighted in Red what I think is necessary. Please Let me know what is missing:

Can I avoid the digital stuff if I choose not to work on modeling amps and digital mixers?

I am almost 40 and just want to cut to the chase and start SIMPLE

I am not looking for a degree, but just want the knowledge

What are industrial controls classes?

Program Required Courses 43 cr.
*CET 1114C Basic Digital Systems 3 cr .
CET 1122C Introduction to Microprocessors 3 cr .
CET 2113C Digital Systems Analysis 3 cr .
CGS 1000 Introduction to Computers and
Technology 3 cr .
COP 1000 Programming Logic 3 cr .
*EET 1036C Basic AC and DC 3 cr .
EET 1037C Circuit Analysis 3 cr .
*EET 1083C Electronics Orientation 3 cr .
EET 1141C Solid State Devices 3 cr .
EET 1142C Solid State Circuits 3 cr .
EET 2155C Linear Integrated Circuits 3 cr .
EET 2939 Electronics Engineering Technology
Capstone 3 cr .
MAC 1114 Trigonometry 3 cr .
Select 1 specified elective credit from the
following (Group A):
CET 1172C Computer Upgrading and Repair 3 cr .
CET 1174C Advanced Computer Repair 3 cr .
CET 1556C Structured Cabling 3 cr .
CET 2152C Advanced Microprocessors 3 cr .
CET 2335C Microcomputer Systems 3 cr .
CGS 1500 Applied Word Processing 1 cr .
CGS 1510 Spreadsheet Applications 1 cr .
CGS 1520 Business Graphics 1 cr .
CGS 1540 Database Management 1 cr .
CGS 1550 Introduction to Networking 3 cr.
CGS 1544 Internet Basics 1 cr .
COP 1220 Programming in “C” 3 cr.
ECO 2013 Principles of Macroeconomics 3 cr .
EET 1525C Industrial Controls I 3 cr .
EET 2215L Electronic Instruments 3 cr .
EET 2326C Communications Systems 3 cr .
EET 2355C Data Communications 3 cr .
EET 2526C Industrial Controls II 3 cr .
EST 1436C Biomedical Electronics Systems I 3 cr .
EST 2438C Biomedical Electronic Systems II 3 cr .
OST 1142 Keyboarding I 1 cr .
Select 3 specified elective credits from the
following (Group B):
COP 1120 COBOL, Beginning 3 cr .
COP 1820 Visual BASIC, Beginning 3 cr.
COP 1821 Visual BASIC, Advance 3 cr.
COP 2800 JAVA Programming 3 cr.

[Blue Strat]

All of the red courses are good. Hands on experience is absolutely necessary too. Some of the most competitent electronic designers who know all the theory are horrible troubleshooters.

Get some old Fender amps, schematics, tube guitar amp tech books, take a Gerald Weber course when he's in your area, etc. etc and start repairing and modding your own amps. There's no better way to get actual experience.

There are many paths to becoming an amp tech (which, BTW, isn't a highly lucrative field unless you own a shop and have several low paid techs working for you) but you seem to be on the right track.

[jh45gun]

I would find that Older Navy course that is online somewhere if I am not mistaken and learn from that too in your spare time as that would deal with tubes. Lots of good techs in the past were military trained. I am sure some one here could provide a link for you. The problem with Tubes is I tried to find some older electronic books at the local library and there was none they had been sold off at book sales years ago after Tube stuff was turned over to transistors. I suppose not all libraries may be like ours but I felt that was a LOSS of valuable research material.

[Groovey Records]

http://www.pmillett.com/technical_books_online.htm

Basic Audio, Norman Crowhurst, 1959 - Thanks to Keith Carlsen!
This is a 3-volume set on, as the title implies, basic audio. The best introduction to tube hi-fi I've seen, the first volume starts with the nature of sound, and covers the basics of speakers and microphones. Volume 2 continues with amplification, covering the basics of amplifier design. Volume 3 covers a little more advanced topics like feedback, power supplies, and recording. If you're a beginner, READ THESE BOOKS!

Volume 1 (114 pages) Download full text with index, 4.2MB PDF file
Volume 2 (122 pages) Download full text with index, 4.1MB PDF file
Volume 3 (113 pages) Download full text with index, 3.2MB PDF file

This book below is a classic primer
it is Electric Guitar Amplifier Specific in basic easy to understand language (courtesy Uncle Spot)

http://www.pacificrecone.com/JackDarrBook.html

That should get you started and give you more to read then you have time to!

EnJoY ThE MuSiC
GrooVey Records

[yZe]

Thank you all for your invaluable input

Downloading . . .

[PRNDL]

Experience is the best teacher, both with building and repair. It's also nice to have a mentor.

There's plenty of people on this (and other) forums that will answer questions, offer advice and recommendations.

[Groovey Records]

I thought we could try and keep this thread going and if possible everyone contribute their favorite on line resources

I was looking at the thread Free started and the Class A reference at Angela Instruments and came across this wonderful article.

The Trainwreck Pages by Ken Fisher - http://www.angela.com/catalog/how-to/tw.html

I hope others will add links on various items of interest!

EnJoY The MuSiC
GrooVey Records

Listening to "I Remember Jeep"-George Harrison-All Things Must Pass

[Ray Gianelli]

A vocational school might be a better way to cut to the chase.

Industrial controls are things like programmable logic controllers, instrumentation for measuring temperature, pressure, flow and controls that react to changes in them.

I took a vocational course and was a bench tech for years. Feel free to PM with any specific questions you may have.

Also, when you're getting your first bench experience it's best to start on old stereo's or other stuff found on the side of the road. Your first attempts at repair can cause more harm than good... don't ask me how I know this :)

Stereo's are a good start as you can usually get a Sam's Photofact schematic set. Easy to read and pictures of the chassis layout.

[triple_vee]

MIT has their electrical engineering course online for free on iTunes

[Groovey Records]

That Mit Site is full of some fantastic stuff pretty heavey duty

[Groovey Records]

here is another link for best soldering practices

from england

http://www.wellersoldering.com/