Tube Question

[Wizard of Ozz]

Has anybody ever had this happen to a power tube during shipping?

http://www.brinkleys.org/users/tsl/Files/WTF4.JPG

I just received a new amp and all 4 power tube base posts/keys were cracked off. The tubes in question are Sovtek 5881WXTs.

1. Is it safe to continue to use these tubes sans posts in the amp?

2. What problems might result- hum, background noise, etc.?

Thanks in adavnce.

[calieng]

Its fine provided you plug it back in the right way. When you power on check the heaters are lit on the tube before throwing the standby switch. That's an indication that it may be in the right way.

As long as the glass bottle is not broken you should be ok.

You can actually glue the piece back on with some instant glue.

To be really safe, don't use them and file a damage claim for replacements.

[Wizard of Ozz]

Originally posted by calieng
Its fine provided you plug it back in the right way. When you power on check the heaters are lit on the tube before throwing the standby switch. That's an indication that it may be in the right way.

As long as the glass bottle is not broken you should be ok.

You can actually glue the piece back on with some instant glue.

To be really safe, don't use them and file a damage claim for replacements.

Thanks. :)

I figured as much, but I've never had this happen before. Bottle & vacuum appear to be intact. The heater filaments do light up, but there is a tiny loose piece of metal sliding around in one of them. I think this is also the reason for the background hum/static I'm hearing at loud volumes.

[calieng]

There shouldn't be anything loose inside the tubes. You can damage your output transformer if the metal piece shorts out inside the tube.

Get some new tubes and file a damage claim.

Sorry.

[Old Tele man]

TECH TIP: put a "paint daub" on both tube and socket to GUARANTEE correct pin orientation everytime! -- or, in a pinch either your girlfriend's "fingernail polish" or "White-Out" from school works, too!

[trdlasvegas]

If you want to repair them properly, you can buy new guide keys that you glue on the bottom of tubes. I've done it many times. Kinda expensive but it makes a very professional job.

-Tony

http://www.thermalrelief.com/images/P-STKY-1.gif