Just finished first kit - no sound - Hellllllllp PLEASE

[Denny]

I just finished my frist kit build. No sound. Tubes heat up, a very faint hum from the trannys - (like "they're on). Nuttin. I went back to the layout and checked my build and connections 3 times - nuttin. Thought it might be the impedence selector switch - bypassed it - nuttin. The pilot light lights. Everything appears to be right where it should be - I tugged on the wires for a bad/cold joint - nuttin. Any ideas? I was so happy and proud I got it built and now I'm bummin cause it doesn't work. I've actually thought of disassembling it and starting over but if it's something simple - that would be stupid. Thanks ahead of time. I'm at work today - 802-747-4606 and can take calls all day and can go on speaker phone if anyone has the time or inclination to call.

D.

[LowWatt]

Can't help you if we can't see it.

[VaughnC]

If you have a voltmeter and know how to use it, I'd start by checking to make sure the power supply DC voltages are correct and are reaching the tube plates & screens. If you don't understand basic electronics it might be best to have an experienced eye check it, especially considering the high DC voltages lurking inside a tube amp.

[doctorx]

Pull the tubes. Check all the voltages, plate, heater, etc. Triple check that all the electrolytics are installed correctly, ie, polarity.

Go here and read.

What kind of kit is it?

[Denny]

It's a Ceriatone VibroChamp - Nik is awesome. My amp tech is bill carruth (Trey anastasio's tech in VT) and I'm waiting for a call from him. I can't post [pix today but will later tonight or tomorrow. I'm sure it's something simple and relitively stupid (on my part) I'm very awere of the voltage thing and don't go probing around without Bill on the other end of the phone. He might be out of town this weekend so that's why I've posted here. I was very careful while building (at least I thought I was LOL). The tubes do heat up - if that's any help. and there is a slight pulsing humm (almost inaudible) from the speaker which doesn't get louder when the volume is turned up.

[Denny]

OK - the pulsing I mentioned is the trem circuit - I turned those knobs down and it stopped - if this helps.

[hamfist]

Unfortunately, I have no words of wisdom to impart, but I can empathise with you. I've just spent the last few days rebuilding an old amp to Marshall 2204 spec. THis is very much my first build, as I've only really tweaked a few components before. Got to the point this afternoon of switching it on, and ............ nada !!! absolutely nothing.

Been through all the components and connections again. Checked all the voltages. Just couldn't work it out. Then I realised I'd completely left out one resistor in the PI circuit, because I'm waiting for some of that value to come in - -doh !! What a doofus. I sure hope that is the cause of my own silent amp. I suspect it is.
I was so seriously pissed off before my discovery of the missing resistor.

Anyway, I sure hope you can get to the bottom of your own "silent amp syndrome".

Sounds like you're in much the same boat as me, in that you can wield a soldering iron, and generally follow a schematic and a layout, but troubleshooting a faulty amp ... that's another ballgame entirely !!

[Denny]

thanks for the support. I'll keep posting

[donnyjaguar]

Its a wiring problem. I'd check that the right wires are on the right tube pins first myself.

[skipm45]

Agreed. It probably is a wiring error.
Check the input jack wiring as well.


Skip
www.skipzcircuits.com

[Structo]

Here is the layout diagram.


A lot of times a first time builder will leave out or miswire the under board wires.

These are the dotted lines on the diagram. Make sure those are right.

The other things to check are the grounds to make sure they are wired right.

You have a speaker connected right? I'm not kidding, it's the simple things that most often are overlooked.

With tube amps it's important to always have a speaker connected anytime the amp is turned on.

The best way to start a new amp is with a current limiter made with a light bulb.

You start it with no tubes and if the bulb does not glow brightly ( big draw of current will make it glow) you turn it off and install the tubes and turn it on again.
If the light bulb stays a low glow then it is probably wired right.

[Denny]

OK - I now have some moderate volume - I left out a couple of ground wires to the filter caps. The tone is good, but no where as loud as it should be. Like not enough gain. also, when I turn ON the Intensity (from fully counter-clockwise to about 8/9 o-clock) for the Trem, the volume drops right out. I'm going to check the wiring again. if anyone has any ideas - I'd appreciate it. My techie (Bill) had me do some voltage tests this afternoon - both DC and AC - things were a bit squrilly but since I connected those wires and have some sound, things are looking better. I do use the light bulb gadget - it works great. One thing - I was so neat and clean when I did the build, and now, since I've had to check and recheck it - it's beginning to look like Fender did the wiring LOL. I'm enjoying this. I have another of the same kit but won't start that one until I know this one is 100%.

D.

[Tonefish]

Is that a little grounding leg on the volume pot? Looks easy to miss.

[banjoze]

Denny, we would all LOVE to hear it when you get it right... Please record it and share so we can celebrate with you...

[Denny]

yes the V pot is grounded tho the ground rod. I'm just trying to figure out the trem. Intensity problem now. any ideas.

Yes I will record some stuff when she's 100%.