RESISTORS - A15 MK2: check your colour codes before proceeding!

  • Hello all
    Here is another thread that documents my quest to build a hand-wired (by me) valve amp that works.
    Big problem: as detailed in another post, voltage readings on power tubes triple the value they should be.
    Had a couple of great suggestions from Nils and Bernd.
    Haven't tried Bernd's yet, but Nils mentioned checking the value of the resistors 51 and 52 on the wiring map.
    I went through them all. Those two are fine.
    But...
    7 resistors (R5, R23, R30, R33, R45, R46 and R64) which are supposed to be 220K / 2W, are in fact 270K / 2W. This comes down to a misreading of the colour code on the resistors (not by me!) 220K = Red, red, yellow, gold. These are Red, violet, yellow, gold (=270K). In all fairness, the violet does look quite similar to red, but it isn't, it's violet.

    So, if this difference is significant - and I have to work on the assumption that it is - then I will have to replace all seven before proceeding.
    The bad news is that one of these (R64) is on the underside of the power board.

    I'll wait for some responses as to whether this mistake is a potential cause of my problem or if the difference is immaterial.
    But I have to say: I am just a bit pissed off........

    Literacy as Social Practice

  • Sorry,

    I understand that this is annoying getting the wrong values but do you expect that the people around here - which are willing to help you - start now collecting the information about your problem in several threads to be able to help you?
    Additionally, at the moment there are more than one thread about tube amp kits which need assistance and that don't it make easier to remember...

    BTW: Years ago I used resistors which seemed to have the right values according to the colour code - but they didn't...
    Since then I measure all resistors (and capacitors) before putting them into the circuits.

    There are only R26 and R33 which change the operating points of V2B and V3a - but not dramatically.

    I think there are still other errors.

    BTW #2: To get replacements for the wrong resistors you have to contact Klaus (= MusikDingShop) directly.
    If he would scan the whole forum permanently detecting complaints - there would be no time to work on orders...

    Bernd

    PS: From now on I will only answer questions in your "main" thread.

    Jaichweiß (Andy Pipkin)

  • Hello Bernd
    Sorry mate, I didn't realise you were an employee.
    Of course, I am eager for help.
    I have learnt a lot by doing the build. You are right about measuring all resistors
    before soldering - but in my rush to construct, I didn't do this.
    Lesson learnt!
    I'm hoping you are right. I will remove one of the resistors and check its resistance.

    As you say, there is probably something else I need to identify.

    I thought you suggested starting up different threads?
    MUst have got that wrong.
    I will restrict myself to a single thread about the A15mk2
    Is it me or are there very few postings about building this amp?
    Perhaps some have been archived.

    Literacy as Social Practice

  • Hi

    Zitat

    I didn't realise you were an employee.


    No, I am not an employee - I'm sharing just my knowledge like all the others do - for free:)

    Zitat

    I thought you suggested starting up different threads?


    That would be interesting which sentence from me you interpreted to this meaning.???

    Zitat

    Is it me or are there very few postings about building this amp?
    Perhaps some have been archived.



    I - and others - did already some tele-repairs of (mad)amps in this forum, even in the English board.

    Bernd

    Jaichweiß (Andy Pipkin)

  • Ok Bernd
    I am grateful for your advice. I think maybe I misinterpreted some of what you said. My apologies for that.
    The threads thing:
    Hi
    would you like to open some other threads about this topic?:rolleyes:

    First replace the fuse (correct value! and buy a few of them :p), pull out the power tubes switch on and wait what happens.
    If the fuse doesn't blow measure all voltages (except the ones of the power tubes)
    Measure also the mains voltage (AC! V)when you do the other measurements.

    Bernd

    That was you wasn't it?


    Maybe I misinterpreted what you meant.

    Anyway, whatever it takes to get the amp working, I know I can do it - with your useful advice and the advice of others. It is - however - a bit of a challenge long distance.

    Doesn't matter, I am certain it will work out.
    I have built a beautiful cabinet for the amp, kind of retro style, but don't want to put it inside until I am certain all the wrinkles have been ironed out.
    Many thanks again for your help.
    Robert

    Literacy as Social Practice

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