Page 1 of 1
Broken Tube
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:11 am
by Bainzy
While taking my amp chassis out, I accidentally knocked one of the power tubes and the moulded plug underneath that locates it correctly broke off - is this bad? I've managed to put the tube back in fine so the pins go to the right holes in the socket, and the amp fires up ok - should I be concerned?
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:49 am
by VelvetGeorge
Just super glue the locator pin back on. It will be fine.
George
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 3:44 pm
by Bainzy
Nice one
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 9:59 pm
by dynaman
Believe it or not, Antique Electronic Supply sells a special pin that will slip onto the base of an octal tube to replace a broken keyway. Part #P-STKY-1
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 10:41 pm
by Flames1950
dynaman wrote:Believe it or not, Antique Electronic Supply sells a special pin that will slip onto the base of an octal tube to replace a broken keyway. Part #P-STKY-1
I was going to mention that very part, good call.
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 12:17 pm
by Bainzy
is it that important in the operation of the tube though? the pins are numbered on the socket, so if you can see from the break mark where the pin was, you can figure out where it goes
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:15 pm
by Billy Batz
Yeah you could do that.... if you dare...
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:20 pm
by rjgtr
Unfortuantely I've got two sets of tubes I'm running with the locator pin broken. I really need to call AES! But here's what I do to help me not plug the tube in wrong - I take a sharpy and draw a line on the tube base where the notch points.
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:22 pm
by Billy Batz
Thats a good idea. Especially if the chassis is out because you can look through the other end of the socket and see that its lined up.
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:38 pm
by NY Chief
Bainzy wrote:is it that important in the operation of the tube though? the pins are numbered on the socket, so if you can see from the break mark where the pin was, you can figure out where it goes
ummm, be careful. It's not as easy as it looks.
I think I fried an OT on my '71 when I unknowingly installed a tube with a broken locator. I actually heard my guitar coming from the tube itself!! Now I keep blowing fuses. Gotta back to trouble shooting that guy...
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 7:11 pm
by VelvetGeorge
D'oh! I've drawn a line on the side myself. Risky.
George
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 7:53 pm
by white room
I've got a E34L tube that I had to etch a line on the base of because I broke the keyway on it.
Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 5:14 pm
by dynaman
Aw hell, not too long ago I managed to insert a perfectly sound vintage Tesla EL34 ass backwards into a socket. I don't need a broken keyway to waste good tubes. "Geez, why the hell is this socket so tight? I think I'll push harder!"