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Tube Amp Components
So you want to learn to work on your own amp, but aren't sure where to start? Try here.Up Front
Before messing around in the amp, I would do some reading in one of the books available, and/or spend some time in DejaNews reading up on things like discharging power capacitors. That's what those big honkers are - and you do want to mess with them - very carefully - to discharge them.Yes, the voltages are painful, and potentially lethal. A reasonable amount of care will keep you safe. Again, read up.
Finally, for now and in the immediate future, you should always make sure your amp is unplugged before you reach into its guts. There are times to reach into a powered up amp, but now isn't one of them.
Components
The main electronic parts in your amp are tubes or transistors, transformers, capacitors, resistors, potentiometers (aka pots), and fuses. There are also various wires, connectors, sockets and plugs, but these should be easy to identify. 8^)Additionally there are a few other terms you will want to know.
- Chassis - a big metal thing with stuff bolted onto it.
- PCB (Printed Circuit Board) - a flat, sort of plastic looking thing, usually green or brown, with everything soldered onto it.
- Point to point wiring - components mount to the chassis or to sets of solder points mounted to the chassis, with components soldered together or connected by wires.
- Cabinet - the container for the chassis and/or or PCB[s].
- Faceplate - where the knobs go, with words and numbers on it.
- DC - direct current - the form of electricity provided by batteries
- AC - alternating current - the form of electricity that comes out of a wall socket
[Introduction] [capacitors] [Resistors] [Tubes]