mjn
New Member
Posts: 39
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Post by mjn on Mar 12, 2018 18:22:24 GMT -7
So I blew a fuse, replaced it. The amp worked when I strummed a few chords. I tried it again today and nothing. No sound. I swapped out power tubes and still nothing (I honestly don’t rememebr of these tubes were good or not. I think they were). So anyway the light stays on, the fuse doesn’t blow. I ordered a new rectifier tube. Is this most likely the culprit? I’m basically asking for quick answers and quick fix because I have a shows coming up. I have a backup for now but much prefer my Z Wreck. I’ll have time to troubleshoot and all that later. I just really hope it’s the rectifier tube. It’s my favorite amp.
Also, I was told that a 5U4GB could be swapped in place of a 5AR4. Is this true? The source wasn’t the most reliable. I do have a 5U4GB. Just curious as to what the answer is. Thanks!
Mike
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Post by zpilot on Mar 12, 2018 20:39:00 GMT -7
Yes. It will draw more current but I recall Doc saying that that he designs all of his amps with tube rectifiers to be able to handle that.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Mar 13, 2018 5:17:02 GMT -7
Doc has an AMA on rectifiers on YouTube that addresses which one does what and switching amongst them. It’s a great video that answer all your questions.
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mjn
New Member
Posts: 39
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Post by mjn on Mar 13, 2018 10:18:47 GMT -7
Thank you for the responses!
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bradm
Junior Member
Posts: 74
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Post by bradm on Mar 13, 2018 10:21:30 GMT -7
So I blew a fuse, replaced it. The amp worked when I strummed a few chords. I tried it again today and nothing. No sound. I swapped out power tubes and still nothing (I honestly don’t rememebr of these tubes were good or not. I think they were). So anyway the light stays on, the fuse doesn’t blow. I ordered a new rectifier tube. Is this most likely the culprit? I’m basically asking for quick answers and quick fix because I have a shows coming up. I have a backup for now but much prefer my Z Wreck. I’ll have time to troubleshoot and all that later. I just really hope it’s the rectifier tube. It’s my favorite amp. Also, I was told that a 5U4GB could be swapped in place of a 5AR4. Is this true? The source wasn’t the most reliable. I do have a 5U4GB. Just curious as to what the answer is. Thanks! Mike Mike, have a peek at this rectifier chart. Pinout-wise, you can substitute...is it wise? Depends on the amp, but most certainly check the bias if making that style of change. (Should also look at the max voltage the power tran is sourcing to the rectifier, too. You have increases & decreases on B+ (and bias voltage), too, so it's not always just a simple plug-n-play although sometimes it can be. RectifierDifferences
Looks like the Z Wreck uses the 3001 PT (my Galaxie uses the 9001), so you should check with Tech Support or the Doc to see if the 3001 PT will source the extra filament current the 5U4GB needs. ? Looks like going FROM a 5AR4 TO a 5U4GB will drop your B+ around 40V or so. The 5U4 also wants an extra 1A of filament current. So, as long as the PT can provide the filament current, you won't tax it, but you could be risking too much bias voltage drop.
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mjn
New Member
Posts: 39
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Post by mjn on Mar 13, 2018 19:29:35 GMT -7
Found a rectifier in my stash. Put it in and the amp is all crackly and buzzy. Power tubes I hope. I’ll get mine tested tomorrow and pick up a new set. I really hope that’s all it is. Thanks again for all the responses.
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Post by mudman on Mar 13, 2018 20:09:18 GMT -7
Doc has publicly stated before that he over builds his amps and that they can all run a 5u4gb. Unless something changed, that should include the Wreck. Safest option is always to call or email Z for confirmation though.
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bradm
Junior Member
Posts: 74
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Post by bradm on Mar 14, 2018 10:59:33 GMT -7
Doc has publicly stated before that he over builds his amps and that they can all run a 5u4gb. Unless something changed, that should include the Wreck. Safest option is always to call or email Z for confirmation though. Cool! I haven't seen that. Little things like this would be nice to see accumulated in an FAQ or maybe even a Tech FAQ.
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Post by mudman on Mar 14, 2018 11:21:06 GMT -7
Doc has publicly stated before that he over builds his amps and that they can all run a 5u4gb. Unless something changed, that should include the Wreck. Safest option is always to call or email Z for confirmation though. Cool! I haven't seen that. Little things like this would be nice to see accumulated in an FAQ or maybe even a Tech FAQ. It’s in the getting to know the Maz 18 thread. Here’s some screenshots (Tapatalk wouldn’t let me just copy Doc’s part on rectifiers)
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