Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Moreplay => Topic started by: thibodeaux on September 09, 2022, 05:44:04 AM

Title: Power switch problem
Post by: thibodeaux on September 09, 2022, 05:44:04 AM
I just completed my build and everything checks out, EXCEPT the power switch doesn't seem to be working. I've checked the solder joints, and didn't burn the switch as far as I can tell. Any suggestions of what else might be going on?
Title: Re: Power switch problem
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 09, 2022, 05:46:33 AM
Can you let us know how you determined that the power switch is bad?
Title: Re: Power switch problem
Post by: thibodeaux on September 09, 2022, 06:01:51 AM
The tubes illuminate when the switch is on, and when it's off.

BTW, I did test the resistance of the switch and it appears to be fine, according to the manual, so I'm a bit confused.
Title: Re: Power switch problem
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 09, 2022, 06:18:15 AM
Could you post some photos of the rest of the power transformer and IEC related wiring?
Title: Re: Power switch problem
Post by: thibodeaux on September 09, 2022, 06:28:58 AM
Sure, here ya go... Let me know if you need more shots/angles.
Title: Re: Power switch problem
Post by: thibodeaux on September 09, 2022, 06:46:07 AM
Here's a couple more shots.
Title: Re: Power switch problem
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 09, 2022, 06:49:35 AM
Your tubes shouldn't be glowing at all, nor should your amp work at all.

You have nothing connected to the hot terminal on the incoming AC.  You have part of your primary winding wired to the chassis of your amp.

If your tubes are lighting up, you either have a hot/neutral reversal at your outlet, a hot/neutral reversal in the power cord, or some other issue.  You are also relying on the earth to carry all the current the preamp is using, so a GFCI outlet should trip instantly once this is plugged in.
Title: Re: Power switch problem
Post by: thibodeaux on September 09, 2022, 07:07:04 AM
UGH!!! I feel so stupid  :-[

Fixed it. Now the switch works. Checking everything again to be sure I didn't make any more screwups!

Rookie error for sure!