Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Crack => Topic started by: audiophileboss on July 23, 2013, 04:35:54 AM

Title: 6080 tube
Post by: audiophileboss on July 23, 2013, 04:35:54 AM

My 6080 tube wont go in the socket all the way. The back left corner isnt going all the way down. Will this effect the sound? Any suggestions?

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: Paul Birkeland on July 23, 2013, 04:39:47 AM

I would look for obstructions in the socket, like pieces of component leads or even solder that has snuck down there.

It is also possible that one of the fork tines is bent and needs to be bent back into place, just peek around where the tube pins should go and look for issues.

-PB

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: audiophileboss on July 23, 2013, 08:48:52 AM

I found it! It is a solder blob in terminal B6. I have no clue how to get it out. Any help? Should I just get a new part, or can I fix it?

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: 4krow on July 23, 2013, 08:50:26 AM

  Try some solder wick first. That may just suck it back out. Much easier than replacement.

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: audiophileboss on July 23, 2013, 10:12:07 AM

Ok, but how could I heat up the solder?

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: 2wo on July 23, 2013, 11:38:55 AM

If you heat the bottom of the terminal, the solder may flow down by itself. Maybe use a toothpick of something to persuade it...John   

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: audiophileboss on July 23, 2013, 12:28:51 PM

Thanks, I will try that

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: Paul Birkeland on July 23, 2013, 01:08:10 PM

You'll need 50+ watts of heat, then remove the connection to pin 6, flip the chassis plate over, then heat the joint with the socket pins facing down.

Gravity will be your friend.

-PB

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: audiophileboss on July 23, 2013, 02:39:50 PM

I will try that in the morning

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: audiophileboss on July 24, 2013, 08:02:58 AM

I have spent 3 hours and actually went to buy a new soldering iron. Tried all your suggestions. I actually dont even think this is solder. Any other help?

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: galyons on July 24, 2013, 08:15:03 AM

Replace the socket!  Sounds like you have spent way too much time trying to rescue this one.  Give the Queen a call and get a new octal socket.

Cheers,
Geary

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: Doc B. on July 24, 2013, 08:17:12 AM

If you can't get the obstruction to melt and flow, you might find a drill bit that would fit in the pin hole and try to ream it out. If that doesn't work we can send you another socket. BTW to answer your first question, as long as the pins all make electrical contact it won't affect the sound.

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: 4krow on July 24, 2013, 09:01:03 AM

  Just think, you can buy one of them fancy gold plated types and be th talk of th town.

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: audiophileboss on July 24, 2013, 09:48:11 AM

Thanks Doc, glad it wont effect the sound. Queen said she will send me a new one. But that gold plaated one is really making me think. I may do that another day

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: Grainger49 on July 24, 2013, 11:01:10 AM

Quote from: 4krow on July 24, 2013, 09:01:03 AM

  Just think, you can buy one of them fancy gold plated types and be th talk of th town.

This man is leading your astray.  Don't go drinking with him in Alabama, in a bar where they padlock the door on the inside.

Believe it or not, this is advice I gave a 31 year old Navy diver when he worked for me.  He didn't take it all to heart.

Title: Re: 6080 tube
Post by: 4krow on July 24, 2013, 01:14:17 PM

   I'm not loading anyones ashtray!  heh heh never can resist.


   Platinum is even more 'clear' sounding.