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Variac
Aug 15, 2023 16:33:38 GMT -5
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Post by Cal-Woody on Aug 15, 2023 16:33:38 GMT -5
So I bought a variac and it should be here tomorrow.
At what voltage should I start with to begin warming up my amps?
For instance, I have a Mesa Nomad 100 that I haven't used in a long while and wanted to make sure that I didn't cause any damage while bringing it back to life. Do you turn the variac on to a low voltage setting and then slowly increase the voltage? At what voltage should I start with? And are all the power switches in the On position?
I have 125 volts at the plug and also have a power conditioner to assure that the voltage stays constant.
Thanks for the help, Woody
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pdf64
Wholenote
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Variac
Aug 15, 2023 17:57:04 GMT -5
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Post by pdf64 on Aug 15, 2023 17:57:04 GMT -5
Does the variac have a built in current meter, and if so, what’s the smallest current it can resolve?
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Variac
Aug 16, 2023 6:38:48 GMT -5
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Post by Cal-Woody on Aug 16, 2023 6:38:48 GMT -5
The variac is supposed to go from 0-130 volts and has a 20 amp rating. It has a analog meter on the side with a rotary dial on the top that has the voltage indicator as you apply to the input of the source you want to apply the voltage to.
Hope that is helpful. Thanks
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pdf64
Wholenote
Posts: 557
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Variac
Aug 16, 2023 18:45:16 GMT -5
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Post by pdf64 on Aug 16, 2023 18:45:16 GMT -5
I suggest to take out all the valves, switch the amp on, standby switch set to operate mode, and wind the voltage up 10V every 5-10 minutes.
Itd be nice to monitor current, it needs to stay at a very low level.
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Variac
Aug 16, 2023 18:52:49 GMT -5
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Post by Cal-Woody on Aug 16, 2023 18:52:49 GMT -5
As I tried to give the idea that the variac has a voltage control that goes from 0 to 130 volts.
So sorry if I didn't explain this earlier but I don't have any experience with this.
What voltage should I start with and for how long at each increase? And what level do you start at with the voltage?
Thanks again for reaching out, Woody
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Variac
Aug 16, 2023 19:10:42 GMT -5
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Post by Cal-Woody on Aug 16, 2023 19:10:42 GMT -5
Ok,I just read where I should increase the voltage every 10 to 15 minutes with the tubes out and all switches in the operating position. I know this helps to reform the caps and other components, just need to have a starting point.
And after I have achieved powering up without any problems, I can put the tubes back in and run as Normal?
This is really good information and want to get these amps back up and running.
I have several that have set idle for a long time and am ready to play them again.
I have a couple that I have replaced some parts in and want to bring them up slowly to and have working again. My old Fender Bassman, a Mesa Triple Rec., Fender Deluxe Reverb and a Hotrod Deluxe, to name a few. It's more like a dozen. Yikes!
But I would be so grateful to put these back in service and start recording some music that I had neglected for some time.
Yes, I'm getting excited....
Thanks again, Woody
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pdf64
Wholenote
Posts: 557
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Variac
Aug 17, 2023 13:52:19 GMT -5
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Post by pdf64 on Aug 17, 2023 13:52:19 GMT -5
I suggest to start at 10V and then increase it in 10V increments every 5 to 10 minutes.
If you can cope with the process taking longer, leave it for a longer time at each increment, or go up in smaller increments eg 5V steps, especially as it gets nearer to the full 120V.
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Variac
Aug 17, 2023 13:54:33 GMT -5
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Post by Leftee on Aug 17, 2023 13:54:33 GMT -5
Things sound amazing @140vac
Luv,
Your amp tech
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Variac
Aug 17, 2023 15:00:18 GMT -5
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Post by Cal-Woody on Aug 17, 2023 15:00:18 GMT -5
Yeah, I do love the smell of bacon in the morning! Lol
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Variac
Aug 17, 2023 15:01:15 GMT -5
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Post by Cal-Woody on Aug 17, 2023 15:01:15 GMT -5
Yeah, I do love the smell of bacon in the morning! Lol
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Variac
Aug 17, 2023 15:04:18 GMT -5
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pdf64 likes this
Post by Cal-Woody on Aug 17, 2023 15:04:18 GMT -5
Hey Pete, I just saw your post and I guess you were writing it while I was asking more questions.
Thank you, that was the information and instructions I needed to use.
Leftee, you're a pain in the backside, but I love you brother! Too funny! Lol
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Variac
Aug 17, 2023 16:05:36 GMT -5
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Post by Leftee on Aug 17, 2023 16:05:36 GMT -5
Lol
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Variac
Aug 17, 2023 19:42:20 GMT -5
Post by LTB on Aug 17, 2023 19:42:20 GMT -5
Things sound amazing @140vac Luv, Your amp tech LOL, You funny 😄 |
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Variac
Aug 17, 2023 19:42:59 GMT -5
Post by LTB on Aug 17, 2023 19:42:59 GMT -5
Things sound amazing @140vac Luv, Your amp tech LOL, You funny 😄 |
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Variac
Sept 28, 2023 10:09:48 GMT -5
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Post by Cal-Woody on Sept 28, 2023 10:09:48 GMT -5
One last thing, do I pull out all the tubes and do the warming stages? Or do you leave the tubes in place during the use of the variac? I've heard too many conflicting ideas and one said to leave in the preamp tubes and pull out the power tubes when using the variac.
I could use some help here. Thanks again, Woody
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pdf64
Wholenote
Posts: 557
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Variac
Sept 29, 2023 3:40:39 GMT -5
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Post by pdf64 on Sept 29, 2023 3:40:39 GMT -5
I suggest to take out all the valves. Some of your amps have valve rectifier, eg the Deluxe Reverb. With those, use a plug in rectifier block with silicon (solid state) diodes, eg www.tubedepot.com/products/solid-state-rectifier With the Mesa Dual Rectifier, make sure to switch the amp to silicon rectifier mode. |
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Variac
Sept 29, 2023 16:39:12 GMT -5
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Post by Cal-Woody on Sept 29, 2023 16:39:12 GMT -5
Excellent! Thanks for coming to my rescue!
The removal of the rectifier is great information! Yes, I bought the silicone rectifier from the Tube Store a long time ago because I wanted to try it out in place of the rectifier tube when it was a hot topic in the Fender Forum, and everyone was talking about how it made the amp more aggressive and had less sag. It was OK but went back to the tube and has been that way since. I like it as is... It's my favorite Blues amp.
Yes, on the Mesa amp I have the option to switch between silicone and tube rectification. Good call on that one also!
I was hoping you would reply as your information has been spot on and I truly trust your judgment!
I used to get a lot of information from you on the Peavey forum. You were a major reference there also!
Thanks for all your help, again and again!
All the best to you, Woody
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