trinityamps.com

Long time lurker and owner and huge fan of two Trinity amps built by others (Deluxe and Lightning) seeks some guidance from the experienced wise ones on this site.
As a die-hard DIYer by nature, I am determined to (one day) build an amp. However I am a tyro WRT electronics, having merely done some reading about basic components and amp functionality (and some low voltage soldering). Both Trinity amps are sounding off (the Lightning a bit dark, and the Deluxe humming). Other than swapping out tubes, I would like to delve (one-handedly) into diagnosing the amps' issues. I see much on the site about measuring voltages, but am flummoxed about exactly how to do this.
eg. to measure V1 voltages, one lead goes on the tube-socket's pins and the other goes where - ground on the chassis? Is there a resource on the site or elsewhere that deals with such basic stuff? Also, how does one discharge caps safely?
Any help would be most appreciated.
Cheers

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As far as checking voltages you put the black, or negative, probe on the chassis.

Discharging caps: the exact value evades me right now but I believe a 10k 1W resistor from the pos to the neg of the cap (or to the chassis) for 10-20 seconds will do the trick. Check with your multimeter to see if there is any voltage left.

I've done lots of reading on the subject but I've yet to actually discharge caps. Maybe wait for someone to confirm/deny

Use 220K 2-5W on the B+ terminal to ground. 10K may discharge too quickly and get hot. Even 100K 2-5W is better.

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Stephen
Web: www.trinityamps.com. Facebook: facebook.com/trinityamps. Twitter: @trinityamps

See, it pays to wait for an expert. Thanks Stephen.