Page 15 - Triwatt Custom Lead Amp Builder's Guide

General Amplifier Operation

Some DO NOTS

 Never, Never, Never run the amp without a speaker plugged in. This can cause
major damage.

 Do not flip the power switch off, and then back on rapidly. This can cause
power supply damage.

 Never replace a burned out fuse with a bigger-amperage one. Remember -
there was a reason the first one burned out, usually protecting something
more expensive. Putting a bigger fuse in will just ratchet up the power level
until something really vital burns out. If the second equal-rating fuse pops,
turn it off and get a tech to look at it.

 Never ignore signs of high heat inside - a wisp of smoke or a burning smell is
NOT normal.

 Your amp produces lots of heat, and will continue to do so even if you block
the fresh air vents. Blocking the vents will overheat the amp and you may
have to get some very expensive repairs done.

 Never ignore a red glow other than the small orange ends of the filaments. A
red glow over a large part of the internal plates of the output tubes means
they're about to melt. If you notice this, shut it down and get a tech to help
you find out what it wrong.

Some DOs

Add another speaker into the "external speaker" jack; a mismatched speaker load
won't kill it, while an open circuit (disconnected speakers) may do so.

Overdrive the stuffing out of it. Tubes are very forgiving of massive overdrives,
unlike solid state gear. As long as they tubes don't overheat for long periods, it's not
fatal.

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