Solid State Guitar Amp Forum | DIY Guitar Amplifiers

Solid State Amplifiers => Amplifier Discussion => Topic started by: markorock37 on March 01, 2024, 12:34:07 AM

Title: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 01, 2024, 12:34:07 AM
So...I have a Marshall VS100R combo on the bench. Blown transistors, and also a bad J111 (T16) and a bad TIP29CH (T4). I already have the output transistors TIP 142 and 147s. Do these equivalent transistors need the mica spacer? I couldn't find the info from the datasheet.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: Tassieviking on March 01, 2024, 08:22:29 AM
If you mean the insulator between the transistor and heatsink then I would say yes.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: Jazz P Bass on March 01, 2024, 06:34:10 PM
Short answer: It depends.
 Some transistors have the collector tab totally encapsulated in plastic.
These do not need a mica insulator.
Just heat grease.
 If the collector tab is metal then, yes, it must be isolated from the heatsink IF the circuit calls for it.
 Some amplifier topologies use a grounded collector.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 01, 2024, 09:01:55 PM
Well the original transistors were BDV65 and BDV64 and there was no spacers. However the amp was worked on by a previous tech and he deemed it non-repairable, which of course is not the case. TIP 142 and TIP 147 are suitable replacements, I'm just confused as to if that spacer was there previously or if now with the transistor sub it may be required. I'll check the schematic to see if I can tell if the collector was originally grounded.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 01, 2024, 09:12:55 PM
According to the schematic not grounded. I'll order the spacers.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: Jazz P Bass on March 02, 2024, 11:07:40 AM
Not to beat a dead horse but if the TIP 142/ 147 transistors are plastic enclosed at the collector then you do not need the mica. Just grease.
As a matter of fact, it may hinder the transfer of the heat.
It would be nice if you would indicate what you have as both the BDV & the TIP transistors come both ways.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on March 02, 2024, 12:09:37 PM
The metal tab type has not been made for over 10 years, if you found some they are old stock or possibly fake.
Like Jazz said, you don't need the spacers for the plastic backed type.
Attached datasheet shows both types.
*EDIT TO-247 package does not have the back insulated and requires insulator.


If you do happen to have found some old style metal tab types, you not only need the mica spacers, but also special plastic washers for the screws.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 02, 2024, 02:12:47 PM
It originally had transistors with the metal tab. Only held to the heat sink with a surface clamp. The replacements I have are the newer type.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: Tassieviking on March 03, 2024, 03:04:41 AM
If they are fully encapsulated in plastic then you just need some thermal grease.
A thin layer of grease and try to move the transistor around  a bit against the heatsink to spread the grease evenly, clamp it and solder in.
Just poke the legs through the PCB enough to solder them in, it keeps the transistors more towards the center of the heatsink.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 04, 2024, 01:18:36 PM
There is some metal exposed on the back of these newer transistors. I think it will be best to use the insulators.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on March 04, 2024, 02:30:49 PM
Quote from: markorock37 on March 04, 2024, 01:18:36 PMThere is some metal exposed on the back of these newer transistors. I think it will be best to use the insulators.
Thanks for the update.  Yes, you need the insulators.  I was mistaken as far as the datasheet goes.  I found pictures of other transistors with the same package (TO-247) and they are not insulated on the back either.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 13, 2024, 03:11:39 PM
I replaced the output transistors (TIP 142, TIP 147) and installed with the micas. Also replaced TIP29C and a J111 that were bad. Im getting a low brightness (not really dim) on my bulb limiter and a buzz/hum through the speaker. No guitar signal coming through. Tested for DC at the output jack and it was at 33V! Shut it down and started testing components. All diodes test good, and all capacitors test good. Checked some resistors in areas i felt were critical and haven't found anything off. Do you think one of the TO92 transistors is at fault? Or did I blow an output again?
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 14, 2024, 09:01:19 AM
Looks like I'll have to wait until tomorrow to start testing this entire board.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on March 14, 2024, 01:21:12 PM
What is the wattage of your bulb?
I doubt that the 33VDC at the output was when speaker connected as that would be over 130 watts and your speaker would surely be toast.

Never try to power anything up on a limiter bulb while a load is connected to the amp.
Power up with no load.  Then, if no DC is present on the output, connect load while unit turned on.
Many amps will not power up properly on a bulb with a load connected.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 15, 2024, 03:39:54 PM
100W bulb. DC was present with no load.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on March 16, 2024, 04:13:22 PM
Check that T7 and T8 and their diodes are ok. Check all 4 of the 0R33 5W resistors.
Power up on the bulb with no load connected.
Measure DC volts at e,b,c, of T4, T6, T9, T12.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 17, 2024, 08:43:13 PM
All diodes and .33 emitter resistors test good.

T4 E -35.7v
   B -35.3v
   C 31.5v

T6 E 31.6v
   B 31.9v
   C 32.1v

T9 E 30.9v
   B 32.2v
   C 32.1v

T12 E 30.9v
    B 31.8v
    C 30.8v
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: Tassieviking on March 18, 2024, 01:10:18 AM
The collector on T12 should not be +30.8v, it is connected to the negative rail.
Are you keeping the common (Black) lead of your meter on 0V (ground) all the time ?
It is very important to clearly indicate the positive and negative readings so the experts (not me) can work out what is wrong.
Maybe worth re-measuring the voltages ?

Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on March 18, 2024, 04:32:26 PM
Assuming that the T12 collector voltage TV mentioned is just a typo, T4 voltages do not seem right.  E-B voltage indicates it should be turned on, but collector voltage is not pulling down.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 18, 2024, 10:20:04 PM
T12 E 30.8
    B 33.8
    C -38.3

So I did have the collector wrong of T12.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 18, 2024, 10:24:52 PM
Remeasured T4 and voltages listed are correct. Originally had a TIP29CH replaced with TIP29C.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on March 19, 2024, 01:50:09 PM
The T4 voltages indicate either T3 is bad and not letting T4 turn on fully, T4 is bad, or something is wrong elsewhere in it's string (shown in red).

bias.jpg

Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on March 20, 2024, 01:56:07 AM
That helps, will report back with my findings..
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on April 02, 2024, 01:51:09 PM
Everything in that string is good. Retested T4 and T3 are good. Replaced T6. Made sure pinouts are all correct. Still showing voltage at the output.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on April 02, 2024, 04:09:47 PM
Can you post E,B,C voltages for TR4 and TR6 ?
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on April 05, 2024, 12:26:05 AM
Had a few other projects to tend to, but finally got around to getting those voltages.

T6 MJF122
E  34.6V
B  35.5v
C  35.1v

T4 TIP29
E  -39.5v
B  -39.2v
C  35.2v
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on April 05, 2024, 02:18:54 PM
Do you have those reversed or is it a typo?  T4 should be the TIP29.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on April 05, 2024, 08:38:44 PM
I corrected that above, yes it was just a typo. Voltages are correct for the given transistors.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on April 06, 2024, 03:23:22 PM
The E to B voltage of T4 (0.3V) seems to not be enough to turn it on.  Maybe checking directly with probes at E and B will give a more accurate reading than checking voltage to ground.
The voltage to turn it on should be developed across R5.  That is created because of current through T1.  What are E,B,C voltages for T1 and T2 ?
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on April 07, 2024, 08:57:53 PM
T4 E to B  0.3V

T1 E 0.6v
   B 0v
   C -35.8v

T2 E 0.6V
   B 15.1v
   C -36.5v

R5 671 ohms

D1 checks good

So looks like T1 is bad?
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on April 08, 2024, 08:08:34 PM
Yes it would seem T1 is bad as you verified R5 and D1.  But you also need to check their solder connections.
As T1 and T2 form a differential amplifier, it is best to replace them as a pair.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on April 13, 2024, 02:57:58 PM
I don't see 2SA872 on Mouser, is KSA992 a good sub?
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on April 13, 2024, 07:57:57 PM
Quote from: markorock37 on April 13, 2024, 02:57:58 PMI don't see 2SA872 on Mouser, is KSA992 a good sub?
Yes, those should work.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on April 29, 2024, 11:55:54 PM
Well, I've replaced T1 and T2 as well as D1. Still reading pretty much the same voltages. At this point, all transistors have been replaced in the amplifier portion. I hate to deem this unit a loss but I am leaning that way as it was quite a mess with the traces from prior techs. Im 99% sure I have all the traces repaired correctly.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: saturated on April 30, 2024, 01:11:39 PM
Hang in there bud  8)

Don't give up before the miracle  :P

If anybody can get your amp running these guys can.

Maybe post up some pics of the boards

 :)
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on April 30, 2024, 02:43:36 PM
Yes, pictures should help.  Especially of any trace repairs that have been done.
Also, e,b,c voltages for T3 and T5.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on May 01, 2024, 10:28:24 PM
T3 E -40.1v
   B -40.6v
   C -40.6v

T5 E 0.6v
   B 39.0v
   C 31.4v

I'll get some pics up when I can, I'm out of town for a couple days. Had time to snag some voltages before i left.
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on May 02, 2024, 04:11:30 PM
Again, voltages that are impossible for e,b,c locations.
Is it another mistake, or is it possible you have some transistors in backwards?
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on May 02, 2024, 07:49:32 PM
Well shoot. I was assuming the same pinouts as T1 and T2. Here it is corrected.

T3 E -40.6v
   B -40.6v
   C -40.1v

T5 E 0.6v
   B 39.0v
   C 31.4v

T3 pins 1,2,3=C,B,E
T5 pins 1,2,3=E,B,C

Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on May 03, 2024, 07:55:28 PM
Quote from: markorock37 on May 02, 2024, 07:49:32 PMT3 pins 1,2,3=C,B,E
T5 pins 1,2,3=E,B,C
As far as I know, there is no such thing as CBE pinout for these.  But, apparently there are 2 versions of each, and could be either EBC or ECB.
Can you post a link to the exact ones that you bought?
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on May 07, 2024, 12:53:49 AM
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Central-Semiconductor/BC182-PBFREE?qs=u16ybLDytRZNVcCOxCyJgQ%3D%3D (https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Central-Semiconductor/BC182-PBFREE?qs=u16ybLDytRZNVcCOxCyJgQ%3D%3D)
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on May 07, 2024, 12:55:43 AM
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Central-Semiconductor/BC212B-PBFREE?qs=u16ybLDytRammG2LPoFOEA%3D%3D (https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Central-Semiconductor/BC212B-PBFREE?qs=u16ybLDytRammG2LPoFOEA%3D%3D)
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: markorock37 on May 07, 2024, 12:59:57 AM
Actually looks like both have CBE pinouts
So T3
c -40.1v
b -40.6v
e -40.6v

T5
c 31.4v
b 39.0v
e 0.6v

Is it possible the new ones dont have the same pinout as the originals?
Title: Re: Marshall VS100R transistors
Post by: g1 on May 07, 2024, 01:52:46 PM
Quote from: markorock37 on May 07, 2024, 12:59:57 AMIs it possible the new ones dont have the same pinout as the originals?
Yes it is possible.  Measure resistance from D4 cathode to T5.  One of the T5 pins should read zero ohms to D4 cathode.  Which pin is it, pin 1,2, or 3?
Which T5 pin reads short to R42?