Heathkit Solid State "Combo" Amp

[edwardsforest]

Hi everyone. Glad to join here.

Well I just got one of these for $20 bucks. I like to collect these vintage piles of junk, having them work is just a plus:). It doesn't work though, and I'm looking to find out why. I know there could be an endless list of things, but I have one question. What kind of speaker out/in is this? This is strange and I have never seen this before... I'm guessing its for a old non-guitar amp speaker....
anyone?
btw, some guy has a whole page dedicated to this amp...

main page: http://www.ntw.net/~w0ui/family_webp...c_ta17_amp.htm

schematics page:
http://www.ntw.net/~w0ui/family_webp..._ta17_docs.htm

anddddd actual speaker outs: http://www.ntw.net/~w0ui/family_webp.../Figure_5b.jpg

whoever made this page has every piece of info there is to know about this amp... strange
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[teemuk]

The speaker connector looks like DIN 41529. I see it quite coimmonly in old Domestic HiFi amps from 60's to 80's. It's not a very reliable or good connector, though.

[edwardsforest]

playing guitar, what would you reccommend I do?
a. throw it away and waste $20
b. take it to someone to see if they know whats up

as for the speaker.
What kind of a chord do I use for this type of connector?
What speakers can I run it into?
Is it convertible?

[teemuk]

I wouldn't throw it out but the paradox is that taking it to repair likely costs you a lot more than what the amp initially did. If you don't want to keep that amp then why don't you just ask if anyone in your neighbourhood wants to have a project?

As for the speaker,
You use the same type of cord for the speaker as usually but obviously you need to change few plugs to male DIN. Even better, remove the female DIN connectors from the amp and replace them with the standard 1/4" jacks. Should be an easy mod if you have a soldering iron and if you know how to use it. The speaker load can be anything that is above four ohms. Don't plug in a load that is lower than 4 ohms. 4-ohm load gives the highest output power, naturally. The speaker jacks are wired in parallel. As for the speaker, try standard guitar cab for example. I believe that amp originally was aimed to be paired with Heathkit's cabinet that had two 12" woofers and a horn driver.

[edwardsforest]

I wouldn't throw it out but the paradox is that taking it to repair likely costs you a lot more than what the amp initially did. If you don't want to keep that amp then why don't you just ask if anyone in your neighbourhood wants to have a project?

As for the speaker,
You use the same type of cord for the speaker as usually but obviously you need to change few plugs to male DIN. Even better, remove the female DIN connectors from the amp and replace them with the standard 1/4" jacks. Should be an easy mod if you have a soldering iron and if you know how to use it.

Not as familiar with soldering as I wish I was. You said I'll need to change a few plugs to male DIN. I don't understand. I'll have to modify the actual cable? or purchase some connector for the cable? My other option, which you said would be to remove the female DIN connectors, (I don't even know what DIN is ). This would mean to switch the input jack (for speaker) with one that is 1/4"?

Thanks

[edwardsforest]

anyone know what I can do?

its a twin blade outlet..... I don't know what kind of cord that is called that I need to find... It is smaller than normal twin blade outlets in your wall at home etc.

This is no fun

[edwardsforest]

guess the links dont work above. Anyone know where I can find a speaker cable that will fit the head? I have no clue what its called, and where I can get it.

schematics: http://www.ntw.net/~w0ui/family_webpage/linkpages/music/music_ta17_docs.htm

illustration of output: http://www.ntw.net/~w0ui/family_webpage/pix/music/heathkit/ta17/Figure_5b.jpg

[Boprikov]

Hello!

Here in Europe that type of DIN (Deutsche Industry Norm) speaker connector was used through 60`s and 70`s. Here you can find them at junk store home stereos.

It is easiest to replace those speaker outlets with 1/4 jacks as teemuk said. Male DIN connector may be difficult to find, and standard jacks are much more convenient and technically reliable.

[Jack1962]

If memory serves me , the speakers where 16ohm , with 2 12inch and a 4 or 5 inch midrange and a large horn, I don't remeber the wattage, but from the diagram I would use at least a  75 watt speaker to be on the safe side.

                                         Rock On

I doubt if you will find any jacks for this thing , break out the soldering iron.

[teemuk]

Everyone interested in Heathkit's guitar-related products (including this amp) will want to see: http://harmony.demont.net/heathkit.php

[edwardsforest]

looks like that is my choice. I picked up 2 1/4' mono jacks panel mount open circuits for replacement. I cant get a good picture, but their is a black wire and a red wire leading to the soldered output on the amp for a speaker.
I am new to soldering, so how do I safely remove the soldered wires, so I can replace it with a 1/4'?
Also, how another red and black wire goes to the other speaker in on the amp. Do I have to solder and replace both, or can I just replace one of them with a 1/4'?

Also Also, what solder do I need to buy for such a replacement?
And at what wattage shall I set the iron to?

Thanks

[Jack1962]

Great Link , thank Teemuk