Newbie...Ampeg B15T

[GeezerB]

I'll definitely check those out... I'm building.  I'm getting to the point that I might be ready for that learning a lot but slowly.   

And, the new Zener diode did the trick!  No more distorted weak output. 

BUT... my fun isnt over yet.  I also have an intermittent cutting out and popping.  I have not found any bad solder joints, nothing looks loose... nothing real obvious yet but I will keep going.   

Any pro tricks for chasing down that bad joint/ground/whatever would cause that?

[GeezerB]

I Deoxit all outlets and switches, and bypassed the effects loops with cords... still popping and noise. 

I tapped around with a chopstick on the power amp board and that seemed to make the most noise/popping so I will pull that board and look for dry joints/etc. 

[Tassieviking]

I have always checked my solder joints with a jewelers eye loupe, mine is small and folds into its case.
It is really too small for the job as I have very strong magnification in mine, the bigger the lens the easier it will be, just make sure it has lots of magnification.
Any strong magnifying glass will help, but nothing beats what you see with a strong loupe.

I bought mine on Ebay for less then a cup of coffee and I have used it hundreds of times.

I also have a smaller one with 2 lenses in it but it is simply too small for the job.
Just search for "Jewellers Eye Loupe" and you will find them.

Cheers
Mick

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[GeezerB]

Just bought a loupe... great tip thank you.   I also believe I may have solved my issue! I reflowed all the joints on amp board just in case... and the transistors that were held on by screws I removed and cleaned up the connections.   And cleaned the hell out of the "Mute" switch... could not play too loud last night due to sleeping house but did not hear any popping and sounded good... so I believe my problems were the bad power amp connections combined with the Zener diode in the preamp.   Thanks to the forum... what a feeling.

[joecool85]

Just bought a loupe... great tip thank you.   I also believe I may have solved my issue! I reflowed all the joints on amp board just in case... and the transistors that were held on by screws I removed and cleaned up the connections.   And cleaned the hell out of the "Mute" switch... could not play too loud last night due to sleeping house but did not hear any popping and sounded good... so I believe my problems were the bad power amp connections combined with the Zener diode in the preamp.   Thanks to the forum... what a feeling.

Glad to hear you got it fixed up!  I always love a happy ending.