rodman999994,300 posts04-27-2020 5:52am@oldhvymec - Try this, for the HEXFRED pics: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8604 Thus far, I haven't been able to bring them up, any other way. OP: sorry, for the highjacking!
Maybe OP need to get hold of rodman99999 for future repairs, sure fixed me up..
Thanks rodman99999, nice job. I'm using turret boards, only because I needed to order a few for a cable build project.. I don't have those little vents either.. As long as OP got his amps up and going, without smokin' valves.. Man oh man... OP make sure you match those valves, in pairs, very close on one side then the other, ok it make a difference..
I read this thread a few times.. Cary, really did mess this guy around.. After what the OP and I went through. Cary not having a DAMN schematic. I wouldn't buy new from Cary.
I should post before and after pics, of my rats nest clean up of my Cary.. Really sloppy work if this is factory...Man oh Man, Look at Decware, Carver. Heck the old Macs are a LOT cleaner...HK Citation II, art... Hay OP, my Cary sounds good, very pleased, with the sonics, now. Regards |
DMM or Analog
A good DMM Digital MultiMeter will cost 30-75 dollars. Self calibrate, there is no analog issues as with stick meters. Analog meters are not accurate, they have to be calibrated with a DMM, so why waste your money, your time, or you breath? If your lucky, 2-3 years. In oil for vibration control, still 2-3 years, but normally can be calibrated, with a DMM. Analog looks good, but really don't trust them...
Digital SELF Calibrates. or battery change time, one of the features.
There is no arguing with the numbers then. Normally when you burn out a valve, burn it up, use it up prematurally, it normally points to over bias.
You, need to know, supply and demand go hand in hand, with any amp, valve amps, more so. Maintain 120 vac. Get good valves, well matched signal and power valves. Use a DMM and you'll be happy. You can tell the tec you DID bias the tubes correctly. But you'll find out they were probably correct...
Regards |
BTW I got a pair of great DMM from PE, 49.00 each, will tell you the numbers through your phone. Just as good as my Field Flutes just not as rugged, or as visible (orange).
Regards |
jea483,321 posts04-16-2020 5:27pm@ richfrank
Just curious, how many hours are on the KT 88 tubes. General rule for power tubes life is around 1500 to 2000 hours.
I have KT-88 valves that are well over 5000 hours, with 40% left in the tank. VTLs El KT-90s AB amps 15 year old, 20 hours a week for 15 years, still sound very good and hold a bias. The KEY is do they hold a BIAS. Good indicator of a healthy machine and valves. Who makes the valve? MATCH the valves. 1 and 2, need to be close, 3 and 4 need to be close, not 1 and 3, 2 and 4 ok makes a difference, when matching. and then the bias will be closer per side...noise reduction and extend valve life.. If the valve is holding the bias, and you going through valves, it's usually to hot. Go down to 70ma for 2 valves, if it sounds good not muddy, leave it and listen...35ma per valve should be plenty, and extend valve live A LOT.. EL34 6L6, KT66, KT77, and 90 if you can. all at 70-75 per pair Second if you bias to high it WILL distort quicker at higher volumes. Not playing in the band, trying to listen to the band. AY?? Parts Express pt #390-501 under 8.00 usd get 30 dollars worth.. LOL The ones I got there they may not have. LOOK 8-99.00 dollars. Several to choose from and great tec support..Even if you need to make up a pigtail for you meter, and amp, they'll help. Next day delivery if you want. Regards |
First, they won't work under water..
Second, get a good meter, you'll be fine.
Third, The difference between a mechanic and an engineer.
You trusted someone, I've never trusted anyone, accept my Mother.
Fourth, Check and verify, over and over ;-)
Regards
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Typo Field Flukes
Typo They "did" hold a good Bias, smoked um... Cable drop...
VTL are broke, not working, capoot, crashed, burned, killed um'.
You feel bad.. Yours is easy to fix.. Mine is a friggin' nightmare, TRADE YA!!!!!! 340 WPC, POOF!!!!
16 valves, setting there looking like 16 valves setting there...
Hope you can see the humor...
Regards
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I’ve measured my Cary with, and without, a signal. It was the same. I alway check without. I wanted to see if it could cause the reading you had. Mine was fine, so was your.. You do need to recheck at least a few times, back and forth.
WHY?. In a stereo one side will change the other, until they are both within 5% or so. Go back and forth a few times.
I also checked a pair of older VTLs same, and a Citation II. No change in the bias, I set a high, and low capture on my meter. Never more than 5-7ma from zero volume to 50% volume. All six amps, same.
How do you bias? UNIT OFF, turn the bias down CCW. Insert your 1/4" jack. Power up the unit, warm 10 plus min or so. You can leave the input signal off if you like. Bring up the bias slowly CW. Power down, move your 1/4 inch jack, to the other rail, power up and bias.
TWO or more times. New tubes, recheck see if the new valves are holding a bias...
I just had a bit of a tiff also with Cary. I ask for a schematic, hand written, or partial for the hexfred upgrade. Didn’t ask where it goes, or to hold my hand while someone else does it. I asked TWICE. Just ignored the request.
I’ll buy a plane ticket and knock on a door, no problem for me..I’ll get my schematic. If I have to draw my own, I’ll post it for ALL to see. There will be no secrets then. EVERYONE should be able to get technical information on equipment owned by them..Especially a schematic.. That schematic should reflect the safety or lack there of built into unit. It should reflect upgrades also...
Regards...
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+1 @testpilot at what point does a consumer have a legal or ethical right to a firm's intellectual property just because they purchased a product? When he wants to fix it.. Like I've done for over 50 years. What a dumb thing to say. Is there a repair manual for my 40,000.00 intellectual piece of property setting in my driveway? YES it's required by LAW.. Even a friggin RR provides a complete manuel front to rear on their intellectual property.. Bower, corp. 1-20 million dollar machines, EVERY nut and bolt location, and where it was bought. Think before you speak, I own the damn thing, I have the right to fix it, especially, if I can do a BETTER job...I am qualified to fix what I know, not what you don't... Regards Op, rude person no regards |
Hay OP, didn’t mean to hijack your thread..
I’m feeling you frustration though.
Regards |
three_easy_payments929 posts04-24-2020 2:42pmHow on earth are you guys measuring bias while running a musical signal? The bias moves up and down continuously while the music playing. It must be idle to measure it accurately.
I just checked as I read. hee hee, I'm running 4 valves 2 per side. I'm biased at 75 ma with 0 reading on the LED, or the blue stick meters. I cranked it quickly to 80% 76 ma and back to 75, on the button. Mine didn't change a bit... The point is it should not effect his Cary, my Cary, VTL, HK Citation II to the point of BURNING up tubes. Even if he did do it that way. The guy said 130ma or something, suppose to be 75ma.. Broken analog meter, not plug in right, DUNO,, a mistry.. Second, some folks pull the signal tube to bias.. then there is NO signal at all, A real tube tec, red sock, blue sock guy, had me do that a time or two..running down a problem on a pair of old western electrics.. Regards |
rodman999994,287 posts04-24-2020 3:06pm@oldhvymec- If you’re interested in doing a HEXFRED update, on a Cary product, PM me. I can talk you through it. Did my SLM-100s, without their help. Virtually, every other component I own, as well. I also have pics, if we can figure out a way to communicate them.
Your a heaven sent sent. A man of integrity indeed. did you read the above?? man, asking about smart rights, excuse me Intellectual tights, oh excuse me again, his panties were just right...LOL Regards, we'll figure it out...Thanks.. |
Don’t manufactures have the right to protect said property. Electronic manufactures are under no obligation to support the DIY crowd.
No one ask for a repair manual, No one needs a repair manual to repair a Cary amp.. Geez look inside.. simple as could be. I asked for a schematic, You know like on the back of my washer, my dryer, my refrigerator, my microwave, you get my point..
It is required by law for as long as the manufacture builds, or supports the product and for a period of 10 or 11 years after production stops..Unless there are some extreme circumstance. Company buy out and loss of properly trained staffing and such. Been there done that. many many times..
It’s of no consequence anyway, I already drew the circuit out and have a great working schematic with voltages, cap and resistor values..
I figured where to put the 3.00 part X 6, 18.00 usd. Cary charged 25.95 each plus shipping and handling and tax..and, and, and, and.
I did a little upgrade to boot. I have a working schematic, I’m good.
The new HiPerFreds are on the way. Thanks rodman99999
They are required to provide working schematics with details of their product and how it meet all the electrical standards and requirements of the country they are being sold to.. They are not under obligation to reveal trade secrets, patented or copyrighted material.
Cary is not Mcintosh, there is not some secret sauce in there machines.
Mac with their different, transformer setup, did actually have patents.
I’m not sure Cary even has copyrights. They sure can’t have patents on a valve amp, like Cary. It's just too much like all the rest. Red paint and a fancy logo will get you nothing at a patent office. Only copyrights Cary has is USPS mail, packaging and return a copy of schematics and pictures to themselves.
A consumer has the right to repair his or her own stuff.
Void Warranty stickers are VOID if there is a fuse holder inside, you know that.. NO you didn't..
If you read most warranty information "only qualified, or authorised repairs will be PAID for".. If the work is done properly, it voids NO warranty, but you may not be reimbursed for YOUR labor.. I always have been.. Normally at a reasonable rate.
I may DIY, but usually I’m a lot picker than most bench tecs about quality.
I’ve repaired STUFF a long, long time.
Regards
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