How to bias a tube amp with a Multimeter


I’ve had this Shuguang s8mk integrated sitting in storage for 6 years. I bought a multimeter to bias it. The meter is set up to mV. 
 

I’m getting zero read results. The amp has been warmed up for 90 minutes. 
 

It’s got a funky bias panel. 
 

What am I doing wrong?

 

 

 

128x128coltrane1

I would try 2 things..
First confirm correct operation of multi meter using an electrical outlet or a battery of some type..
Second,go ahead & set up the amp,connect to a source & send a signal,confirming operation of amplifier(just be cautious & slow with the volume control)..If the MM is working as it should & you get sound from the amp.then you’ve got something going on with either the biasing test block or worse...

The amp is fully operational. It works just fine. However I’ve not been able to get the MM to function. Yes, it appears to be operating fine in the above ^ example. But it’s not registering any readings when placed at the bias points.

You do have speakers connected right? if not get them connected tube amps do not like to be on with no spekaers/load connected, could damage the amp. 

 

from the picture i'd say your positive lead on the right or far left test piont, depending on what tube your testing, and the ground to the center. check what range your meter is set to as well you could be out of range. 

I am not familiar with your amp.  I take it there is no button or switch that needs to be turned on to do the biasing.  It appears that the common or ground probe goes into the center test point and the positive probe goes to the test point on either side of the center position.  It is a bit strange that the two positive test points have slots in them as if a screwdriver is suppose to go into that point.  Could it be that the point has to be screwed in before commencing testing?  

Do you have a "low" MV setting on the meter?

Maybe around 200?

If so try that.

 

DeKay