workbench test equipment

[darefugee]

I'd like to get an idea of what test equipment you consider "must-have" for your tube amp workbench.

For me, I'm thinking oscilloscope, power supply, function generator, multimeter and tube tester. What am I leaving out?

[martin manning]

Dummy load. A tube tester isn't a necessity if you have some known good tubes to substitute. What kind of power supply are you thinking of, and what would you use it for?

[darefugee]

Dummy load, thank you! That will go on my list, for sure.

I built a 0-450v dc power supply for testing amp sections. It's actually two power supplies, a 0-30v 1.5a voltage regulated side with current limiting, and a 0-450v 100ma filtered but not regulated.

My tube tester is actually a uTracer curve tracer currently under construction on my workbench. You have a good point that it's probably not must-have.

[xtian]

Some important testing accessories:

chopstick

alligator clips

digital thermometer

magnifying glass/reading glasses (ouch!)

[Blackburn]

How about a variac? You seem to have a grip on the most common and useful equipment, but get (Or make) a dummy load like Martin says. It wouldn't be difficult at all to make a switching box that can supply 4R, 8R or 16R loads. Just make sure of the wattage.

[darefugee]

Used my variac in the power supply. That's how I get the high side to go 0-450 - variac on the transformer primary.

I could put switchable jacks on the power supply, connected in between the variac and the primary. That's for sure an idea worth considering, thanks!

[Blackburn]

I think you mostly have it down then. There are some utensils that will come in handy, in addition to what Xtian mentioned, but I'm sure you'll pick those up as you go along.

[Masco]

Light bulb limiter.

[martin manning]

I built a 0-450v dc power supply for testing amp sections. It's actually two power supplies, a 0-30v 1.5a voltage regulated side with current limiting... My tube tester is actually a uTracer curve tracer currently under construction on my workbench.

To get accurate results from the uTracer you need an external regulated DC supply for the test article's filament. Current capacity should be 2A at least, and 3A or better to test a rectifier like a 5U4.

[eniam rognab]

build a simple, modular cradle to hold your amps upside down with the glass installed to work on it. slab o wood with holes or slots to add vertical supports. i need to make one myself....

[Leo_Gnardo]

xtian mentioned digital thermometer. I got a "laser" thermometer @ $25 from Parts Express. Very handy for finding the hot or cold tube in a set of 2, 4 or 6. I don't have to burn my fingertip anymore guessing which is which. Can also be used for finding overtemp - or under - resistors.

[darefugee]

I built a 0-450v dc power supply for testing amp sections. It's actually two power supplies, a 0-30v 1.5a voltage regulated side with current limiting... My tube tester is actually a uTracer curve tracer currently under construction on my workbench.

To get accurate results from the uTracer you need an external regulated DC supply for the test article's filament. Current capacity should be 2A at least, and 3A or better to test a rectifier like a 5U4.

Thanks Martin, I see you're using an external heater supply on your uTracer. I'll plan to use one as well.

[TUBEDUDE]

Let's not forget the soldering implements. A temp controlled iron with a grounded tip, solder sucker, if you don't have a Pace desoldering station, and a 300 watt gun for ground connections to the chassis or pots.

[eniam rognab]

i bought this set and i am SOO happy i did, use them all day at work and home, but i repair circuit boards for my monies, still used them quite a bit on my Ham-Rock build

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271450170664?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

~$8 shipped, i think its a solid investment, YMMV

on second thought, these cant test for anything! sorry, didnt mean to derail your thread

[xtian]

Yeah, OP was asking about testing tools, not building/repairing tools, but ROCK ON!