The art of the Chopstick...

[playonit]

So what is the art of using a chopstick as a troubleshooting tool....??for example When I turn the volume up on my DC30 clone I get a sound like an airy sounding hum??

Thanks

[Cygnus X1]

Poke around wiring connections (gently), press on resistors, and on pot lugs.

If it crackles when you do this, you may have found the problem.

[gearhead]

Also, if you have the slack, you can gently move wires around; back and forth as well as pressing down to get wire in contact with chassis. Usually used to find ways to reduce hum, but with wrecks, it can also enhance harmonic output.

Basically, you're either trying to prevent crosstalk or in the later, enhance it.

[Structo]

You should say Chopstick, as in one stick.

Never poke around inside a live amp with both hands.
Sure way to get a lethal charge through your heart.

Instead, use your dominant hand with the chopstick and stick your other hand in your pocket.
This way you can still get a painful shock but at least the current isn't going from hand to hand with your heart in between.

Then you can poke and prod all you want.

Just remember to drain or discharge the filter caps before doing any work inside the chassis, but first verify with a meter that there is no voltage on the caps.

[playonit]

You should say Chopstick, as in one stick.

Never poke around inside a live amp with both hands.
Sure way to get a lethal charge through your heart.

Instead, use your dominant hand with the chopstick and stick your other hand in your pocket.
This way you can still get a painful shock but at least the current isn't going from hand to hand with your heart in between.

Then you can poke and prod all you want.

Just remember to drain or discharge the filter caps before doing any work inside the chassis, but first verify with a meter that there is no voltage on the caps.

Thanks Tom, absolutely, I edited the header...

[M Fowler]

My local Chinese resturant has been suppling me for a while now and it lets me practice my druming all while testing, pushing and being careful in one easy step, nice.