New PL 400 Series II build
- Thread starter Wombat
- Start date
I have downloaded and printed every document I have received along with posts and emails pertaining to the full comp conversion and all the other PL 400 upgrades I have done. Printed relevant pictures on photo paper. Put everything in a three ring binder for ease of reference. Still missed it. Probably have too much paperwork! Thanks!
Apparently, I am dumber than I thought. When I pre-installed the lower row of transistors just to see how they work, the pins may have actually not gone into in the holding cups. Now on the final, I can't tell. Joe's excellent materials reference aligning the pins. I have a magnetic holding tool. How do you actually check to make sure the pins go into the cups? Thanks in advance.
About a minute or two for each transistor. Use a magnetic pickup tool as pictured in the instructions. Provide plenty of light. Place the amp face down on the bench (heatsinks facing upwards) and ensure that the backplanes have been aligned properly so that each transistor socket is aligned through the chassis and the heatsink. Loosen and realign the backplanes using the upper and lower standoffs until this condition is achieved. This is where the assembly aid hardware is used, to get the backplanes aligned properly. After aligning, retighten the upper and lower standoff screw to lock the position. You will need to slightly back off on the 6-32 nut on the upper standoff and the 4-40 nut on the lower standoff while aligning. Again, when the backplanes are aligned, these 2 nuts must be retightened to lock everything in place.
Once you get that alignment proper, the transistors will install much easier. Don't attempt unless the backplanes are properly aligned.
Once you get that alignment proper, the transistors will install much easier. Don't attempt unless the backplanes are properly aligned.
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Everything is aligned with assembly aid. Perfectly centered on all 16. Put just the bolts through and backed them out. Using magnetic pick up tool. Can't get transistors to install in any position. They just push the backplanes away. Can tighten the screws, but it just bends the pins. Almost as if something is blocking the holes the pins go through.
The last outputs I received had blunter tips than earlier transistors. I precisely align them to the gold cups early in the build, but, you can also align them to a old original socket.
I usually have one that just won't drop in, so I sit it aside, to give it a rest. Eventually they all slide in. Some times one pin is in, so cock it a little sideways while you rotate it feeling for the other pin to find the hole. Just takes practice and patience. Align the pins to a old socket and be gentle. Seen lots of dented outputs on eBay amps from them being banged in.
Use a magnet on a stick to seat them flush, gently, then screws.
I usually have one that just won't drop in, so I sit it aside, to give it a rest. Eventually they all slide in. Some times one pin is in, so cock it a little sideways while you rotate it feeling for the other pin to find the hole. Just takes practice and patience. Align the pins to a old socket and be gentle. Seen lots of dented outputs on eBay amps from them being banged in.
Use a magnet on a stick to seat them flush, gently, then screws.
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