First Build disaster stories?

[dprworld]

I just ordered a Ceriatone DC-30 kit and I'm trying to locate some good reading material with emphasis on wiring techniques. What wires can be grouped together and what can not or just general rules of thumb.

Also, anyone care to share any first build disaster storties or offer some real general guidelines of what not to do (or a dummies guide to avoiding electrocution :rolleyes: ).

Here's the layout:
http://www.ceriatone.com/images/layoutPic/matchlessLayout/DC30Ceriatone.jpg

Any help would be appreciated. :D

[dehughes]

My first build is somewhat described in the post just below yours in this forum...not a disaster, but pesky, and still under construction.

Keep things simple, clean, take your time, and double check everything before you are finished. Use this info here for your first power up and troubleshooting:

http://www.paulrubyamps.com/info.html#FirstPowerUp

[dprworld]

Thanks for the great link dehughes. I definitely don't want to blow my WEST LAB trannies. It does seem tempting to plug in after the last solder join is cold...I'll consider this lesson #1.

I don't expect to learn this overnight, but I am having trouble understanding transformer terminology :confused:. Any other great links?

Thanks again :D

[R ski]

Usually power up involves, working from the rectifier tubes an than
insert the power tubes. The output is fixed bias, the power resistors
should indicate the bias current. The wiring layout looks straight
forward.

To aviod shocks, do not stand on a concrete floor, with socks (tingles)
Wear safety glasses during the initial power up. If the filter electrolytics
are wrong polarity, they pop appart.

Always cover up the power wire from the fuse holder to the power recepticle.
This will aviod arc flashes, should any metal object come in contact with that
power node (determine by wall plug) Any thing downstream from the fuse
arc flash is reduced via the fuse.

A voltmeter is required. AC/DC 750 volts.

All meter measurements are made from chassis ground, for circuitry.
It is a good idea to find a solid place to attach the negative meter lead
to chassis (black lead)