Peavey Classic 50/212 ... Standby Issues!

[Peavis]

Hi,
I am not an experienced amp guy at all, but I was always under the assumption that standby heated the amp tubes without powering the amp output.
If that is the case I may have a problem, because my Standby isn't heating the amp tubes and they certainly aren't glowing in Standby mode... should they glow or heat up considerably or not? I just don't know...
The amp in the power on position works fine... very well indeed, its a wonderful sounding amp.

Anyone know how to help me?
I would appreciate any ideas you can share.

Peavis.

[Enzo]

Um...

If the amp works, then the tubes are warm. All the standby switch does is turn off the high voltage to the tube circuits. The heaters should be on whenever there is power on in the amp.

Now if you turn the standby switch on by itself with power switch off, then nothing will light up. That is because the power is off.

The power switch controls ALL power. Turn the power switch off and it is exactly like unplugging from the wall outlet. Turn power on first, wait a minute for the tubes to warm, then turn the standby on too. AMp plays.

Then turn standby switch off, leaving power on, and the tubes remain heated, but nothing comes out the amp.

[Peavis]

Ah... I feel stupid.. sorry to be dense.
I am a political science major (can you tell!!?? ) but hey.. now I know.
Thanks for the time and explanation. I am happy to learn.

I am confused about one thing though... I was told by someone that if was foolish to run the amp without sitting in Standby for a few minutes... but if you suggest turning it on for a few minutes then switching to standby ... I guess those two ideas are at odds with each other.

Can anyone clear that little issue up?
Also, I am obviously new to tube amps, how often should I change the tubes? If a tube ruptures or blows while powered on, what are the potential outcomes of this, and does this happen often or is it rare?
Thanks again...
Ever the student.
Peavis

[Paul P]

I am confused about one thing though... I was told by someone that if was foolish to run the amp without sitting in Standby for a few minutes... but if you suggest turning it on for a few minutes then switching to standby ... I guess those two ideas are at odds with each other.

I find talking about the standby switch can be quite confusing. What is meant
by switching standby "on" and "off" ? It seems that we often get caught up
in meaning releasing the B+ to the tubes when we say "switch standby on".

I think a better way, one I've been forcing myself to use, is to say something
like "switch the amp off standby" or "switch the amp on standby", or "with
the amp on standby" instead of "with standby switched off".

The switch on my amp will be labeled "standby" under the switch, and "go"
above it.

Paul P

[Amp Kat]

One of the worst things you can do is leave the power tubes in to long as when they go ,they can go hard. Tube shorts are the #1 cause of damage to amps. You'll hear loss of treble most likely first then loss of volume and they will sound lifeless. When they go hard they usually cause damage and sometimes major damage. I have a tube tester that gives me a good indication how worn they are and if they are shorted. Take you tubes to a local tech if you have one and see if he can test them for you. I don't personally charge anything for this but some may it just depends on the tech. EL-84's don't last as long as 6L6's or some EL-34s' depending on where they are biased. I put bias pots on the Classi 50 power tube board for quick biasing as it is a resitively fixed bias from the factory. The standby is just what is says and is for warming the amp before giving it high voltage and killing the high voltage when your not playing to save your tubes from constant wear. A minute or two at power up is sufficient for normal use.

[Enzo]

WHen I say flip the standby switch on, I mean to the ON position - pointing the same way as the power switch. I do not mean putting the amp in standby condition.

Turn the power switch ON, let it sit for a minute so the tubes warm up, then flip the standby switch ON next to it. That turns on the high voltage. Now both switches are ON.

[Peavis]

Haha... now I understand.
Thanks.. for the patience Enzo! I am def. a newbie with amps. Its all cleared up and this thread is as good as done.
The Peavey works perfectly now that I understand what I am doing .. ha... so dumb.
Thanks again everyone.

Peavis.

[WholeToneMusic]

Good idea Paul on the labeling, Budda uses GO for their amps also, Some builders like to use PLAY also. I have chosen to still use ON but have changed standby to IDLE. So many options so little time. I was thinking about using OFF READY SET GO on my next amp. HAHA on your mark get set go is just tooo long!!