Dummy load instead of a reverb tank..

[aiyiadam]

I have already fried a reverb transformer and decided to be more careful.. But it is often a hassle to connect the reverb tank when I am working on an amp. Pulling the tube out isn't always an option (reverb send/return stages can be in different tubes).

I was thinking of soldering a simple dummy load. That would be a resistor in an RCA plug. Would a 1W 10R resistor do?

[Helmholtz]

Yes, if the tank input impedance is around 8 Ohm.
Not sure about the power rating, maybe better use a 2W resistor or two 22R/1W in parallel.

I like the idea.

[Jazz P Bass]

For sure a good idea.
On Fender type reverbs I use an 8 ohm / 2watt resistor.
10 ohm will work for an 8 ohm tank.
II too am not sure about the wattage rating.

[nosaj]

The rough size of a reverb transformer would be under 10watt heck even a champ Ot isnt much bigger
nosaj

[Helmholtz]

The rough size of a reverb transformer would be under 10watt heck even a champ Ot isnt much bigger

Means what?

An ECC83 is rated at 2.5W PD per triode. So both triodes in parallel can deliver around 2W in class A operation.

[nosaj]

Means what?

An ECC83 is rated at 2.5W PD per triode. So both triodes in parallel can deliver around 2W in class A operation.

That he would want more than a 1 watt resistor.
nosaj

[Tom Phillips]

I have already fried a reverb transformer and decided to be more careful.. But it is often a hassle to connect the reverb tank when I am working on an amp....I was thinking of soldering a simple dummy load....

Good idea. I'm not sure why you fried a reverb drive transformer. I have always been perplexed why so many people run Fender amps on the test bench, sometimes for hours, with the reverb transformer secondary open circuit. However, that practice does not seem to result in a lot of destroyed reverb drive transformers. Your approach of connecting a suitable load is, of course, the best practice.

[aiyiadam]

Most of the reverb tanks I see have a DC resistance of 1R on their inputs. These should have an impedance of 8/10R at 1kHz. I will stick to 10R, but a 1W resistor with a much higher value (even like 100R) would probably also do.

I think I can fit a 2 (or even 3W) 10R resistor in an RCA plug. Tomorrow I will order a couple.

[g1]

It's a good idea, and best practice.
. That being said, I've seen many amps run with nothing plugged into a shorting type speaker jack, and no OT damage. So I would say that a short would be better than an open, and should be fine unless you are cranking signal through it.
Just pulling the reverb drive tube would also be sufficient.