Weber Bias Rite question...

  • Thread starter Thread starter jabps
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jabps

jabps

Well-known member
I'm tired of having techs biasing my amps...looking to save money. How easy is the Bias Rite. Do I need the 4 prong of the 2 prong. Any info would be appreciated.
 
If you buy matched tubes even one single adaptor is enough. I had a 4fold too, with the VI option (reads the plate voltage which you need to calculate).

If you aren't scared: just solder a 1Ohm resistor between PIN 8 and ground and use a DMM to read the "current" (its the voltage actually, but thats equivalent to the current).

Or learn to use the shunt method - all you need is a DMM (a good one) and some croco leads.
 
It's still somewhat of a pain because unless you've got an external bias pot, you still have to take out the chassis, make sure you don't electrocute yourself, etc. But it beats paying somebody to bias every time...
 
duesentrieb":3r21wpma said:
If you buy matched tubes even one single adaptor is enough. I had a 4fold too, with the VI option (reads the plate voltage which you need to calculate).

If you aren't scared: just solder a 1Ohm resistor between PIN 8 and ground and use a DMM to read the "current" (its the voltage actually, but thats equivalent to the current).

Or learn to use the shunt method - all you need is a DMM (a good one) and some croco leads.
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Thanks man but the simpler the better for me...I don't want to touch something i have no clue about and then fry myself. I'm not ready to meet Phil yet.
 
duesentrieb":30gn9vcq said:
If you aren't scared: just solder a 1Ohm resistor between PIN 8 and ground and use a DMM to read the "current" (its the voltage actually, but thats equivalent to the current).

Or learn to use the shunt method - all you need is a DMM (a good one) and some croco leads.
Click to expand...

I use the 1ohm resistor and DMM method now, but i also have used the other method with the croco leads you showed me Olaf :)

Either method allows me to bias easily and very quickly... granted its not as 'safe' as using the Bias rite tool.. but it works fine for me :thumbsup:
 
get the bias rite then. Its easy, just keep in mind that you have to pull the amp out of the chassis.


Btw: my tube dealer sells single adaptors as a kit for 14 Euros - which IMO is enough. All you need additionally is a DMM.

http://www.tubetown.de

http://www.tube-town.net/ttstore/produc ... Octal.html

If you want one of them, let me know. I'd solder it and send it to you. Thats 20 Euros (14 + shipping to me) plus the shipping to you.
 
yup, the 2 holer is probably good enough?


just need to be aware that some amps, maybe all amps put out more juice to the tube closest to the Trannie? i know my Splawn did, but don't remember if my VHT did? so guess a little thought is necessary about which tubes you would check?
 
Get a plastic 'screwdriver' for turning the bias pot. That'd be my other bit of advice. Don't use a metal screwdriver!
 
Thanks guys...I think I'll just order the Bias Rite and save a life.
 
ratter":3cdmclaw said:
Get a plastic 'screwdriver' for turning the bias pot. That'd be my other bit of advice. Don't use a metal screwdriver!
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The amount of times i have heard about guys getting zapped because they stupidly used a metal screwdriver, is rediculous!! :D :lol: :LOL:

I got one of those completely insulated screwdrivers, and its handy to have!
 
SgtThump":3jvu1mw2 said:
I use a metal screwdriver, but I'm an idiot. :)
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LOL

Man im so careful when working on my amps now, since a while back when a filter cap almost discharged into my arm!! The fuse had blown.. and due to where it is in the circuit, one of the caps stays fully charged when the others dont. I was poking around, and the damn thing went bang and literally lit the room up... luckily i pulled my arm away quick enough!

:scared: :doh: Never again!
 
SgtThump":36t8jy6c said:
Here's an example of just how dumb I am... I was biasing a friends JCM800 2204. The light was out on his power switch and I knew that, but forgot. The amp was warming up and I was just looking around inside. I noticed one of the tube sockets was loose. So like the idiot I am, I totally forgot the amp was plugged in and on. I grabbed that power tube socket to tighten it up and it shocked the piss out of me. lol! It just scared me. Didn't hurt or anything. But yeah, that was just one time... lol
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Haha yeah it happens man!! We all make stupid mistakes from time to time.. I'v been shocked quite a few times now, but im a bit more careful now :D
 
I would just solder the 1 ohm resistor to ground like already mentioned. 10cent resistor and a mm which you probably already have is a lot cheaper.
 
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