i cannot see how running a cs-80 on a variac would be a bad idea. it seems very sensible.
i have heard that one of the issues that some of the 60's valve limiters had(fairchild,ba-6a,etc)was that the input transformer put out a higher than spec-ed voltage, which apparently resulted in a great tone, bbut also shorter lifespan of tubes as well as actual units. when brought down to specified voltage, they apparently run much better. i have several units that power up just fine on PSU's that are slightly below design voltage, and run better on them(cheaper moogs). should we all be making the switch for the life of the machines? assuming it works properly, could running a cs-80 at 105-110VAC be a bad idea? -rj
--- On Mon, 12/22/08, Quazimodo <noddyspuncture@...> wrote:
From: Quazimodo <noddyspuncture@...>
Subject: [yamahacs80] CS80 powering up question...
To: yamahacs80@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, December 22, 2008, 7:11 AM
Hi guys,
I have recently managaed to fix all my faulty on my CS80, and have
talked to quite a few people about my faults and symptoms along the
way. A big thanks to a couple of them who pop along here now and then!!
It has taken me just about a year - and I found out quite a lot.
One thing that has been sitting at the back of my mind is the fact
that most component failure happens when the unit is switched on. The
surge of power or whatever will take out any weak components first..
(or even contribute to shortening component life..?) I heard a lot of
engineers use a power transformer on which they can slowly wind up the
voltage, checking things as they do - so under ∗fault conditions∗ key
components won't instantly blow, and there is a chance reducing the
volts if a symptom shows itself as the voltage is increased.
Now, my question is - would it make sense to have your CS80 on the end
of one of these power transformers constantly.. .. that way, even when
all is well and working fine, you can ease to power on gently whenever
you turn her on - thus hopefully, prolonging component life..??
Would this be an idea worth considering?
Cheers, and Merry Christmas to all.
TOM
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