5E3 - First build, first dud

[FrankTheReverbTank]

I did some quick readings (all against ground) and it looks like problems all over the place:
Rectifier
V5.2: 7.5V
V5.4: 161.5V
V5.6: 162.2V
V5.8: 5.7V (!)

Power tubes
V4.2: 2.9V
V4.4: nada (!)
V4.7: 2.7V
V4.8: zilch (!)

I did manage to shock myself for the first time. I can tell from experience and a control reading that there's 233V on the fuse.
Starting to question the workings of the transformer.

[maxkracht]

I did some quick readings (all against ground) and it looks like problems all over the place:

If it's stuck between those numbers it could be an error. What kind of meter do you have? Is it auto ranging? If not, you want to be in the 500VDC setting or whatever the highest DC voltage setting your meter has to measure the B+ nodes.

When reading and reporting voltages, you need to know if they are AC or DC. You will have AC and DC on the same wire in many places. In this instance, your meter was in AC which is why you weren't getting voltage everywhere you expected to. Your high voltage transformer winding does seem somewhat low, find a datasheet for your transformer for expected voltages.

I did manage to shock myself for the first time. I can tell from experience and a control reading that there's 233V on the fuse.
Starting to question the workings of the transformer.

This stuff can kill you! Always keep one hand in your pocket while taking measurements. Check the DC voltage at your filter caps before touching anything inside the amp and make sure it is unplugged.

[FrankTheReverbTank]

When reading and reporting voltages, you need to know if they are AC or DC. You will have AC and DC on the same wire in many places. In this instance, your meter was in AC which is why you weren't getting voltage everywhere you expected to. Your high voltage transformer winding does seem somewhat low, find a datasheet for your transformer for expected voltages.

Can I have a rookie of the year nomination?

I did manage to shock myself for the first time. I can tell from experience and a control reading that there's 233V on the fuse.
Starting to question the workings of the transformer.

This stuff can kill you! Always keep one hand in your pocket while taking measurements. Check the DC voltage at your filter caps before touching anything inside the amp and make sure it is unplugged.
[/quote]

I'm well aware, but thanks. It's also important to not rush these things. QED.

[maxkracht]

Since you were reading 230VAC from your wall, you want the blue wire instead of the white wire on your power transformer. This explains the low heater voltage. You should also double check your power cord. You have the brown wire coming from the power cord connecting to the black common wire on the transformer. If the power cord has the correct color code (they don't always), brown should be the hot wire, blue should be neutral. You want the hot wire to go to the fuse then switch, neutral goes directly to the transformer.

[Stevem]

Since your wired up for the wrong wall voltage I need to ask how many amps the fuse is in that holder you got the shock from.

Your fuse you have in there should be a 1.5 amp slow blow.

[FrankTheReverbTank]

Since you were reading 230VAC from your wall, you want the blue wire instead of the white wire on your power transformer. This explains the low heater voltage. You should also double check your power cord. You have the brown wire coming from the power cord connecting to the black common wire on the transformer. If the power cord has the correct color code (they don't always), brown should be the hot wire, blue should be neutral. You want the hot wire to go to the fuse then switch, neutral goes directly to the transformer.

Although 230V is the official voltage in most of Europe (or will be), fluctuations here in the Netherlands go as high as 250V. This is in part because of solar panels and a stressed grid. I chose to play it safe and wasn't expecting much of a difference in the output. Euro sockets don't have different prongs like in the US. You can plug it in either way, so hot or neutral is really a flip of the coin.

[FrankTheReverbTank]

Since your wired up for the wrong wall voltage I need to ask how many amps the fuse is in that holder you got the shock from.

Your fuse you have in there should be a 1.5 amp slow blow.

I have the correct fuse.