Off Standby On switch

[mrn1ngstr]

I have been reading about this all in one switch, but I haven't seen the first schematic or description of how its wired up. Can anyone explain this one? I seen switches advertised as such on a few sites but they really don't explain how its done.

[Turret]

Check RJ's website. Im sure Ive seen it there

[M Fowler]

I've used it on 3 amps works very well.

I like the first switch better for wiring ease. DPDT On/Off/On switch

[mrn1ngstr]

Thanks guys!

[Leo_Gnardo]

The "progressive" switch is what you're writing about, I think. Got some from Antique/CE. Good tough toggle switch made by Carling. One side handles the AC power and the other, hi-voltage DC "standby". I've put 'em on a couple of amps, & keep some in stock for those who request them.

Then there are some who say standby isn't really necessary except for way big tubes like you find in radio transmitters. You can look that argument up and spend all day reading the back n forth... Standby may save you @ 10% output tube life when used properly.

[mrn1ngstr]

Yeah Ive heard the standby argument from both sides. My take is this- 1. It doesn't hurt, 2. It might help (if even only a little) and 3. It serves a secondary purpose as a mute.

[ToneMerc]

I have been reading about this all in one switch, but I haven't seen the first schematic or description of how its wired up. Can anyone explain this one? I seen switches advertised as such on a few sites but they really don't explain how its done.

I have used that switch a few times;in the center position instead of both poles being open, one of them stays closed. Thus, you wire the B+ to the pole that is open in the center position(standby) and then hot leg of the AC mains is wired to the other pole.

ON- both poles closed
Standby- one pole open, one pole closed
OFF- both poles open

TM

[Jana]

I've gone to the anti-standby camp. For the last few years, I have been using only the power switch on my main amp (leaving the standby in operate position all the time). The last few amps I have built, I haven't even put a standby switch on them. I don't know definitively which is better but I have seen more tubes fail while in the standby mode than otherwise (after being in standby for a long time). Maybe it was just the luck of the draw, I don't know.

(edited typos)

[M Fowler]

Me too Jana I mostly put them in when using stock faceplates that have the hole already.

[Smokebreak]

Tube depot has a good diagram https://d1sjrnpi226dnf.cloudfront.net/s ... 1382030369

https://www.tubedepot.com/products/carl ... ff-stby-on
Featured as an "upgrade" to prevent cathode stripping.

[M Fowler]

Hmm looks a lot like the diagram I posted above.

[Milkmansound]

I use these switches on almost all of my amp models. Its great!

Fits into a Fender style chassis with no need to move things around.

[Leo_Gnardo]

and 3. It serves a secondary purpose as a mute.

Just got a reminder about that function today, a customer shut down his Vibrolux Reverb then switched it right back on. I anticipated a fuse-popper that sometimes happens because the high voltage comes back to full voltage while the bias supply takes a couple seconds to charge. Dodged the bullet - this time - but it's a scenario like that where the standby comes in handy.

[Smokebreak]

Hmm looks a lot like the diagram I posted above.

Ha! Indeed. It was taking a while to open for me I figured no way it was the same one;)

[Structo]

So if you get rid of standby, what would be the best method to mute the amp when taking a break?

Or just turn down the volume pot all the way?