[DaveWM]

I like to put a meter on the B+ disconnect the HOT and the VOT (all tubes) and bring it up slow while monitoring the B+. If you take all the tubes out of circuit you can check for reforming of the caps, the current should be very low all the way up. You want to monitor the B+v also, with no plate loads you could go over voltage so watch that as well. If they come up ok, then I put the tubes in and monitor the B+ again (volt and current) to see if it comes in ok. I dont like a slow power up once the sweep circuits are hooked up, dont like the idea of a osc not oscillating due to low v, so that power ups is pretty quick (you already know the B+ is not shorted prior to the full powerup). Keep you eye on the voltage and current.

I like to keep the current meter on even after power up and it is running fine, at least for the 1st few hours of service.


opps I just realized the era, it may have a tube recifier, so you will need to leave that one in. Just be carefull not to go over V due to lower loads.

I also take a primary pt reading of ohms just to be sure its not a dead short (hard on the variac), I also monitor the AC current. My sets look like they are in the ER when 1st power up...