Forums - Hacking a Zen power tube converter base

Dominick

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Hacking a Zen power tube converter base
09/20/23 at 21:32:28

I’m having an issue with a new set of converter bases for the power tubes on my Zen monos. The
pins on this new set are a bit too short. The black screws that hold the sockets in place are preventing the base from fully seating. I need to notch them out to allow the converter base to fully sear inside the sockets.

Has anyone every notched them without causing an issue to the functionality of the converter base? If so….what did you use…a Dremel?

Thanks in advance
Dom

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Carlsbad Seasoned Member Posts: 201	Re: Hacking a Zen power tube converter base Reply #1 - 01/28/24 at 12:30:30 Not following you. Can you post a photo or a link to the converter base you are using? I have a milling machine if you need a clean mod. Jerry
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Dominick

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Still like that old
time Rock and Roll!!

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Re: Hacking a Zen power tube converter base
Reply #2 - 01/28/24 at 23:40:50

Hi Jerry…. Just reread my post…..yes it’s a bit confusing. Here are a few pics of what I’m talking about. I circled the black screws in red. The converter bases are hitting the black screws on both sides of the amp, preventing the base from fully seating into the tube sockets.

Ideally I need the area notched out just enough to clear the black screws. The only thing I don’t know if the underneath side of the base where the epoxy is located has anything electrical related near where I need the notches.

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CAJames

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Re: Hacking a Zen power tube converter base
Reply #3 - 01/29/24 at 15:09:38

Quote:

Posted by: Dominick Posted on: Yesterday at 15:40:50

...Ideally I need the area notched out just enough to clear the black screws. The only thing I don’t know if the underneath side of the base where the epoxy is located has anything electrical related near where I need the notches.

Hey Dom,

It think it is highly unlikely there are any electronics out where you need the notches. Generally the electronics are very close to the pins, and you would be a long way from there. But, another option might be to get a (cheap) 9 pin socket saver to put under the adapter. It should fit between the screws and then you can plug the adapter into it. Good luck either way.

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Donnie Seasoned Member Why does it hurt when I pee? Posts: 2197	Re: Hacking a Zen power tube converter base Reply #4 - 01/29/24 at 16:25:47 It looks to me that a couple of good wacks with a hammer and a punch where the interference is would fix you right up.
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Dominick Seasoned Member Still like that old time Rock and Roll!! Posts: 1163	Re: Hacking a Zen power tube converter base Reply #5 - 01/29/24 at 18:37:48 Donnie….The hammer/hand punch method would be interesting…my luck would be that I would suffer a bruised thumb !! James…why I didn’t think of the socket saver idea is beyond me. Sometimes the most obvious solution is often overlooked. Thanks, Dom
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