Table of Contents
Advertisement
NOTE: IF YOU ARE NOT A QUALIFIED AMP TECH, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO POWER UP YOUR
MODIFIED AMPLIFER, YET. INSTEAD, Mercury RECOMMENDS THAT IT BE INSPECTED BY A
QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN. AN AMP TECH WILL GO OVER YOUR WORK AND VERIFY THAT IT IS
SAFE TO POWER IT UP.
After modifying your amp, the next step is to power it up using a variac and current meter.
The Variac and current meter allows you to slowly add voltage while checking the indicators to make sure
that your handiwork is correct. Without a variac you run the extreme risk of frying your amp or some of its
components, getting hurt, electrocuted, etc.
A Variac is a standard amp tech tool. No amp tech should be without one. They are available from many
electronic stores or online, eBay, etc. Prices start at about $50 and go up from there. The better units (such
as the Tenma isolated variable AC power supply shown in these photos) include output current metering.
Consider that the cost of a Variac is free, because a single error without one can easily cost more than the
Variac itself!
As the following instructions show, you'll need to monitor the output current while increasing power to the
amp with the Variac. If your Variac doesn't have a self-contained current meter this can also be done with a
separate amperes meter connected to the fuse-holder of the amp (with the fuse removed).
Specific instructions for how to use Variacs and current meters are beyond the scope of this manual. Check
the web or owner manuals of the devices for specific methods.
Orange "Tiny
Terror" • Mercury "Holy Terror" Upgrade Kit
This project and its documentation is the result of technical investigations made by the engineering staff of Mercury
Using a Variac & Current Meter
Don't power-up your amp without 'em!
the furnishing of these documents does not constitute an expresed or implied license to use such materials.
BE FOREWARNED!
IF YOU BYPASS THIS STEP
THERE IS A VERY REAL
POSSIBILITY THAT YOU WILL
CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AMP
AND/OR SERIOUS HARM TO
YOURSELF!
Magnetics. The disclosure of the information herein may pertain to proprietary rights and
49
Advertisement
Table of Contents
