Half power switch

HIWATT amps from the Hylight Electronics era

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PhilUK
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Half power switch

Post by PhilUK »

Seen this mentioned a few times, do we know if it was a factory mod or available to order?
I've seen a hole pre-cut in an early 74 chassis (presumably for the switch) which was then covered by the serial plate.
Any body else seen this?
PASwitchHole.jpg
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Last edited by PhilUK on Mon Jun 02, 2014 8:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
PhilUK
Posts: 61
Joined: Fri Jan 21, 2011 4:46 pm

Re: Half power switch

Post by PhilUK »

Sorry forgot to ask exactly how the half power was achieved. What did the switch do?
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Dr.HI-TONE
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Re: Half power switch

Post by Dr.HI-TONE »

the hole was present till the mid 1970's
when activated the switch lowered via a large resistor, the voltage on the plates
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PhilUK
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Re: Half power switch

Post by PhilUK »

Thanks for that, was this an option available when ordered or was it a special or even a later factory mod do we know?
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Dr.HI-TONE
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Re: Half power switch

Post by Dr.HI-TONE »

It was an option for new products early on. I think it was phased out as it is very hard on the tubes unless you place the amp on standby before switching.
I would have to guess that it simply wasn't worth the trouble that came with users flipping the switch repeatedly without using the standby switch.
But that is just my theory.
http://www.HI-TONE-Amps.com

HI-TONE, when only the best will do.

DR-F
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