[Dawkus]

Hi Dawkus,here with a Dynaco Mark 3 challenge.I have all the parts to reconstruct a pair of Dyna Mark3's.Every thing is a go,I have a Variovac,a digital multimeter,an old Radio Shack analoge one,soldering skills,auto body shop hints,(the rust thing),and the manuals.I have stalled this project for a few years because I don't know how to test the 2 transformers before I sink my money into it.If there is any one out there that can tell me,(a guy with a caveman capibility) how to do this,simplisity is the key,mind you,and I will wear giant rubber gloves and Chuck Taylors on the feet,with one hand in the pocket I promiss....thanks all..Dawkus Mark Korda

[JoshK]

Power transformers or the output transformers, or both? 

First, I'd check for continuity on all the windings with your digital multimeter.  I'd also test all the DC resistances and write them all down.  If you have what the original DCR readings were for Dynaco, you can assure yourself they are probably good.   

I'd measure the DCR of the PTx's primary (hot to neutral) and then measure the secondary (end to end).  BTW, do all these DCR measurements with the amp not plugged in.  You don't need it on to measure the resistances.  Then measure the primary of the output transformer and the secondary.

The ratio of the primary to secondary resistances should give you an indication of everything is fine. 

[Dawkus]

Josh K,thanks for the info.My transformers are all ready taken out.When you said measure DCR,it does mean direct current resistance doesn't it?Thanks again Dawkus Mark Korda

[JoshK]

DCR is as you say, direct current resistance, or as I'd say, resistance at DC.  If the transformers are pulled out, then just measure the resistance of the windings as I described and we can help you out.