Fryette Power Station 100

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Summary

Power Station 100 Owners Manual

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

Covers reading instructions, proper connection, handling, placement, and servicing guidelines.

Hearing and Voltage Warnings

Alerts users about high sound pressure levels and hazardous internal voltages.

Operational and Compatibility Warnings

Details thermal stress, tube condition, and specific amplifier compatibility.

Front Panel Functions

Reactive Load Voicing Switches

Controls high-frequency (EDGE/BRITE/FLAT) and low-frequency (DEEP/WARM/FLAT) response.

Power Amplifier Control Functions

Covers SELECT, INPUT LEVEL, VOLUME, PRESENCE, DEPTH, STANDBY/BYPASS, and AC MAINS.

Rear Panel Connectivity and Controls

Signal Inputs and Outputs

Details LINE IN, LINE OUT, LINE OUT XLR, FX SEND, and FX RETURN jacks.

Level and Impedance Settings

Covers LINE LEVEL, FX LEVEL, and AMPLIFIER IMPEDANCE selector.

Amplifier and Speaker Connections

Describes AMP IN jack and SPEAKER OUT jack with impedance matching.

System Integration and Protection

Includes CABINET IMPEDANCE, FOOTSWITCH JACK, GROUND LIFT, MAINS FUSE, and AC MAINS INPUT.

Application Examples

Amp Head to Cab with FX and Line Out

Illustrates connecting an amp head to the Power Station for cab output and mixer feed.

Combo to Power Station with FX Loop

Shows connecting a combo amp to the Power Station with an effect in the loop.

Preamp to Power Station with FX Loop

Details using the Power Station to boost a preamp with an effect in the loop.

Silent Mode Operation Example

Demonstrates silent mode for recording via line out without a speaker cab.

Advanced Live;Recording Setup

Presents a complex setup involving multiple devices and FX.

Troubleshooting Guide

Power and Sound Issues

Addresses problems like 'Won't Turn On', 'No Sound', and 'Won't Switch to Operate'.

Performance Problems

Covers issues such as squeel/feedback, running hot, and distortion.

Effects and Fuse Issues

Troubleshoots effects not operating and blowing main fuses.

Certificates of Compliance

RoHS Compliance

Declaration of compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive.

REACH Compliance

Declaration of compliance with Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of chemicals.

EMC and Low Voltage Declaration

Declaration of conformity with EMC and Low Voltage Directives.

Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Obligations and Exclusions

Details what is covered, what is excluded, and conditions for warranty service.

Warranty Registration and Contact

Instructions for warranty registration and obtaining service.

The Fryette Power Station 100 (PS-100) is a dual-mode variable reactive load and tube power amplifier designed to enhance and expand the capabilities of guitar amplifiers. It serves as a transparent attenuator, a power booster for smaller amplifiers, and a silent reactive load for direct recording.

Function Description:

The PS-100 addresses common shortcomings of traditional amplifier attenuators, such as lack of transparency, limited controllability, and loss of dynamic amplifier performance. Its core innovation lies in its reactive load design, which emulates the natural interaction between a speaker and a power tube stage. This ensures that the amplifier's original tone and feel are preserved at any volume level, whether attenuating a high-powered amp or boosting a low-powered one.

In attenuation mode, the PS-100 absorbs the output power of a connected amplifier, allowing users to achieve desired listening volumes without sacrificing tone. The reactive load acts as a substitute for a physical speaker, interacting with the amplifier in a way that maintains its dynamic response.

As a power booster, the PS-100 can amplify the output of smaller amplifiers, mini-amps, vintage combos, preamps, or modeling preamps, enabling them to be heard in larger venues without losing their characteristic feel and tonal quality. This feature is particularly useful for musicians who want to gig with their favorite low-wattage amps.

For direct recording, the PS-100 functions as a versatile silent reactive load. By connecting its Balanced or Unbalanced Line Out to a recording interface, users can capture their amplifier's tone silently, making it ideal for studio environments or late-night practice sessions. In Silent Mode, the PS-100 does not need to be powered on; the voicing switches, low pass filter, FX Send (with FX Level switch), and balanced/unbalanced line outputs all operate without AC power.

The PS-100 also features a foot-switchable FX loop, allowing users to integrate external effects processors seamlessly into their signal chain. This loop is positioned post-AMP IN and LINE IN, ensuring that effects are inserted between the load amplifier or external preamp and the Power Station's internal tube power amp.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: Power Station 100 (PS-100)
Power Requirement: 300W
Power Amp Output: 100W RMS @ 5% THD, 1kHz sine into 8Ω
Input Impedance: 2Ω/4Ω/8Ω/16Ω (selectable)
Output Impedance: 2Ω/4Ω/8Ω/16Ω (selectable)
Amp In (Max Continuous): 200W @ 2, 4 & 16 Ohms; 150W @ 8 Ohms
Tubes:
- V1: 12DW7/ECC832 (Power amplifier driver and phase inverter)
- V2, V3: 6550 (Power tubes, matched pair)
Fuse:
- 100V-120V Units: T4A, 125/250V
- 220V-240V Units: T1.6A, 250V
Dimensions:
- Height: 3.6 in (9.1 cm)
- Width: 14 in (35.5 cm)
- Depth: 9 in (22.8 cm)
Weight: 16 lb (7.3 kg)

Usage Features:

The front panel controls offer extensive tonal shaping and volume management:

Reactive Load Voicing Switches:
- EDGE/BRITE/FLAT: Adjusts the high-frequency (Treble/Presence) response of the reactive load, influencing clarity and top-end presence.
- DEEP/WARM/FLAT: Adjusts the low-frequency (Bass/Resonance) response of the reactive load, affecting low-end punch and depth.
- These switches are active when an amplifier's speaker output is connected to the Amp In jack, even in Silent Mode or when the Power Station is off.
Power Amplifier Control Functions:
- SELECT: Switches between two sets of front panel Volume, Presence, and Depth controls (Red and Green), also controllable via a remote footswitch.
- INPUT LEVEL SWITCH (HI/LO): Sets the usable range of the Volume control, optimizing for attenuating high-powered amps/hot Line In signals (HI) or boosting small amps/low-level Line In signals (LO).
- VOLUME: Controls the overall playing volume.
- PRESENCE: Adjusts the high-end frequency response of the internal power amplifier stage.
- DEPTH: Adjusts the low-end frequency response of the internal power amplifier stage.
- STANDBY/BYPASS: In Standby mode, the Power Station is bypassed, its internal tube power amplifier goes on standby, and the load amplifier connects directly to the speaker cabinet. When using only the Line In jack, this switch puts the Power Station in Standby mode.
- AC MAINS SWITCH: Turns AC power on/off and indicates operation.

The rear panel provides comprehensive connectivity:

LINE IN: Accepts line-level signals from preamps, effects processors, or other devices for amplification.
LINE OUT (Unbalanced 1/4" and Balanced XLR): Outputs the signal from the load amplifier, suitable for mixers, recording interfaces, or external processors. The LINE LEVEL control simultaneously adjusts both outputs.
FX SEND/RETURN: Low-impedance send and high-impedance return jacks for integrating external effects. The FX loop can be remotely engaged/bypassed.
FX LEVEL (HI/LO): Sets the signal level within the FX loop, accommodating line-level (+4 to 0dB) or guitar-level (-10 to -20dB) devices.
AMP IN: Connects the speaker output of the amplifier to be attenuated or boosted. The Impedance Select switch must match the amplifier's impedance.
AMPLIFIER IMPEDANCE: Sets the impedance of the internal reactive load for optimal performance, matching the connected amplifier.
SPEAKER OUT: Connects to a speaker cabinet or multiple cabinets (2/4, 8, or 16 ohms impedance). The CABINET IMPEDANCE switch should match the connected cabinet(s). The SPEAKER OUT has an open load protection feature, keeping the unit in BYPASS/STANDBY mode if no cable is connected to prevent damage to the load amplifier.
FOOTSWITCH JACK: Controls the front panel Select function (tip) and FX loop bypass (ring) using a standard 2-function TRS latching footswitch.
GROUND LIFT: Separates internal circuit ground from chassis and power ground to eliminate ground loops.
AC MAINS INPUT: Connects to a grounded outlet.

Maintenance Features:

Tube Replacement: The PS-100 uses specific tube types (12DW7/ECC832 for V1 and 6550 for V2, V3). Only 6550 or equivalent (KT88) tubes should be used for the power amplifier stage. Tubes are factory biased for optimum performance, and internal/external biasing adjustments are not provided or recommended, as tampering will void the warranty. For best performance, only factory-recommended tubes should be used.
Fuse Replacement: The MAINS FUSE protects the amplifier from electrical faults. It should only be replaced with the specified type and rating listed on the rear panel.
Ventilation: Maintain unobstructed air space behind and above the unit to allow for proper ventilation and cooling, as the amplifier tends to run hot during use. The chassis design includes a cooling fan and ample ventilation, and critical components are designed to withstand typical operating temperatures.
Cleaning: Unplug the power supply cord before cleaning the unit exterior with a damp cloth. Ensure the unit is completely dry before reconnecting to power.
Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section to address common issues such as the unit not turning on, no sound, effects not operating, running hot, distortion, and blowing mains fuse. This guide helps users identify and resolve problems, often recommending checking connections, impedance settings, and tube conditions. For issues requiring qualified service personnel, the guide advises seeking professional assistance.
Warranty: The PS-100 comes with a Five (5) Year limited warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship, with a 90-day warranty for tubes, fuses, and speakers. The warranty requires proof of purchase and covers repairs by authorized service stations or the factory. Exclusions include consumer-operated control adjustments, cosmetic damage, uncrating/installation, damage from unauthorized service, incorrect line voltage, improper maintenance, abuse, or acts of God.