Locomotive Audio 286A, User Manual, Page: 5 / 12

WARNINGS & SAFETY
Before powering up your new Locomotive Audio unit for the first time, please
understand the dangers of vacuum tube electrical equipment. The high voltages
within the chassis and around the tubes can
SERIOUSLY INJURY OR KILL YOU.
Before plugging your unit into the wall, please make sure all tubes are properly
seated in their sockets. The base of the tube should be flush with the tube socket.
Also be sure to mount your unit in a stable, secure rack to reduce the risk of
movement and damage. The unit is grounded through the IEC power cord supplied
in the box. Always use a properly grounded outlet and never use a ground lift plug
adapter for a non-grounded outlet. Do not use unit near any liquid or excessive
moisture. If liquid were to enter the unit, unplug EIC power cord from wall and wait
at least 5 minutes before attempting to touch or clean the unit.
The user should not attempt to service this product beyond changing tubes. The
286A has a hinged front panel that allows for easy access of internal parts if is-
sues were to arise. Only a trained technician should make modifications or adjust-
ments as the voltages within the chassis are very dangerous!
LINE VOLTAGE & FUSE
The unit is powered by 115v or 230v AC sources. The AC Voltage Slide Switch
(page 8) is preset by Locomotive Audio before leaving production. Before using
the 286A for the first time, please make sure the AC Voltage Slide Switch on the
back of the unit (page 8) is in the correct position for your mains voltage.
If oper-
ated set to the incorrect voltage, harm to the unit may result.
With unit turned
off, use a flat-head screwdriver to change the voltage selection if necessary.
All Locomotive Audio products contain a fuse in the IEC power entry module for
protection of both YOU and the unit. In order to check or replace the fuse, a small
flat-head screwdriver is needed to open the fuse drawer. Be sure to unplug the
unit before beginning this procedure. Always replace the fuse with the same rating
and type as specified for your mains voltage on back of the unit. If replacement
fuses of the correct specifications consistently blow, there may be an issue with
the unit and qualified service technician should be contacted. If within warranty
period, please contact Locomotive Audio for instructions.
POWERING UP
Once installed in a secure equipment rack and plugged into the AC mains power
source, the user may then power the unit on by flipping the power switch on the
front of the unit to the up position. At this point, the power lamp will light, and the
unit will need at least 5–10 minutes for the tubes to warm up for best results.
POWER LAMP & VU BULBS
The power lamp and backlit VU meter will illuminate after the unit is switched on.
If either of these do not light, the bulb may be burned out or there may be another
underlying issue. The first step would be to replace the bulb. If replacement is
necessary, use a 14V .08A bayonet style bulb for the power lamp and a 12.6V
.3A fuse style bulb for the VU meter.