Kitty Hawk Apache amplifier heads Models: 50/100/150 Watts
Preliminary
Congratulation with your purchase of the Kitty Hawk Apache amplifier. Now that you are anxious to try out your favorite guitar with the Apache Amplifier, please try to be patient and first read through your users manual. It will help you to get the best out of your amplifier and avoid disappointment.
1. After unpacking your amplifier
Upon opening of the packaging, check the contents of the box. It should contain:
Your Kitty Hawk Apache amplifier.
A main cable.
This users manual.
A warranty card. Please complete and send to Kitty Hawk to validate your warranty.
2. Cautions
Never connect the amplifier to a Mains Outlet supplying a higher or lower AC voltage than that stated on the rear panel of the amplifier. Doing so will cause damage to your amplifier.
Do not use the amplifier in a wet environment or outside in the rain.
Do not touch the Tubes inside the amplifier. During operation they get very hot. Touching will cause burns and might damage the Tubes.
Never take the amplifier chassis out of its housing. Dangerous and potentially lethal voltages are inside, even when disconnected from mains power AC.
Removing the chassis will void your warranty.
Do not operate the amplifier outside its housing or with front- and/or rear panels removed. You might get burnt or an electric shock.
Do not attempt to repair your amplifier or make modifications to it. Leave repairs and modifications to qualified service people. Dangerous and potentially lethal voltages are inside, and any mal-modifications can seriously damage your amplifiers performance.
3. Connections
First, your amplifier must be connected to a speaker cabinet. Failure to secure a proper connection to the speaker cabinet, may result in serious damage to the amplifier when you switch on. Use the correct wire gauge for amplifier to loudspeaker connections.
NOTE: Do not use a guitar signal cable. This will cause trouble, especially when playing at loud levels.
Check your speaker cabinet for its impedance. The Apache has Speaker Outputs for 4, 8 and 16 Ohm cabinets.
Connect to a speaker cabinet with the proper power rating to avoid damage to your speakers. Refer to section 9, "Connecting your speakers" for proper speaker set-up.
Power peaks of more than four times the nominal power of your amplifier can occur. Make sure your speaker cabinet can handle these peaks. We recommend usage of the Kitty Hawk 4x12" cabinets, which can handle 280 watts RMS.
Before connecting the mains cable to an AC outlet, check the position of the Power and Stand-By switch. They should be in the Off position to avoid DC power supply to the output tubes before they are heated to their operation temperature. Connect the mains cable to an AC Outlet which carries the proper voltage for your amplifier. The voltage is stated at the backside of the amplifier, above the AC inlet.
If you have purchased a footswitch, connect it to the Pedal Jack input on the front panel.
Effects units can be inserted into the Effect Loop (rear panel). Refer to your effect units user manual for maximum performance set-up. You can also insert your favorite footpedal effects through the effects loop although you should bear in mind that the signal level at the effects send socket is much higher than the output signal from your guitar.
Use high quality guitar cable to connect your guitar to the amplifiers input. Inferior quality cables can create problems such as excessive noise, hum or reception of radio signals.
4. Switching on your amplifier
When all connections are correct, check the position of the Mains Power and Stand-By switch. The stand-by switch should be set to the Off position before attempting to turn on the mains power. Also make sure the volume and gain controls are set to minimum to avoid a blast to your speakers when turning on the Stand-By switch. Turn on the Mains power switch. The Power Switch will illuminate a green color. Wait at least one minute to allow the Tubes to warm up to operational temperature. After the one minute turn on the Stand-By switch.
5. Features of the Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier
A. Front Panel
1. Power On/Off Rocker Switch Turns Power to Kitty Hawk Apache amplifier On and Off
2. Stand-By On/Off Rocker Switch Selects between Stand-By Mode (tube heater voltage supplied with no audio output) and normal Power On operation. Power On/Off Rocker Switch must be in On position for this switch to be operational.
3. Reverb Control Adjusts amount of reverberation added to input signal.
4. Presence Control Boots or cuts upper midrange frequencies for Clean and Lead Channels.
Lead Channel Controls
5. Master Volume Control Adjusts loudness of Lead Channel
6. Bass Control Adjusts low frequencies for Lead Channel.
7. Middle Control Adjusts midrange control for Lead Channel.
8. Treble Control Adjusts high frequencies for Lead Channel.
9. Gain Control Adjusts volume and overdrive characteristics for Lead Channel.
Clean Channel Controls
10. Treble Control Adjusts high frequencies for Clean Channel.
11. Bass Control Adjusts low frequencies for Clean Channel.
12. Clean Volume Control Adjusts loudness of Clean Channel.
13. Mode Selector Switch Selects between Clean and Overdrive Channel.
14. Clean LED Indicator (Green) Illuminates when Clean Channel is selected or when Gain Channel is boosted.
15. Gain LED Indicator (Red) lluminates when Gain Channel is selected or when Clean Channel is boosted.
16. Instrument Input Jack Accepts 1/4" phone plug output from instrument.
17. Channel Selection Footswitch Jack Accepts TRS (Tip, Ring, and Sleeve) stereo phone plug from the Kitty Hawk Footswitch.
B. Rear Panel Descriptions
1. AC Power Inlet Connects to 117 volt AC power source.
2. Mains Fuse Holder fuse type 15A 117 volt Slow Blow fuse for 60Watt version.
5A 117 volt Slow Blow fuse for 100Watt version.
5A 117 volt Slow Blow fuse for 150Watt version.
3. Output Fuse Holder fuse type
600mA 117 volt Slow Blow fuse for 60Watt version.
800mA 117 volt Slow Blow fuse for 100Watt version.
1.2A 117 volt Slow Blow fuse for 150 Watt version.
4. Output Power Selector Switch (100 and 150 Watt version only)
Selects between Full Power and 50Watts Output Power.
5. Balanced DI Output
Provides a balanced output via 1/4" phone plug connector for low noise operation (i.e. for mixing consoles).
6. 16 Ohm Speaker Output Jack Provides audio power for 16 ohm speaker systems via 1/4" phone plug connector.
7. 8 Ohm Speaker Output Jack Provides audio power for 8 ohm speaker systems via 1/4" phone plug connector.
8 . Two 4 Ohm Speaker Output Jacks Provides audio power for 4 ohm speaker systems via 1/4" phone plug connector.
9. Effect Return Jack Accepts output from external effects devices via 1/4" phone plug.
10. Effect Send JackProvides signal for external effects devices via 1/4" phone plug.
Inside the Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier
11. Ground lift Rocker Switch Selects between normal polarity and ground lift for AC power source.
6. How to obtain a variety of Sounds from your Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier
Your Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier is capable of delivering a wide range of useful rhythm and lead guitar sounds. These sounds can be obtained by adjusting the Volume controls of each channel.
A. Clean Channel
To select the Clean Channel manually from the front panel, set the Channel Selector switch to the Clean position. Now the green LED is illuminated. To select the Clean channel with the Kitty Hawk Footswitch, set the Channel Selector switch to the Clean position and set the buttons on the Footswitch so that neither LED on the Footswitch is lit. Once you have selected the Clean Channel, the Clean Channel Volume control can be adjusted to determine the volume of your rhythm guitar sound. Consult the "Sample Settings Guide" (Section 15) for various sounds which can you can use as a starting point to create your own.
B. Lead Channel Settings
To select the Lead Channel manually from the front panel, set the Channel Selector switch to the Lead position. Now the red LED is illuminated. To select the Lead Channel with the Kitty Hawk Footswitch, set the Channel Selector switch to the Clean position and set the buttons on the Footswitch so that the red LED is lit. The Gain Control determines the amount of distortion present in the lead sound. The Master Volume control adjusts the loudness of the lead guitar sound. For a crunchy sound set the Gain Control to a maximum user level and use the Master Volume to control the loudness.
7. Using the Kitty Hawk Footswitch (optional)
Note: In order to operate the Kitty Hawk Footswitch, the Mode Selector Switch should be set to the position marked Clean.
1. Footswitch Connections Plug Footswitch into Channel Selection Footswitch Jack on front panel.
2. Clean Channel Selection Set both buttons so that neither LED (Red or Green) is illuminated.
3. Lead Channel Selection Depress Button B so that only Red LED is illuminated.
4. Boost Clean Channel Selection Depress Button A so that only Green LED is illuminated.
5. Boost Lead Channel Selection Depress Buttons A and B so that both Red and Green LEDīs are illuminated.
Note: Using the Boost Selection on Clean and Lead Channel gives you an extra 6dB of volume.
8. Using the Balanced DI Output
The Kitty Hawk Apache amplifier is equipped with a balanced DI output signal, (via transformer) for direct connection to a mixing console. The DI output can be used simultaneously with the connected speaker box. The typical signal level is 350mV at 1 Watt output power.
9. The Output Power Selector (100 and 150 watt models only)
This switch effectively disables two Output Tubes in the 100 watt version and four in the 150 watt version, thereby reducing the output power of the Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier.
Connecting your Speakers by using the speaker output jacks with the corresponding Speaker Impedance Configuration.
One 16 ohm speaker cabinet at the 16 Ohm outlet.
One 8 ohm speaker cabinet at the 8 Ohm outlet.
One 4 ohm speaker cabinet at the 4 Ohm outlet.
Two 8 ohm speaker cabinets parallel connected at the 4 Ohm
Note: The Kitty Hawk 4x12’’ cabinets have an impedance of 8 Ohm each, so a stack of two cabinets can be connected to the Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier.
10. Using the Ground Lift Rocker Switch
This switch is located inside the Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier, and can therefore only be adjusted with the amplifier’s rear panel removed. The switch is located in front of the Mains Transformer, and is set to the Off position normally. When operating the Apache Amplifier as a slave amp or when using one or more effect units, a ground loop may occur with audible 50/60 Hz hum. The Ground lift switch will effectively cancel the ground loop and related hum, when activated.
Note: Before using the Ground lift turn your Amplifier off, and give the Tubes a time to get cool. Make sure you are not running your system without a ground connection. Ask authorized service personnel for help.
11. How to connect external Effects Devices to your Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier
- Connect the Effects Send Jack on the rear panel of your amplifier to the Input Jack of your external effects device with a standard instrument cable.
- Connect the output jack of your external effects device to the Effects Return Jack on the rear panel of your amplifier.
- Adjust the Lead Channel Master Volume control so that your external effects device is receiving the correct input level.
- Next adjust your Clean Channel Volume control for the correct volume relative to the Lead Channels volume.
- Now the Output Level Control on your external effects device will act as your overall master volume control.
12. Trouble Shooting Guide
The following chart will help you determine the cause of most user-serviceable problems you may have with you Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier.
Should there be a need to remove the amplifier from its housing, please have an authorized service station do the work. This will void the warranty and compromise your safety.
There are no user-serviceable parts within the amplifier.
Problem Possible Cause Solution On/Off Rocker Switch is not lit Fuse is blown Replace Mains Fuse Tubes light, no sound Stand-By Rocker Switch is in Off position Turn Stand-By Rocker Switch to On position Tubes light, no sound Bad speaker cable Change cable Tubes light, no sound Faulty power tubes (Bad power tubes will often glow red) If you notice this condition, replace all power tubes, as one bad tube can damage others. (See Care and Maintenance Section B.) Tubes light, no sound Output Fuse is blown Replace fuse. Amp is generating too much hum Bad guitar cable Change cable to a proper shielded cable Amp squeals or whistles Microphonic pre-amp tubes Change the pre-amp tubes, starting from the Input Jack Footswitch doesn’t work Channel Selector Switch is not in Clean position Set Channel Selector Switch to Clean Position Amps lacks punch and clarity Bad pre-amp tubes Change the pre-amp tubes Amp is intermittent (turns off and on especially after loud playing) Bad power tubes Replace all power tubes immediately. Failure to do so could damage to the internal circuitry. Amp works, but no reverb bad reverb driver tube Change the reverb driver tube (Next to the Output Transformer) 13. Care and Maintenance
Your Kitty Hawk Amp is designed to provide years of trouble-free use if maintained properly. Please follow these directions for care and maintenance to obtain the most from your amplifier.
A. Identifying Tubes
The rich sound quality of the Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier is due to the use of vacuum tubes in all gain stages. As with any tube amplifier, your Kitty Hawk Amp will require periodic replacement of pre-amp and power tubes. Most problems you may experience with your amp will be due to imperfect or worn out tubes. Before taking your amp to a repair technician carefully read the "Trouble Shooting Guide" to determine if your problem is tube related.
The Kitty Hawk Apache Amplifier utilize five 12AX7 pre-amp tubes, with 2 x EL34 (6CA7) power tubes for the 50 watt Apache, 4 x EL34 (6CA7) power tubes for the 100 watt Apache,6 x EL34 (6CA7) power tubes for the 150 watt Apache.
Noise, crackling sounds, loss of gain and excessive squealing (microphonic) are some of the problems caused by bad tubes.
The pre-amp tubes are the smaller tubes located near the front panel of the amp. The power tubes are the large tubes located nearest to the back panel of the amp.
B. How to change Tubes
Unplug your amplifier from AC and put it up on a chair or table so you can easily reach the tubes. Remove the back panel by unscrewing the four screws which secure it. To remove power tubes, gently rock the tube back and forth while pulling it out of the socket. Install a new power tube by simply lining up the plastic key located on the tube base with the corresponding slot located on the tube socket. If the pins and plastic key are lined up, the tube should slide into the socket without being forced. To check if a power tube is correctly installed, turn the Power On/Off Switch to the On position with the Stand-By Rocker Switch in the Off position. If the tube lights, it is installed correctly.
To remove pre-amp tubes, gently move from side to side while pulling it out of the socket. To install a new tube, observe the position of the gap between the pins (all of the pins will be the same distance apart except for one spot where there is a blank space). This gap must line up with the corresponding gap in the tube socket. Line the tube up with the socket and gently move it around until you feel the pins sliding into the socket. Check that the tube is secure and seated upon the socket. If you accidentally bend a pin, you can straighten it out with a small pair of pliers.
How to Replace a Fuse
To replace a fuse, disconnect your amplifier from the AC power. Insert a flat head screwdriver into the slot on the fuse cap. Turn the fuse cap about a quarter turn counterclockwise while applying moderate pressure. This will release the spring loaded fuse cap. Be sure to replace the fuse with the correct value fuse as indicated on the rear panel of the amplifier.