Before I Drive Myself Nuts!!

[pwdrive]

Ok,
Using an Avo 7 (I must use this more so please excuse me if I am reading this incorrectly - lesson for me here) with the AC set to resistance and DC set to ohms, across the mains leads is zero R (switch off) and a shade under 200R (needle to the rhs of meter) with the switch on. From the body of the dual cap (I assume you mean the reservoir cap) the resistance is also just under 200R. Dose this suggest that I have a short to earth somewhere on the ht side?

Thanks

Rob

Hi Rob, when you say "zero R" with switch off we are assumming a dead short (meter needle at FSD and not at infinity) if this is the case then it sounds like the mains switch is shorting out L & N in the off position, if that is the case then clearly something wrong there so double check the switch and it's wiring configuration, also be aware from a safety point of view of making sure it is finally wired so the chassis is not live (sometimes easy to forget when in a fluster with another fault)
If the switch and wiring and mains filter cap is then all ok then do that R check again across the mains plug using Steves figures for approximate R reading.
If all that goes ok then before connecting to the mains you need to check the HT side of the rectifier for any low readings, if anything suspicious then you will need to sort that out before applying power. When checking the HT side of the rectifier for resistance reading the meter needle should kick over then return as the Resevior/filter caps charge up. I have not got the circuit in front of me but the meter should retorn and settle and read several K ohm from HT to chassis, this value will depend if there are any bleeders (voltage dividers) in the design.
Keep at it and work methodically.

Lawrence.