Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: samato on January 19, 2011, 02:16:45 pm

Title: 1ohm 10W power resistor on Cathode?
Post by: samato on January 19, 2011, 02:16:45 pm
I want to be able to bias using the 1ohm cathode resistor method on my adjustable, fixed bias AB763 build with (2) 6v6 tubes.  

I have a couple of those big, white, 10W resistors that measure exactly 1ohm (actually they read 1.3ohms but my meter reads .3ohms with both probes shorted together).  The package these resistors came in says maximum working voltage is 350V.

I know these are physically larger than what is needed for this purpose but is it okay to use them?  Would there be any reason not to other than the size/space?
Title: Re: 1ohm 10W power resistor on Cathode?
Post by: Leevi on January 19, 2011, 03:17:13 pm
Of course they are OK for that purpose but you could also use lower Wattage resistors.
The current through these resistors is low which means you don't need any power resistors there.
/Leevi
Title: Re: 1ohm 10W power resistor on Cathode?
Post by: samato on January 19, 2011, 03:31:54 pm
Thanks.  Yeah, I just couldn't find any other 1ohm resistors locally.
Title: Re: 1ohm 10W power resistor on Cathode?
Post by: Cathode_ray on August 06, 2011, 08:27:53 am
Are the 1ohm resistors Dougsells adequate for this app?
Title: Re: 1ohm 10W power resistor on Cathode?
Post by: sluckey on August 06, 2011, 08:38:46 am
Did you read Doug's description?
Title: Re: 1ohm 10W power resistor on Cathode?
Post by: bluesbear on August 06, 2011, 08:39:41 am
That's what he sells them for.
Dave
Title: Re: 1ohm 10W power resistor on Cathode?
Post by: HotBluePlates on August 07, 2011, 12:13:16 am
For those that wonder, do a sanity check regarding the 1 ohm resistors.

If you output tube passes 130mA, in most cases that will be way too much.

Use ohm's law: voltage = current * resistance. voltage = 0.130A * 1 = 0.13v

Calculate power: power = voltage * current. power = 0.13v * 0.13A = 0.017 watts

Rate the resistor for at least double the expected power dissipation. So, a 1/2w resistor is more than adequate.

If you're comforatble with math, and understand the concept, you can calculate power in one step.
Title: Re: 1ohm 10W power resistor on Cathode?
Post by: Tiny_Daddy on August 07, 2011, 10:55:58 am
I use 1 watt for 6l6 or 2 watts for KT88. Reason is if something goes wrong the resistor may open and give a troubleshooting clue. Larger wattage resistors just hang in there until the mains fuse goes.