Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: LooseChange on December 22, 2012, 02:59:09 pm

Title: Pilot light wiring
Post by: LooseChange on December 22, 2012, 02:59:09 pm

Hey everybody... Happy holidays!

Got a PT with 6.3v and 5.0v windings. I'm not using a tube rectifier. Is there any reason why I can't use the 5.0v winding to power the pilot light? It would make for a perfect termination of the otherwise unused wires.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Pilot light wiring
Post by: jim on December 22, 2012, 03:38:11 pm
Hi Dan,  A bright unwavering 6V AC pilot on my working amp means to me "heaters on and all is OK--plug in geetar".  5V lights most bulbs fine though-a bit dim.  You can better use that 5V line for DC preamp heaters, fans, LED pilot, relays for a boost. I added a LED lit computer fan for some bling on my Carolina Blues Special. There are just more interesting things to do with it.  Jim
Title: Re: Pilot light wiring
Post by: SILVERGUN on December 22, 2012, 04:06:05 pm
Absolutely no reason you can't use it for that, BUT, in line with what Jim's saying,,,maybe you want to check out Dougs new 5V relay board and ps board:
http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=14598.0 (http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=14598.0)

You could run a power LED indicator, and then use the relay to silently switch a boost, effects loop, etc. etc. and have another LED indicator for that switched function......cheap way to make a cool mod
Just tap the DC feed for your power LED right off of the relay power supply board.....

That should work OK, even though the boards were designed to run off of 6.3Vac......right?.....5Vac rectified to 7Vdc should satisfy the voltage regulator........unless I'm missing something :dontknow:
Title: Re: Pilot light wiring
Post by: LooseChange on December 22, 2012, 04:14:07 pm
Nice lights!
This amp has no boost function. It's a very simple high powered amp. I have always just terminated the 5v to a couple of eyelets on the board.
I don't like bright lights. I often use a 14v bulb in the pilot light so I figure the 5v is gonna be bright enough. :)

A bright unwavering 6V AC pilot on my working amp means to me "heaters on and all is OK--plug in geetar
Let's think about the 6.3v heater string:
If there is a short in the heaters, the fuse is gonna blow.
If the heaters are open, what's the pilot light gonna tell you?
When would the pilot light actually waver?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Pilot light wiring
Post by: Willabe on December 22, 2012, 04:17:58 pm
And Happy holidays to you Dan!     :icon_biggrin:


Quote from: LooseChange on December 22, 2012, 02:59:09 pm

Is there any reason why I can't use the 5.0v winding to power the pilot light?


Well WW Frank or Jerry D?


                 Brad        :laugh:
Title: Re: Pilot light wiring
Post by: kagliostro on December 22, 2012, 04:22:09 pm
LooseChange

I think your idea is fine, why not ?



K