Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: 12AX7 on January 23, 2013, 04:52:35 pm

Title: SS to tube recto....what kind of voltage drop can i expect at PT plates?
Post by: 12AX7 on January 23, 2013, 04:52:35 pm
I had a tube recto when i first built this marshall type amp. But i can't recall the voltages. Right now i have 440 on the el34 plates with a SS recto and 100/100uf main cap can that i would swap to a 32/32uf along with the tube rectifier if i do this. from 440v on the plates, what do you think it will drop to with a 5AR4? Also, can i just swap in various rectos (yes, i know i'd have to rebias) and if so what kind of drop with a 5U4GB or a GZ34, assuming i can use either. PT is a hammond, but i can't recall the model.
Title: Re: SS to tube recto....what kind of voltage drop can i expect at PT plates?
Post by: sluckey on January 23, 2013, 06:09:49 pm
Yes
Title: Re: SS to tube recto....what kind of voltage drop can i expect at PT plates?
Post by: 12AX7 on January 23, 2013, 06:37:58 pm
I know it WILL drop, i was just asking if anyone knew by how much.
Title: Re: SS to tube recto....what kind of voltage drop can i expect at PT plates?
Post by: John on January 23, 2013, 06:59:38 pm
Extremely useful chart put together by Tubenit and I think Geezer? Anyway, it's all there. :smiley:
Title: Re: SS to tube recto....what kind of voltage drop can i expect at PT plates?
Post by: sluckey on January 23, 2013, 07:14:08 pm
I know it WILL drop, i was just asking if anyone knew by how much.
Very vague info. You have the amp. Why don't you just do it then tell us the results. Should be safe.
Title: Re: SS to tube recto....what kind of voltage drop can i expect at PT plates?
Post by: HotBluePlates on January 23, 2013, 09:10:32 pm
And while the chart reflects actual observations, actual resulting B+ is a complex interaction between PT voltage output, PT current ratings, rectifier tube voltage drop (usually seen as a set amount of resistance, so more drop for more current), filter cap size and load current drawn by the amp.

RDH4 doesn't give any kind of equations, but a series of ways to evaluate the different variables above, then have you make reference to a series of charts that summarize the hard math for you. It's an involved process to predict the actual resulting B+ from a power supply.
Title: Re: SS to tube recto....what kind of voltage drop can i expect at PT plates?
Post by: 12AX7 on January 23, 2013, 10:39:58 pm
Thanks.