Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Toxophilite on January 16, 2014, 02:14:42 am

Title: Another B+ question, different Amp (On my 5F11 Vibrolux build)
Post by: Toxophilite on January 16, 2014, 02:14:42 am
On my 5F11 Vibrolux build, (the messy point to point one in the small chassis)
I get some high B+ voltages
It's built to the schematic and it has the proper tube compliment for the build all plugged in
THe only changes are a baxandall tone stack and a classic fender 2 input rather than the 3 on the original

At pin 8 of the rectifier I have about                        382
 at the next cap(after the 470 ohm resistor) I have     380
and on the screens and the plates of the 6V6s            380
the next little node after the 220k resistor and cap I have 299
 On my phase inverter I have  247 and   208
and on my preamp 1/2 12AX7 I have - 195
and the tremelo half has - a vacillating voltage around 170 to 235

THese are all around 30-50 over what they should be for the schematic

The amp works well, really quite loud
The tremelo dworks well too

I'm just curious if it could be a problem and what should I do to rectify it?

Just for fun I tried my SS rectifier in there and the B+ at the plates jumped to around 405-407..just like my AB763lite build

This unit has a Hammond transformer that I have the specs for
It's supposed to have 310 on the secondaries but actually reads about 335
This is because of the change in wall current right?





Title: Re: Another B+ question, different Amp
Post by: stratele52 on January 16, 2014, 03:31:49 am
It might be  the "wrong" Hammond transformer  for this amp .
Or bias is too cold .
Wall outlet ? Just read it . you'll know.

Did you know , If, for same amp you buy 2 differents transformers . One with 310 volts at 70 ma and the other one 310 volts at 120 ma .

You'll have more B+ voltage with the last one.

Secondary voltage is accurate if you use the proper load ( ma )
Title: Re: Another B+ question, different Amp
Post by: sluckey on January 16, 2014, 05:57:02 am
Quote
the next little node after the 220k resistor
You really mean 22K, right?

Quote
I'm just curious if it could be a problem and what should I do to rectify it?
Those voltages look fine. Using a NOS 5Y3 will drop the B+ some, unless you are already using a NOS 5Y3.

Quote
This is because of the change in wall current right?
Yes. Today's line voltage is about 10 to 12% higher than back in the 1950s. Your B+ is about 12% higher than the old schematic shows.
Title: Re: Another B+ question, different Amp
Post by: stratele52 on January 16, 2014, 06:17:26 am
Quote
the next little node after the 220k resistor
You really mean 22K, right?

Quote
I'm just curious if it could be a problem and what should I do to rectify it?
Those voltages look fine. Using a NOS 5Y3 will drop the B+ some, unless you are already using a NOS 5Y3.

Quote
This is because of the change in wall current right?
Yes. Today's line voltage is about 10 to 12% higher than back in the 1950s. Your B+ is about 12% higher than the old schematic shows.

I understand a new built use a new Hammond PT , Today Hammond PT use today's line voltage . No need to ad 10-15%
Title: Re: Another B+ question, different Amp
Post by: Toxophilite on January 16, 2014, 10:14:40 am
Ooops
Yes , you're right
I mean 22K resistor and the Hammond transformers are probably about 60 years old
The PT is a Hammond 272Z60 rated 310-310 secondary volts 70ma
I'm using an old RCA 5Y3

Thanks! I won't worry about it then
All is well
Title: Re: Another B+ question, different Amp
Post by: stratele52 on January 16, 2014, 03:03:31 pm
Ooops
Yes , you're right
I mean 22K resistor and the Hammond transformers are probably about 60 years old
The PT is a Hammond 272Z60 rated 310-310 secondary volts 70ma
I'm using an old RCA 5Y3

Thanks! I won't worry about it then
All is well

Old hammond are made for 110 Vac primary , today with 120 and sometimes more secondary are higher.
Title: Re: Another B+ question, different Amp
Post by: HotBluePlates on January 16, 2014, 07:54:22 pm
The PT is a Hammond 272Z60 rated 310-310 secondary volts 70ma
I'm using an old RCA 5Y3

If you look again at that catalog download, you'll see the chart with the 272Z60 has a heading that says the primary is 115v.

It's supposed to have 310 on the secondaries but actually reads about 335

335v-310v = 25v  ->  25v/310v = ~8%
124v-115v = 9v   ->   9v / 115v = ~7.8%

I'm guessing your wall voltage is between 124-125vac.
Title: Re: Another B+ question, different Amp
Post by: Toxophilite on January 16, 2014, 10:01:10 pm
Bonus!
Too bad I don't pay for it here or I'd think I was getting a deal!