Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Ledvedder on November 07, 2022, 02:09:47 pm

Title: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: Ledvedder on November 07, 2022, 02:09:47 pm
I'm just wondering if these voltages are acceptable on my new 5e3 build? B+2 seems a bit high at 333V, which is also affecting pin 4 on the power tubes. Also, the v1 voltages seem a bit low. I've noted my voltages in pen on the attached image.
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: sluckey on November 07, 2022, 02:27:12 pm
Look fine to me.
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: bmccowan on November 07, 2022, 02:48:59 pm
When I get that close to spec, I am extremely happy and have a beer. Since its election season... they are all within the margin of error. Play it yet?
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: Ledvedder on November 07, 2022, 07:24:05 pm
sounds ok. Not great yet. I think I'm having an issue. The NFB switch works in only position 1. In the center position, the sound just fizzles out. In the 3rd position, I get sound, but as soon as I whack a note, it fizzles out.

I'm, also having a hard time deciphering which side of the bias switch is stock 5e3, and which is fixed bias.
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: sluckey on November 07, 2022, 07:54:13 pm
I'm, also having a hard time deciphering which side of the bias switch is stock 5e3, and which is fixed bias.
In the stock position there will be zero vdc on pin 5 of the output tubes and some positive vdc on pin 8.

In fixed bias there will be some negative voltage on pin 5 and zero volts on pin 8.
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: Ledvedder on November 07, 2022, 08:32:40 pm
I'm, also having a hard time deciphering which side of the bias switch is stock 5e3, and which is fixed bias.
In the stock position there will be zero vdc on pin 5 of the output tubes and some positive vdc on pin 8.

In fixed bias there will be some negative voltage on pin 5 and zero volts on pin 8.

This is with the output tubes installed?
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: thetragichero on November 07, 2022, 08:40:13 pm
fixed bias with or without tubes installed. cathode bias there won't be negative voltage on the grid but there also won't be positive voltage on the cathode without tubes installed
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: Ledvedder on November 07, 2022, 09:24:10 pm
I'm, also having a hard time deciphering which side of the bias switch is stock 5e3, and which is fixed bias.
In the stock position there will be zero vdc on pin 5 of the output tubes and some positive vdc on pin 8.

In fixed bias there will be some negative voltage on pin 5 and zero volts on pin 8.
This helped me determine which switch position was fixed vs cathode. Thanks!

Now to figure out what's going on with the NFB switch.
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: JPK on November 07, 2022, 10:24:46 pm
You may need to flip the OT primary leads for the NF. With my 18 watt AX84 October I had to do that. It will make a nasty noise if it's wrong. I had a switch to turn NF on or off. I haven't looked at what your three way does.


 Also had to increase tail resistor for fixed bias. It was a little too hot even with the pots dialed all the way down (I had one for each tube).
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: Ledvedder on November 08, 2022, 05:44:35 am
You may need to flip the OT primary leads for the NF. With my 18 watt AX84 October I had to do that. It will make a nasty noise if it's wrong. I had a switch to turn NF on or off. I haven't looked at what your three way does.


 Also had to increase tail resistor for fixed bias. It was a little too hot even with the pots dialed all the way down (I had one for each tube).

My 3 way switch is doing stock mode/no v2a bypass cap/56k NFB with no bypass cap. I've attached the diagram.

I haven't gotten to the fixed bias adjustment yet. Did you just use the instructions here, https://robrobinette.com/Tube_Bias_Calculator.htm?
Title: Re: New 5e3 build voltage check
Post by: JPK on November 08, 2022, 11:17:55 am
You may need to flip the OT primary leads for the NF. With my 18 watt AX84 October I had to do that. It will make a nasty noise if it's wrong. I had a switch to turn NF on or off. I haven't looked at what your three way does.


 Also had to increase tail resistor for fixed bias. It was a little too hot even with the pots dialed all the way down (I had one for each tube).

My 3 way switch is doing stock mode/no v2a bypass cap/56k NFB with no bypass cap. I've attached the diagram.

I haven't gotten to the fixed bias adjustment yet. Did you just use the instructions here, https://robrobinette.com/Tube_Bias_Calculator.htm? (https://robrobinette.com/Tube_Bias_Calculator.htm?)


I can't remember if I used that since I built the amp 10 years ago. I ended up using 24ma for my 6V6GT's. I used 1 ohm in line resistors and had test ports on mine which were really handy. Whatever you measure in mv is the ma bias current.


PS: I ordered my 5E3 kit from Boothill today. My build is going to be super stretched out time-wise. I like taking my time especially since I'm retired. Hopefully it's not done before xmas.  :sleepy2: