Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Pollys13a on August 23, 2023, 12:57:08 pm

Title: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: Pollys13a on August 23, 2023, 12:57:08 pm

Whats the best source for tube data sheets and manuals, manuals which give fuller information, like examples of circuits? I think an edition of an RCA manual would be what I'm after?
Thanks,

Title: Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: isaac_teller on August 23, 2023, 01:16:27 pm

http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/

Title: Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: 66Strat on August 23, 2023, 01:24:47 pm

I like the link below for tube data. For RCA manuals, I like RC30 for the most complete and latest data, and earlier versions for reference to obsolete tube data.

http://www.tubebooks.org/tube_data.htm (http://www.tubebooks.org/tube_data.htm)

Title: Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: sluckey on August 23, 2023, 01:27:23 pm

Google search for "rca receiving tube manual". Many formats... paperback, CD, or free pdf.

Title: Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: pdf64 on August 23, 2023, 01:27:41 pm

For valve info Frank tends to be the best source https://frank.pocnet.net/

There’s a massive library of textbooks and manuals at tubebooks.org
eg http://tubebooks.org/tubedata/RC30.pdf

Title: Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: PRR on August 23, 2023, 08:40:38 pm

For datasheets beyond what RCA and Raytheon bound up: FRANKS!
https://frank.pocnet.net/
Frank's Search tool stopped working. I have been using the Romanian mirror:
https://bms.isjtr.ro/search.html
(Board of education in Alexandria, Romania; so probably a faculty/staff personal page)

Title: Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: Pollys13a on August 24, 2023, 02:35:38 am

OK thanks people I'll go with the free PDF of RC-30 by RCA.

Title: Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: dwinstonwood on August 24, 2023, 05:12:13 am

Quote from: PRR on August 23, 2023, 08:40:38 pm

For datasheets beyond what RCA and Raytheon bound up: FRANKS!

In Philly, back in the 80's, they said, “Is it Frank’s? Thanks.”

https://www.phillymag.com/news/2010/04/12/the-cheesesteak-of-beverages/

Title: Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
Post by: HotBluePlates on August 24, 2023, 10:11:31 pm

Quote from: Pollys13a on August 23, 2023, 12:57:08 pm

Whats the best source for tube data sheets and manuals, manuals which give fuller information, like examples of circuits? I think an edition of an RCA manual would be what I'm after?

Lies, Damned Lies, and Tube Amp Tech Advice!!


It is a fiction from vintage guitar magazine tech articles that old amps were built out of "example circuits in tube manuals."  I went looking for the same thing 20 years ago, and found those statements were bunk.


Strat66 pointed you to a great resource for manuals at tubebooks.org.  But now go over to a different section, and read the old books on electronics & tube basics (http://tubebooks.org/technical_books_online.htm).

Then you'll have to talk through some simple designs with others who understand how to interpret the How's & Why's of the design.