Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: duke of earl on April 23, 2010, 06:13:04 pm

Title: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: duke of earl on April 23, 2010, 06:13:04 pm
My first build was a 2-6L6 Fixed-Bias AB-763 circuit. How hard would it be to build this in cathode bias?
Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: phsyconoodler on April 23, 2010, 06:28:21 pm
Easy.
  But.....you need to have fixed bias to operate the trem circuit,as it takes afeed off the bias supply.If you were to implement a bias-vary trem like a vibro-champ or princeton reverb,then you would have no problems.
 
Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: FYL on April 23, 2010, 06:30:19 pm
Lift the bias circuit, ground the 220K grid R's, insert a cathode R + C - the actual value depends on the actual amp, but 250 to 500R + 25 to 100µF @ 50V are OK with most builds with a sub 400V plate V - and you're done.

You may add a switch and some glue in order to be able to choose fixed or cathode bias, cf. for instance http://www.londonpower.com/cath-fix.htm
You may also play with the cathode bias circuit Da Geezer-style and get a switchable power amp, cf. http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=8858.msg79683

Lots of possibilities here...



Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: FYL on April 23, 2010, 06:37:18 pm
Quote
  But.....you need to have fixed bias to operate the trem circuit,as it takes afeed off the bias supply.If you were to implement a bias-vary trem like a vibro-champ or princeton reverb,then you would have no problems.

Good point. You can also go Vox-style and reference the 220K's to the trem section while keeping the 6L6's in cathode bias.

Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: duke of earl on April 23, 2010, 08:33:40 pm
Thanks guys. I like the versatility of both methods. I use Dougs Layout and boards so you know the tremolo method that I'm using.
Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: chocopower on April 26, 2010, 08:32:05 am
Thats the way i used:

Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: PRR on April 27, 2010, 09:28:21 pm
> you need to have fixed bias to operate the trem circuit,as it takes afeed off the bias supply.

No.

The "bias supply" for a cathode-biased stage is just ground.
Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: phsyconoodler on June 15, 2010, 06:08:12 pm
Yes indeed,but there is a wire that runs from the bias supply to the top of the trem circuit.A 2.2meg resistor.
Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: HotBluePlates on June 16, 2010, 01:35:55 am
Well, he did say he's using a Hoffman layout.

There is a wire, #12, that runs from the Intensity pot to the bias supply. Pretend the bias supply doesn't exist. Wire #12 goes to ground, perhaps at the buss on the back of the pot.
Title: Re: Cathode-Bias AB-763?
Post by: phsyconoodler on June 16, 2010, 01:17:06 pm
Ah yes,I missed the Hoffman layout part :toothy6: