Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: J Rindt on August 01, 2010, 05:19:50 am

Title: HRDx cathode diode
Post by: J Rindt on August 01, 2010, 05:19:50 am
I tried searching for this, but it became a herculean task. What is the purpose of the  diode in parallel with the 1 ohm cathode resistor, on the power tubes do?
Thank You
http://www.schematicheaven.com/fenderamps/hotrod_deluxe.pdf
Title: Re: HRDx cathode diode
Post by: LooseChange on August 01, 2010, 06:05:44 am
I'm going to guess it's there if the 1ohm burns. The 1 ohm is there to check the bias of the two tubes.
Title: Re: HRDx cathode diode
Post by: PRR on August 01, 2010, 09:33:03 pm
I'm going to be rude and say "It's stupid".

There is NO way that resistor is in-trouble in normal operation. It takes 1 Amp to cook it, the tubes will never get over 0.2A-0.3A RMS, 0.4A peak. So the diode never does anything in normal operation.

If the 1 ohm 1W resistor is endangered, the 6L6es and PT are already cooking. I'd rather have the 1 ohm burn than have the diodfe "save" it so the expensive stuff burns.
Title: Re: HRDx cathode diode
Post by: J Rindt on August 01, 2010, 09:38:44 pm
I'm going to be rude and say "It's stupid".

There is NO way that resistor is in-trouble in normal operation. It takes 1 Amp to cook it, the tubes will never get over 0.2A-0.3A RMS, 0.4A peak. So the diode never does anything in normal operation.

If the 1 ohm 1W resistor is endangered, the 6L6es and PT are already cooking. I'd rather have the 1 ohm burn than have the diodfe "save" it so the expensive stuff burns.
Thank You
That is kind of what I thought, but do not have enough electronics knowledge to justify shooting my mouth off. I wonder if Fender had problems/foresaw problems in this part of the power supply. is this something that is common in modern day Fenders?
Thanks Again
Title: Re: HRDx cathode diode
Post by: jjasilli on August 02, 2010, 09:47:37 am
I'm guessing it's some kind of failsafe protection in conjunction with the diodes on the plates.