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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Please help me understand this DC heater circuit  (Read 1899 times)

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Offline TenderTendon

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Please help me understand this DC heater circuit
« on: February 09, 2023, 11:43:01 pm »
I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out how the optional DC heater circuit in the attached schematic would supply adequate voltage (6.3vdc) to valves 1 and 2. Every time I look at it, the best I can see it supplying is 4-5 volts at best. Could someone please explain how this works? Thank you.
You mess with the bull, you get the horns...

Offline sluckey

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Re: Please help me understand this DC heater circuit
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2023, 05:14:41 am »
6.3Vrms = 8.9Vpk. The FWB will produce 8.9vdc - 1.2v (two diode drop) = 7.7vdc unloaded. The two tubes will need .6A current for typical operation. This .6A load will cause the unloaded 7.7vdc to drop, probably to around 6V, maybe higher, certainly enough to heat the tubes properly.

Why do you think it will only supply 4-5 volts?
« Last Edit: February 10, 2023, 08:25:59 am by sluckey »
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline TenderTendon

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Re: Please help me understand this DC heater circuit
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2023, 06:07:12 am »
6.3Vrms = 8.9Vpp. The FWB will produce 8.9vdc - 1.2v (two diode drop) = 7.7vdc unloaded. The two tubes will need .6A current for typical operation. This .6A load will cause the unloaded 7.7vdc to drop, probably to around 6V, maybe higher, certainly enough to heat the tubes properly.

Why do you think it will only supply 4-5 volts?

Christ.... I can't believe I wasted all that time, simply because I forgot about the RMS of the wave. I was working with 6.3v peak to peak.  :BangHead: Thank you for the lesson!
You mess with the bull, you get the horns...

Offline sluckey

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Re: Please help me understand this DC heater circuit
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2023, 08:28:51 am »
8.9Vpp should be 8.9Vpk
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

 


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