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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals  (Read 3099 times)

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Offline Pollys13a

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Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« 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,

Offline isaac_teller

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Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2023, 01:16:27 pm »

Offline 66Strat

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Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« Reply #2 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
Regards,
JT

Offline sluckey

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Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2023, 01:27:23 pm »
Google search for "rca receiving tube manual". Many formats... paperback, CD, or free pdf.
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline pdf64

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Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« Reply #4 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
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Offline PRR

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Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« Reply #5 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)



Offline Pollys13a

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Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« Reply #6 on: August 24, 2023, 02:35:38 am »
OK thanks people I'll go with the free PDF of RC-30 by RCA.

Offline dwinstonwood

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Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2023, 05:12:13 am »
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/

Offline HotBluePlates

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Re: Tube Data Sheets & RCA Manuals
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2023, 10:11:31 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.

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.

 


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