Interpreting 5U4G rectifier test results on AVO 160CT - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Avon777 · 5th Nov 2013, 10:31 am

Hello to all members

I was wondering if anyone has experience testing rectifiers, specifically 5U4Gs on the AVO 160CT. When set at 120mA is ANY reading on the meter pointing inside the green area GOOD or is it a case of the higher the better?? Many thanks in advance.

Tim · 5th Nov 2013, 1:13 pm

I have an AVo VCM mk3, and as I understand it the tester simulates a load for the rectifier. Although I haven't used it for a while, your interpretation of rectifier test results seem familiar. Presumably the higher is better, but a valve in the bottom of the green, (or the amber for that matter) will probably work perfectly well for many years.
When testing a rectifier valve I quickly try it on the range above the one recommended, and see if it still delivers( as a measure of "goodness"). However with some of the more powerful rectifiers this isn't possible. In the case of full wave rectifiers, one should check BOTH halves, and that they are reasonably balanced. They almost certainly won't be exactly the same, but as long as they are both in the green there is probably nothing to worry about.

5th Nov 2013, 10:31 am	#1
Avon777 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Rome Posts: 1	Interpreting 5U4G rectifier test results on AVO 160CT Hello to all members I was wondering if anyone has experience testing rectifiers, specifically 5U4Gs on the AVO 160CT. When set at 120mA is ANY reading on the meter pointing inside the green area GOOD or is it a case of the higher the better?? Many thanks in advance.

5th Nov 2013, 1:13 pm	#2
Tim Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 3,310	Re: Interpreting 5UG4 rectifier test results on AVO 160CT I have an AVo VCM mk3, and as I understand it the tester simulates a load for the rectifier. Although I haven't used it for a while, your interpretation of rectifier test results seem familiar. Presumably the higher is better, but a valve in the bottom of the green, (or the amber for that matter) will probably work perfectly well for many years. When testing a rectifier valve I quickly try it on the range above the one recommended, and see if it still delivers( as a measure of "goodness"). However with some of the more powerful rectifiers this isn't possible. In the case of full wave rectifiers, one should check BOTH halves, and that they are reasonably balanced. They almost certainly won't be exactly the same, but as long as they are both in the green there is probably nothing to worry about. __________________ "Nothing is as dangerous as being too modern;one is apt to grow old fashioned quite suddenly."