The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. - Page 11 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Ed_Dinning · 28th Feb 2010, 10:09 am

Hi Gents, transformers still available, I'm winding some for the US at present.

Ed

Andymic · 28th Feb 2010, 11:34 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordholder

Use Rapid 65-1060 50k 10t pot

Mike,

Thanks.

All,

Please note updated BOM. http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au8eUAE2eGAZdE9mb3A5NzIzX3RjWVJxOXBPSHpfMlE&hl=en_GB
If anyone spots a discrepancy please let me know.

Andy

FRANK.C · 1st Mar 2010, 11:40 am

Hi Mike
Sorry if this has been asked before. I had a look through the post and didn't find this question.

In the circuit diagram R3(1M) and R4(10K) are connected in series is this correct?

Thanks in advance
Frank

swordholder · 1st Mar 2010, 12:33 pm

Frank,
Yes this is corect, the 10k is mounted as close as possible to the gate, acting as a stopper.
Possibly an overkill, sort of "belt and braces"
Regards
Mike

FRANK.C · 1st Mar 2010, 12:54 pm

Hi Mike
Thanks for clarifying that I didn't understand what it was for.
For the sake of a resistor it is better to be safe than sorry.

Frank

jakamp58 · 1st Mar 2010, 2:10 pm

Andy,

Looking over the schematics and BOM, the qty of relays is 3 instead of the noted 2.

Jan

real2real · 1st Mar 2010, 4:12 pm

Mike
I have a 20 k ten turn, I don't see this as a problem, can you confirm ?, its still well within dissipation etc.
Regards
Andy

swordholder · 1st Mar 2010, 4:38 pm

Andy,
I used a 30k just because I had one, I normally say get a 50k, but yours should work OK, although I haven't tried it
Mike

Andymic · 2nd Mar 2010, 10:02 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakamp58

Looking over the schematics and BOM, the qty of relays is 3 instead of the noted 2.

yes indeed. I had RL1,2 & 3 but hadn't changed the qty.

Thanks

Andymic · 6th Mar 2010, 12:08 am

This has gone quiet.

Is everybody building........................?

Guitarist28 · 6th Mar 2010, 12:37 am

...yes, albeit very slowly!

Rob

Pamphonica · 6th Mar 2010, 7:26 pm

I may have missed this point earlier, as the thread is quite a long one now. I am looking at my own transformer stock to see if I have something suitable.

What is the maximum anode current that can be accurately measured for a given transformer. By my calcs, if the transformer actually produces 250V RMS at 120mA load (as per Ed's version) you could potentially produce (after rectification) about 350V at about 85mA . Does this mean that some output valves like EL34 or KT88/6550 may be pretty near max capability given screen current as well.
Given this should I be looking for a 250V 150-200mA winding to give some headroom?
Any enlightenment welcome.
Many thanks

swordholder · 7th Mar 2010, 12:23 pm

Jeremy,
I have used a prototype of Ed transformer with no problems, as I don't tend to leave valves on extended soak test.
Possibly your approach may be better if extended soak testing is envisaged, perhaps Ed may like to comment, as transformer theory is not my forte.
Mike

Ed_Dinning · 7th Mar 2010, 8:09 pm

Hi Mike, Jeremy, the transformer is rated at 100mA on the HT winding for continuous operation and is designed to give the correct output at this level of current, while not overheating.
Short sessions (10-15 secs) at currents up to 300mA , repeated at say 10 min intervals should not be a problem for the transformer.
However, if this is done near max voltage from the regulator, the additional resistive losses in the transformer may cause the anode and screen voltages to reduce on load due to regulation within the transformer.

Hope this helps, Ed

Pamphonica · 7th Mar 2010, 10:19 pm

Thanks Ed, that clears things up. I am sure the spec is fine for all normal uses. As I suspected, there may be an impact on the highest HTs but not at lower HT settings.

All I was trying to get straight is the RMS vs rectified DC currents. If the winding gives 100mA at 250V RMS and it is rectified, the DC current limit from the smoothing cap is derated to about 70mA. But at all normal settings (eg 250V DC), there will be ample headroom in the regulator section if slight excess current is drawn for short periods.

Thanks

real2real · 12th Mar 2010, 11:47 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andymic

Is everybody building........................?

Andy

Yes, got my transformer from Ed yesterday..forgot to order any knobs!
Andy

Alpha_PA · 12th Mar 2010, 5:07 pm

I have just joined this forum and love the look of this project.
Could Martin and Ed please email me their details for purchase of PCB and Tx.

Many Thanks
Alan

E-mail address removed. Please use Private Message system for communication.

Andymic · 13th Mar 2010, 1:36 am

Chaps,

I've made a couple of changes to the BOM.
The connector for an external heater supply would have been grounded to the chassis and was only rated at 1A 24V. I couldn't find a decent alternative so I've substituted with a pair of 4mm sockets.
If anyone has a better idea I would appreciate it.

Andy

Stockden · 13th Mar 2010, 10:50 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andymic

Is everybody building........................?

My meters arrived from China yesterday (having taken 3 weeks) so I'm just about ready to start construction.

Hugh

Andymic · 13th Mar 2010, 9:23 pm

I have been designing my panels using Front Panel designer.

See attached

28th Feb 2010, 10:09 am	#201
Ed_Dinning Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 8,910	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Hi Gents, transformers still available, I'm winding some for the US at present. Ed

1st Mar 2010, 11:40 am	#203
FRANK.C Heptode Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Roscommon, Ireland Posts: 760	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Hi Mike Sorry if this has been asked before. I had a look through the post and didn't find this question. In the circuit diagram R3(1M) and R4(10K) are connected in series is this correct? Thanks in advance Frank

1st Mar 2010, 12:33 pm	#204
swordholder Rest in Peace Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: East Preston, Sussex Posts: 162	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Frank, Yes this is corect, the 10k is mounted as close as possible to the gate, acting as a stopper. Possibly an overkill, sort of "belt and braces" Regards Mike

1st Mar 2010, 12:54 pm	#205
FRANK.C Heptode Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Roscommon, Ireland Posts: 760	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Hi Mike Thanks for clarifying that I didn't understand what it was for. For the sake of a resistor it is better to be safe than sorry. Frank

1st Mar 2010, 2:10 pm	#206
jakamp58 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Groningen, Netherlands. Posts: 3	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Andy, Looking over the schematics and BOM, the qty of relays is 3 instead of the noted 2. Jan

1st Mar 2010, 4:12 pm	#207
real2real Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Barnham, Nr Bognor Regis, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 40	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Mike I have a 20 k ten turn, I don't see this as a problem, can you confirm ?, its still well within dissipation etc. Regards Andy

1st Mar 2010, 4:38 pm	#208
swordholder Rest in Peace Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: East Preston, Sussex Posts: 162	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Andy, I used a 30k just because I had one, I normally say get a 50k, but yours should work OK, although I haven't tried it Mike

6th Mar 2010, 12:08 am	#210
Andymic Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Harrow, London, UK. Posts: 78	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. This has gone quiet. Is everybody building........................?

6th Mar 2010, 12:37 am	#211
Guitarist28 Heptode Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hockley, Essex, UK. Posts: 582	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. ...yes, albeit very slowly! Rob

6th Mar 2010, 7:26 pm	#212
Pamphonica Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 3,200	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. I may have missed this point earlier, as the thread is quite a long one now. I am looking at my own transformer stock to see if I have something suitable. What is the maximum anode current that can be accurately measured for a given transformer. By my calcs, if the transformer actually produces 250V RMS at 120mA load (as per Ed's version) you could potentially produce (after rectification) about 350V at about 85mA . Does this mean that some output valves like EL34 or KT88/6550 may be pretty near max capability given screen current as well. Given this should I be looking for a 250V 150-200mA winding to give some headroom? Any enlightenment welcome. Many thanks __________________ Jeremy, BVWS Chairman, BVWTM Friend, G8MLK, VMARS. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

7th Mar 2010, 12:23 pm	#213
swordholder Rest in Peace Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: East Preston, Sussex Posts: 162	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Jeremy, I have used a prototype of Ed transformer with no problems, as I don't tend to leave valves on extended soak test. Possibly your approach may be better if extended soak testing is envisaged, perhaps Ed may like to comment, as transformer theory is not my forte. Mike

7th Mar 2010, 8:09 pm	#214
Ed_Dinning Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 8,910	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Hi Mike, Jeremy, the transformer is rated at 100mA on the HT winding for continuous operation and is designed to give the correct output at this level of current, while not overheating. Short sessions (10-15 secs) at currents up to 300mA , repeated at say 10 min intervals should not be a problem for the transformer. However, if this is done near max voltage from the regulator, the additional resistive losses in the transformer may cause the anode and screen voltages to reduce on load due to regulation within the transformer. Hope this helps, Ed

7th Mar 2010, 10:19 pm	#215
Pamphonica Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 3,200	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Thanks Ed, that clears things up. I am sure the spec is fine for all normal uses. As I suspected, there may be an impact on the highest HTs but not at lower HT settings. All I was trying to get straight is the RMS vs rectified DC currents. If the winding gives 100mA at 250V RMS and it is rectified, the DC current limit from the smoothing cap is derated to about 70mA. But at all normal settings (eg 250V DC), there will be ample headroom in the regulator section if slight excess current is drawn for short periods. Thanks __________________ Jeremy, BVWS Chairman, BVWTM Friend, G8MLK, VMARS. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

12th Mar 2010, 5:07 pm	#217
Alpha_PA Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 3	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. I have just joined this forum and love the look of this project. Could Martin and Ed please email me their details for purchase of PCB and Tx. Many Thanks Alan E-mail address removed. Please use Private Message system for communication. Last edited by Brian R Pateman; 12th Mar 2010 at 6:31 pm. Reason: E-mail address removed, previous post reference deleted.

13th Mar 2010, 1:36 am	#218
Andymic Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Harrow, London, UK. Posts: 78	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. Chaps, I've made a couple of changes to the BOM. The connector for an external heater supply would have been grounded to the chassis and was only rated at 1A 24V. I couldn't find a decent alternative so I've substituted with a pair of 4mm sockets. If anyone has a better idea I would appreciate it. Andy

13th Mar 2010, 9:23 pm	#220
Andymic Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Harrow, London, UK. Posts: 78	Re: The "Sussex" Homebrew Valve Tester. I have been designing my panels using Front Panel designer. See attached Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Brian R Pateman; 23rd Mar 2010 at 9:17 pm. Reason: Large embedded images thumbnailed.