mercury vapor... i love it!!! - Page 5

Zap · 16th November 2007, 07:15 PM

Ever since coming across these tubes (before I was thinking about building an audio amplifier) I wanted to build a lamp of sorts from one of them. I just love the idea of the glow. Now I'm glad to know the glass will protect from UV.

I did build a night light out of a small VR tube that glows orange (from Neon possibly?). I still wouldn't mind trying it if I could get the items I need to make it happen. I've got an 872a wrapped up in the closet, as well as a few 3B25's (believe those are Xenon?) that I bought for the HV supplies of some tube amps that I have (part of an electromechanical carillon).

Carlp · 20th November 2007, 07:00 AM

An interesting thread on MV tubes. Makes me want to learn more. In any case, seems to have some good advice for anyone who does choose to use MV tubes like the 866A.

http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/t.pl?f=DIYHiFi&m=572

In case you haven't seen it.
Carl

Carlp · 26th November 2007, 05:07 AM

OK, haven't had time to dig up mercury articles I promised, but in looking into the 3b28 tube, I somewhere found something about x-rays and these tubes. X-rays? Anyone care to comment? Seems odd to me...

Carl

HollowState · 26th November 2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

I somewhere found something about x-rays and these tubes.

With the voltages used in our audio work, X-rays are of no concern. Even with levels of 1500 or 2000 volts. At around 10KV soft X-rays will start to be produced. These are just what they are called...soft, with little power to penetrate. Hard X-rays begin around 25KV and require some form of protection like leaded glass (as in TV CRTs) or external shielding. MV rectifiers eschew the use of copper in their construction to help prevent X-rays.

Victor

rdf · 26th November 2007, 08:54 PM

Y'all are really tempting me to dig into the stash of 8008s I was given and get moving on that 828 or 813 SE.

Carlp · 27th November 2007, 12:51 AM

Thanks, Victor. That makes a lot of sense to me. I was quite puzzled by the x-ray info but figured there must be some level of truth in it. Your answer clarifies that and is very helpful. I'd love to be able to hear the difference between the MV and Xenon rectifiers...

Carl

26th November 2007, 08:54 PM	#45
rdf diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the thermionic past	Y'all are really tempting me to dig into the stash of 8008s I was given and get moving on that 828 or 813 SE. __________________ Blame the Manichaeists

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16th November 2007, 07:15 PM	#41
Zap diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Milwaukee, WI	Ever since coming across these tubes (before I was thinking about building an audio amplifier) I wanted to build a lamp of sorts from one of them. I just love the idea of the glow. Now I'm glad to know the glass will protect from UV. I did build a night light out of a small VR tube that glows orange (from Neon possibly?). I still wouldn't mind trying it if I could get the items I need to make it happen. I've got an 872a wrapped up in the closet, as well as a few 3B25's (believe those are Xenon?) that I bought for the HV supplies of some tube amps that I have (part of an electromechanical carillon).

20th November 2007, 07:00 AM	#42
Carlp diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: A New England	An interesting thread on MV tubes. Makes me want to learn more. In any case, seems to have some good advice for anyone who does choose to use MV tubes like the 866A. http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/t.pl?f=DIYHiFi&m=572 In case you haven't seen it. Carl

26th November 2007, 05:07 AM	#43
Carlp diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: A New England	OK, haven't had time to dig up mercury articles I promised, but in looking into the 3b28 tube, I somewhere found something about x-rays and these tubes. X-rays? Anyone care to comment? Seems odd to me... Carl

27th November 2007, 12:51 AM	#46
Carlp diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: A New England	Thanks, Victor. That makes a lot of sense to me. I was quite puzzled by the x-ray info but figured there must be some level of truth in it. Your answer clarifies that and is very helpful. I'd love to be able to hear the difference between the MV and Xenon rectifiers... Carl

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