6bBYGA x2 as full-wave rectifier?

[GordonW]

Happened to find a couple of 6BY5GA rectifier tubes here (dual damper diodes). From looking at the spec sheets, it looks like there'd be no problem using a pair of these as a full-wave rectifier, as long as the heater was properly elevated in DC offset to match the cathode voltages.

In addition, it looks like it MIGHT be possible to use one as a voltage-doubler... again, careful care would need to be taken to offset the heaters to the right DC offset...

Anyone see any intrinsic problems with this idea?

Thanks!

Regards,
Gordon.

[Wavebourn]

Yes, I see a huge AC on cathodes.

[kevinkr]

I use the 6BY5GA for rectifier duty in medium power and voltage applications. I would not use it for voltage doubling as the cathode insulation cannot handle the large AC voltages required. Note in normal applications as long as the voltage at the cathode is 450V or less it is not necessary to elevate the filament supply.

Note that the filaments may be no more than 100V more positive than the cathodes before insulation failure may occur. Given the asymmetrical filament insulation rating failure is likely to occur at relatively low ac voltage. You'd be far better off to use two separate tubes with separate filament windings for voltage doubling applications.