PSU for testing circuits

Gordy · 24th March 2008, 11:26 PM

I am just getting into vacuum tubes, so the first thing that I will need is a test bench power supply for investigating different preamp circuits.

If I build a variable supply it will take me ages, so it makes sense for me to buy one.

I figure a variable supply up to 400V at 100mA, with a separate 6.3 V / high-ish current supply for the heaters. Does this sound sensible?

What would you recommend?
Are they available in the UK?

Gordy · 28th March 2008, 06:10 PM

Can anyone recommend a 400V / 100mA bench supply?

Thanks.

nhuwar · 28th March 2008, 06:20 PM

This elctrophoresis supply is great for doing that it's got 2 voltage ranges 0-600 and 0-2kv. the 0-600 goes to 300ma too.

You can find them on ebay for 50 to 60 bucks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ISCO-Electrophor...QQcmdZViewItem

Check that link.

Nick

But no 6.3 volt out though but that would be easy to put together.

ECC33 · 28th March 2008, 07:00 PM

Look on Ebay for a Farnell E350.

hnb2907 · 29th March 2008, 12:06 PM

Keep your eyes out for a Heathkit IP 2717. I got one off ebay a good while ago and they occasionally turn up. It's got 6.3V and 12V heater supplies at a few amps apeice, variable 400VDC at 100mA (125mA peak) and a variable 100VDC at 1mA. There's V and I panel meters for the DC outputs.

It's also useful for reforming old caps too...

Had to replace the 4mm banana posts on mine as the threads had seized on a few, other than that it works fine with good clean DC outputs under load.

Cheers,
ChrisC.

Gordy · 29th March 2008, 01:35 PM

I very much appreciate your advice. I will be following up on the three recommendations.

Thank you to all,
Gordon

astouffer · 29th March 2008, 02:57 PM

Don't forget the Heathkit IP-32. 0-400vdc 100ma with bias and heater voltages.

jackinnj · 29th March 2008, 03:07 PM

There are also very nice supplies which were made by Eico, Hewlett Packard, GenRad, Lambda -- although chances of finding one of these in the UK are pretty slim.

ak_47_boy · 29th March 2008, 05:07 PM

You can use a variac and a microwave oven transformer. Of course it will have to be rectified and filtered.

24th March 2008, 11:26 PM	#1
Gordy diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	PSU for testing circuits I am just getting into vacuum tubes, so the first thing that I will need is a test bench power supply for investigating different preamp circuits. If I build a variable supply it will take me ages, so it makes sense for me to buy one. I figure a variable supply up to 400V at 100mA, with a separate 6.3 V / high-ish current supply for the heaters. Does this sound sensible? What would you recommend? Are they available in the UK?

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28th March 2008, 06:10 PM	#2
Gordy diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	Can anyone recommend a 400V / 100mA bench supply? Thanks.

28th March 2008, 06:20 PM	#3
nhuwar diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tomball Texas	This elctrophoresis supply is great for doing that it's got 2 voltage ranges 0-600 and 0-2kv. the 0-600 goes to 300ma too. You can find them on ebay for 50 to 60 bucks. http://cgi.ebay.com/ISCO-Electrophor...QQcmdZViewItem Check that link. Nick But no 6.3 volt out though but that would be easy to put together.

28th March 2008, 07:00 PM	#4
ECC33 diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2008	Look on Ebay for a Farnell E350.

29th March 2008, 12:06 PM	#5
hnb2907 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2007	Keep your eyes out for a Heathkit IP 2717. I got one off ebay a good while ago and they occasionally turn up. It's got 6.3V and 12V heater supplies at a few amps apeice, variable 400VDC at 100mA (125mA peak) and a variable 100VDC at 1mA. There's V and I panel meters for the DC outputs. It's also useful for reforming old caps too... Had to replace the 4mm banana posts on mine as the threads had seized on a few, other than that it works fine with good clean DC outputs under load. Cheers, ChrisC.

29th March 2008, 01:35 PM	#6
Gordy diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	I very much appreciate your advice. I will be following up on the three recommendations. Thank you to all, Gordon

29th March 2008, 02:57 PM	#7
astouffer diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, crumbling wasteland	Don't forget the Heathkit IP-32. 0-400vdc 100ma with bias and heater voltages.

29th March 2008, 03:07 PM	#8
jackinnj diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Llanddewi Brefi, NJ	There are also very nice supplies which were made by Eico, Hewlett Packard, GenRad, Lambda -- although chances of finding one of these in the UK are pretty slim.

29th March 2008, 05:07 PM	#9
ak_47_boy diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2006	You can use a variac and a microwave oven transformer. Of course it will have to be rectified and filtered.

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