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0Z4 as a rectifier?

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I figured I would try something different so I pulled out a 0Z4 from the tube box with the idea of replacing my 5Y3 I am using in my 12B4 line stage. Well, after swinging the plate feed wires over I fired her up and found it gave slightly more voltage than the 5Y3 did. From what I have found out about the 0Z4 it will also replace a #83 gas rectifier.

Problem...

I have a low frequency osscilation from watching the woofer move in and out when I use the 0Z4. When I replace it with the 5Y3 there is no movement.

Any ideas on this one?

Thanks in advance,
Joe
 
0Z4

Hey:
The 0Z4 is a gas discharge rectifier used in auto radios of the 50's tube vintage. I guess its ok for cars, but I would not use the tube for home audio.
I would use a solid state rectifier if I could, if you want more voltage. A 5V4 also will give higher B+ if needed.
Hope this helps
Ed
 
Thanks for the reply Ed,

You are correct, however the gas discharge tube has been around since the 40's I believe. I had found some information saying it could be used for a substitute for the number 83 tube.
It does work and provides an extra 6volts above and beyond what the 5Y3 did. It or my line stage seems to have a problem.
Its as if I had a signal generator hooked up to it as I am seeing around 2 cycles per second movement of the woofer.

I cannot comment on the plate voltage of the early car radios but I believe this thing needs about 200V per plate to turn on. I guess I will have to check it now to see.
 
Worked great on Frank's 5692 line stage

I tried the 0Z4 in place of the 5Y3 in my "Franks 5692 line stage" and it is dead quiet now. Before it had a slight hum as you put your ear next to the speaker. This rectifier works great because you do not have to supply a 5volt to power a heater. Too bad its in a metal shell. I'll bet it would put out some nice color.
 
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