hello group:
I am having trouble with my SMPS. I bought it from China, and was told it would work fine on 120VAC. When testing with no load it works fine. When connected to the heater hook up on the board, it flashes and only produces ~3v. When connected directly to the heater pins on the tube it flashes as well. I have been waiting for a response from the seller, but I suspect it has a compatibility issue. I am wondering if anyone can help me out.
Thanks for the help
I am having trouble with my SMPS. I bought it from China, and was told it would work fine on 120VAC. When testing with no load it works fine. When connected to the heater hook up on the board, it flashes and only produces ~3v. When connected directly to the heater pins on the tube it flashes as well. I have been waiting for a response from the seller, but I suspect it has a compatibility issue. I am wondering if anyone can help me out.
Thanks for the help
SMPS for heaters
Hi,
In case it’s the 6.3 v dc power supply, I had the same issue, led in the PSU flashing and no heaters at all. In my case it’s a matter of waiting until the PSU stabilize because it starts in protection mode due to excess in consumption I was told.
Each time I turn on the amp, the led from the PSU flashes and no heaters lit, but after 30 seconds more or less everything starts correctly and the amp sings beautifully.
I’m going to post some pictures later on, hopefully....
Best regards,
Jorge
Hi,
In case it’s the 6.3 v dc power supply, I had the same issue, led in the PSU flashing and no heaters at all. In my case it’s a matter of waiting until the PSU stabilize because it starts in protection mode due to excess in consumption I was told.
Each time I turn on the amp, the led from the PSU flashes and no heaters lit, but after 30 seconds more or less everything starts correctly and the amp sings beautifully.
I’m going to post some pictures later on, hopefully....
Best regards,
Jorge
Hello SCD,
Can you give more information about the SMPS that you are using ? The last one that I am using now is a 20 A DC/DC and must be powered from a DC voltage between 10 to 30 V.
The previous one was working without any problem from 230 V AC : Bloc de Chauffage 6,3 V / 10 A Regule pour Ampli a Tubes AL0007 : RADIOELEC : Composants et Modules Electroniques, specialiste Audiophiles et Radioamateurs (sorry it is in french, but it came also from China). You can see it in a picture below with 6V6 tubes...
Today I am using the small 20 A DC/DC converter powered by the two 6.3 V output in serial (12.6 V AC rectified and filtered by a 10'000 uF capacitor) of the power transformer TSTA 250-001 ( TSTA 250/001 TOROIDY - Transformateur: toroidal audio | TME - Composants electroniques ) from Toroidy which give all the voltages needed by the EL34 Baby Huey (see picture)
Good luck,
Marc
Can you give more information about the SMPS that you are using ? The last one that I am using now is a 20 A DC/DC and must be powered from a DC voltage between 10 to 30 V.
The previous one was working without any problem from 230 V AC : Bloc de Chauffage 6,3 V / 10 A Regule pour Ampli a Tubes AL0007 : RADIOELEC : Composants et Modules Electroniques, specialiste Audiophiles et Radioamateurs (sorry it is in french, but it came also from China). You can see it in a picture below with 6V6 tubes...
Today I am using the small 20 A DC/DC converter powered by the two 6.3 V output in serial (12.6 V AC rectified and filtered by a 10'000 uF capacitor) of the power transformer TSTA 250-001 ( TSTA 250/001 TOROIDY - Transformateur: toroidal audio | TME - Composants electroniques ) from Toroidy which give all the voltages needed by the EL34 Baby Huey (see picture)
Good luck,
Marc
Attachments
Marc what is the pitch spacing and available width on C1, C2 and C5 for the 0.1uf 400V caps on your boards? Since they’re axial I’m not exactly sure what lead spacing for a box cap would fit perfectly.
I’d like to look into maybe using an X2 or MKP of highest voltage option I can make fit comfortably.
I wish there was more room for some older PIOs to fit nicely.
I’d like to look into maybe using an X2 or MKP of highest voltage option I can make fit comfortably.
I wish there was more room for some older PIOs to fit nicely.
hello Marc and Jorge:
The smps I am using is set for 175-265vac 50hz. I have 120vac 60hz. I discussed this with the seller and he checked the supplier whom said it be fine. I am suspecting the supplier was incorrect and I am stuck.
I am hoping it might be possible to modify the SMPS to work on 120Vac.
Jorge: I have the same flashing thing but mine does not stabilize even after 10 minutes.
It seems I am stalled again.
Thanks, any other ideas
The smps I am using is set for 175-265vac 50hz. I have 120vac 60hz. I discussed this with the seller and he checked the supplier whom said it be fine. I am suspecting the supplier was incorrect and I am stuck.
I am hoping it might be possible to modify the SMPS to work on 120Vac.
Jorge: I have the same flashing thing but mine does not stabilize even after 10 minutes.
It seems I am stalled again.
Thanks, any other ideas
Hi John,
Part number for C1 & C2 is Vishay MKT1813410405 ( https://www.mouser.fr/ProductDetail/Vishay-Roederstein/MKT1813410405?qs=xixDmYkElOpIXvvqiHU7xQ== ), you don't need higher voltage. For C5 you can use the same for 400 V max or Vishay MKT1813347635 for 500 V version, it is not recommended to use higher voltage ! The pitch is 19 mm.
If you want to use bigger capacitors like PIO you can connect them below the PCB on the solder side like the electrolytics...
Since the 3rd GB is now nearly closed I add again the last updated BOM (in the Group Buy 2 letter of 11 April 2018), the Building recommendations, and some information how to connect and to adjust the EL34 Baby Huey as well as a list of octal tube which can be used with this amplifier, personaly I testec the 6V6S, the EL34, the KT88 and the 6CA7 that I keep in the actual version
I have tested Hammond 1650N (4.3 k) in UL mode and Amplimo 3A524 (4 k) in both triode and pentode mode (this transformer has no UL wiring). I did not tested Toroidy transformer but I kno two persons the were very Happy with the EL34 (6.6 k) and KT88 (4 k) version... I never used the global feedback and the amplifier was always very stable
I will use the Toroidy 2 k output transformer with Cathode Feedback in the future quad KT120 I am designing, I have already received them in the nice chrome potted version
For the power supply, I definitely recommend the Toroidy TSTA 250-001, it has ALL the secondaries needed for this amplifier, at the beginning I was using a custom transformer but with only 141 VA and 300 mA on 250 V AC it was a little bit short in power ! Now I use the Toroidy which is 250 VA and 400 mA on the high voltage of 275 or 330 V AC !
Good building,
Cheers,
Marc
Part number for C1 & C2 is Vishay MKT1813410405 ( https://www.mouser.fr/ProductDetail/Vishay-Roederstein/MKT1813410405?qs=xixDmYkElOpIXvvqiHU7xQ== ), you don't need higher voltage. For C5 you can use the same for 400 V max or Vishay MKT1813347635 for 500 V version, it is not recommended to use higher voltage ! The pitch is 19 mm.
If you want to use bigger capacitors like PIO you can connect them below the PCB on the solder side like the electrolytics...
Since the 3rd GB is now nearly closed I add again the last updated BOM (in the Group Buy 2 letter of 11 April 2018), the Building recommendations, and some information how to connect and to adjust the EL34 Baby Huey as well as a list of octal tube which can be used with this amplifier, personaly I testec the 6V6S, the EL34, the KT88 and the 6CA7 that I keep in the actual version
I have tested Hammond 1650N (4.3 k) in UL mode and Amplimo 3A524 (4 k) in both triode and pentode mode (this transformer has no UL wiring). I did not tested Toroidy transformer but I kno two persons the were very Happy with the EL34 (6.6 k) and KT88 (4 k) version... I never used the global feedback and the amplifier was always very stable
I will use the Toroidy 2 k output transformer with Cathode Feedback in the future quad KT120 I am designing, I have already received them in the nice chrome potted version
For the power supply, I definitely recommend the Toroidy TSTA 250-001, it has ALL the secondaries needed for this amplifier, at the beginning I was using a custom transformer but with only 141 VA and 300 mA on 250 V AC it was a little bit short in power ! Now I use the Toroidy which is 250 VA and 400 mA on the high voltage of 275 or 330 V AC !
Good building,
Cheers,
Marc
Attachments
Both channels are up and running, configured as Ultralinear mode using Toroidy's EL34 output and main transformers. Heaters line are using 6.3Vac direct, hum is very very soft when i place my ear at the speakers. Max output @14V rms = about 25 Watts , just before 1 kHz signal clips.
Musically clear and sweet, but a bit lacking on bass, will the bass response better if i increase C1,C2 to higher values like 0.47 uF ?
Musically clear and sweet, but a bit lacking on bass, will the bass response better if i increase C1,C2 to higher values like 0.47 uF ?
Hello Ivan,
Glad to hear that you like the EL34 Baby Huey
If you are using the Toroidy TSTA 259-001 like me, you can connect the two 6.3 V AC output in serial, add a 25 A bridge and a 10'000 uF capacitor to get about 16 V DC and use a 20 A (for enough margin...) Chinese DC/DC converter adjusted for 6.3 V DC and you will have no hum (see pictures)
Yes you can increase C1 & C2, but I don't think you will need 047 uF, I have used 0.1 and 0.22 uF with very good result... For the output transformer, the Toroidy KT88 has a lower 4k ohms impedance closer to the 4.3k Hammond 1650N that I am using, may be that make a difference on bass ?
What is the bias current ?
Rgds,
Marc
Glad to hear that you like the EL34 Baby Huey
If you are using the Toroidy TSTA 259-001 like me, you can connect the two 6.3 V AC output in serial, add a 25 A bridge and a 10'000 uF capacitor to get about 16 V DC and use a 20 A (for enough margin...) Chinese DC/DC converter adjusted for 6.3 V DC and you will have no hum (see pictures)
Yes you can increase C1 & C2, but I don't think you will need 047 uF, I have used 0.1 and 0.22 uF with very good result... For the output transformer, the Toroidy KT88 has a lower 4k ohms impedance closer to the 4.3k Hammond 1650N that I am using, may be that make a difference on bass ?
What is the bias current ?
Rgds,
Marc
Attachments
This is the reference of the converter : SZBK07, you cand find it here : DC 6-40V To 1.2-36V 300W 20A Constant Current Adjustable Buck Converter Step Down Module Board With Short Circuit Protection Function Sale - Banggood.com
For the bridge you can use GBPC 3504 (2504 will also do the job...) https://www.mouser.fr/ProductDetail...rchild/GBPC3504?qs=j%2bucPx4PkG58AqaSQMi2kg==
And a 10'000 uF 25 V will improve the DC signal for the converter https://www.mouser.fr/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMtZ1n0r9vR22QGha91sM8wWNZkhl3x0Ljw=
Bias @ 45 mA is good for EL34, you can go up to 60 mA if you have less than 400 V ( about 24 W, close to the 25 W specification !) JJ Electronic - EL34
Rgds,
Marc
For the bridge you can use GBPC 3504 (2504 will also do the job...) https://www.mouser.fr/ProductDetail...rchild/GBPC3504?qs=j%2bucPx4PkG58AqaSQMi2kg==
And a 10'000 uF 25 V will improve the DC signal for the converter https://www.mouser.fr/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMtZ1n0r9vR22QGha91sM8wWNZkhl3x0Ljw=
Bias @ 45 mA is good for EL34, you can go up to 60 mA if you have less than 400 V ( about 24 W, close to the 25 W specification !) JJ Electronic - EL34
Rgds,
Marc
20 h chokes on anodes of ecc83
i have attached chokes on the anodes of the driver valve of one of my mono blocks configured in the original design...it seems to give more detail and punch to the sound....i did it because I dismantled a lampizator i made when I first got into diy audio. I used a lot of the bits to make the baby huey. The chokes have been floating around gathering dust, so i thought "try it and listen". It could just be my imagination but I think its made some sort of difference especially when the drummer uses the kick drum....Can I use them in the amp in a better way? btw i still after all this time love this amplifier, i have 4 in number 20 henry and 2 in number 40 henry. If inductors resist changes in current flow....could we use them with the ccs on the cathode?
i have attached chokes on the anodes of the driver valve of one of my mono blocks configured in the original design...it seems to give more detail and punch to the sound....i did it because I dismantled a lampizator i made when I first got into diy audio. I used a lot of the bits to make the baby huey. The chokes have been floating around gathering dust, so i thought "try it and listen". It could just be my imagination but I think its made some sort of difference especially when the drummer uses the kick drum....Can I use them in the amp in a better way? btw i still after all this time love this amplifier, i have 4 in number 20 henry and 2 in number 40 henry. If inductors resist changes in current flow....could we use them with the ccs on the cathode?
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Hello KP93300,
Sorry for not answering earlier, I didn't see your message until I got the mail about chokesrule message
For the test I am using small inexpensive Lenco 3 ways speaker 8 ohms 100W bought long time ago, and bass are surprising good for such a small loudspeaker, of course you will not expect very low end bass
I made some more serious tests with very nice Alon Petites speaker without the sub option ( Acarian Alon Petite loudspeaker & PW-1 woofer system | Stereophile.com ) and the result was really impressive, this amplifier has the tube sweet sound but the music is still very clear and detailed, not too "fat" like some other tube amplifier
I have not tested yet on my living room large Focal JMLab Electra 936 ( Focal Electra 936 Floorstanding Speakers user reviews : 4.7 out of 5 - 2 reviews - audioreview.com ) I am waiting to have finish the enclosure for that... By the way I have just ordered the top plate for the final assembly !
Best regards,
Marc
Sorry for not answering earlier, I didn't see your message until I got the mail about chokesrule message
For the test I am using small inexpensive Lenco 3 ways speaker 8 ohms 100W bought long time ago, and bass are surprising good for such a small loudspeaker, of course you will not expect very low end bass
I made some more serious tests with very nice Alon Petites speaker without the sub option ( Acarian Alon Petite loudspeaker & PW-1 woofer system | Stereophile.com ) and the result was really impressive, this amplifier has the tube sweet sound but the music is still very clear and detailed, not too "fat" like some other tube amplifier
I have not tested yet on my living room large Focal JMLab Electra 936 ( Focal Electra 936 Floorstanding Speakers user reviews : 4.7 out of 5 - 2 reviews - audioreview.com ) I am waiting to have finish the enclosure for that... By the way I have just ordered the top plate for the final assembly !
Best regards,
Marc
20 h chokes on anodes of ecc83
took them out because I was getting a hum in the speakers. I think its because the heater wires run close to them.. They are going back in again its a massive improvement to the amp. I will have to rewire and move things about. Whether what I have done is classed as sin or not.....its an upgrade
took them out because I was getting a hum in the speakers. I think its because the heater wires run close to them.. They are going back in again its a massive improvement to the amp. I will have to rewire and move things about. Whether what I have done is classed as sin or not.....its an upgrade
Marc,
thank you for the answer.
Any pointers with regard to choice of output tubes? my speaker is 92 db /watt markaudio 12P fullrange in a medium size room. I am used to clear dynamic sound with multilayer front to back layering .
I usually listen between 90 to 95 db loudness.
The output trans from Toroidy need decision . is there a great sound difference between a 4.3 K vs 6.6K input resistance for EL 34 or EL 84
Sorry for multiple questions as this is my first tube amp project
thanks
kp93300
thank you for the answer.
Any pointers with regard to choice of output tubes? my speaker is 92 db /watt markaudio 12P fullrange in a medium size room. I am used to clear dynamic sound with multilayer front to back layering .
I usually listen between 90 to 95 db loudness.
The output trans from Toroidy need decision . is there a great sound difference between a 4.3 K vs 6.6K input resistance for EL 34 or EL 84
Sorry for multiple questions as this is my first tube amp project
thanks
kp93300