Found a power transformer, what to do with it?

blacklight · 5th December 2006, 02:27 PM

OK, first of all, I'll admit right now that this is kind of a backward way of doing things. Usually you set your eyes on a tube you want to play with before designing/searching a design that you like. Well, I just happened to find a power transformer but I've no idea what I could do with it. The secondary is rated 120V/0.6A (no CT). However, since the primary winding is rated for 220V and my mains is 230V, I get a bit more voltage from the secondary (about 136V no-load). I also have some other stuff lying around, like some tube sockets etc. I did a few simulations on PSUD, and I could build a nice 150-160V B+ supply out of this transformer. OK great! But what to power with it? Anything goes; preamps, headphone amps, power amps. Suggestions?

Tom Bavis · 5th December 2006, 03:01 PM

A number of low- voltage tubes can be used - unlikely you'll need much of the 600 mA capacity. One more possibility - you could get about 160 mA at 300V with a doubler. Plenty for a stereo SE amp, or mono push-pull.

Eli Duttman · 5th December 2006, 10:55 PM

Blacklight,

Tom Bavis give a GOOD hint in mentioning a voltage doubler. Your trafo will supply the B+ needs of an "El Cheapo". "El Cheapo" is an "integrated" amp that reaches full power when driven by a CDP.

pinkmouse · 5th December 2006, 11:54 PM

Have a look at SY's Heretical Line Stage. it's easy to build and a great performer.

Sherman · 5th December 2006, 11:57 PM

How about an Aikido using 6922 valves? Should be pretty happy at the B+ your trafo can provide.

Or maybe a headphone amp?

Zen Mod · 6th December 2006, 12:03 AM

choke loaded 12B4 ...............extensive CRCRC filter

arnoldc · 6th December 2006, 12:15 AM

WE417A / 5842 transformer-coupled headphone amplifier

paulb · 6th December 2006, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by blacklight
OK, first of all, I'll admit right now that this is kind of a backward way of doing things.

Not according to my way of thinking...

blacklight · 6th December 2006, 06:25 AM

Ha! paulb: point taken. Wow, I never thought I'd have this many replies. Thanks for all the suggestions. I did concider that voltage doubler, and while it does seem attractive, I think I'll have to do it another time (I may be able to get my hands on another of these trafos). Looks like I'll be building an Aikido Low impedance headphone amp, since that's something I need. Thanks all, you've been most helpful, again.

5th December 2006, 02:27 PM	#1
blacklight diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: you tell me	Found a power transformer, what to do with it? OK, first of all, I'll admit right now that this is kind of a backward way of doing things. Usually you set your eyes on a tube you want to play with before designing/searching a design that you like. Well, I just happened to find a power transformer but I've no idea what I could do with it. The secondary is rated 120V/0.6A (no CT). However, since the primary winding is rated for 220V and my mains is 230V, I get a bit more voltage from the secondary (about 136V no-load). I also have some other stuff lying around, like some tube sockets etc. I did a few simulations on PSUD, and I could build a nice 150-160V B+ supply out of this transformer. OK great! But what to power with it? Anything goes; preamps, headphone amps, power amps. Suggestions?

5th December 2006, 10:55 PM	#3
Eli Duttman diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Plainsboro, NJ	Blacklight, Tom Bavis give a GOOD hint in mentioning a voltage doubler. Your trafo will supply the B+ needs of an "El Cheapo". "El Cheapo" is an "integrated" amp that reaches full power when driven by a CDP. __________________ Eli D.

5th December 2006, 11:54 PM	#4
pinkmouse diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Chatham, England	Have a look at SY's Heretical Line Stage. it's easy to build and a great performer. __________________ Al I conceive of nothing, in religion, science or philosophy, that is more than the proper thing to wear, for a while. Charles Fort

5th December 2006, 11:57 PM	#5
Sherman diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago area	How about an Aikido using 6922 valves? Should be pretty happy at the B+ your trafo can provide. Or maybe a headphone amp? __________________ --Sherman

6th December 2006, 12:03 AM	#6
Zen Mod diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: ancient Batsch , behind Iron Curtain	choke loaded 12B4 ...............extensive CRCRC filter __________________ my Papa is smarter than your Nelson ! tnx to clean thread ; Cook Book ; PSM LS Cook Book ; Baby Diyaudio FORUM ; BAF Forum & Gallery;I'm dumb

5th December 2006, 03:01 PM	#2
Tom Bavis diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Macedon NY	A number of low- voltage tubes can be used - unlikely you'll need much of the 600 mA capacity. One more possibility - you could get about 160 mA at 300V with a doubler. Plenty for a stereo SE amp, or mono push-pull.

6th December 2006, 12:15 AM	#7
arnoldc diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Makati	WE417A / 5842 transformer-coupled headphone amplifier

6th December 2006, 06:25 AM	#9
blacklight diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: you tell me	Ha! paulb: point taken. Wow, I never thought I'd have this many replies. Thanks for all the suggestions. I did concider that voltage doubler, and while it does seem attractive, I think I'll have to do it another time (I may be able to get my hands on another of these trafos). Looks like I'll be building an Aikido Low impedance headphone amp, since that's something I need. Thanks all, you've been most helpful, again.

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