Simple Variable Tube Power Supply

Sal Brisindi · 25th February 2007, 12:40 AM

If you are interested building a tube based high voltage adjustable power supply, I just scanned and uploaded to my website an article from January 1963 Popular Electronics. Its a simple power supply to build using just 1 6L6GC or other popular audio tubes with an output from 60 to 300 vdc. Its not regulated but functional for you experimenters.

http://www.tuberadios.com/temp/powersupply1.jpg
http://www.tuberadios.com/temp/powersupply2.jpg

Regards,
Sal Brisindi

audiohead · 25th February 2007, 03:22 AM

Dude:
This is not a regulator!

billr · 25th February 2007, 03:29 AM

he actually says it's not a regulator!

Sal Brisindi · 25th February 2007, 04:32 AM

There is one thing that puzzles me, you will notice the center tap of the transformer feeding the filament to the 6L6 tube is connected to the B+, very strange. I would think it would be connected to the ground. And as I mentioned before, its not regulated.

Regards,
Sal Brisindi

Miles Prower · 25th February 2007, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sal Brisindi
There is one thing that puzzles me, you will notice the center tap of the transformer feeding the filament to the 6L6 tube is connected to the B+, very strange. I would think it would be connected to the ground.

It's connected that way so that the insulation between the heater and cathode doesn't break down.

Quote:

And as I mentioned before, its not regulated.

More like an active decoupler, actually.

EC8010 · 25th February 2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Miles Prower
More like an active decoupler, actually.

But with the advantage that a cheap potentiometer allows control of the output voltage. My Solartron bench supply uses a similar circuit. One day, I will turn it into a regulator, but it seems to be good enough for now...

ErikdeBest · 25th February 2007, 09:56 PM

Maybe a stupid question, but, anyway, I'll throw it in, as I may have a use for it, in case it works. Can I substitute the tube for a well heatsinked mosfet (IRF820)? A 1M pot between B+ and ground, wiper to gate, drain to B+ and source as output?

Erik

EC8010 · 25th February 2007, 10:31 PM

Yes, but don't forget the 1k gate stopper resistor.

Sal Brisindi · 25th February 2007, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ErikdeBest
Maybe a stupid question, but, anyway, I'll throw it in, as I may have a use for it, in case it works. Can I substitute the tube for a well heatsinked mosfet (IRF820)? A 1M pot between B+ and ground, wiper to gate, drain to B+ and source as output?

Erik

You asked for it, here it is. A solid state mosfet 0-300 vdc variable power supply with a minimum of parts. I wanted to build this supply but never got around to it.

http://www.geocities.com/tjacodesign...p/300vsup.html

Regards,
Sal Brisindi

ErikdeBest · 26th February 2007, 08:15 AM

Hi EC8010 and Sal Brisindi

Thanks for replying and the link.

Erik

25th February 2007, 10:31 PM	#8
EC8010 diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Near London. UK	Yes, but don't forget the 1k gate stopper resistor. __________________ The loudspeaker: The only commercial Hi-Fi item where a disproportionate part of the budget isn't spent on the box. And the one where it would make a difference...

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
variable power supply for refrigeration compressor	star882	Power Supplies	27	7th November 2010 01:39 PM
Variable Pc Power Supply-2 (part1) 1..30v 0.15..6a	gev	Power Supplies	0	7th January 2008 07:46 PM
schematic needen variable power supply	goudfazant	Tubes / Valves	2	28th October 2005 06:49 PM
Digital Variable Power Supply	jleaman	Digital Source	13	13th April 2004 10:09 PM
Variable AC Power Supply	Rino odorico	Everything Else	10	4th September 2002 09:19 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read

25th February 2007, 03:22 AM	#2
audiohead diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Los Angeles, california	Dude: This is not a regulator!

25th February 2007, 03:29 AM	#3
billr diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: new zealand	he actually says it's not a regulator!

25th February 2007, 04:32 AM	#4
Sal Brisindi diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	There is one thing that puzzles me, you will notice the center tap of the transformer feeding the filament to the 6L6 tube is connected to the B+, very strange. I would think it would be connected to the ground. And as I mentioned before, its not regulated. Regards, Sal Brisindi

25th February 2007, 09:56 PM	#7
ErikdeBest diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Itoculo	Maybe a stupid question, but, anyway, I'll throw it in, as I may have a use for it, in case it works. Can I substitute the tube for a well heatsinked mosfet (IRF820)? A 1M pot between B+ and ground, wiper to gate, drain to B+ and source as output? Erik

26th February 2007, 08:15 AM	#10
ErikdeBest diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Itoculo	Hi EC8010 and Sal Brisindi Thanks for replying and the link. Erik

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)