Hello Gents,
I am preparing to build an amplifier with several different tubes. Because of the enclosure that I am using I am forced to mount the tubes inside the enclosure in a horizontal position. I have looked up the datasheets for the tubes that are involved in this project and I found that most tubes can be mounted in any position, the only tube I could not find this information for is the PL519.
The tubes that I will be using are: ECC83, 8CG7, 6080, EL84 and PL519.
Can the PL519 be mounted in any position as well and are there any general guidelines in horizontal mounting positions for tubes?
I am preparing to build an amplifier with several different tubes. Because of the enclosure that I am using I am forced to mount the tubes inside the enclosure in a horizontal position. I have looked up the datasheets for the tubes that are involved in this project and I found that most tubes can be mounted in any position, the only tube I could not find this information for is the PL519.
The tubes that I will be using are: ECC83, 8CG7, 6080, EL84 and PL519.
Can the PL519 be mounted in any position as well and are there any general guidelines in horizontal mounting positions for tubes?
I'm pretty sure you can mount these horizontally... I'm thinking back to ancient CTV's that used PL509 (PL519) and I seem to remember seeing some models have them horizontal. And in that application (line output stage) they led a tough life but lasted well.
Some tubes also have a specific orientation when mounted horizontal.
It should indicate this in the data sheet if it is important.
It should indicate this in the data sheet if it is important.
The general guideline is to check the datasheet, which you have done. Also, remember that gravity may work against you instead of for you.
The PL519 Line Output TV Valve has been for many years mounted both horizontal and vertical. There is an E version available if required.
It was often recommended on DH, and some iDH tubes to mount them such that the elements are in the vertical plane. This means that the grid wires run vertically when mounted horizontally. Think about it. the cathode and the grids will all go through thousands of heating and cooling cycles. you want to minimize the effects of gravity during these cycles.
If you mount a flat plank of wood with the wide side up (like a shelf), it will sag over time. The same board mounted with the thin edge up will remain straight. When the cathode and grid rods begin to sag, bad things happen. Tall tubes with long grid rods are worse case.
If you mount a flat plank of wood with the wide side up (like a shelf), it will sag over time. The same board mounted with the thin edge up will remain straight. When the cathode and grid rods begin to sag, bad things happen. Tall tubes with long grid rods are worse case.
I am aware that there are also E versions of this tube, but I don't have any laying around (I am on a strict budget for this build). I intend to replace the output tubes with a pair of 6P45S's as soon as I can afford those 🙂
I just found this image showing a horizontal mounted pair of PL519's on Google:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
It looks to me that the tubes are positioned with the plate and grids vertically aligned (pin 5 is on top). It seems to me this would be the most optimal position for mounting the tubes. I think it would not hurt to do this for the other tubes aswell.
That is also my opinion, but I have found that many little tubes like the 12AX7/ECC83 come in different constructions that are not all aligned the same way with respect to the base.
I am building an amp with XL500's mounted horizontally, and I have oriented them like those in your picture.
Hello ,
"Mounting position : any. " Valvo Tube Handbook , Empfängerröhren 1971 - 72 . It says also : "Special precautions must be taken to prevent the tube from becoming dislodged."
Kind regards , Alexander .
"Mounting position : any. " Valvo Tube Handbook , Empfängerröhren 1971 - 72 . It says also : "Special precautions must be taken to prevent the tube from becoming dislodged."
Kind regards , Alexander .
I am glad he did do just that 😉
Anyway, I have already started drilling the holes for the tube sockets. The datasheets for most tubes (all, except for the PL519) state that the mounting position can be any. I have aligned all grids in a vertical position to be on the save side.
Tonight I will mount the transformers and connect the heaters. This weekend is reserved for building, hopefully I will get some sound out of the amplifier by Sunday evening 🙂
In this build I am applying series pass regulators. It’s the first time that I use them, would anybody be willing to have a look at my schematics (I can upload them later today) and provide feedback to see if I am on the right track?
Reviving this thread to see if anyone can advise on the EL38, which has a top cap. No data I can see on mounting. EL34 is close if that helps.
Thread here on stage amps - quite a few mount outputs horizontally with seemingly no ill effects:
Mounting Tubes Horizontally?? | Telecaster Guitar Forum
Some other data:
RCA 12AX7: any
RCA 6L6GC: any
Amperex EL84: any
TungSol 6CA7: any
TungSol 5Y3GT: vertical, or horizontal if pins 2 and 4 are in a vertical plane
Sylvania 5U4GB: vertical, or horizontal if pins 1 and 4 are in a vertical plane
GE 5AR4: any
Thread here on stage amps - quite a few mount outputs horizontally with seemingly no ill effects:
Mounting Tubes Horizontally?? | Telecaster Guitar Forum
Some other data:
RCA 12AX7: any
RCA 6L6GC: any
Amperex EL84: any
TungSol 6CA7: any
TungSol 5Y3GT: vertical, or horizontal if pins 2 and 4 are in a vertical plane
Sylvania 5U4GB: vertical, or horizontal if pins 1 and 4 are in a vertical plane
GE 5AR4: any