Newb question about tube socket placement

[fredjones]

Can a tube socket be flipped to the opposite side of its normal PCB installation side and still work the same?

Asking because I have got a Tetra Sans PS in the works and I am wondering how to build it with exposed tubes.

Thanks

 

[TonyTecson]

no...

 

[rayma]

Can a tube socket be flipped to the opposite side of its normal PCB installation side and still work the same?

That makes it a mirror image, so the pins are wrong. 1 -> 9, 2 -> 8, 3 -> 7, etc.
The tube pin connections are not symmetric. You'd have to change all the pcb trace
connections (except #5) to correct that.

Instead, you could mount all the capacitors on the bottom. Then the tops of the sockets
could be even with the top plate.

 

[fredjones]

thanks guys

I really did not think so. I asked because I saw a build of the tetra sans that had exposed tubes and it really puzzled me. I think a conventional build will be much easier anyway.

 

[nigelwright7557]

I have done it a few times but using PCBCAD software.
Just flip the component over.
The pins end up the other way around on the other side of the pcb.

I find this works well on a chassis, I can have the valves sticking out the top with all the electronics tucked safely away underneath.

 

[fredjones]

I do not have the actual Tetra PCB yet. I guess if you can solder both sides, then just place the tube socket on top, and put all large components on the bottom.

Why didn't I think of this before. Duh! And why did none of the 148 persons who viewed this thread suggest this?

 

[rayma]

I do not have the actual Tetra PCB yet. I guess if you can solder both sides, then just place the tube socket on top, and put all large components on the bottom. Why didn't I think of this before. Duh! And why did none of the 148 persons who viewed this thread suggest this?

It takes some actual hardware and construction experience.

Can a tube socket be flipped to the opposite side of its normal PCB installation side and still work the same?

That makes it a mirror image, so the pins are wrong. 1 -> 9, 2 -> 8, 3 -> 7, etc.
The tube pin connections are not symmetric. You'd have to change all the pcb trace
connections (except #5) to correct that. Instead, you could mount all the capacitors on the bottom.
Then the tops of the sockets could be even with the top plate.

 

[KatieandDad]

I have done it a few times but using PCBCAD software.
Just flip the component over.
The pins end up the other way around on the other side of the pcb.

I find this works well on a chassis, I can have the valves sticking out the top with all the electronics tucked safely away underneath.

Yes,but you would then be redesigning the PCB.

 

[awheeler]

Mount the tube sockets to the "top" side of the boards and all the other components to the "bottom". The tetra boards are laid out to make this very easy. Components can be mounted to either side and labeled on each side. The boards from Glass-Ware (Tubecad) are of very high quality and well laid out. Instructions are well written as well.