The 866 works by vaporizing a pool of mercury which then acts as a cathode. Without vaporization, it doesn't work. Now imagine a hot glass bulb with vaporized mercury breaking in operation. Admittedly it may not be a likely scenario, but yes, elemental mercury can kill you (notwithstanding comments above). That much more so when inhaled.
Your choice, but I wouldn't consider them.
Sorry, not trying to contaminate the thread nor start a war. Just trying to clarify misunderstandings and add perspective when questions came up. But it was me who started talking about mercury so I'll shut up now. And I am willing to concede things I don't know, which is a lot.
there is no law that prevents anyone from using 866 rectifiers unless you stole them.....
so just be careful that you don't break it, it is really a handling issue...just practice safety and you will be fine...
866JR are a different (confusingly named) mercury rectifier than the 866. 866A are higher voltage but lower current than the original 866 IIRC. There were also 866A/866 that could be used in place of either.
Sheesh. On and on it goes.
OK, Wintermute, the issues from them are not great. Flourescent bulbs are a problem. Maybe not huge. Or maybe they are. Just because something like flourescent bulbs exist and haven't been outlawed doesn't mean everything is OK. Mercury is a serious problem (particularly in some areas). I prefer not to exacerbate that problem. But if some engineers want to stick their heads in the sand, I'm not going to stop them...
OK, Wintermute, the issues from them are not great. Flourescent bulbs are a problem. Maybe not huge. Or maybe they are. Just because something like flourescent bulbs exist and haven't been outlawed doesn't mean everything is OK. Mercury is a serious problem (particularly in some areas). I prefer not to exacerbate that problem. But if some engineers want to stick their heads in the sand, I'm not going to stop them...
Context. Compared to industrial toxic waste/chemicals & nuclear waste,what is one broken 866A? Your average mobile phone has more impact on the enviroment.
#10648 Back to lovely amps, re 807PPP that's a cracking amp you've built there, very nice work. Interesting placement of the 807's,offset. Is it AB1,VR150's fixing the screen grid voltage? Would like to see the underside which I find more interesting than the top view.Schematic?
I've also built a 807 PPP, it also got complex, I'm in the process of prototyping another, this time Class A PPP, HT/B+ 500v - 600v, looking for a sweet spot.
Andy.
#10648 Back to lovely amps, re 807PPP that's a cracking amp you've built there, very nice work. Interesting placement of the 807's,offset. Is it AB1,VR150's fixing the screen grid voltage? Would like to see the underside which I find more interesting than the top view.Schematic?
I've also built a 807 PPP, it also got complex, I'm in the process of prototyping another, this time Class A PPP, HT/B+ 500v - 600v, looking for a sweet spot.
Andy.
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Hey, just finished my "hi-end" tube amp. Each channel is powered by rare Tesla 4xEL34 direct-driven by russian 2x6N6P, voltage amplifier diff stage is NOS Tesla premium ECC803S. Maximum output in 4R or 8R is 2x120W RMS in AB pentode or 2x80W in triode AB2. More images in gallery:
VAtubeAmp — Postimages
Don't know how to insert youtube link in this forum so here is direct one, just a short demo what options it has:
ViliAudio Vacuum tube power amp - YouTube
VAtubeAmp — Postimages
Don't know how to insert youtube link in this forum so here is direct one, just a short demo what options it has:
ViliAudio Vacuum tube power amp - YouTube
Outstanding, Wiliks!