PSU for testing circuits

[Gordy]

I am just getting into vacuum tubes, so the first thing that I will need is a test bench power supply for investigating different preamp circuits.

If I build a variable supply it will take me ages, so it makes sense for me to buy one.

I figure a variable supply up to 400V at 100mA, with a separate 6.3 V / high-ish current supply for the heaters. Does this sound sensible?

What would you recommend?
Are they available in the UK?

 

[Gordy]

Can anyone recommend a 400V / 100mA bench supply?

Thanks.

 

[nhuwar]

This elctrophoresis supply is great for doing that it's got 2 voltage ranges 0-600 and 0-2kv. the 0-600 goes to 300ma too.

You can find them on ebay for 50 to 60 bucks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ISCO-Electropho...yZ111543QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Check that link.

Nick


But no 6.3 volt out though but that would be easy to put together.

 

[ECC33]

Look on Ebay for a Farnell E350.

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

 

[hnb2907]

Keep your eyes out for a Heathkit IP 2717. I got one off ebay a good while ago and they occasionally turn up. It's got 6.3V and 12V heater supplies at a few amps apeice, variable 400VDC at 100mA (125mA peak) and a variable 100VDC at 1mA. There's V and I panel meters for the DC outputs.


It's also useful for reforming old caps too...

Had to replace the 4mm banana posts on mine as the threads had seized on a few, other than that it works fine with good clean DC outputs under load.


Cheers,
ChrisC.

 

[Gordy]

I very much appreciate your advice. I will be following up on the three recommendations.

Thank you to all,
Gordon

 

[astouffer]

Don't forget the Heathkit IP-32. 0-400vdc 100ma with bias and heater voltages.

 

[jackinnj]

There are also very nice supplies which were made by Eico, Hewlett Packard, GenRad, Lambda -- although chances of finding one of these in the UK are pretty slim.

 

[ak_47_boy]

You can use a variac and a microwave oven transformer. Of course it will have to be rectified and filtered.