• WARNING: Tube/Valve amplifiers use potentially LETHAL HIGH VOLTAGES.
    Building, troubleshooting and testing of these amplifiers should only be
    performed by someone who is thoroughly familiar with
    the safety precautions around high voltages.

Question about filament voltage on push pull

The difference across the heater filament should be 6.3v, in this instance. Other tubes may require different voltages, anywhere from 2.5v-26v, maybe higher.

It's very common to use AC to power the filament. A transformer will step down the mains voltage to 6.3v. if the transformer is center-tapped, it will be rated 3.15-0-3.15v so you'll see 6.3v across the filament. The center tap is vital to ensure a common 0v reference voltage for all electrodes in the tube.

If the Cathode voltage is very high, you may need to "Elevate" the voltage to avoid violating H-K limits of the tube. By introducing a 50vDC voltage via the center-tap you could supply 50-56.3v across the filament. The difference across the filament is still 6.3v, but that median voltage is 53.15v.

Ok, DC. You still need to feed the tube 6.3v, the heater needs that 6.3v difference in potential. So you can give one pin +6.3vDC and the other 0v. Or you could give one pin -6.3vDC and the other pin 0v. Or....

As long as your potential difference is 6.3v, you're good.

Always measure the heater voltage when your amp is working normally. If you're more than 10% above or below 6.3v, fix it or you'll shorten the life of the tube.

W
 
One example of "elevating" filament voltage.
 

Attachments

  • Filament Float.jpg
    Filament Float.jpg
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If you are building a power amp AC will likely be OK on the filaments, You can still float them, see Filament float 2 attached. If you don't have a centre tap on your heater supply one can be simulated with 2 resistors, see Filament Float 3. You will still need the two resistors and cap like on Filament Float 2.
 

Attachments

  • Filament Float 2.jpg
    Filament Float 2.jpg
    42.2 KB · Views: 43
  • Filament Float 3.jpg
    Filament Float 3.jpg
    27.3 KB · Views: 46
The difference across the heater filament should be 6.3v, in this instance. Other tubes may require different voltages, anywhere from 2.5v-26v, maybe higher.

It's very common to use AC to power the filament. A transformer will step down the mains voltage to 6.3v. if the transformer is center-tapped, it will be rated 3.15-0-3.15v so you'll see 6.3v across the filament. The center tap is vital to ensure a common 0v reference voltage for all electrodes in the tube.

If the Cathode voltage is very high, you may need to "Elevate" the voltage to avoid violating H-K limits of the tube. By introducing a 50vDC voltage via the center-tap you could supply 50-56.3v across the filament. The difference across the filament is still 6.3v, but that median voltage is 53.15v.

Ok, DC. You still need to feed the tube 6.3v, the heater needs that 6.3v difference in potential. So you can give one pin +6.3vDC and the other 0v. Or you could give one pin -6.3vDC and the other pin 0v. Or....

As long as your potential difference is 6.3v, you're good.

Always measure the heater voltage when your amp is working normally. If you're more than 10% above or below 6.3v, fix it or you'll shorten the life of the tube.

W
alright thank you,
So 6.3v positive and ground would do