Valve shattered inside a Belton VT9-PT socket
Hi all,
I had a valve shatter overnight. It was not even on.
I guess it’s these valve bases, they are too tight.
They are Belton B9A VT9-PT PCB mount sockets.
Every seen this before?
Hi all,
I had a valve shatter overnight. It was not even on.
I guess it’s these valve bases, they are too tight.
They are Belton B9A VT9-PT PCB mount sockets.
Every seen this before?
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I don't think this is a problem endemic to Belton valve bases, having used hundreds and not encountered this. They are tight when new but only take a couple of insertions to loosen up. I think you just got unlucky!
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Yeah, that’s makes sense. The glass has actually shattered, it’s more than just breaking the vacuum. That’s is what it really odd.
These things happen, whenever I use Belton sockets I always insert a non critical/precious valve a couple of times to open up the contacts. They are indeed very tight to begin with but it literally only takes a couple of times and they're fine. Despite this I still think they are the best sockets available. They grip the valves nicely, better than some sockets where the valves practically fall out!
They are tight, but that is better than loose sockets.
Another 'tip' is to pop an old valve in the socket when you solder the tags up. That keeps the socket pin / connectors aligned with each other when you come to use it...
Another 'tip' is to pop an old valve in the socket when you solder the tags up. That keeps the socket pin / connectors aligned with each other when you come to use it...
Years ago I was having a very difficult time inserting 9 pin tubes into some excellent quality Russian ceramic sockets. I was afraid I was going to have the glass break in my hands the effort was so large. So I purchased these pin straighteners and after a quick insertion into the pin straighteners the tubes slipped into the sockets like they were greased. I was shocked at how this simple step made inserting 9 pin tubes so easy. Now, I never insert a 9 pin tube without straightening the pins.
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Beautiful metal work! I would get some of those too.
Thanks for the tip about soldering in place with a valve inserted.
Thanks for the tip about soldering in place with a valve inserted.
I suspect the tube way more than the socket.
Meaning improper or missing tension relieving after button base is soldered to envelope, which creates great stress in glass.
Meaning improper or missing tension relieving after button base is soldered to envelope, which creates great stress in glass.
I've used dozens of Belton sockets and haven't had a problem with them, using a pin straightener when needed, and a sacrificial tube to assure pin alignment when that is a concern.
IMO they represent the best reasonably priced sockets available today.
IMO they represent the best reasonably priced sockets available today.
Follow up.
The socket is definitely a bit too tight, so will make sure they are a bit more open next time.
I don’t know if you can see in the photo, but the glass fractured next to a pin with bend in it.
So lesson learnt. Thanks
The socket is definitely a bit too tight, so will make sure they are a bit more open next time.
I don’t know if you can see in the photo, but the glass fractured next to a pin with bend in it.
So lesson learnt. Thanks
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So the pin was clearly quite bent before insertion and applied strong torque to glass when re-straightened by insertion in the socket.
No fault of tube or socket but previous mishandling.
No fault of tube or socket but previous mishandling.
Pin Straighteners
Here are a couple that I use:
Vacuum Tube Pin Straightener | Riverstone Audio
NOS Tube Pin Straightener – VintageFenderAmpRepair.com
Here are a couple that I use:
Vacuum Tube Pin Straightener | Riverstone Audio
NOS Tube Pin Straightener – VintageFenderAmpRepair.com
I had planned on exercising my cad skills to draw up a pin straightener so people could 3d print their own but never got around to it.
Get a pin straightener and straighten the pins of a tube you don't care about, stick it in the socket, and it still feels too tight reheat each solder joint in turn, that should relieve any stress from misaligned socket pins.
Thanks for the tips I will absolutely do that from now on.
Also thanks for the pin straightener links, they seems a bit hard to get from the UK. I guess they are not a product in high demand these days! But still clearly required!
Also thanks for the pin straightener links, they seems a bit hard to get from the UK. I guess they are not a product in high demand these days! But still clearly required!
