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Old May 29th 11, 04:59 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.homebrew
Tim Shoppa Tim Shoppa is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 263
Default vr tube replacement

On May 29, 8:23*am, JIMMIE wrote:
I want to replace the vr 0A3 tube used in the bias circuit of a 6146B
amp with a 75V zener string. Can I just directly replace the tube with
the diodes or *will I need to make other modifications to the circuit?

Jimmie


Typical OA3 is idling with between 5 and 40mA of current flowing
through it, so make sure the zener string can dissipate the power.
(75V * 0.040A = 3 watts worst case, but I'd expect less idle current
in a grid bias regulator.).

If this is a major redesign you might want to use a solid state series
pass regulator (e.g. TL783 or the like) and probably get rid of that
old wirewound pot in the bias circuit.

0A3's are not unobtanium, rare, or expensive. I kinda like seeing VR
tubes around the PA, nice purple/pink glow dims and brightens as I
key, and if they're not glowing then something's wrong.