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DIY Stompboxes => Building your own stompbox => Topic started by: ppaappoo on November 23, 2010, 11:18:21 PM

Title: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 23, 2010, 11:18:21 PM
Hi, i build a booster with a EBC41 double-diode triode, only use the triode section. But i have a problem, when use a 100nF input cap the pedal don't work but when i jumper-ed it works fine.

I make this scheme, run with a 6+6v trafo, the plate voltage is 20VDC

(http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/4113/circuitokx.th.png) (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/circuitokx.png/)

Datasheet: http://www.r-type.org/pdfs/ebc41.pdf

(http://oldradio.qrz.ru/tubes/foreign/01/EBC41.gif)

(http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/1056/circuir.gif)

(http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/9093/valores.gif)

(http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7811/p1010627lp.th.jpg) (http://img38.imageshack.us/i/p1010627lp.jpg/) (http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5253/p1010629h.th.jpg) (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/p1010629h.jpg/) (http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/6177/p1010630l.th.jpg) (http://img822.imageshack.us/i/p1010630l.jpg/)
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: Derringer on November 24, 2010, 06:27:45 AM
I believe you need a resistor from the grid to ground

try another 1 M
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: jasperoosthoek on November 24, 2010, 06:37:01 AM
Without the resistor suggested by Derringer the grid can float freely. What happens is that it charges to a value where the tube is outside its operating point.

But you don't need the input cap at all because the grid will be at 0V DC. Instead you could replace it with a resistor (68k is uses a lot) to limit the grid current when a large positive voltage is applied. Current will flow when the grid is more positive than the cathode. A resistor helps to limit that. Keep the 1M resistor in place. You will still need that one.
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 24, 2010, 10:21:34 AM
OK, so on the eagle scheme change the C1 with a 68k resistor and R3 leave in 1M.  What resistor first?
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: jasperoosthoek on November 24, 2010, 11:24:26 AM
It does not matter at all to which side of the 68k resistor the 1M is connected. Both sides are ok. For the cap it does matter as it can float.

The problem with your schematic arose when you changed the order of the input cap and Rg. You learned a lot which is great. The input cap was there in the first place because the original circuit blocked DC. A guitar amp/booster generally does not need to do that so you can remove the input cap. But if you keep the cap in place you would you have to modify your nice finished PCB. I suggest to keep the PCB as it is.

So, if you remove the cap you might as well add something functional instead of a jumper wire.  :) The 68k resistor that I've seen in so many circuits is not absolutely critical. I searched a bit why they are there and it appears also to be a high frequency cutoff. It will not alter the sound at all and might improve your amps stability. http://www.regiscoyne.com/tech/68kinput/ (http://www.regiscoyne.com/tech/68kinput/)

Reading that links tells me I have to include it in a subminiature tube buffer amp that I've built last your and put to serious use a few weeks ago. It picks up radio signals and (I think) doesn't have the 68k cap... So another reason to include it in your build!  ;D
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: tubelectron on November 24, 2010, 12:24:58 PM
Hi - simply remove C1, because your tube isn't biased (no grid reference to GND), or put it before the resistor (and you may lower it to 10n if you still choose 1M grid resistor value) - A+!
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 24, 2010, 12:34:21 PM
Thank you all, replace the cap input through a resistance of 68k and seems to work well. Very quiet and zero hum thanks to the internal protective grid serves as a Faraday cage.
The final volume is not excessive considering that the EBC41 has an amplification factor of 70 but definitely boost the signal.

I recommend to you and this radio tubes are not expensive.

If some one wants the pcb, just let me know and i'll upload it.

Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 25, 2010, 12:08:24 AM
(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/6387/p1010633h.th.jpg) (http://img827.imageshack.us/i/p1010633h.jpg/) (http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1271/p1010634.th.jpg) (http://img152.imageshack.us/i/p1010634.jpg/)

(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/6391/p1010639l.th.jpg) (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/p1010639l.jpg/) (http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/7749/p1010640m0.th.jpg) (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/p1010640m0.jpg/)

(http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/9559/p1010641.th.jpg) (http://img542.imageshack.us/i/p1010641.jpg/) (http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8786/p10106480.th.jpg) (http://img521.imageshack.us/i/p10106480.jpg/)
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: markeebee on November 25, 2010, 03:58:34 AM
Nice work Ppaappoo.

I've got a couple of EBC41, never thought about using them as a booster because it seemed a shame to NOT use the diode sections. But that's just silly.

Please could you upload or PM me your pcb, I'd like to make this.

Thanks!
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: jasperoosthoek on November 25, 2010, 05:29:57 AM
Great work man! But keep in mind that the amplification factor will not be 70 (thats 37dB!). As your anode voltage is only 20 volts it will be much lower.
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: Renegadrian on November 25, 2010, 09:31:55 AM
Great!!!  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 25, 2010, 11:12:55 AM
Quote from: jasperoosthoek on November 25, 2010, 05:29:57 AM
Great work man! But keep in mind that the amplification factor will not be 70 (thats 37dB!). As your anode voltage is only 20 volts it will be much lower.

Yes, I imagine that, it would be best to design a source of 110v or 150v and 6.3v for the filaments.
But the idea was to make a valve boost pedal super cheap and easy with recycled scrap. I'll do it later with a better power supply

Here is the PCB, you can use any 8-pin tube having a triode inside, just mod the PCB.

http://www.mediafire.com/?z2q9dw333y82klv
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: jasperoosthoek on November 25, 2010, 11:22:49 AM
Nothing wrong with a 20 volts anode voltage. My tube booster has an anode voltage of only 10 volts... If you increase the voltage of the tube you might consider a volume control if you don't have one already.
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 25, 2010, 11:50:27 AM
Quote from: jasperoosthoek on November 25, 2010, 11:22:49 AM
Nothing wrong with a 20 volts anode voltage. My tube booster has an anode voltage of only 10 volts... If you increase the voltage of the tube you might consider a volume control if you don't have one already.

Do you know a way to make a 6v 110v power supply?
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: tubelectron on November 25, 2010, 02:10:05 PM
Hi ppaappoo,

Yes : assuming your 6V are AC, use a 6V / 120V (or 230V) 3VA transformer, full wave bridge rectifier, resistors and filter caps, and you should have something like 130-150VDC filtered. I use it regularly with success in my tube pedals . You can see the Xformer on the following innards views :

(http://img5.hostingpics.net/pics/442252IMG_3885.jpg)
(http://img5.hostingpics.net/pics/188023IMG_3902.jpg)
(http://img10.hostingpics.net/pics/909385HCTO_int.gif)
(http://img7.hostingpics.net/pics/646695IMG_5495.jpg)

Here is a pic of the Xfo, it's Crovisa-made, 2x6V / 220V / 3VA :

(http://img10.hostingpics.net/pics/909781IMG_5400.jpg)

And here is the convenient schematic for it. Perfectly reliable and hum-less - IF you place the transformer CORRECTLY and/or SHIELD it by a aluminium SCREEN, indeed.

(http://img7.hostingpics.net/pics/575246HCTO_schem_2.jpg)

There is also chips which can do the job, but I didn't experimented it. I'm sure other DIYers here have...

A+!
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: jasperoosthoek on November 25, 2010, 02:24:34 PM
frequencycentral posted a lot on step up chips on this and the ax84 forum.
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 25, 2010, 02:40:49 PM

Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 25, 2010, 03:22:32 PM
I would like a power supply that does not use transformers, which only becomes a 230vac to DC and then through a voltage divider to get 6.3 v and the plate voltage.
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: tubelectron on November 25, 2010, 03:44:55 PM
Hi again,

To my knowledge, there's no such "small compact all integrated" circuit which would be able to give you directly from the 230VAC say 250VDC 5mA and 6,3VDC 0,5A both filtered, but I may be wrong ! In addition, I am not sure it would complies with electric safety regulation, for insulation matters.

When I say directly, I mean no transformer indeed and no (or strict minimum) additional components... If you find such device, please let us know !

A+!
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 25, 2010, 03:54:07 PM
Quote from: tubelectron on November 25, 2010, 03:44:55 PM
Hi again,

To my knowledge, there's no such "small compact all integrated" circuit which would be able to give you directly from the 230VAC say 250VDC 5mA and 6,3VDC 0,5A both filtered, but I may be wrong ! In addition, I am not sure it would complies with electric safety regulation, for insulation matters.

When I say directly, I mean no transformer indeed and no (or strict minimum) additional components... If you find such device, please let us know !

A+!

I think the best would be a  transformer with 6v and 110v outlets.
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: jasperoosthoek on November 25, 2010, 04:42:56 PM
What you want does not exist in electronics you can buy. Not because it's impossible but because it's unsafe. I mean seriously 'can kill you' unsafe.

I think you need to read a fair bit more before you attempt high voltage circuits. The things you propose show that your knowledge of electronics isn't at the level where you can design things that can kill you yourself.

Please tinker all you want with low voltage electronics but only build tried and tested high voltage circuits. ;)
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 25, 2010, 05:19:13 PM
Quote from: jasperoosthoek on November 25, 2010, 04:42:56 PM
What you want does not exist in electronics you can buy. Not because it's impossible but because it's unsafe. I mean seriously 'can kill you' unsafe.

I think you need to read a fair bit more before you attempt high voltage circuits. The things you propose show that your knowledge of electronics isn't at the level where you can design things that can kill you yourself.

Please tinker all you want with low voltage electronics but only build tried and tested high voltage circuits. ;)

Ok, I've worked with valve circuits and I've also designed some sources.

The high voltage of this circuit is tested, and I've done before. The heaters section is a regulated source with a simple 7806.

(http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3283/fuente.png)

you can use two 110/9v transformer or 220/9 and 220/18v or a custom with 9v and 110v outlets
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: jasperoosthoek on November 25, 2010, 06:04:17 PM
That would work fine ;). Just don't consider rectifying the mains power and directly connecting it to you circuit. You scared me a bit...  :icon_eek:
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: markeebee on November 26, 2010, 02:58:50 AM
Jasper - That's why the rest of the world should adopt UK mains plugs and sockets. Can only be inserted one way, so the live and neutral can't be swapped. And always properly fused.

Everybody should drive on the left, as well. And complain about the weather more.
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: jasperoosthoek on November 26, 2010, 05:49:59 AM
Quote from: markeebee on November 26, 2010, 02:58:50 AM
Jasper - That's why the rest of the world should adopt UK mains plugs and sockets. Can only be inserted one way, so the live and neutral can't be swapped. And always properly fused.
That's until some hack wired his own house or the socket the wrong way :). And what if you don't have a fuse in your socket, do you still have a mains fuse? I admit that the UK sockets are big m!#$%f!#&@*s. The US sockets look tiny in comparison. Our German/French sockets are ok but can be swapped. So you can never rely of it and always have to be safe. Most technically inclined people here don't even know that there is a live and a neutral wire...

Quote
Everybody should drive on the left, as well. And complain about the weather more.
Left can never be right. :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: EBC41 double-diode triode booster
Post by: ppaappoo on November 27, 2010, 01:07:00 PM
More pics.

(http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/1862/p1010653.th.jpg) (http://img813.imageshack.us/i/p1010653.jpg/) (http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/7760/p1010654l.th.jpg) (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/p1010654l.jpg/) (http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6808/p1010665s.th.jpg) (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/p1010665s.jpg/)