[Boatanchors] peter dahl 5V4 ss replacement

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Hi Eugene -

I'll take a poke at this. Keep in mind that I have yet to try any of
them, so my comments are limited.

Although some folks say to replace tube rectifiers with diodes, I
never have for the reasons you outlined. Provided other components are
in good shape and your AC voltage is 115-120 or so, there really
shouldn't be a need.

That being said, I have a 32V-2 transmitter that suffers from a very
hot rectifier tube, to the point that it has caused some of the
potting tar to seep out of the LV transformer sitting less than 1/2
inch away. It's one of those big, metal tubes, which makes it even
worse. Been doing some reading on the Weber Copper caps and they seem
like a good bet for such an application, since they address the issues
of elevated B+ and inrush. How well, I can't say, but better I'm sure
than just plugging diodes in.

While not cheap at $20, it doesn't strike me as a bad price in you
consider what one new tube costs, then multiply that times the number
you expect to go through over the years. Biggest plus for me will be
removing the extreme heat source from next to the transformer.

No experience with the others mentioned either, but if they lack the
needed protection, I'd not consider them.

Be sure to let us know the route you end up going and your results.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ

On 2/4/06, Eugene Hertz <ehertz at tcaf.org> wrote:
<snip>
> 1. Peter Dahl RECT015000  $8  can be seen 8th item down on
> <http://pwdahl.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=diodes>
>
> 2. SI 1N1238 also 1N1239 (difference?) I've seen them as low as $5 or less on e-place
>
> 3. Weber copper Cap rectifier WV4 about $20
>
> My concerns about which to get (if any) revolve such issues as
> a) inrush limiting (or lack of)
> b) B+ going on before filaments warm up
> c) B+ too high
>
> I *think* that the weber advertises that they address all three of those concerns, but at $20, is this a product marketed to audiophools?