[Boatanchors] 0Z4 Rectifier

[Al Klase]

I had to dig to find any info at all on this subject.  Fred Terman in 
the 1943 edition of "The Radio Enginee's Handbooks" says, " Such 
rectifiers are used to a limited extent in connection with vibrator 
power supplies.  They have the advantageof needing no filament heating 
power, but require a relatively high voltage drop to start the flow of 
current, and introduce high-frequency transients."

Checking the data sheet, one finds they need 300 volts to fire, and 
there is a requirement to maintain a 30 mA current flow.  I'm guessing 
they aren't particularly efficient when sine waves are applied, as they 
wouldn't fire until late in the cycle.

BTW, a 6X5 or 6X4 rectifier only draws 450 mA for the heaters.

Al

On 5/19/2010 12:03 AM, mac wrote:
> Saved a couple of amps of filament current.  Significant back in the
> days of 6 volt electrical systems.
>
> Dennis D. W7QHO
> Glendale, CA
>
>
>
> On May 18, 2010, at 9:41 AM, Jim Haynes wrote:
>
>    
>> I've wondered from time to time why the 0Z4 rectifier was used in,
>> and used only in, automotive radios with vibrator power supplies.......
>>      

-- 
Al Klase - N3FRQ
Jersey City, NJ
http://www.skywaves.ar88.net/