Power supply modification question

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around modifying a power supply schematic for a JTM45 amplifier, specifically focusing on integrating a twin rectifier and a switchable solid-state power supply. Participants explore the implications of these modifications and seek clarification on the transformer design in the Mesa schematic.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Billy shares links to the amp and power supply schematics and asks if there are any issues with his modification idea.
  • Dave provides guidance on how to upload schematics to the forum for better discussion.
  • Billy expresses confusion about the primary side of the transformer in the Mesa schematic.
  • A participant notes that the "Spongy" position on the transformer reduces supply voltages, affecting output power and distortion characteristics.
  • Concerns are raised about using the original power transformer due to filament current requirements and transformer resistance for tube longevity.
  • A recommendation is made to use a resistor in parallel with the diodes to equalize reverse voltages.
  • It is mentioned that the various supply voltages will depend on the current drawn, but they may not be critical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the transformer design and its implications, with some technical details being clarified while other aspects remain uncertain. No consensus is reached on the overall feasibility of the proposed modifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential issues related to transformer specifications and the impact of modifications on amplifier performance, but specific assumptions and dependencies are not fully resolved.

Planobilly
Messages
440
Reaction score
105
Hi guys,
Here is the amp schematic, http://www.classictubeamps.com/schematics/Marshall/1966%20JTM45.pdf

Here is the power supply schematic I would like to modify and use.
http://imgur.com/a/sdYAV

I don't know how to get both of these schematics to display in this post...I guess I will never make it as a computer guy..lol

Do you see any issues with this idea?

Cheers,

Billy
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Planobilly said:
I don't know how to get both of these schematics to display in this post...I guess I will never make it as a computer guy..lol

like this

upload_2016-7-22_8-18-42.png


and this ...

U9qrnQW.gif
when you are creating a thread, there are 3 buttons to the lower right of the text box
"Post reply" "Preview" and "Upload"

click on upload and it gives you the uploading option to browse you PC and attach the file

upload_2016-7-22_8-15-43.png
hope that helpscheers
Dave
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Planobilly and jim mcnamara
Thanks Dave,

Now if I just had a nine year old kid around my house I could get them to show me how to do stuff on my smart phone...lol

Now it will be easy to talk about the schematic. Anyway the idea is to use a twin rectifier and a switchable solid state power supply for the JTM45 amp. I don't understand the primary side of the transformer on the Mesa schematic.

Cheers,

Billy
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn
Nice Amp - wish I still had one!
 
Planobilly said:
I don't understand the primary side of the transformer on the Mesa schematic.
The "Spongy" position reduces the supply voltages to the amp by changing the transformer turns ratio. This reduces the peak output power and may change the distortion characteristics a little due to the reduced filament voltages.

If you use the identical power transformer, it should work. Original power transformer for two reasons:
1) The dual 5U4 rectifiers draw 6Amps filament current and most xformers assume a single 5U4 at 3Amps.
2) There is a minimum recommended transformer resistance for 'reasonable' 5U4 life. This limits the peak plate current of the tube.
For 5U4 data sheets and design hints see:
https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/049/5/5U4GB.pdf
http://www.theremin.us/Rockmore Theremin/5U4G.pdf

To equalize the reverse voltages across the 1N4007 diodes, I recommend a 1Meg 1/2W resistor in parallel with each diode.

Realize that the various supply voltages, 422V, 406V, 402V, will depend on the current drawn from each voltage; but they are not likely to be critical.

Have Fun!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 151 ·
6
Replies
151
Views
17K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K