Supplying Power To A Mullard Vacuum Tube

In summary, to supply power to a Mullard vacuum tube, one must ensure that the max plate current and voltage are within the limits specified in the data sheet. The difference between the max supply voltage and anode voltage is determined by the cathode bias resistor IR drop. It is important to keep in mind the high heat generated by the plates when operating these tubes.
  • #1
ScienceNerd36
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How would a curious young gentleman like myself go about supplying power to a Mullard vacuum tube? I have several different types of Mullard tubes, but no idea as to how I can generate the electron beam.

P.S. If side-effects of solution include death, injury or Hannah Montana please do not post.
 
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  • #2
I had a pair of Mullard EL-34 pentodes as the final push-pull stage in a big vacuum tube audio amplifier. As I recall, the plates ran so hot that they turned red. See
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/90/Mullard_el34.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EL34
Here is a data sheet
http://www.drtube.com/datasheets/el34-philips1969.pdf
Max plate current, voltage is 100 mA, 250 V
http://www.eierc.com/rc/EL34.htm
The difference between the max supply voltage and anode voltage is the cathode bias resistor IR drop from cathode to ground.
Finally found a Mullard datasheet for EL-34:
http://www.hifitubes.nl/weblog/wp-content/mullard-el34.pdf

Bob S
 
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  • #3


Dear curious young gentleman,

Thank you for your interest in supplying power to a Mullard vacuum tube! I am happy to provide you with some guidance in this matter.

Firstly, it is important to note that the exact method of supplying power to a Mullard vacuum tube may vary depending on the specific tube you have. Therefore, it is always best to consult the manufacturer's specifications for your particular tube.

In general, however, there are a few basic steps you can follow to supply power to a Mullard vacuum tube:

1. Determine the power requirements of your tube: Before you can supply power to your tube, you need to know how much power it requires. This information can usually be found in the manufacturer's specifications.

2. Choose a suitable power source: Mullard vacuum tubes typically require high voltage power sources, so you will need a power supply that can provide the necessary voltage. This could be a battery, a transformer, or a power supply specifically designed for vacuum tubes.

3. Connect the power source to the tube: Once you have a suitable power source, you will need to connect it to the tube. This can be done using wires or connectors, depending on the design of your tube.

4. Take safety precautions: Since working with high voltage can be dangerous, it is important to take proper safety precautions. Make sure to wear protective gear and handle the power source and tube with care.

5. Test the tube: Once the power source is connected, you can test the tube by turning on the power and observing the electron beam. Make sure to follow all safety procedures and instructions from the manufacturer.

In terms of generating the electron beam, this is a natural process that occurs when the power source is connected and the tube is functioning properly. However, it is important to note that improper handling or use of Mullard tubes can result in injury, so it is always best to exercise caution and follow manufacturer guidelines.

I hope this information helps you in supplying power to your Mullard vacuum tube. As for the side-effects you mentioned, I can assure you that with proper handling and use, there should be no negative effects. However, it is always important to follow safety precautions and use caution when dealing with high voltage equipment.

Best of luck with your experiments!

Sincerely,
 

1. What is a Mullard vacuum tube?

A Mullard vacuum tube is a type of electronic device used for amplification or switching of electrical signals. It consists of a glass or metal tube containing a vacuum, with one or more electrodes inside to control the flow of electrons.

2. How does a Mullard vacuum tube work?

A Mullard vacuum tube works by using the principle of thermionic emission, where a heated filament releases electrons into the vacuum. These electrons are then attracted to a positively charged electrode, called the anode, and flow through the tube to produce an amplified output signal.

3. Why is it important to properly supply power to a Mullard vacuum tube?

Supplying the correct power to a Mullard vacuum tube is important because it affects the tube's performance and lifespan. Too little power can result in insufficient amplification, while too much power can damage the tube and cause it to fail.

4. How much power does a Mullard vacuum tube require?

The power requirements for a Mullard vacuum tube can vary depending on the specific model and application. Generally, these tubes require a high voltage (typically in the range of 200-500 volts) and a low current (typically in the range of 10-100 milliamperes).

5. What are some common methods for supplying power to a Mullard vacuum tube?

The most common methods for supplying power to a Mullard vacuum tube include using a transformer to step up the voltage from a lower source, using a rectifier to convert AC power to DC, and using a filter capacitor to smooth out the power supply. It is also important to properly ground the power supply to prevent noise and interference.

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