How to Replace a Rectifying Tube With Diodes
Nothing is more frustrating than a blown fuse on a tube amplifier. Changing the fuse and attempting to turn on the amplifier with no change rarely works, and taking the amplifier to a technician can be expensive. Often the problem lies in the rectifier that the amplifier uses, and if it is tube-based it can be a problem more often than not. Solid-state rectification is available and doesn't require "heart surgery" in an amplifier that uses tube rectifiers.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Yellow Jacket solid-state rectifier adapter model YJR
- Non-residue electronics cleaner
Instructions
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1
Access the area where the tubes are located in the amplifier or receiver that is being used. Remove any screws holding the brace bar or protective grill for the tubes and set aside.
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2
Remove the rectifier tube carefully. The tubes are most often right next to the large power transformer. The tube may be tight in the socket, so gently swirl the top of the tube to allow the pins to free themselves from the socket without damage to the tube itself.
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3
Spray a very small amount of non-residue electronics cleaner into the socket. Allow it to dry.
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4
Install the YJR adapter in the socket. Be careful to note where the pins are supposed to go.
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5
Reattach any protective bars or bracing with the appropriate screws.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Some amplifiers may have more than one rectifier. The YJR will have a post guide in the its center that will ensure that the pins line up correctly in the socket.
Solid-state rectifiers do not have warm-up requirements like tube rectifiers do. It is important to utilize a standby switch if available to allow the other tubes in the circuit to heat up before the solid-state rectifier is able to operate at full power to avoid damage to other tubes and components in the circuit.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit old vacuum tubes image by Dmitry Rukhlenko from Fotolia.com
