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[AMPS] Screen protection WHAAAATTTTTT!!!!

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [AMPS] Screen protection WHAAAATTTTTT!!!!
From: 2@vc.net (measures)
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2000 22:44:15 -0700
>
>> Rich wrote
>> 
>> >>Transistors that C/E short offer zero protection.
>> 
>> Ok so sense the voltage drop across a resistor across the screen supply,
>> feed the transistor via an opto isolator,make the transistor trip a fast
>> relay in the primary of the supply transformer.This is better and more
>> reliable than a fuse surely.
>
>Better still, use a screen supply at least two times the desired 
>voltage. Get that voltage from the same transformer that supplies 
>anode voltage, and use a shunt regulator. 

Shunt regulators are not suitable for tubes that use over 800v on the 
screen.  

>Use the bias and blower 
>voltage (with an air pressure switch) to turn on the HV system. 
>Sense the regulator current with a trip system that turns off the PA 
>if regulator current exceeds a safe margin over the quiescent 
>current.
>
>1.) Under any condition of positive screen current, you can never 
>have more dissipation than the quiescent dissipation set in the 
>regulator.
>
>2.) Negative screen current will be limited to a lesser value than 
>positive screen current, preventing overdissipation from negative 
>screen current in most cases.
>
Tetrodes with handles usually do not have negative screen current.  
Negative screen current does not cause overdissipation.  The problem is 
voltage runaway.  

>3.) Everything is interlocked.
>
>4.) Protection is instantaneous.
>
>5.) If any semiconductor shorts or if HV or bias dumps, the system 
>fails safe.

A fast acting fuse worked well for me using an 8171 and an 8169.
>
>Then you can use the fuses to prevent wire and transformer fires, 
>which is a job they are suited for.

Such was not the case.  The 3AG screen fuse would typically open in 
seconds if I inadvertently started with too-light loading.  

later, Tom.  

-  Rich..., 805.386.3734, www.vcnet.com/measures.  
end


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