[Amps] 4-250A and interesting socket information.

[Bill Fuqua]

My first experience with real anode glow was when I built my fist 
amplifiers as a teenage ham.I first acquires a old AM transmitter in Miami, 
Fl at a store called Ham Shack Electronics ( I think).This was while on 
vacation and packed it away in the station wagon (had to leave the rack).I 
first made an amp with a pair of GG  813's which worked rather well. Later 
I got an HT-4 and disassembled  it ( wish I still had it now) and changed 
the amplifier to a pair of GG 250th's.   Had to put about -65 volts on the 
grid but they glowed nicely when transmitting. How beautiful, the mercury 
vapor rectifiers pulsating and the floor boards humming ( power transformer 
sat on floor) and red glow on the plates of the 250th tubes. You could see 
the shadow of the grid on the plates. By the way,They look like the same 
plates as used in the 4-250A's.
My parents liked to come into my room just to see the light show sometimes.

I have been thinking of adding some 872's in series just after the power 
supply filter capacitor just for effects. I think I could tolerate 30 or so 
volts drop in B+. That way I won't have to use a filter choke. kind of miss 
the glow. Perhaps could make solid state rectifiers with violet or blue 
LED's in them that would produce modulated light intensity with current. 
Now there's a thought.

73
Bill wa4lav