HP Aikido Stereo 9-Pin B manual Filament Jumper Wire Schedule, Heater Issues

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GlassWare Audio Design

 

Heater Issues

The board assumes that a DC 12V power supply will be used for the heaters, so that 6.3V heater tubes (like the 6FQ7 and 6DJ8) or 12.6V tubes (like the 12AU7 or 12AX7) can be used. Both types can be used exclusively, or simultaneously; for example 6GC7 for the input tube and a 12BH7 for the output tube. For example, if the input tube (V2 and V3) is a 12AX7 and the output tube is a 6H30 (V1 and V4), then use jumpers J1, J5 and J6.

6V Heater Power Supply Although designed for a 12V power supply, a 6V heater power supply can be used with the PCB, as long as all the tubes used have 6.3V heaters (or 5V or 8V or 18V power supply can be used, if all the tubes share the same 5V or 8V or 18V heater voltage). Just use jumpers J1 and J4 only. Note: Perfectly good tubes with uncommon heater voltages can often be found at swap meets, eBay, and surplus stores for a few dollars each. Think outside 6.3V box. (A 25V heater power supply can be used, if only 12.6V tubes are used. Just use the jumper settings that are listed on the PCB for 6V use. For example, if the input tube [V2 and V3] is a 12AX7 and the output tube is a 12AU7 [V1 and V4], then use jumpers J1 and J4. )

AC Heaters An AC heater power supply (6.3V or 12.6V) can be used, if the heater shunting capacitors C7, C8, C9, C10 are left off the board, or are replaced by 0.01µF ceramic capacitors.

Filament Jumper Wire Schedule

-H +H

 

J1 J2

5

V1

4

5

V2

J5

J6

4

4

 

 

 

 

 

J4

 

C7 C8

 

 

 

 

J3

V3

5

5

V4

4

C9C10

With a 6.3V PS

Use J2, J3, J5, and J6 only and all tubes must be 6.3V types.

With a 12.6V PS

Output Tubes V1 and V4: If tubes are 6V, use J1 only.

If tubes are 12V, use J2 and J3 only.

Input Tubes V2 and V3:

If tubes are 6V, use J4 only.

If tubes are 12V, use J5 and J6 only.

Do not use capacitors, C7, C8, C9, or C10 with an AC heater PS

Since one triode stands atop another, the heater-to-cathode voltage experienced differs between triodes. The safest path is to reference the heater power supply to a voltage equal to one fourth the B+ voltage; for example, 75V, when using a 300V power supply. The ¼ B+ voltage ensures that both top and bottom triodes see the same magnitude of heater-to-cathode voltage. The easiest way to set this voltage relationship up is the following circuit:

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Contents User Guide Rev. C Overview PCB FeaturesIntroduction to the Aikido Aikido AmplifierC1 & C2 Heater Issues Filament Jumper Wire SchedulePower Supply Cathode Resistor Values Tube SelectionInternal Shields 6CG7 & 6DJ8 6CG7 & 6CG7 12AU7 & 12AU7 12AU7 & 12BH7 Configuring the PCB as a Line AmplifierSwitch Front Configuring the PCB as a Headphone AmplifierLet me know what you think AssemblyPin Aikido Schematic Rev. C Top Side PCB Mechanical Layout ECC81