My "simple" valve tester

[Ed_Dinning]

Hi Rob, simplest way for heaters is to use an LV bench power supply which is normally both regulated and stabilised.
If you can get an old Farnell E350 ? these are HV stabilised lab supplies and quite small. This takes care of the HT as well

It is also quite easy to knock up a simple valve HT stabilising circuit if you are worried about mains variation

Cheers, Ed

[Bushbaby]

Thanks Ed for your response.
I do have a couple of points though. The idea behind this was to be an initial pice of small work to get be back into the swing of electronics for me nearing retirement so I don't think it will be number one valve tester as very soon I want to get back to finishing the "Sussex" tester that I have all the parts from (including the transformer I believe you made - well done and thanks) that about 14 years ago and the completed circuit boards.
I do have a Marconi bench power supply out in my workshop that is 0 to 30v etc - I will have to look but I cant at the moment due to back pain from Fridays denervation in my spine. I'd love to have the Farnell E350 but a) I cant find one and b) the average price for these 2nd hand seems to be £250 - £300 wow!!.
I am sure I will come back on the forum once I get started.
Best Regards
Rob

[ppppenguin]

I was lucky with my E350. £50 at the last Biggleswade meeting.

The Sussex is a fundamentally simple valve tester. It's not doing anything clever. It applies voltages and measures currents. It's also well designed and you have an excellent transformer for it. I'm not al all convinced about the very basic valve tester you want to build. I'd go directly to the Sussex.

[Bushbaby]

Thanks Jeffrey.
I'n the back of my mind I have been thinking that the 'simple' valve tester may be "problematic" after looking at the the questions and answers relating to it on the designers site (not here). There are quite a few different outcomes that people have arranged for their "simple valve tester". 
I've attached an example.

Yes, I do want to get back into my "Sussex" but I had bought all the bits for this project (stupid me!!!).

Best Regards
Rob

   

[Ed_Dinning]

Hi Rob, plenty of circuits about for simple stabilised HV PSU's. You have the transformer and as well as a rectifier only need a series pass valve (EL84/ 6V6 etc) and a neon stabiliser (85 C2 etc) and a few passive parts and you are there. GB can be provided by a battery and a pot

Ed

[Bushbaby]

Thanks Ed.
However, being very much a "learner" when it come to things like this could I please ask if you could define what you have told me? Alas, this is where stupid me loses understanding BUT I really do want to make an effort.

Many thanks
Best Regards
Rob

[ppppenguin]

Ed was outlining the design of a simple DIY stabilised HT power supply. I'm not sure it's worth your while making one at this stage.

[Bushbaby]

Ahh, many thanks Jeffrey.

[Diabolical Artificer]

Building a valve tester myself at present, wafflings here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEgPuKKOyWs

Andy.

[Bushbaby]

Terrific Andy
Great to watch and thank you very much indeed.

Best Regards
Rob