Plexi bias

Marshall Amp Discussion

Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal

Post Reply
User avatar
JoeCon
Posts: 629
Joined: Thu Aug 30, 2012 3:06 pm
Location: Manch-Vegas NH

Plexi bias

Post by JoeCon »

Guys

So my 6V6 Plexi is my first fixed bias build. I tried EL34's in it and want to be sure I set the bias correctly.
EL34 25W/420V (plate voltage) = .059mA
.059mA x .7 (70%) = .041mA.
So setting my bias pot to read .041mA(mV) across my 1 ohm resistor gives me the right bias for the tube...yes?

Thanks.
In theory, theory is the same as practice. In practice it's different.
User avatar
martin manning
Posts: 13391
Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:43 am
Location: 39°06' N 84°30' W

Re: Plexi bias

Post by martin manning »

Correct but I'd do it direct: 25W*0.7/420V = 42mA
You'll be less than 70% because you are measuring cathode current which includes screen current, which is maybe 5% of the total.
User avatar
JoeCon
Posts: 629
Joined: Thu Aug 30, 2012 3:06 pm
Location: Manch-Vegas NH

Re: Plexi bias

Post by JoeCon »

Martin,

Sir, Thanks. So I could float up another 5% and still be "kosher". Excellent...
In theory, theory is the same as practice. In practice it's different.
User avatar
roberto
Posts: 1841
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:45 pm
Location: Italy

Re: Plexi bias

Post by roberto »

You can add around 5 mA and still be on the safe side.
RockinRocket
Posts: 634
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 5:23 am

Re: Plexi bias

Post by RockinRocket »

Is this way the most accurate way to bias?
https://robrobinette.com/Tube_Bias_Calculator.htm
Plate to cathode voltage( Plate volts minus cathode volts)
And does this require a 1ohm resistor from pin 8 to1 to ground? If not will one there affect the results of this method?

If im not mistaken Jocons method is the one from the metro kit pdf?
User avatar
JoeCon
Posts: 629
Joined: Thu Aug 30, 2012 3:06 pm
Location: Manch-Vegas NH

Re: Plexi bias

Post by JoeCon »

Rockin
I measured the OT voltage at the tube socket. I knew the EL34 was a 25 water from tube data. I have a 1 ohm 1% resistor that I monitor for setting the bias.
I was lucky my bias supply will do both 6V6 and EL34's no problem.
In theory, theory is the same as practice. In practice it's different.
Post Reply