Vacuum Tubes - How they work

[mxcollin95]

Awesome explantion...thanks

[lizardqueen22]

Excellent explanation.

Thanks

[Arabhacks]

The 5 tube AC/DC has a "Hot" chassis.

This means that one side of it is connected to the power line.

Contact with a part of the radio, like the volume or tuning knob shaft can, and frequently did, kill.

Devices that have a transformer in the power supply did not normally pose this hazard.

Transistor devices operate at low voltages even if line powered so the power supply is safe.

[Arabhacks]

The trouble is that although tubes may have that warm glow that some love, it is not efficient, and in this case, not safe.

Remember that this is a 5 tube AC/DC radio, very easy to get killed by one!

Although audio quality of tubes can be excellent, this is not the case in a radio that has one tube acting in a single ended mode at perhaps 1/2 watt maximum, on AM.

In my prior comments I was referring to this radio, that the portable transistor radio has replaced.

[oatstao]

@Arabhacks "not safe"? well, yes, of course, when it's applied out of context.

Just like you dropping your toaster in the bath with you.

Who's gonna do that?

ANyways, you provide a valid expose but it's not what

most audio lovers really have to worry about.

I dig both sides, for different applications. For mixing/mastering

I prefer using my Yamaha with JFET trans.

For pure playback enjoyment of analogue LPs there

is nothing that touches the Tube.

[oatstao]

@oatstao

So it's just like moods. You choose the application.

And really... the power differential will not be a problem if

you turn your tube amp off when you are done.

[Rstan4]

Nice video, high power high frequency induction welding has brought me back in time to study my grandfather's electronics.

[1Batt]

Lets go back to tubes!

[KC9SYJ]

@1Batt I agree,...especially in amateur radio gear!

[cheepiao]

Clearly explained. Thank you.

[Arabhacks]

There is a misconception.

The modern "dull" vacuum tubes are indirectly heated, far more efficient and as such require a cooler heater.

The direct heating filament acts like a light bulb with a plate and grid, in fact very first tubes were just that.

But, by enclosing the tube elements around the filament we can get more electrons going to work for us.

The transistor replaced the tube in nearly all applications, progress.

[Fendervana]

@Arabhacks Who gives a shit if tubes are inefficient, we're still paying the power bill right? And it's really too bad they(transistors) sound like shit for audio applications - shocker. And since the best way to transfer electrons is in a vacuum rather than a solid or liquid then who cares about efficiency? It's about quality. You can keep that 'progress' SS dumpster material..

[guitarthroat]

@Fendervana holy fuck!!! hostile!!! but yes I agree. Electron tubes may be completely inefficient, but the sound is superior to anything digital or solid state. I am doubtful that anything digital will match and much less surpass anything that tubes can do in a sonic sense in our lifetimes. Besides, glowing tubes are just fucking awesome!

[otamanlvhs]

that for the tutorial.

[seekerphn]

Fantastic !!

[bergweg]

thanks a lot for the tutorial!

[CoolDudeClem]

That cleared a few things up, I already knew a ittle tiny bit about triodes, but I wondered what the extra grids in pentodes and tetrodes actually did.

[jeriellsworth]

Very comprehensive!