Linear Amplifier High Voltage (HV) Capacitor Banks explained

I vid on linear amplifier HV capacitors, capacitor banks, equalizing resistors, bleeder resistors, surge resistors and soft start explained using the D+A Raider and Maco 300 sweep tube amp as examples and then the big bad Drake L4B dual 3-500z HV explained.

[@J.fromMichigan]

I will tell you what. I watch hundreds of YT vids. on electronics. You are one of the best, most clear hosts I have seen. Good stuff.

[@tramdr]

Appreciate that

[@bblod4896]

Good to know. The power supply capacitors on my old TV project specified working volts instead of DC volts 🤯
Thanks for the seminar. Have a good Labor Day.

[@kevlark]

I read somewhere (probably in an old mag) that the resistors were sometimes fitted from B+ to ground as belt and braces, to bleed off the capacitors in case one of the bleed resistors had failed. It would be easier and consume less power to rely on an interlock switch with a resistor fitted to the B+ as a safety measure where a bleed resistor fails.

[@J.fromMichigan]

Thats not a bad idea. Thanks.

[@tramdr]

Not really needed as long as the bleeders or equalizers are across each cap individually. When you have eq caps across each cap individually, if one blows, then that one cap it is attached to will not have direct bleed, but because the other caps on either side of it have the bleeders still in tack, it will still get some residual resistance from the resistors in front and behind the cap and still bleed the cap. However, with that said, if one of the equalizing/bleeders go, though it will still bleed (but slowly), when the amp is off, you are going to have a real problem when the amp is on and running. With no eq resister, with the amp running, that cap is going to be overvolted and pop and go up in smoke.
So, best solution is to use individual resistors across each cap. These resistors do double duty. They are both equalizer and bleeder caps.
Also, good idea to use ohms law and figure out the wattage each resistor will pull and then triple or more the needed wattage. Amp makers to save money, often cheap out on the wattage of the bleeders. Lets say the wattage being pulled is .8 watts. Instead of putting in a 2 or 3 watt, a manufacturer often put in a 1 watt to save a few pennies.

[@oscarrogers9745]

Maverick kid hair my grandma says I scare her what are short the cats out with my screwdriver😅😅😅

[@tramdr]

That's why I put bleeders in mine.

[@mykedoes4099]

1:45 Current flows like a river to the river bank.

[@robertholman9942]

Hey Tram Dr I really enjoy your channel. I have Browning Mark 2's with a banana Mike. I really need quality help to get it going. I do understand how box for sending please help.# 17

[@josediaz-tq5cz]

Any ideas where to get a meter for a JB-12?

[@tramdr]

Sorry, No, could use a couple myself. I posted as maybe someone else can help.