Full wave bridge rectifier question

[tubeswell]

I use 180mA minimum HT rating for 2x6L6 amps. (The standard tweed bassman PT is rated for 200mA on the HT winding)

A FW bridge rectifier doesn't use a centre tap on the HT winding. The current is sourced through the reverse-biased rectifier diode pair in the bridge.

[trobbins]

It sounds like you would be happy to use the 270-0-270V 200mA, and forego the amenity of switching to different HT voltage levels (as per the schematic posted) ?

If so, then just use a full-wave rectifier, instead of a full-bridge rectifier.

So far you have indicated 6L6 tubes, so you should be fine for current rating. 6L6GC may give some 'good' sag when cranked.

[Bob-I]

It sounds like you would be happy to use the 270-0-270V 200mA, and forego the amenity of switching to different HT voltage levels (as per the schematic posted) ?

If so, then just use a full-wave rectifier, instead of a full-bridge rectifier.

So far you have indicated 6L6 tubes, so you should be fine for current rating. 6L6GC may give some 'good' sag when cranked.

Thx. I can't change the rectifier, this is a populated board. I will be skipping the multiple voltage taps, lowering power by starving the plates sounds like ass IMHO. I'll go ahead with the PT I have and see how it sounds.

[trobbins]

Cant you just use the two positive diodes of the 'bridge', and take the CT to the neg rail (where the two 'neg' diodes would connect) ?

[davebolden44]

Wouldnt that be the same as grounding it?

[trobbins]

The two 'neg' diodes in the bridge would be removed. So the end result is just a full-wave 2-phase rectifier (as per vintage valve diode type).