Replace ELL80 with QQE03/12

31-Jan-15 13:11 14

Erwin Scholle (D)

Articles : 27
Count of Thanks: 17

QQE03/12 (6360 , RS1029, CV2798) as replacement for ELL80

In a previous post I presented a MOSFet equivalent circuit for the ELL80 AF dual power pentode. Even if you don't hear that MOSFets work instead of a
tube in the NF output stage, the sight of such an equivalent circuit plugged into the tube socket is somewhat surprising and the matter is also not very
authentic.

This version, using semiconductors instead of a tube, caused some collector friends to have slightly sour leads and I was encouraged to also think about a
cheap replacement of the ELL80 with a tube.

The ECLL800, which is often referred to as the successor , has long since ceased to be a cost-effective replacement, and it cannot be used in ultra-linear
power amps either. The replacement by two EL95 has been known for a long time and has been carried out many times.

In my search for an inexpensive replacement, I came across the QQE03/12 dual tetrode .

A comparison of the data makes this tube seem usable.

The current good availability with surprisingly moderate prices (unit price NOS approx. 4€) finally gave the decisive factor in planning to use the tube.

The following specifications should be observed when considering the equivalent circuit:

Pluggable replacement without modifications to the device

Functions like original replacement
Few, easily obtainable and exclusively passive components
No higher energy consumption
Can be used in NF power amplifiers of different devices and operating modes
Low cost
Little workload

It is clear from the outset that the requirements cannot be met 100% and that one can only strive for an approximation. The differences in the system, the
steepness and other data of the tubes alone do not allow it.

The following changes or compromises are required:

· The transformer must deliver a slightly higher heating current for the QQE. The different pin assignments have to be adjusted and require an adapter.

· The QQE has only one common screen grid connection for both systems, which e.g. B. the use in an ultra-linear output stage is still possible, but the
special circuit properties are lost.

· The screen grid voltage of the QQE is significantly lower than that of the ELL and must be reduced. The screen grid voltage should be as small as possible (150 V) so that
the "dent" in the I A /U A characteristic curve typical of tetrodes is avoided even with large modulations . The screen grid voltage can be reduced by series
resistors or voltage dividers to be installed in the adapter, whereby a screen grid voltage that is as independent of the modulation as possible is desired. The
screen grid current should also match, as it is important for hum compensation in some devices.

· According to operational data, the grid bias of the QQE is considerably more negative than that of the ELL. An additional resistor or zener diode in the
cathode line is required in the adapter.

· The assignment of pins 4 and 8 can remain unchanged, all other pins must be reassigned in the adapter.

Two circuit variants for the adaptation were shortlisted:

Version I:
The screen grid voltage is reduced by series resistors and the grid bias voltage is generated by an additional Z-diode in the cathode line.
So that changes in the screen grid current do not result in excessive fluctuations in the screen grid voltage, varistors are used as series resistors, which
have a comparatively low differential resistance. Two series resistance paths ensure mutual decoupling of the screen grid connections at the output
transformers. With the help of a Zener diode, the cathode voltage is "raised" to a value required for the operating point (I A /U G ).

The low-impedance differential resistance of a zener diode makes a parallel capacitor superfluous.

The disadvantage of this circuit is that the screen grid voltage is only reduced by a fixed amount and is therefore dependent on the level of the voltage in the
device.

The screen grid current must be accepted as it is. A lower screen grid current can unbalance the hum compensation.
Version II:

If the adapter is not to be used for all possible devices, the screen grid voltage can also be formed with a voltage divider. Since a ground connection is
required for the voltage divider and sometimes pin 4 and sometimes pin 5 come into question, the adapter must be wired according to the device circuit.

If you plug the adapter into another device, the heater voltage can be at the voltage divider base.

With a voltage divider, the screen grid voltage can be set to such a low value that no further change in the grid bias voltage is required to adjust the
operating point. Of course, higher screen grid voltages can also be realized, which then also require a change in the grid bias voltage in accordance with
version I.

In order to ensure decoupling of the screen grid connections of the output transformer, the voltage is also supplied via two paths. A series circuit consisting
of a varistor and a potentiometer serves as the lower voltage divider resistor.
The permissible power loss of varistors and potentiometers must be large enough to handle the entire current transfer during the heating-up phase of the
tubes.

The sum of the screen grid currents and cross current in the voltage divider should be as large as the screen grid currents of the ELL.

A screen grid capacitor can be used for blocking.

A disadvantage is the cross current in the voltage divider, which is associated with additional heat generation.

I have not yet implemented this version because the properties of version I have completely convinced me.

The result is that the QQE03/12, which is considered to be robust and durable, can be a well-suited replacement for the ELL80.

In an existing device circuit designed for an ELL80, the output power that can be achieved with the QQE is excellent.

If the tube is only to be used as a replacement in a specific circuit, the adaptation can certainly be optimized.

It is also worth considering whether a permanent change in circuitry in the device, which makes the adapter socket superfluous, would make the most
sense.
In my devices Loewe Luna 42070W , Nordmende Tannhäuser E330 I will make the necessary conversions in the device. With the Philips Saturn 641 I
would like to keep the function of the ultra-linear output stages and will therefore use the remaining good ELL80 there.

My MOSFet circuits are being decommissioned and going into the magazine as a reserve until further notice.

Best regards

Erwin Scholle