Still remember my Aikido project? Until now, I’m still using Octal socket (since most of my rectifiers are Octal based, like 5U4, GZ37, etc).  Few weeks ago, I was poisoned with RGN Rectifier. Well, I knew this tube for long time, but just that time was poisoned badly. Have no choice, got to get one at eBay.

How do I use it on my Aikido? I’m too lazy to modify the socket, I decide to create a DIY Socket Converter, from B4 to Octal.

Most European tubes use this Socket. But in this project, I will specify the usage for RGN Rectifier tubes. Most of my RGN will use 4 Volt heater, while the standard Octal will use 5 Volt. What should I do? Piece of cake, just put 2 Resistors in both heaters line. Considering the RGN will consume around 1 A current, then 0.5R will do perfectly to drop from 5 Volt to around 4 Volt (I prefer to use 0.33R each to drop to 4.3 Volt, in case my main line drop a little bit at night).

Below is the necessary parts 😉

An empty Octal socket, B4/B5 Socket, and two 0.33R resistors.

1_parts

How do we create the converter? Basically, you just need to re-route the correct pins from Octal to B4. On Octal socket, the pin #2 and #8 are heaters, while the plates are pin #4 and #6. On B4 socket, the two top pins on the lower triangle are heaters, while the rest two are plates.

1_wiring

Here is the complete configuration of my DIY Socket Converter. Each heater will have 0.33R resistor, while the plates will connect directly to the correct pin. I use silver stranded wires with teflon insulated for a perfect transfer on the plate line. Quite a neat work…

2_complete

Soldered to empty Octal socket. Make sure you put it on the right pins. Check the pin layout diagram to confirm 😉

3_complete

Voila, a complete converter, with RGN Rectifier plugged in.

4_withrgn

The RGN with the converter plugged in to my Aikido. A little bit weird with that tall, but who cares? 😉

5_onsystem

The beautiful mesh plate of RGN 1054. Despite its good looking, it has superb sounding also.

6_rgn

My “new” Aikido, with RGN 1054 Rectifier, currently used as capacitor burn-in bench.

7_system