Bulb Limiter Question

Hello,

I am gearing up to build my Boothill 5E3 I just received from Hackworth :grin:

I built a bulb limiter for testing when I get the amp finished. I did the build exactly as seen here 4 posts down:
http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14801&sid=59e3cd4a0784774bc11690ec3bdcf1f0

I tested it using my little SS vox pathfinder with a 25w bulb. The filament barely glows in the bulb. A 75w bulb does not glow at all.

Is this normal? Can I assume the device is working as it should? I don't want to use it on my 5e3 if it is not functioning the right way.

Thanks for any insight.

The pathfinder SS I'm thinking doesn't draw enough current to light the bulb.I'm sure your limiter is fine.
If it shines full bright then your amps shorted.
When you use it with your 5e3 it'll start bright then dim as the caps charge.

If you built the limiter properly (so it is in series with the active/phase lead going into the amp), then if the amp's power supply was shorting, the bulb would burn bright (because the current would be just going through the bulb to the ground return). As it is, a significant amount of the load is provided by the amp, and that's why your your bulb isn't glowing very brightly - so your amp must be ok (all other things being equal). (Oops - I see Bobby Z replied as I was typing)

Thanks for the replies! Yes i understand, low glow = ok amp but I just wasn't sure about testing it on a more expensive amp if there were any red flags from this preliminary test.

I got a 40w egnater tube head I can try it on as well.

Thanks again.

It is good to see that you are doing some preliminary study and prep work.

For building help, use these internet references:

www.Ampage.org

http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/socratic/output/animation_bridge_rectifier_fast.gif

http://www.freewebs.com/valvewizard/

http://www.ax84.com/links.html

I use a 100 watt bulb. That's what I have seen recommended in several places.
Since nobody else said anything I guess it doesn't matter.