Posts Tagged ‘tube failures’
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Until the introduction of the germanium transistor in the late 1950’s, there was no alternative form of high quality audio amplification to the thermionic valve (American terminology was always ‘Tube’). The 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s saw a steep decline in the usage of valves for all purposes except audio amplifiers, to the point that, with a few exceptions, they were almost entirely replaced by transistors and integrated circuits. However, since the late 1980’s, valve amplifiers have experienced a renaissance which has, in the last decade grown rapidly year on year.
The unique character of the ‘Tube Sound’ has once again attracted both amateur and professional interest in the areas of High Fidelity (HiFi) amplification, Musical Instrument (MI) amplification (notably the electric guitar) and Audio amplification. The dominance of digital technology now, means that the valve amplifier is seen as new to younger people and as nostalgic to the older generation. Please note it is estimated, that the electric guitar amplification market consume as many as three out of four of the world’s production of audio tubes.
 EL34 Valve Many arguments have been put forward as to why tube amplification ‘sounds’ better than digital. Some differences can be proved using measuring instruments, whilst others are down to the nuances of the human ear. Whatever the reason, evidence shows more and more listeners appear to prefer the sound of a tube amplifier.
The demand for tube amplifiers is rapidly growing, with products ranging from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on quality and output power, with tube sales worldwide currently standing at over $100,000,000. Today vacuum-thermionic devices hold sway over the US $100 million worldwide guitar amp business. One rough estimate shows a 10-percent-per-year growth in demand for tubes used in MI instrument amplifiers and high-end audio since the late 1980s, with no apparent slackening.
However, the problems with existing tube amplifier technology is that the circuits used are based on ‘classic’ designs developed in the 1940’s and 50’s and, although more modern technology has occasionally been applied, this is usually confined to regulating the power supplies. One of the principle disadvantages of existing tube amplifiers is that they are very inefficient in converting electrical power into audio power. This is largely due to the ‘classic’ methods of controlling them. All analogue high power amplifiers require a system known as ‘Biasing’ to be applied to them. This controls the output devices and prevents them from ‘Thermal’ overload and eventual destruction. It does, however, incur a heavy cost in loss of output power and increased heat dissipation. In addition valves also need to be used in ‘Matched’ pairs, in order to control distortion of the output signal. This process is time consuming and expensive when carried out on a commercial basis.
THE SOLUTION IS ……..
 EL34
Tags: 6v6, amp, amps, anode, bass, bias, bias problems, current, Custom, EL34, EL34 tube, EL34 Valve, hiwatt, Hiwatt at Musikmesse, KBO Dynamics, KT86, KT88, Marshall, Output transformer, Sound, Tube Amp Doctor, tube failures, Tubes, TubeSync, TubeSync Bias Engine, valves
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
KBO Dynamics are making their mark in the international music industry. They will be showcasing their technology with a number of major customers at the high profile international music fair, Musikmesse in Frankfurt this March. Hiwatt is just one of the world’s most prominent guitar amp manufacturers and KBO Dynamics are delighted to have TubeSync technology incorporated in their latest amp designs.
 KBO Dynamics Win Innovation Award 2009 KBO Dynamics, winners of the Durham and Wearside Innovation Business Awards 2009, stated : TubeSync technology achieves unique benefits including vastly improved reliability and performance in tube amps. Securing orders from Hiwatt and others is a significant achievement.
 KBO Dynamics Power and Control Devices ‘The scale of the companies that KBO Dynamics are working with is impressive. They have ambitious plans for growth and have been performing very well since receiving investment from us. KBO Dynamics is an excellent example of successful innovation coming out of the North East and is testimony to the region’s strong knowledge base,’ Dr Richard Exley, North Star Equity Investors.
The company has also been supported with market research, manufacturer introductions and early product launch activity by think M., a leading strategic marketing and research agency specialising in technology and innovation.
Andy Fallon, KBO Dynamics, ‘think M.’s channel research played an important part in helping us to secure investment by providing the market evidence required to prove TubeSync’s growth potential. It helped us to refine our offering to amp manufacturers and was instrumental in getting us through the door at some really high profile organisations.’
 TubeSync As KBO look forward to Frankfurt they already have further collaborations underway and anticipate generating more interest from manufacturers, amp technicians and musicians alike. If you would like any more information on TubeSync technology, please visit www.kbodynamics.com.
Tags: 100, amp, Ashdown, bass, bias, bias problems, Frankfurt, hi gain, Hiwatt at Musikmesse, Hiwatt custom amp, how to, KBO, KBO Dynamics, Laney, Marshall, Musikmesse, Musikmesse 2010, orange, Output transformer, Pacemaker 100, Think M, Tube Amp Doctor, tube failures, Tubes, TubeSync, UK, valve failure modes, valves
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Friday, February 19th, 2010
UK-based KBO Dynamics will be showcasing their pioneering technology with Hiwatt at Musikmesse this March. TubeSync® technology achieves unique benefits including vastly improved reliability and performance in guitar tube amps. Hiwatt have incorporated the innovation in new amp designs to further underline their already exemplary reliability.
TubeSync streamlines with the amp’s circuitry to constantly test and monitor the amp without altering the fundamental amplification process, tone or sound. It eliminates the need for bias current matching, increases tube life by micro-adjusting the bias on each tube, predicts tube failure and can, in the event of tube failure, even run the amp at half power, preventing catastrophic amp damage.
The result is an amp unhampered by many of the problems associated with conventional tube amplification allowing musicians to enjoy classic tube sound quality without the frustrations.
Mark Lodge Hiwatt’s general manager stated ‘Our amps have proven their reliability year after year. Incorporating TubeSync technology has allowed us to raise the bar one step further. The benefits are of great value to us and our customers.’
KBO Dynamics look forward to more exciting collaborations this year. For more information on TubeSync, please visit www.kbodynamics.com
Tags: amp, bass, bias, current, Custom, hi, hi gain, hiwatt, Hiwatt at Musikmesse, Hiwatt custom amp, how to, Musikmesse, Musikmesse 2010, technician, tube failures, TubeSync, UK, valve, valve failure modes, valves
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Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
“What I like about TubeSync is that gives us the opportunity to create our own features which enables us to have our own unique USPs.“
(Marketing Manager)
“Not changing the sound is very important to us because the sound is the main reason why customers buy our amps. TubeSync offers a long list of benefits without changing the sound. Amplifier reliability is a big one for us as some of our order designs have design problems which can result in field failures. Failures are very costly and results in a large amount of hassle for both us and our customers especially when an amp output transformer blows up! The TubeSync reliability features is what we like best, it saves time, money and of course our reputation.“
(Lead Development Engineer)
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“TubeSync does what it says on the tin! We are looking to incorporate it into our next generation of amps!“
(Technical Director)
“Not matching tubes that’s a big one – it’s a pain in the neck – it’s key to getting a successful tube amp ‘fantastic’. if you don’t need to use matched pairs and there’s no need to bias, then that’s amazing, the efficiency savings on the factory floor will be a awesome. Who needs a Six Sigma Black belt!“
(Amplification Product Line Manager)
“You’re saying all of the things that we hear on a regular basis, i.e. ooh, tube longevity – these are things that crop up that keep me awake at night. I’d say it’s pretty unique“
(Marketing Manager, Guitar Amplifier Manufacturer)
“We are currently going for the ISO 14001 environmental accreditation. The energy savings resulting from TubeSync will be part of our continuous improvement plan. If everyone does their bit, the world will be a much greener place.“
(Operations Manger, Guitar Amplifier Manufacturer)
“There is only so much power a tube can throw out before it dies. So it’s an efficiency thing? It gives you more power for less heat? Useful, yeah“
(Lead Development Engineer)
“TubeSync can optimise the running temperature of the tube down considerably, and as a function of that, the life of the tube increases. And that’s something that’s far more interesting than putting more power through it.“
(Technical Director)
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Tags: anode, bias, how to, Sound, technician, tube failures, Tubes, TubeSync, valve
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
Eliminates tube matching
Eliminates the need for bias current matching of amplifier output tubes,this increases manufacturing efficiencies, due to reduced testing.
Reduced tube cost
Eliminates the need to purchase tubes in ‘matched pairs’ and replaces conventional biasing components.
Increased tube life
Automatically micro-adjusts the bias on each tube to ensure the full potential of each tube in the system is realised throughout its working life.
Reliability assurance
Replaces conventional tube testing methods by performing an ‘in circuit’ test every time the amplifier is powered up.
Half power back-up
If TubeSync® detects a faulty tube, it can automatically ’switch out’ the offending tube and run the amp at half power, until the defective tube can be replaced. 
Maintains optimum performance
Dynamically measures the amplitude of the drive signals supplied to the grids of each output tube and optimises performance accordingly.
Simultaneous distortion
Maintains the classic warm sound of the amplifier by ensuring tubes distort symmetrically.
Reduced power consumption
Reduces quiescent power consumption when compared to conventional amplifier biasing techniques by an average of 20%.
NEW ‘ Hot Anode’
TubeSync® knows the optimum operating temperature of your tubes, so there is no need to warm up your amp. TubeSync® will get you to where you need to be just as soon as you start playing.
Customisation
Unique algorithms can be incorporated to tailor optional performance characteristics and features to customer requirements.
Tags: anode, bias, bias problems, guitar, Marshall, orange, technician, tube failures, valve, valve failure modes, valves
Posted in Tube Amplifiers, TubeSync, Tubes | Comments Off
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Catastrophic Failures. These are failures that occur suddenly, without warning, making the equipment unusable.
Examples of catastrophic failures are: -
- Glass failure, loss of vacuum due to mechanical damage or thermal stress.
- Heater failures open circuit or partial short circuit due to excessive heater voltage or high initial surge current and normal on off cycling over many thousands of hours.
- Arcing, due to low cathode temperature, causing damage to the cathode and grids.
- Bias failure due to component leakage or valve characteristic spreads using fixed or auto bias.
Degenerative Failures. The slow but eventual, deterioration of all tubes, which can contribute to the end of life of the tube.
Examples of degenerative failures: -
- Gas is present in all tubes and if the tube is used within its characteristics should not be a problem, however excessive dissipation can liberate gas from the tube structure and lead to eventual premature failure.
- Getters are patches of evaporated metal, which are deposited on the inside of the glass. The purpose of the getter is to absorb any gas that may be evolved during the life of the tube and work best at normal glass bulb temperatures.
- Spurious emissions are uncontrolled unwanted emissions usually caused by gas released due to excessive dissipation and elevated temperatures.
- Inter electrode leakage. This is current, which flows between the electrodes of the tube, which are not connected in any way. The cause is metallic vapours released by the hot metallic structure of the valve being deposited on the insulating micas and eventually leading to a conductive path.
- Cathode depletion can occur due to arcing, which can strip the cathode coating reducing the active area of the cathode. Arcing will vaporise the cathode material and generate gas, which can poison the cathode material. This can also be caused, by passing excessive cathode current before the heater has reached its normal operating temperature.
Subjective Failures. These are tubes, which will normally pass tests but do not perform satisfactorily due to for example: – hum level, microphonics and noise.
Examples of subjective failures: -
- Hum is an unwanted mains frequency signal, which is superimposed on the wanted signal. It can be caused by heater to cathode leakage or due to electrostatic or electromagnetic fields within the equipment.
- Microphonics is defined as a signal originating inside the valve caused by mechanical vibrations being amplified by the tube.
- Noise is a signal originating from inside the tube, but not due to hum or microphonics. It can be due to intermittent short circuits, open circuits or arcing due to leakage paths between the electrodes.
Characteristic Variables. These are variations or spreads in the tube characteristics, due to manufacturing tolerances and follow a normal distribution curve.
Examples of characteristic variables: -
- The Standard is usually a tube that complies with the manufactures published data. The Upper and Lower limits are values that any tube within these limits can be considered acceptable for normal use.
- Characteristic Spreads is the degree of deviation from the standard tube.
- Design Tolerances is the normal variations of standard parts, which a well-designed piece of equipment will operate correctly.
The Solution Is ……….TubeSync!
 TubeSync Amp Biasing
www.kbodynamics.com
Tags: amp, bias, bias problems, biasing, cathode, hiwatt, how to, Mar, Marshall, orange, tube failures, TubeSync, valve, valve failure modes, valves
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