Rectifier Voltage Doubler ?

[chptunes]

While searching for Tube Data Sheets, I ran across this RCA 50Y7-GT:

http://pdf.datasheetarchive.com/indexerfiles/Scans-008/Scans-00174704.pdf

"Double" my Voltage without a Transformer?  Cool.. 

Could anyone here show me how such a Rectifier would be wired for "doubling" 120VAC?

Thanks,

Corey

[Bill Mountain]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_doubler

I would still use a transformer for safety purposes.  You can get a 120 to 120 transformer.

[chptunes]

Thanks for the link.. so, just follow an Isolation Transformer with a couple of 20µf Capacitors and a couple of Diodes (like a Twin Diode Rectifier).

Does anyone know of any audio amplifiers that use a Rectifier Voltage Doubler, just for reference?  Schematics?

[amptramp]

Page 5 on this is a halfwave doubler:

http://www.nostalgiaair.org/PagesByModel/647/M0013647.pdf

Page 2 of this for a fullwave rectifier:

http://www.nostalgiaair.org/PagesByModel/585/M0013585.pdf

The advantage of a halfwave doubler is that the neutral line coming in can be the B- in the circuit.  The fullwave rectifier has less ripple.

Right click on the diagrams and choose "rotate clockwise" so the schematics are easier to read.  Do NOT follow these designs with respect to grounding - the internals of a radio can be kept away from external contact.  An amplifer by its nature needs an input, so use an isolation transformer.

[davent]

Rogers Cadet III Integrated amp.

http://tinyurl.com/pnddrxj

I've built this Transcendent Sound hifi preamp,  uses a couple voltage doublers.

http://tinyurl.com/nl4o484

[chptunes]

Thanks for the examples, guys.. very helpful.   

[GibsonGM]

One point to think about is: if you're going to buy a transformer anyway, the cost of a 1:1 vs. a step-up transformer is kind of minimal.  And you don't get your filament winding out of a 1:1.

IOW, I'd just buy a step-up to a nice B+ rather than mess around with voltage doubling (or tripling ;o)     If you're experimenting, cool...but in real life, there are other things that must be taken into consideration, such as sag as you draw current from doublers, etc etc.    It can be done, and you may choose this path, but I wanted to make sure to put out there that it's not magic or anything...nothing beats a nice transformer with a heater winding!

[chptunes]

I hear you Guitar Mike.  There are probably dozens of others members that considered typing the same comment, when they read my original post.

I am kinda in experimental mode.. kinda in a phase of curiosity and wonder, too.  I like this type of brain-storming and creativity.  My interest is peaked by thoughts of designing something 'clever' and affordable.

[GibsonGM]

I've done and still do the same, ha ha!  Just hit roadblocks cuz there's no such thing as a free lunch.  I've played with doublers & dual transformers, to get 12V heater supply, and have been very annoyed when the voltage sags.  Those tradeoffs, y'know!   

But carry on - it's very cool when you come up with some junkbox thing and it WORKS!!  )