Octavia circuit analysis

[brett]

Hi. Transformers with low:high turns ratios are good. At 10:1 the diode losses are acceptable.
Another 'trick' is to use an LM386 to drive the transformer. With a gain of 50 to 100, small signals (0.01V) can exceed the Ge or Schottky diode Vf (0.3V).
Best of all, you can combine both of these because the LM386 easily drives low loads. An 8:1k transformers give about 10x voltage gain, so combined with an LM386 of just 20x gain and it's all good octaving.
cheers