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83 MV rectifier: overcoming the fear...

Posted by deathtube 667 on December 24, 2011 at 14:07:48:

I got a NOS RCA type 83 mercury vapor rectifier from a friend a few weeks ago.

I wanted to use this valve but was cautious about the dangers of mercury rectifiers.

Visions of exploding glass shrapnel and deadly clouds of mercury killing children and small pets seemed to be a legitimate concern.

Lacking a 4 pin socket, I improvised one from an old perf board, 22ga solid core copper wire and spring clips.

I put the 83 in my circuit.

Now the moment of truth. I powered up the circuit and watched the filments come up.

There was an odd blue/white cloud of vapor forming behind the glass.

I nervously waited for a 555 delay timer to trip the relay and slam AC into the plates of the 83.

Finally, the relay tripped and my meter showed B+ voltage on the input cap.

I was expecting a blinding flash of light and the choir of heavenly cherubs to announce the dawning of a new age of tube audio enlightenment...

But there was no blinding light show. No choir of angels or voice of God.

Just the odd blue/white vapor cloud inside the valve.

No noise or anything unusual.

I pressed play on my laptop and music came out of the speakers as usual.

The only thing to fear was fear itself.