Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Legacy Kit Products => Quickie => Topic started by: earwaxxer on September 16, 2011, 02:08:27 PM

Title: optimal voltage?
Post by: earwaxxer on September 16, 2011, 02:08:27 PM

Just got my Quickie today! Very nicely packed I might add! Thats probably how I would pack items for shipment. The mints are a nice touch!

Now to the tweaks..The first order of business is to deal with the batteries. I'm an RC guy as well as being into photography. I can get REALLY cheap lipo voltage and thats where I plan to turn for the batteries.
http://www.hobbypartz.com/77p-sl500-4s1p-20c-4444.html

The question is...what is the "optimal" voltage in a perfect world. I have read the doc say that up to 67v will do. The question is - should I go up to that limit. He said there would be improved headroom. That sounds good. Any other considerations?

thanks much - eric

Title: Re: optimal voltage?
Post by: Paul Joppa on September 18, 2011, 06:56:18 AM

More voltage = more current drain. The original design gives (roughly!) matched lifetimes for the Alkaline D-cells and the 9-v array.

More voltage = less safety. Most safety codes have a limit in the range 30-50v, below which no precautions are necessary.

Title: Re: optimal voltage?
Post by: earwaxxer on September 18, 2011, 08:43:25 AM

Thanks Paul!

Title: Re: optimal voltage?
Post by: earwaxxer on November 09, 2011, 01:01:01 PM

update...I have been using the quicky now for some months. Many other mods for other posts. Using 50V LiPo. Better headroom for sure. Working on resistor tweeks. Already have good caps and pot. Tried a few brands of 3S4's. Like the GE NOS. Stock tubes are quite good though. Very happy so far!

Title: Re: optimal voltage?
Post by: somniumest on April 27, 2012, 03:50:04 AM

Hey Eric,
   from what you know of RC, do you think a 12s charger would charge 3 of those in series?? I am considering attaching a charger through the unused terminals on the power switch, so that turning the quickie off will connect the charger.

Title: Re: optimal voltage?
Post by: earwaxxer on April 27, 2012, 06:34:29 AM

Hey Brent - I dont know about that charger. I have a six cell max charger. I guess with a 12c you would be able to charge 12 cells max. I charge my pack 4 cells at a time. with alligator clips on each. I dont have to charge it often so its not a huge hassle. I wouldnt think you would need to charge it after each use. Thats overkill. I only have 500mAh on each and they last for many days. Actually I have been experimenting with different voltages lately. I was getting probs with microphonics at 60+ volts. Listening to some 30+ volt NMH's now. Big 3000mAh packs. Sounds good at low volumes. Havent checked high volume listening yet. Much less feedback, ringing issues. Tubes and voltage is an interesting relationship. I am also using the chokes on the plate resistance.

cheers - Eric

Title: Re: optimal voltage?
Post by: somniumest on April 29, 2012, 04:46:01 PM

 I was thinking more of just making the connection but only charging when needed (turn on charger). I love reading about your experiments. Thanks
                                      Brent