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RS-199B Rectifier Replacement

D

DKR

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
I am early in the journey of restoring a vintage RCA Console HiFi and I’m beginning with the amplifier chassis and if successful with it, I’ll look at the tuner and turntable. I plan to replace all of the electrolytic capacitors, the two rectifiers and 6QB5 tubes. I am having trouble finding a source for the RCA 1N3194 rectifiers rated .19 Amp measured current. Any recommendations on parts source or readily available alternatives to that RCA part #
 
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Nothing fancy there. Get a couple of 1N4007 or UF4007 diodes. $0.15 ea at Mouser but the shipping will bite unless you need other things. Do you have a number of parts to order? If not I'll send you a couple. I did an RS199b several years ago but I didn't restore it, I changed it completely.
John
 
gadget73 said:
Are the rectifiers actually bad? I've seldom had issues with even very early silicon.

If they are, concur on a 1N4007 or equivalent, its just not that critical.
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Just an added point. I use a small alligator clip on the diode's body when soldering. You want to avoid overheating the new parts, as they are small and heat-sensitive.

small aliigator heat sink clps (SMALL).jpg
Like these.

Good luck!

:thumbsup:
 
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nerdorama said:
Nothing fancy there. Get a couple of 1N4007 or UF4007 diodes. $0.15 ea at Mouser but the shipping will bite unless you need other things. Do you have a number of parts to order? If not I'll send you a couple. I did an RS199b several years ago but I didn't restore it, I changed it completely.
John
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for the kind offer , I need other parts, so I will bundle it with those.
Mr Boochie said:
Just an added point. I use a small alligator clip on the diode's body when soldering. You want to avoid overheating the new parts, as they are small and heat-sensitive.

View attachment 3743705
Like these.

Good luck!

:thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Good advice, one appeared to be heat damaged and for the price, I thought replacing them while I’m in there made sense. Thanks for the tip on the alligator clip heat sink, I’ll definitely do that!
 
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@gadget73

He's cross posting here and in this other thread, where he mentions who he ordered the cap from

D

Post in thread 'Rca rs199b'

My plan is to restore the amp chassis first, before making a decision about whether to move forward with the rest of the console components. I am gathering parts now,CE Manufacturing is building a new multi section can capacitor, delivery is 7-10days out Also getting the two 100MFD capacitors from their distributor Amplified Parts. I could use a recommendation on a solid multimeter capable of testing the components in the RS-199B chassis, mine fall short on capacitance measurements, diode tests, etc. Also what are the most critical probes to buy for the mm. I dis assemble a basic dim light...
 
atmasphere said:
You can buy electrolytic cans from CE one at a time if you like. No need to buy 5 to get 1!
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Well, I spoke with manufacturing and sales manager and they told me that the minimum order for a custom build was 5, I guess they got me then. I’m learning more than just tube amp electronics with this project! They were very helpful on the custom build in any case.
 
DKR said:
Well, I spoke with manufacturing and sales manager and they told me that the minimum order for a custom build was 5, I guess they got me then. I’m learning more than just tube amp electronics with this project! They were very helpful on the custom build in any case.
Click to expand...
I missed the 'custom build' part- my apologies. I am impressed though that they only need an order of 5 for that!

Usually when the part isn't around, I look for alternative methods to make things work. If you have solid state rectifiers you can go with increased capacitance for example. If one of the sections of the can is for a cathode bypass cap I usually find the individual part for that (since they tend to be tiny anyway) and install it right be the tube for which its intended..
 
Thanks, Atsmaphere. I considered rebuilding with 4 individual capacitors matching the specs of the can sections, using a terminal block mounted near the old can terminations. I was concerned about my ability to stray away from the original schematics and circuit wiring. I now know there’s a good community of helpful technical resources on this AK forum. But I have the CE Manufacturing cans ordered.
 
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