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80s memories - portable valve PA amplifier at Sports Day

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Alex728
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in mid 80s one school I was at used a valve amplifier with horn speakers for Sports Day that ran off 12V car batteries - looked more like something out of the 1950/60s TBH but still did the job...

The valves were visible in the metal chassis, looked a bit bigger than EL84s...

Any ideas what this could have been? I've seen Philips amps but AFAIK they were 230V mains (as well as 115V and that 140(?)V supply used in some bits of NL), I don't think it was Pamphonic (there wasn't any obvious branding on it and I'm going from 35+ years hazy memories, but I've not seen that many portable valve amplifiers that ran from DC..)

 
Posted : 20/08/2020 1:24 pm
Nuvistor
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@alex728

Anything like this advert? Trix PA system suitable for AC mains or 6 volt batteries when used with suitable adapter.

From WW March 1954 page 149

https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Wireless-World/50s/Wireless-World-1954-03.pdf

 

Frank

 
Posted : 20/08/2020 5:13 pm
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Alex728
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@nuvistor looked more like a Quad II power stage or the endstage of a radio transmitter (with the large valves in full view) although ruggedised (vaguely remember a metal mesh cage being over part of it). There was only a single microphone connected to it; I don't remember any separate mixer. 

 
Posted : 20/08/2020 5:24 pm
Cathovisor
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In one of the stores I have something that's battery powered - 6V I think - that uses a 6V6 for the output stage and has an EF37 for the microphone amp but also has a wind-up record player with an electric pickup. Really ought to get that going - it's the only thing I own that has a cold-cathode rectifier.

 
Posted : 20/08/2020 7:07 pm
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Doz
 Doz
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In the late 70's there was a BBC employee who used to do the sound for our local church fete. He had a homebrewed 100V line amp, beautifully made with a top cover over the valves with louvers stamped in it. It had an angled front panel with rotary faders, and as a very young lad I spent hours watching the valves glow, and the VU meter bouncing up and down. One of those seminal moments that decided my career really! I forget his name, but I remember him coming round to our house with a big box of scrap 1/4" tape for me in white cardboard "BBC rushes" boxes.... wish I hadn't taped over it all!! I wonder what historical delights they contained.... 

 
Posted : 21/08/2020 7:26 am
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