6LN8 OK for ecf80 duty?

[Thenice]

Hi
It's been awhile with my simple but l got to ask someone questions
It can't be helped l am back
For your perusal the almost unknown cousin of the ecf80 6bl8
The 6NL8 LCF80 IS IT GOOD FOR ECF80 DUTY? in the kit6550 kel84 as valves are harder to
recruit these days or is it's a complete disgrace ?
Please inform this gentleman at your earliest convenience
Your questionly obedient servant

Frank Robinson

Ps have a nice Easter everyone ecf804? Brimar?

[Richard]

Hi Frank, yes thanks and best wishes to everyone for a happy Easter.

6BL8 is the equivalent of ECF80 and there are lots of both on eBay etc for not a lot of money (Mullard etc about £10 each).

Given the long time these small valves last I'd get a pair or 2 of quality old brands for spares and not worry about availability for a long time.

If it's more a question that you have some 6LN8 already then the data sheet says,
https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/202/6/6LN8.pdf

In our amps they are not in a string, just a single supply, so I don't think this would be an issue but possibly John or others can confirm

[John Caswell]

Hi Frank and Richard,
Well I have been into my convenience and had a look at all my data books and as far as I can see you won't have any problems. It appears to be identical to the ECF80/E80CF/6BL8 (I don't always believe what the manufacturer says) apart from the heater current which will be of absolutely no consequence here as the valves are being run off of a 6.3V supply.
I am surprised, like Richard, that you are finding the ECF80 family difficult to obtain, as they appear to be plentiful on the usual sites, you could also use an ECF82 ask they are very very similar when used in audio work (but not RF work!!!) See my FAQ re ECF80.

John

[Thenice]

Thank you
To Richard and John for responding
I was trying to be a bit comedic but it didn't work out sorry about that trying to restart
the forum which l have alot of regard for
Also the 6ln8 is similar l should have asked whether it's a frame grid design invented by telefunken in 1957 liked the pcf86 ecf86 aka mullard for ex. and what's does that mean apart from improving gain etc in tv
Also slyvania patented cathode coating 56/57 obviously improved things further l imagine
Slyvania were applying it to their gold brand in 59 other factories were due for it later 9 across the usa
With all the cross licensing others would have as suggested ina 63 advert in wireless world
by bentley valves
When l look at the E80CF there BG0 then BG2, BG4,BG5 above the makers code usually from Germany or Blackburn or Mitcham sometimes l wonder what it all means its not always in sequence but BG0 the earliest version the BG4 are far fewer and after 62/63 are gone
As far as l know
maybe someone knows or make a educated reason
I know l can't
Except to say there were real Improvements made its sad that in some ways they threw out
the baby with the bathwater the nuvistor springs to mind
Just a thought
Is the 6ln8 a frame grid valve?
Does BG0 BG2 BG4 BG5 mean anything?

Thanks everyone
Frank

[John Caswell]

Frank wrote
"Is the 6ln8 a frame grid valve?" - No!
With regards to "BG0 then BG2, BG4,BG5" There are several lists on the web re Philips et al factories where they were and date codes.
Don't start chasing "matched" valves as a lot of sellers haven't got the faintest idea what that means, often thinking date codes means "matched", which of course it doesn't. Matching single type valves can be fraught whereas matching multiple type valves, eg ECF80, can be a nightmare - I speak from bitter experience!
John

[Thenice]

Thank you John
I am aware that dates don t mean that much
Something l read ages ago said that valves shouldn't be more than 15% above 1.00 [spec]or below it was as a standard resistors as a must lam not claiming l know just something l recall wonder what's its like nowadays
Thanks for your answer l appreciate it when people make sure of things
Thanks again
Frank
Ps an interest l have doesn't make me qualified so l ask if l can