Quick Lock and Quick Release Grid Clamps
for the GS-35B Socket
by W4ZT May 30, 2007
 

Previously, clamping a GS-35B tube into the mounting fixture or socket required removing the anode cooler, manipulating clamps and screws and then finally clamping the tube in place. Once in place the anode cooler had to be replaced.

Now, all that has changed! Clamping a GS-35B tube into the socket is EASY! You do NOT need to remove the anode cooler! Once you have disconnected the electrical connection to the anode and removed the cathode and filament clamps, you only have to loosen four cap screws one to one and one quarter turns and the tube comes right out. Putting the tube back in is just as easy. To put the tube in, simply insert it from the top; hold it in place; tighten the four cap screws; re-attach the cathode and filament clamps; re-attach the anode connection and you're done! Everything except removing the anode connection and removing the actual tube is done from the bottom of the socket.

See the pictures below to see exactly how these clamps work and how easy it is to use. In picture #1 you see the brass clamp. In the top of the clamp you see the threaded hole which is where the 8-32 cap screw comes up through the copper grid plate and holds the clamp inplace. Note in the side of the clamp there is another hole that has a set screw in it. This set screw is holding a hard rubber plug against the threads of the 8-32 cap screw causing a friction fit. The cap screw passes through the copper grid plate and then through a rubber o-ring as shown in picture #2. Then the screw goes into the brass clamp.When the cap screw is loose, the clamp rides up on the rubber o-ring and is lifted up off the grid ring of the GS-35B tube. Friction between the cap screw and the rubber plug held in place by the set screw causes the clamp to rotate. Friction between the brass clamp and the copper grid plate keeps the clamp from freely spinning. When you loosen the clamp with a socket in place, it spins until the back of the clamp comes against the grid ring as shown in picture #10.

(click on the small pictures to see larger pictures in a new browser window)

1
It all begins with this little brass clamp.
2
The cap screw passes through the copper grid plate and then through a rubber o-ring.
3
When the clamps are in place to insert a tube they look like this.
4
Another view of the clamps ready to receive a tube.

5
Here you can see how the clamp is elevated on the o-ring and the back foot of the clamp is off the copper grid plate.

6
7
Once the tube is in place, tighten the cap screw and the clamp rotates into position, squats down on the copper grid plate and clamps the tube's grid ring.
8
Opposite side of the clamp. You can see the foot of the clamp firmly planted on the copper grid plate.

9
Loosen the clamp one to one and a quarter turns and the clamp moves to this position.

10
The back of the clamp comes against the grid ring preventing it from rotating any farther.

11
The assembled socket with the clamps in position to insert the tube.

12
A better shot of the clamps.

13
A close view of one clamp.

14
This is the cap screw with the clamp in the hold down position on the other side of the plate.

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