FS Professional BS-7W X-Ray tubes for hobby use (safer than many)  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2016, 01:58:18 pm
content: This is an advertisement for those interested in the generation of X-Ray energy in a controlled and safe manner.As some readers may know, I specialise in X-Ray imaging using a Faxitron MX-20 cabinet X-Ray and digital imaging plate.My interest in X-Ray energy led me to purchase a number of 'New Old Stock' X-Ray tubes from Russia. These tubes were bought for experimentation purposes but I have never got around to using them. I sold a couple a few years back and these are my last two so when they are gone, there will be no more. The Russian seller of these tubes has also sold all of his stock.They are very popular due to their ease of use and relative safety.The tubes are type BS-7W and they produce a nice controlled beam of X-Ray energy that exhibits a 5 Degree beam width. Perfect for experiments as they do not spray X-Ray energy everywhere, unlike when people try to use conventional thermionic valves to produce X-Ray energyThe voltage input range of these BS-7W tubes is only 5 to 15 KV and the current requirements are so small that a CCFL inverter circuit may be modified to drive themWhy did I buy the BS-7W and not some other Russian X-Ray tube ? Well a chap on the internet has already done some experimentation with the tube and designed a working power supply for them. His web page is detailed and takes the hard work out of using these tubes. He uses the tubes for X-Ray Crystalography.Why am I selling them if they are so good ? Well I have not used them since purchase, I own a pair of beautiful Faxitron MX-20 digital X-Ray machines and a neat Tel-X-Ometer X-Ray experimentation systemI just have no real need of these tubes any more.The interesting web links for these tubes:http://www.hardhack.org.au/xraydtthttp://www.hardhack.org.au/book/export/html/108As you can see in the above links, these are superb little tubes and perfect for experimentation. I was going to place them in a metal project case with a sleeve of lead foil around them. The thinnest of lead foil will act as an effective safety barrier to any X-Ray leakage from the tubes sides. I believe they are designed to fire all the X-Ray energy out through the end window so my plan was likely overkill. I bought some good quality HV power supplies to use with the tubes rather than modifying a CCFL inverter. Their new owners will be offered the power supplies that I have available at cost, if I can track them down. They may wish to go the same route as the HardHack chap though and use a CCFL inverter.How much am I asking for these tubes ? Well they are rare and unavailable from the original source but I am looking to recover my costs so I am asking GBP70 each plus postage and I will ship worldwide. I will sell the pair together for GBP120 plus postage.UPDATE: I will entertain offers from those with a limited budgetPlease read the translated data sheet that is attached and ensure that these tubes meet your needs. I will pack the tubes carefully for transit but they can be damaged by user abuse so I cannot offer a refund service on these items as a result. They have never been used or abused and I only opened one box to photograph the contents for you.I hope they find a good home. The GBP is weak at the moment so take advantage of this if you live outside the UKI will attach pictures of my BS-7W tubes in my next post.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2016, 02:07:22 pm
content: Pictures of my BS-7W tubes.......

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2016, 02:08:39 pm
content: Russian paperwork is supplied but translated spec is provided in my first post.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2016, 05:37:27 pm
content: I will entertain offers from those with a limited budget.Fraser

author: lukier
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2016, 08:01:50 pm
content: I could possibly want one, could build an X-Y motorized table with a scintillator and some detector (diode, photomultiplier, camera?), but I guess these are not powerful enough to X-ray PCBs?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2016, 09:04:46 pm
content: I am receiving interest from people who think I will not ship overseas.To clarify, I will ship worldwide if the buyerpays the postage. Payment via PayPal is OK if it is a friends and family paymentFraser

author: ChimRuoi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 11:07:13 am
content: I would like to buy it, please pm for me.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 11:37:51 am
content: Sold years ago. Sorry.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 01:00:33 pm
content: Damn, I saw the post pop up again and thought you'd found some more. Would have been just the right timing for my birthday too!

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 07:19:16 pm
content: What are your needs ? I have a very nice Tel-X-Ometer 580 which is intended to X-Ray experimentation. It can generate 30kVp to the lovely compact X-Rat tube. I was going to build a small X-Ray scintillator plate and sensitive CCD camera and use the unit to experiment with X-Ray imaging. I have the Faxitron MX-20 for serious stuff though.I would sell the Tel-X-Ometer. I will add a picture of one later. I did post about it on this forum when I first got it.Best WishesFraserUK

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 07:26:19 pm
content: The Tel-X-Ometer .... a complete 20 kVp / 30 kVp (switchable) X-Ray source experimentation platform that is safe to useFraser

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 08:57:05 pm
content: Many thanks for posting Fraser,I don't know about ChimRuoi but I was thinking about doing a little well shielded imaging. I picked up a few Mammography scintillator sheet very cheap on ebay a while back.The Tel-X-Ometer look like a nice unit but probably a bit on the big and expensive side (I read your other thread). It would be a shame to strip it down just for the tube (presumably it wouldn't really be practical for imaging use in its present form).I envy you your Faxtron!.

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 10:15:54 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on July 04, 2018, 07:19:16 pm

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 05, 2018, 11:38:57 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on July 04, 2018, 01:00:33 pmIhavehad a BS-7W tube under my desk. Plus a magic sheet that glows when x-rays hit it... And a 0-15KV lab supply if it’s a special birthday!!SOLD

author: ChimRuoi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 04:05:49 am
content: Quote from: TopLoser on July 05, 2018, 11:38:57 pmHello,Can you sell BS-7W tube to me?

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 11:36:20 am
content: Quote from: ChimRuoi on July 07, 2018, 04:05:49 amAlready sold, sorry.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 12:01:24 pm
content: Thanks for the thought but glad it's going to a good home. There'll be another (more special) birthday coming around next year (hopefully!).

author: ChimRuoi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 03:13:01 pm
content: Quote from: TopLoser on July 07, 2018, 11:36:20 amso sad! hixhix

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2018, 03:05:36 pm
content: Today I wanted to start with the tube since I now have a nice 10KV power supply. According to the documentation the filament should draw around 1.5A at 1.2V, so I set up my power supply with a 1.5V and 1.5A maximum. Well... the tube draws 1.5A @ 0.2V! I checked the DC resistance and that is around 0.1Ohm so yeah, in the ballpark.Anyone with experience with these tubes? It looks like the filament is not shot but... shorted? Seems weird.Edit: For anyone playing along at home: I decided it must be a short so maybe enough current will clear it, started with 1V limited to 3A and the tube only consumed like 0.8A so I guess short cleared and problem solved!