Heathkit SG-8 Selenium Rectifier replacement

[Dubis7]

I've decided to get around to recapping my SG-8 signal generator, and I'd like to replace the selenium rectifier while I'm in there.

I know that standard method is to use a 1N4004 diode in series with a dropping resistor. I've got the formula for calculating what resistance I need, but I can't find any information on how many amps this thing wants to pull. Does anyone have that number available?

And by the way, I always screw this up, what's the polarity on the diode when compared to the original rectifier? Does the banded (negative) end of the diode connect to the positive or negative side of the filter capacitor it's in series with?

[N2IXK]

I will generally install the silicon diode alone, and check the output voltage/current with a meter, then add the dropping resistor if needed.

The banded end (cathode) of the new diode corresponds to the positive (+) marked end of the old selenium. Assuming that this is a positive supply, that should go to the positive terminal of the first filter cap.

[N2IXK]

I will generally install the silicon diode alone, and check the output voltage/current with a meter, then add the dropping resistor if needed.

The banded end (cathode) of the new diode corresponds to the positive (+) marked end of the old selenium. Assuming that this is a positive supply, that should go to the positive terminal of the first filter cap.

[Dubis7]

Okay, so my parts all finally came in. I've replaced the electrolytic caps, the rectifier, and the two paper caps.

How do I tell if this thing is working correctly?