Hi Jon,
-
It's a great deal just for the parts alone. If you need a six meter
amplifier
your set with this one. Yes, the 8873 is a hens tooth to find, but like
the
3-1000z glass cousin, they are around. You can now find some vintage
"rf type" tube prices dropping because of the Svetlana retro availability
tubes.
If your patient, used tubes float by at reduced prices on Ebay, I've also
seen good tubes which were pulled for conversions.
-
I have a few 8873 type amps, one is an SB-230 stock and another a
home brew dual tube, both on HF. Yes, I have spares but they've never
been required because I never abuse the tubes in operation. I'm still on
the original SB-230 tube since it was built decades ago...
-
The tube was made with two different types of Anode/Plate Materials,
both work fine, the original "heavy copper" type is the preference if you
have a choice.
-
The 8560 two-way radio pa amp tube conversion is a bit of a chore, but
it is around cheap enough as no one knows what the tube is about. I can
and have repaired many of the thermal blocks used by the SB-230. Don't
throw it away if it ever cracks in half.
-
cheers
skipp
From: Jon Ogden <na9d@mindspring.com>
Hi all,
It's been quite a while since I've posted anything on AMPS, but I need
some
help on this one.
I have an opportunity to purchase an SB-230 that was converted by KM1H to
six meters. It uses the conduction cooled 8873. The asking price by the
current owner is $400.
I was talking to a guy from my local contest club about it and he said
that
the problem with the 8873 is that you can't get replacements. He said as
well the fact that its conduction cooled really limits the dissipation
and
you get a lot less out than you would with say an amp using an 8874.
I am looking for multiple opinions. Is this an a good deal or should I
pass
it up? Is it modifiable for some other tube should the 8873 go bad?
Thanks and 73,
Jon
NA9D
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