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[AMPS] Thunderbolt questions

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Subject: [AMPS] Thunderbolt questions
From: Kenneth D. Grimm, K4XL" <K4XL@arrl.net (Kenneth D. Grimm, K4XL)
Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2001 07:11:00 -0500
I would certainly replace the electrolytic capacitors in the screen and
bias supplies.  I lost one when my T'Bolt was relatively new.

Yes, the plate voltage is low and, as I recall, the plate tuning cap is
quite close spaced.  There are probably other components that are rated
right on the edge.  That is why I never converted to solid state
rectifiers.  I did dump the 866As in favor of 3B28 jugs, however.
Damned bean counters kept that amp from being a real barn burner.

I used to run mine occasionally on AM with a Ranger as the driver.
About all I can remember about it was that it generated an ungodly
amount of heat!  Good luck with your project.

73,
Ken K4XL
k4xl@arrl.net
*** BoatAnchor Manual Archive ***
On the web at http://bama.sbc.edu or
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> This is my first post to this group and I hope it works!
> I have a Johnson T'bolt, the hf version and have a few questions. Have
not
> powered it up as yet as it needs a little work. Nothing serious I
hope,
> just the usual for an old piece of equipment. As I get it working, I
hope
> to get some comments/advice from members of the group as I go. First I
> would like some general comments about the amp. I hope to use it for
mostly
> SSB and some AM. I have heard some comments such as the plate voltage
for
> the 4-400's is a little low for the tubes (2200volts) and such. The
first
> thing I am going to do is replace the HV rectifiers with solid state
and go
> from there. I have a whole bunch of other questions but will stop here
for
> now. I am looking forward to getting this thing going and doing any
mods
> deemed necessary for reliable operation. Any comments are welcome.
> Bill KC2IFR



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