Amps
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [Amps] Fw: Re: AL-80B unusual plate current behavior

To: Rick and Theresa Low <n6cy@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Amps] Fw: Re: AL-80B unusual plate current behavior
From: R.Measures <r@somis.org>
Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2005 06:12:11 -0800
List-post: <mailto:amps@contesting.com>
On Mar 10, 2005, at 1:31 AM, Rick and Theresa Low wrote:

> Based on additional info below, will take the 5x magifying glass and 
> examine the circuitry/boards for additional shorting paths that affect 
> the filament bias. Also, removing the tube from its socket and 
> measuring resistance from filament to grid should also confirm or 
> eliminate the tube as source of problem.

In many fil-grid shorted 3-500Zs, the short does not appear until the 
fil is hot, so one needs to test 'em with a high-pot.  >5kV is good, 
<5kV is risky.   <4kV is bad news.
>
> Ciao 73 de Rick I0/N6CY
>
> -----Forwarded Message-----
> From: "R. Measures" <r@somis.org>
> Sent: Mar 10, 2005 12:37 AM
> To: n6cy@earthlink.net
> Cc: amps@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [Amps] AL-80B unusual plate current behavior
>
>
> On Mar 9, 2005, at 10:34 AM, Rick Low wrote:
>
>> Filament/cathode to grid short is the answer.
>>
>> Thanks for the info and Ameritron confirms this behavior indicates the
>> 3-500Z is ready to be replaced.
>
> This condx is not the tube's fault.   I'm using an Amperex tube that
> was manufactured in 1967, the filament helix is still straight, and it
> still delivers the suds.  .
>
>> The other symptom that I had not previously
>> seen until my attention was directed to it---grid current goes 
>> negative
>> during this condition.
>>
>> Ciao 73 de Rick I0/N6CY
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: R. Measures [mailto:r@somis.org]
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 13:02
>> To: Rick and Theresa Low
>> Cc: amps@contesting.com
>> Subject: Re: [Amps] AL-80B unusual plate current behavior
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mar 8, 2005, at 1:34 AM, Rick and Theresa Low wrote:
>>
>>> Several times in the past week I?¥úve observed unusual behavior from
>>> this single 3-500Z amplifier and need to know if this looks like the
>>> tube is about to go belly up on me, or if there is some circuit 
>>> factor
>>> that?¥ús causing this behavior:
>>>
>>> 1. First turn on, plate current indicates about 200-250 mA without
>>> amplifier going into transmit mode.
>>
>> My guess is a filament to grid short since 250mA on standby sounds 
>> like
>> 0v bias and it's normally c. 25v on Standby.  I would test the 
>> grid-fil
>> BD voltage with a high-pot to find out what's what. .
>>
>>> I turn ON with the standby switch in STBY. Stays this way for about 3
>>> to 5 seconds, then zero current.
>>>
>>> 2. At seemingly random times during T/R operation, plate current 
>>> meter
>>> shows same 200-250 mA, input circuit shows HI SWR on the driver rig,
>>> and of course, no RF output. Cannot clear by cycling T/R relay---PTT.
>>> I turn off, wait about 10 seconds minimum, then turn on and get the
>>> same ?¥þFirst turn on?¥ÿ behavior above.
>>>
>>> De Rick I0/N6CY Gaeta IT JN61sf
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Amps mailing list
>>> Amps@contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Richard L. Measures, AG6K, 805.386.3734.  www.somis.org
>>
>>
>>
>
> Richard L. Measures, AG6K, 805.386.3734.  www.somis.org
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>

Richard L. Measures, AG6K, 805.386.3734.  www.somis.org

_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>