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Re: [Amps] Reducing heat in tetrode amps with EBS

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [Amps] Reducing heat in tetrode amps with EBS
From: "Paul Christensen" <w9ac@arrl.net>
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:55:13 -0400
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
## Paul, you are not going from full class C cut off to normal operating ssb bias. That’s the old alpha bi-state ebs scheme. With tri-state bias, its more like toggling
between 20 ma to 180ma on a 8877.   Its only ever cut-off bias when in RX.

Jim,

To your last point -- in the case of VOX operation, I think most tri-state EBS systems rapidly go from class C in STBY, to class B on PTT key line activation, then to class AB upon RF sense - and back again during the VOX T=>R sequence. Under normal hand/foot PTT operation, the amp is only switching between the last two states and not three like it is under VOX.

In the case of the Alpha 77Dx, a 50V supply supplies cathode bias and sets the amp in class C during STBY. When the amp key line goes low, bias goes to 20V and produces a slight amount of Ip. This state/voltage is adjustable via a bias control rheostat. Finally, upon detection of 100 mW of input RF, the amp becomes AB biased and cathode bias goes to 8.1V via a switched Zener diode. I have my 77Dx biased at stage two to produce about 30 mA of current which is a bit more Ip idle current than the stock factory setting. So, the 77Sx/Dx does indeed use a tri-state EBS system.

Paul, W9AC



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