Hi, Jerry....
Gerald C Totten wrote:
>
> Hi gang,
> While the subject of amplifiers is being discussed:
> Does anyone have any info on the "OLD" 422 amplifier?
Yes, I do, but I'm not sure what specific info you are looking for.
> The old adds
> says it is QSK but do not mention vacuum relays.
Yes indeed, it IS QSK, but mine does not use a vacuum relay. I purchased
it used several years ago and called TT to see if I could get a vacuum
relay for it. At the time, they said they could sell me one for around
$100, but asked why I would want to. They said the relay in mine "works
fine, lasts a long time", it operates quietly and is inexpensive to
replace when the time comes and I have had no reason to dispute that
reasoning-and being a frugal (read cheap) ham, I figured I saved a
hundred bucks.
It appears to be a Potter and Brumfield style of relay. The manual
calls it "K1" and gives a part number of AZ8725-something-something
without giving a manufacturer (maybe someone will recognize the
manufacturer from the number, assuming it is not an in-house TT number).
I have had absolutely no problem with the relay, with the following
caveats:
1) I do operate primarily CW.
2) I use the amplifier sparingly.
3) I usually run at 25-30 wpm and it works fine; if you operate at 68(!)
wpm like someone said in a previous post, I have no clue how well it
will work or what the upper speed is (but I am sure that one phone call
to TT will answer that question).
Your mileage may vary.
> And I don't like or trust ceramic metal
> tubes. I don't like to "wait" for them to heat up and I don't want to
> let an amp sit with the power on just in case I might need it.
Well, you've got it half right. With the 3-500s, you CAN start
transmitting a few seconds after turn-on. However, once you turn it on,
it's better to leave it on for a while ("just in case you might need
it"). The inrush current from turning it on and off all the time beats
up the tubes a LOT more than just leaving it on.
Overall, I am very well satisfied with the Centurion.
73/Carter/K8VT
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