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Re: [Amps] 8874/3cx400a7

To: "Paul Decker" <kg7hf@comcast.net>, <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [Amps] 8874/3cx400a7
From: "Carl" <km1h@jeremy.mv.com>
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:25:01 -0400
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
Lunar Link runs a pair of 3CPX800's on 432; dont know about the filaments.

Im running a 3CX400U7 on 903, in a surplus Eimac cavity, which has an 
annoying filament derating spec since its different for CW and SSB. Since it 
came with the matching Motorola PS I havent bothered to measure the voltage, 
its used on CW most of the time.

Carl
KM1H


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Decker" <kg7hf@comcast.net>
To: <amps@contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, June 17, 2011 9:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Amps] 8874/3cx400a7


>
>
>
>
> Interestingly enough, the 3cx800A7 and 3cpx800A7 sheets don't have that 
> paragraph. I suspect because they are only spec'ed to 350 Mhz. On the 
> other hand, the 3cx800U7 has a similar paragraph showing reduced heater 
> voltages. It goes even further stating that the heater voltage should only 
> be reduced when rf drive is applied and it should be returned back to 
> normal when rf drive is removed.
>
>
>
> quote:
>
> Heater voltage should be returned to 13.5 volts simultaneously with the 
> removal of rf drive. In low duty factor applications such as CW telegraphy 
> and voice SSB, heater voltage shouldbe maintained at 13.5 volts.
>
> :end quote
>
>
>
> So maybe I shouldn't worry about it at all. Most of my operating is CW and 
> SSB with the occasional FM and WSJT. I'm considering putting in a switch 
> mechanism to switch between class AB and class C for FM and WSJT.
>
>
>
> Paul.
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Paul Decker" <kg7hf@comcast.net>
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Sent: Friday, June 17, 2011 8:20:41 AM
> Subject: 8874/3cx400a7
>
>
>
>
>
>
> A question I'm sure the experienced amp builders can answer. I was reading 
> through the Eimac 8874 datasheet last night and found this paragraph:
>
>
>
> quote:
>
> HEATER/CATHODE OPERATION - The rated heater voltage for the 8873, 8874, 
> and 8875 is 6.3 volts, as measured at the base of the tube, and variations 
> should be restriced to plus or minus 0.3 volt for long life and consistent 
> performance. At frequencies above approximately 300 MHz it may be 
> necessary to reduce heater voltage to compensate for rf transit-time 
> heating of the cathode after dynamic operation of the tube has started. 
> The back heating is a function of frequency, grid current, grid-bias, 
> anode current, duty cycle, and circuit design and adjustment. The 
> following heater operating voltages are recommended:
>
>
>
> Frequency (MHz) Heater Voltage
>
> 300 or lower 6.3
>
> 301 to 400 6.0
>
> 401 to 500 5.7
>
> :end quote
>
>
>
> In my new 70cm amp, my heater voltage is set to 6.3 volts. Reading this, 
> there are many variables to take into consideration of which there is no 
> "formula" to figure out the ideal heater voltage. Should I simply reduce 
> my heater voltage to 5.7 volts? What effect would this have on the 
> amplifier performance? Does anyone have experience with lowering the 
> heater voltage in this type of situation?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Paul
>
> kg7hf
>
>
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