[Amps] Ameritron AL-80A tuning question

["NW7US, Tomas" <nw7us@hfradio.org>]

Hi,

I am wondering if there is an error in the tuning instructions for the  
Ameritron AL-80A in my copy of an old manual.

It states:

8. Apply only enough drive to indicate a grid current of 50 mA or an Ip of  
no more than 200 mA.  Tune the PLATE control for maximum grid current.  It  
is normal for the plate current to dip at this point.  If the grid current  
goes over 100 mA reduce the drive at once.  Unkey the exciter.

Ok - the part I am wondering about is "Tune the PLATE control for maximum  
grid current."  It seems, in every band that I do this procedure, there is  
no "maximum" on the grid meter - but there is ONE spot that is a DIP in  
readings.  And, this is where the power out on the watt meter increases.   
In other words, no matter where I move the PLATE control, the grid meter  
level stays about the same, except for one tuning spot where the grid  
current DIPS - and this is where I notice increase power out... so either  
the manaul is misleading me, or I am doing something incorrectly.

I'm just learning the Amp, and I am not an Amp user - this being my first  
Ameritron, and second Amp I've ever operated.  I am wishing to operate the  
Amp properly so I don't ruin the equipment.  Any pointers would be  
appreciated.

Thanks,

73 de Tomas, NW7US (AAR0JA/AAA0WA)

: Propagation Editor for CQ, CQ VHF, and Popular Communications :
: Creator of live propagation center - http://prop.hfradio.org/ :
: Member, US Army Miltary Affiliate Radio Service (MARS) AAR0JA :
: 122.93W 47.67N / Brinnon, Washington USA - CN87 - CW/SSB/DIGI :
: Website, software, database design - http://newwebmakers.com/ :
: Washington State Army MARS, State Army MARS Director - AAA0WA :
: 10x56526, FISTS 7055, FISTS NW 57,  AR Lighthouse Society 144 :
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps