Jim, KH7M, says :
>I know that commercial gear in labs etc. is virtually never switched
>off, nor is, of course stuff in radio and TV stations, but
>not sure that has anything to do with MTBF or gear ultimate
>lifetime in our at-home amateur stations.
In our labs Jim, kit gets switched off every evening. Computers and work
stations are another thing: frequently the work stations are running
simulations overnight, but PCs are generally switched off. The cost of
the electricity outweighs the computer repair cost - at our domestic
prices, I'd spend $360 in 3 years leaving the PC on. At work, we're
supposed to switch lights off when we leave the room - studies have
shown that the life reduction is more than compensated for by the
electricity saved - that surprised me. I switch the linear on when I
switch the rig on - the antenna relays are de-energise to transmit, so
it provides a useful disconnect as a LEMP protection - and the filaments
go off when I shut down. I only have the HV on when in QSO.
73
G3RZP
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