Many thanks to all who replied, both to the list and to me
personally. I believe the answer lies somewhere in the
middle. Obviously this is partially a liability thing and by putting
that disclaimer in there, they've covered themselves if a person
sticks their finger on something live while it's still plugged
in! All amp manufacturers say something similar. It's just common
sense when you are messing around with 3,000 volts.
Two people sent me identical instructions that came from ACOM
that do indeed describe in detail how to do it. It is a little more
complicated than just pulling the old tube out and putting the new
one in (although about half the instructions are about how to short
out residual voltage after unplugging it, and to not touch the tube
when it's hot -- these would apply to any amp.)
The "complicated" part is to do with adjusting two variable
resistors for the idling current. This has to be done with a cover
off, but it doesn't sound too bad if a person is careful. Someone
suggested I upload the document to the "files" section on the list,
and I'll do so as soon as I figure out how.
The long and the short of it is if you are competent enough to
have a Ham ticket, and have a basic understanding of electrical
safety, high voltages, and simple electronic adjustments, this isn't
something I would send the amp back to the factory to be done. It's
too bad ACOM didn't include these instructions with the standard
ACOM-1000 manual, but I guess they felt if they kept them separate
and made the owner ask, it may reduce their liability even more.
I'll dig into how to upload the file (it's plain text) in a few minutes.
73, Paul VE1DX
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 269.5.5/769 - Release Date: 19/04/2007 5:56
PM
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
|