My .02: Heat can be a factor, and lacking enough voltage headroom with respect
to the capacitor voltage rating can definitely be a factor. Suggest using caps
rated for 105 degree C and increasing the headroom to say at least 25% over
peak voltage A step start is nice as well; I use the Harbach Electronics kits
for convenience. The Drake L-$B power transformer no longer growls with a
BONNNNNNNG on closing the ON switch. The switch and the 3-500z filaments must
love it too.
So... did your capacitors hiss and spew out goo or just POP!? ;-)
73.
Russ
W6OHM
--- On Mon, 12/1/08, Larry K4AB <larry.k4ab@gmail.com> wrote:
> From: Larry K4AB <larry.k4ab@gmail.com>
> Subject: [Amps] LK-500 Blows Filter Cap
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Date: Monday, December 1, 2008, 7:13 PM
> "I love the smell of smoke in the morning..."
>
> Lost a filter cap in my old LK-500ZC this weekend. The
> thing is, the caps
> were replaced
> only 3 years ago. Some folks say that this is common
> problem, due to lack
> of surge suppression
> in this amp. Then again, some people say it's
> unnecessary.
>
> What's the group's thoughts?
>
> Is this the reason the amp blows caps higher than others?
> I push it
> hard...hours of non-stop contesting.
> Therefore, the heat really builds up. Could poor cooling
> really be the
> problem?
>
> Right now, I'm thinking of addressing both issues....a
> step-start solution,
> AND doing something to
> improve the cooling. Is there anything else I should be
> doing?
>
> By the way, the smell of blown caps is awful!
>
> 73,
> Larry K4AB
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