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Re: [Amps] Step Start circuit - needed or not?

To: amps@contesting.com, ws1l@comcast.net
Subject: Re: [Amps] Step Start circuit - needed or not?
From: Vic K2VCO <vic@rakefet.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:18:40 -0800
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
The SB-1000 does not require a step-start. The transformer is designed so that 
the 
secondaries have enough impedance to protect the diodes and tube filament at 
startup. It 
also has a relay to protect the switch (at least mine, which is a late model, 
does).

Having said all that, I added a step-start to mine to eliminate the thump that 
it 
sometimes emits on startup. But I think that's only an aesthetic thing.

On 2/23/2010 5:06 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote:
> I'm the new owner of a Heathkit SB-1000 amp, running it on 120 VAC.  It is 
> replacing my
> AL-811.  When I bought the 811 I also bought an Ameritron Inrush Current 
> Protector, and
> have always used it to turn the amp on and off.
>
> Now with the SB-1000 and reading recent posts on-line, I am wondering if I 
> need the
> inrush current protector?  I am considering installing a step start circuit 
> inside the
> SB-1000, which will do the same thing... but I am not sure it is necessary.
>
> I'm reading that the turn-on surge is only likely to really stress the power 
> switch,
> and the SB-1000 switch is rated at like 18A, well over the normal current, 
> but who
> knows how high it spikes when the caps are getting that first cycle?  And, of 
> course,
> that's only for a very brief time.
>
> So, is a step-start of some type really needed?  If so, why don't more amps 
> come with
> it?
>
>
> 73 de Chuck, WS1L

-- 
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
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