Robert W. Stankus wrote:
>
> To all:
> What is going on here! Amplifiers with tubes that have handles! Come on
> now..lets level the playing field.
> There is no need to ever think of running that kind of power on our
> amateur bands.
> Breakinmg pileups does not mean "brute force". The key elements are,
> Skill, Timing and antennas.
C'mon Bob, put aside your badge for a moment. You forgot "power" as one
of the key elements, along with skill, timing and antennas. Don't forget
about other technology, such as packet interfaced to hf gear, which is
still not well understood by a significant majority of hams. An easy
12dB gain from 100 to 1,500 watts is hard to argue against as a "key
element". What do you care if someone has 3dB of headroom, on peaks, and
runs a clean, non-interfering signal?
> I am about ready to ask my Washington Communications attorney to draw
> up an NPRM (Notice for Proposed Rule Makimg) to limit the power levels
> by restricting the tubes we use. No tube or tubes shall be used in any
> RF amp.that has a total plate dissipation rating not to exceed 1500
> watts.
A tube with plate dissipation of 3,000 watts can still be run at 1,500
watts out, with superb linearity when compared to running an 800 to
1,500 watt dissipation tube at full tilt, and splattering all over the
band. Collins/Rockwell made a 4CX5000 amplifier in the mid '80s that ran
2,500 watts out - all day long. Sure, with 5KW of plate dissipation, one
could run 10KW output, but that does not mean one would.
Most ham amplifiers built today are so poorly designed for continuous
duty that they fail miserably when run at "rated" power. Many amps spend
more time in transit back and forth to the factory than on-the-air. The
fact that most are designed to barely survive in SSB service is really
quite disgusting to me, and many others who appreciate good engineering
design and quality components and workmanship. Most annoying of all is
that many of us are prepared to pay for what we want, it's just that
it's not available, and any cost. That's why some will actually take the
time, interest and trouble to learn and build what they can't otherwise
buy. I say great, regardless of the power, as long as they are not
interfering with other services or hams, and are meeting or exceeding
the standards for IMD and harmonic suppression. With transceivers what
they have become today, antennas and amplifiers are all that's left to
build/learn about and keep those engineering skills honed.
Peace,
Vince Fedele
WA2PKE
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