Hi Henry...
If a power tube is otherwise "perfect," ultimate useful lifetime probably
will be determined by total heater-on time. OTOH, a high number of
heater/filament power on/off cycles clearly contributes to premature
failure as well.
Since typical lifetime of 8874/8877/3CX800A7 and in fact most kW-class
tubes is on the order of 20,000+/- hours (about 27 months at 24 hours/day),
most ham applications should get 10 years or more tube life either way.
I think the best compromise is to leave amp power on during operating
sessions and turn it off when off-air periods are likely to be more than a
few hours (e.g., when you're at work, on vacation, or getting a night's
sleep). I presume that others will disagree, but think this is good
practice for either directly- (thoriated tungsten filament) or
indirectly-heated (cathode) tubes.
73, Dick W0ID
Original message-----
From: henry gillow-wiles [SMTP:henry@pacinfo.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 18, 1998 9:21 PM
To: amps@contesting.com
Subject: [AMPS] Alpha 89
Does it hurt anything to leave my Alpha 89 turned on all the time?
I get tired of waiting for the little light to turn off.
end
Henry
KB7RTA
henry@pacinfo.com
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