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[AMPS] Re: Alpha 76CA tube swap

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [AMPS] Re: Alpha 76CA tube swap
From: measures@vc.net (Rich Measures)
Date: Thu, 14 Jan 1999 07:18:21 -0800
>
>Good evening;
>
>I am in the process of repairing a 76CA for a friend. It appears that the
>tubes are weak. Rathert than paying top $$ for 3 - 3cx400's, I remember seeing
>someone mention a web site regarding a convversion to 2- 3cx800's. Does anyone
>know the URL for the site ?  
>
>Also, other than the heater voltage going to 13.5v, should the input and
>output circuits  be compatible, or do I need to modify the tank or input ?
>
The tank RL of 2, 3cx800s is abt the same as 3, 3cx400s.  The drive 
requirement is c. 45w instead of c. 80w. . Mo' drive is not mo' betta.  
 
>I thought I saw someone mention using a voltage doubler rather than adding a
>13.5v transformer. Is this possible ? 

?  Yes, but a pair of mucho-uF 10v electrolytics would be needed, as well 
as an adj. regulator to set the heater potential to a bit less than 
13.5v.  It might be easier to add a small 6.5v transformer in series with 
the existing >6v heater winding.  //  note:  The recommended heater 
potential range is c. 12.9v to 14.1v.    If higher heater potentials are 
used, barium evaporates from the cathode and lands on the gold-plated 
grid, causing primary grid-emission, which ain't good news.  /  I have 
heard from some owners that 
*Commander* 3cx800a7 amplifiers use heater potentials of c. 15v.  
>
>Lastly, in order to lower the resonant freq of the plate choke, do I need to
>add turns or remove turns ? Any rough idea as far as the turns/Mhz ratio ?
>(10/12m issue)

?  ... removing turns from a hv-rfc is a lot less risky than trying to 
add turns.  In any event,  to avoid choke-fires, check with a dipper 
before "firing up" to make sure there are no resonaces within approx. 5% 
of an operating freq.  Check the rfc wired normally.in the amplifier.   

-  If you do the mod. yourself, there is a way to compensate for the fact 
that the 76CA has no tuned inputs.  E-mail me if you want to discuss it.  
 I would prefer talking on the phone on my dime rather than 
finger-talking'.  
>
-  later, Eric


Rich...

R. L. Measures, 805-386-3734, AG6K, www.vcnet.com/measures  


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