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[AMPS] Re:(AMPS) sb-200 troubles

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Subject: [AMPS] Re:(AMPS) sb-200 troubles
From: W8JI@contesting.com (Tom Rauch)
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 13:05:25 -0400
> When the DC blocker fails without a "safety choke" being present, the Load
> C itself acts as a protective spark gap, arcs,  and shorts the HV to
> ground.  

If that is intended to be advice that the safety choke is not needed, 
it is very bad advice.

Blocking capacitors don't always fail shorted, they can fail with 
leakage. 

Not only that, normal charging current will change up the tank 
capacitors and that can damage other components in you station, 
or give you a nasty bite. It also can cause capacitor arcs because 
the tank capacitors have dc bias as well as RF, increasing peak 
volts.

ALWAYS use a safety choke (unless your name is Dr. Nate).



73, Tom W8JI
w8ji@contesting.com

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