Unless it's free, the SB230 would be real low on my list
of amplifiers. It's a very wimpy amp, maybe 500W CW, 900W
SSB PEP. I melted one down in a single weekend of SS CW
contesting back in the late 70's.
It runs a single 8873 (not 8877) conduction-cooled tube, and uses
a dangerous (poisonous) beryllium-oxide block to thermally couple
the tube to the heatsink. I think Eimac still makes the 8873, but
it is spendy. There might also be a Svetlana version.
Changing out to a different tube like a 3CX400A is probably not
a viable option, due to need to add a blower and air-plenum, plus
modify filament voltages, etc.
Save your money.
73, Hans, K0HB
-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Hyde [mailto:cshyde@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2000 12:30 PM
To: AMPS
Subject: [AMPS] SB-230 8877 Tube availability
I have an opportunity to acquire an SB-230 that has not been used for four or
five years. It was working when last used. I am concerned over the availability
of the 8877 tube as I have heard that they are very hard to find and very
expensive. Can the SB-230 be converted to another tube and how bad is the 8877
situation? Thanks
=====
Carl HYDE
W2CSH
Remember, the opposite of PROGRESS is CONGRESS
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