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Re: [Amps] Amps Digest, Vol 101, Issue 24

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [Amps] Amps Digest, Vol 101, Issue 24
From: "W8HW" <w8hw@att.net>
Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 11:51:42 -0400
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
PA Efficiency is often miss-understood. In general it is Power out / all 
power in, as defined by the FCC. Lets take a closer look at this.

The problem is that most people do remember the DC input to plate, but 
forget or miss-understand that Power in also includes drive power and Screen 
(if used). It is all power in, which makes since because that is what 
efficiency is (all power out dived by all power consumed) by a device, in 
this case the final amplifier. The difference is heat (thus lost power) 
regardless if it is because of  plate, screen, grid or tank circuit or 
other. The FCC does not include filament power. Not only did we have to do 
that in broadcasting, but in the "old days", that was how the FCC defined it 
for ham radio, a fact that is often forgotten. It is easy to forget. Hope 
this helps.

73, Bruce, W8HW, w8hw@att.net
I buy or service broke radios

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <amps-request@contesting.com>
To: <amps@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 11:16 AM
Subject: Amps Digest, Vol 101, Issue 24


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> Today's Topics:
>
>   1. PA efficiency (Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT)
>   2. Re: PA efficiency (Dr. David Kirkby)
>   3. Re: PA efficiency (Jeff Blaine)
>   4. Re: 4CX1000 value? (hs0zed@csloxinfo.com)
>   5. Re: PA efficiency (Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT)
>   6. Re: PA efficiency (Carl)
>   7. Re: PA efficiency (David Kirkby)
>   8. Transistor Amp (fa014040@skynet.be)
>   9. Re: 3 phase transformer (Tomm V Aldridge)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 17 May 2011 23:27:52 -0500
> From: "Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT" <kc5gtt@gmail.com>
> Subject: [Amps] PA efficiency
> To: <amps@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <76F5880D4C414DF4B3833031C2BFFB47@careychbqjio7i>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> hello all,
>
> what is the proper formula to get the PA efficiency of a amplifier?
>
> Carey
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 05:36:40 +0100
> From: "Dr. David Kirkby" <david.kirkby@onetel.net>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <4DD34CD8.6020504@onetel.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> On 05/18/11 05:27 AM, Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT wrote:
>> hello all,
>>
>> what is the proper formula to get the PA efficiency of a amplifier?
>>
>> Carey
>
> 1) Calculate the input power = V * I
>
> where V is anode/collector/drain voltage (depending on whether its tube or
> semiconductor
>
> I is the anode/collector/drain current (depending on whether it's tube or
> semiconductor)
>
> 2) Measure the output power P.
>
> 3) Efficiency (in percentage) = 100*P/(V*I)
>
>
> Note, few power meters are going to be accurate to better than +/- 10%
> (including the Bird, despite its spec of 5% of FSD), so don't expect an 
> accurate
> result unless you use a precision power meter with a calibrated coupler or
> attenuator.
>
> Dave
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 00:33:06 -0500
> From: "Jeff Blaine" <keepwalking188@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
> To: "Dr. David Kirkby" <david.kirkby@onetel.net>,
> <amps@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <7E9486F568B74345824C7AB7D8BD636F@8710w>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> David,
>
> In the case of the GG, do you not need to deduct the drive power from the 
> Po?  Otherwise, the efficiency is overstated and the Pd is
> understated.  I could be wrong?
>
> 73, Jeff AC?C
> www.ac0c.com
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Dr. David Kirkby
> Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 11:36 PM
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
>
> On 05/18/11 05:27 AM, Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT wrote:
>> hello all,
>>
>> what is the proper formula to get the PA efficiency of a amplifier?
>>
>> Carey
>
> 1) Calculate the input power = V * I
>
> where V is anode/collector/drain voltage (depending on whether its tube or
> semiconductor
>
> I is the anode/collector/drain current (depending on whether it's tube or
> semiconductor)
>
> 2) Measure the output power P.
>
> 3) Efficiency (in percentage) = 100*P/(V*I)
>
>
> Note, few power meters are going to be accurate to better than +/- 10%
> (including the Bird, despite its spec of 5% of FSD), so don't expect an 
> accurate
> result unless you use a precision power meter with a calibrated coupler or
> attenuator.
>
> Dave
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 18:27:05 +0700
> From: hs0zed@csloxinfo.com
> Subject: Re: [Amps] 4CX1000 value?
> To: "Roger (sub1)" <sub1@rogerhalstead.com>
> Cc: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <1305718025.4dd3ad09764c6@webmail.csloxinfo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=TIS-620
>
> Okay guys, think I have it now, and all understood about the different 
> tube
> types, just sort of made me wonder for a minute.
>
> The long and short of this story, I'm offered a 30S-1 as a gift but must 
> buy the
> sealed in the bag factory fresh(ish) Eimac tube to go with it. Paying a 
> fair
> market price is therefore more than okay, I'm not looking to go cheap on 
> this
> and indeed a little over the top will not be a problem, even make me feel 
> a
> little better. Now I've seen the likely value at a couple of places I can 
> make
> an informed offer. Thanks to all.
>
> Thread drift is okay by me, I suffer from wife drift! Far more troubling, 
> damned
> expensive too, ha ha!
>
> Cheers
> Martin, HS0ZED
>
>
> Quoting "Roger (sub1)" <sub1@rogerhalstead.com>:
>
>> On 5/16/2011 8:11 PM, Carl wrote:
>> > Especially when Roger gets involved..............
>> Hey! A little thread drift now and then is a healthy thing...<:-))
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Roger (K8RI)
>> >
>> > Carl
>> >
>> >
>> > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alek Petkovic" <vk6apk@bigpond.com>
>> > To: "Roger (sub1)" <sub1@rogerhalstead.com>; "Carl" 
>> > <km1h@jeremy.mv.com>
>> > Cc: <amps@contesting.com>
>> > Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 5:46 PM
>> > Subject: Re: [Amps] 4CX1000 value?
>> >
>> >
>> >> There is also the 8432 which is identical in every regard to the
>> >> 9295A except that the contact ring is smaller and so the SK184 needs
>> >> to be modified slightly to accommodate this.
>> >>
>> >> That also has nothing to do with the 4CX1000 but since when has the
>> >> subject line had any relationship with the contents of the postings
>> >> on this list. ha ha.
>> >>
>> >> 73, Alek.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> At 02:20 AM 17/05/2011, Roger (sub1) wrote:
>> >>> On 5/16/2011 9:36 AM, Carl wrote:
>> >>>> That is also a PL-172A and found in the Hallicrafters HT-33A/B.
>> >>> Well...kinda, sorta, almost.  They are electrically identical.  The
>> >>> PL-172 is listed as a PL-172/8295A but the 8295A is not listed as a
>> >>> 8295A/PL-172. The 8295A is also physically about a 3/8" to 1/2"
>> >>> taller (all in the insulator) and is a ceramic to metal seal while
>> >>> the PL-172 is a glass to metal seal and noted for being leaky.  The
>> >>> 8295As bring at least double the price of the PL-172s. OTOH the
>> >>> price for either vary all over the place. A couple weeks back an
>> >>> 8295A that was one of the "condition unknown, but I think it's good"
>> >>> went for around $250 (give or take a tad).
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>> 73
>> >>>
>> >>> Roger (K8RI)
>> >>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> No relationship to the 4CX1000 which was in thousands of Collins
>> >>>> 30S1's.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Carl
>> >>>> KM1H
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: <hs0zed@csloxinfo.com>
>> >>>> To: "Roger (sub1)" <sub1@rogerhalstead.com>
>> >>>> Cc: <amps@contesting.com>
>> >>>> Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 4:19 AM
>> >>>> Subject: Re: [Amps] 4CX1000 value?
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Oh, $2400! That sounds a lot, Is the 8295A a special replacement
>> >>>> for the
>> >>>> 4CX1000? I'd like to get a fair estimate as I have been offered a
>> >>>> new sealed in
>> >>>> the bag Eimac one and want to offer a fair price.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> If new ones are now $410 but 2 years ago they were $2400 I guess
>> >>>> they must be
>> >>>> making them again.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Cheers
>> >>>> Martin, HS0ZED
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Quoting "Roger (sub1)" <sub1@rogerhalstead.com>:
>> >>>>
>> >>>>> On 5/16/2011 3:13 AM, Alek Petkovic wrote:
>> >>>>> > They are $410.00 at http://www.vacuumtubes.net/prices.htm so I
>> >>>>> guess
>> >>>>> > $250 upwards would be a good price.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> Those prices are for a tested tube with a guarantee.  Tested and
>> >>>>> guaranteed 8295A's were going for $2400 USD two years ago, while
>> >>>>> not DOA
>> >>>>> were running $200-$300.  It just depends on how bad some one wants
>> >>>>> it.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> > 73, Alek and Sam.
>> >>>>> > VK6APK and VK6/SM3DYU
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > At 01:58 PM 16/05/2011, hs0zed@csloxinfo.com wrote:
>> >>>>> >> What would be the likely value for a new sealed zero hours
>> >>>>> 4CX1000 >> tube?
>> >>>>> >>
>> >>>>> How old? that is also a factor.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> 73
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> Roger (K8RI)
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >> Thanks
>> >>>>> >> Martin, HS0ZED
>> >>>>> >>
>> >>>>> >>
>> >>>>> >>
>> >>>>> >> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> >> Amps mailing list
>> >>>>> >> Amps@contesting.com
>> >>>>> >> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > http://www.qrz.com/db/vk6apk
>> >>>>> > http://www.qrz.com/db/vk6ap
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> > Amps mailing list
>> >>>>> > Amps@contesting.com
>> >>>>> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> Amps mailing list
>> >>>>> Amps@contesting.com
>> >>>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> Amps mailing list
>> >>>>> Amps@contesting.com
>> >>>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> -----
>> >>>> No virus found in this message.
>> >>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> >>>> Version: 10.0.1375 / Virus Database: 1500/3641 - Release Date:
>> >>>> 05/16/11
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>> _______________________________________________
>> >>> Amps mailing list
>> >>> Amps@contesting.com
>> >>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> http://www.qrz.com/db/vk6apk
>> >> http://www.qrz.com/db/vk6ap
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> -----
>> >> No virus found in this message.
>> >> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> >> Version: 10.0.1375 / Virus Database: 1500/3641 - Release Date: 
>> >> 05/16/11
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Amps mailing list
>> Amps@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 07:20:26 -0500
> From: "Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT" <kc5gtt@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
> To: <amps@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <250F7563B33A48C2A40C4955F99B58E5@careychbqjio7i>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> i was affraid of that. 58.3%. my gs31 2 meter amplifier i use for a 
> standby
> isnt much more efficent than my gs-35 that just croaked. i have been using
> these yu1aw designs. have yet to get the rated operating paramters listed. 
> i
> dont even have a clue where to start. i am wondering if there is a more
> proven design better suited to my skill level. any suggestions?
>
> Carey, kc5gtt
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Richard Solomon" <dickw1ksz@gmail.com>
> To: "Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT" <kc5gtt@gmail.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 11:56 PM
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
>
>
>> Pout/Pin
>>
>> Pin = Vp X Ip
>>
>> 73, Dick, W1KSZ
>>
>> On Tue, May 17, 2011 at 9:27 PM, Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT
>> <kc5gtt@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> hello all,
>>>
>>> what is the proper formula to get the PA efficiency of a amplifier?
>>>
>>> Carey
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Amps mailing list
>>> Amps@contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>>>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 10:07:09 -0400
> From: "Carl" <km1h@jeremy.mv.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
> To: "Jeff Blaine" <keepwalking188@yahoo.com>, <amps@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <17866DD8CA79471BB4EAE623CBE078F9@computer1>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> Of course you do Jeff but you also need to know how much power is passing
> thru.
> With tubes that include the required drive power on the spec sheet its 
> easy
> to do. With Ruskie tubes you may need to take a WAG if the data isnt
> published.
>
> Carl
> KM1H
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jeff Blaine" <keepwalking188@yahoo.com>
> To: "Dr. David Kirkby" <david.kirkby@onetel.net>; <amps@contesting.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 1:33 AM
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
>
>
> David,
>
> In the case of the GG, do you not need to deduct the drive power from the
> Po?  Otherwise, the efficiency is overstated and the Pd is
> understated.  I could be wrong?
>
> 73, Jeff AC?C
> www.ac0c.com
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Dr. David Kirkby
> Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 11:36 PM
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
>
> On 05/18/11 05:27 AM, Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT wrote:
>> hello all,
>>
>> what is the proper formula to get the PA efficiency of a amplifier?
>>
>> Carey
>
> 1) Calculate the input power = V * I
>
> where V is anode/collector/drain voltage (depending on whether its tube or
> semiconductor
>
> I is the anode/collector/drain current (depending on whether it's tube or
> semiconductor)
>
> 2) Measure the output power P.
>
> 3) Efficiency (in percentage) = 100*P/(V*I)
>
>
> Note, few power meters are going to be accurate to better than +/- 10%
> (including the Bird, despite its spec of 5% of FSD), so don't expect an
> accurate
> result unless you use a precision power meter with a calibrated coupler or
> attenuator.
>
> Dave
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1375 / Virus Database: 1509/3643 - Release Date: 05/17/11
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 13:56:36 +0100
> From: David Kirkby <drkirkby@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] PA efficiency
> To: "Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT" <kc5gtt@gmail.com>
> Cc: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <BANLkTik7gt5eZmp_R9Pp3DiTQveq8FrCbg@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> On 18 May 2011 13:20, Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT <kc5gtt@gmail.com> wrote:
>> i was affraid of that. 58.3%. my gs31 2 meter amplifier i use for a 
>> standby
>> isnt much more efficent than my gs-35 that just croaked. i have been 
>> using
>> these yu1aw designs. have yet to get the rated operating paramters 
>> listed. i
>> dont even have a clue where to start. i am wondering if there is a more
>> proven design better suited to my skill level. any suggestions?
>>
>> Carey, kc5gtt
>
> It's totally pointless stating the efficiency to 3 significant figures
> (58.3%). Whilst if you use a DVM you can read DC voltages and currents
> to well under 1%, you wont be able to measure the RF power to anything
> like that accuracy. So your efficiency is probably somewhere between
> 48% and 68%. So worrying about the odd 1 percent is totally pointless
> unless you use professional, laboratory quality test equipment to
> measure the RF power.
>
> In fact, I doubt your high voltage probe is sufficiently to measure
> the voltage to better than 1%.
>
> Dave
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Mon, 16 May 2011 17:57:22 +0200
> From: <fa014040@skynet.be>
> Subject: [Amps] Transistor Amp
> To: <Amps@contesting.com>
> Message-ID:
> <!&!AAAAAAAAAAAYAAAAAAAAAKwWy4VBYWFBuopElaHJZzbCgAAAEAAAACmZC5rleSdOjmPWe7IkTUkBAAAAAA==@skynet.be>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Hello All,
> I am looking around for a transistored Amp between 1/2 to 1 KW
> Preferece goes to home made.
> Thanks for a shout.
> Jos
> ON4KJ
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Sun, 15 May 2011 23:10:49 -0700
> From: Tomm V Aldridge <taldridge@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] 3 phase transformer
> To: Ronald Brown <rg52brown@yahoo.com>
> Cc: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <BANLkTimUBG9h0Tu7FrABacMNzvt_On6M-g@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Take care with core saturation as the cross section of the center leg is
> equal to those of the outer legs in a three phase xfmr which is not the 
> case
> with a single phase xfmr where the center leg area is 2 times that of the
> outer legs as the flux is split evenly between the outer legs.  Running 
> the
> center primary at the three phase voltage divided by sqrt 3, 120 on a 208V
> transformer, will allow you to take the secondaries in all three legs in
> series or parallel as long as you observe the phasing.  Paralleling is
> always iffy a any flux or turns imbalance will show up as a shorted turn 
> and
> generate excessive heating n the windings.
>
> Tomm - KD7QAE
>
> On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 9:49 PM, Ronald Brown <rg52brown@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> I have a 3 phase plate transformer I want to use on single phase.  It has 
>> 3
>> separate sections and the secondaries can be separated.  Can I just 
>> parallel
>> them up ?   I realize core limitations will play into this but is there 
>> any
>> problem with just paralleling up all three sections?
>>
>> ron - K0idx
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Amps mailing list
>> Amps@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
> End of Amps Digest, Vol 101, Issue 24
> ************************************* 

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