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Re: [Amps] 3cx800a7 Grid Current Problem

To: Vic K2VCO <k2vco.vic@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Amps] 3cx800a7 Grid Current Problem
From: Rob Atkinson <ranchorobbo@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:47:05 -0600
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
I have heard that on 160, some of those amp's filament chokes or other
input components (caps) are not as stout against RF as they are on the
higher bands.  the matching circuit may be okay but some of the drive
is going somewhere else after it gets past the input matching network.
 This may be hokum but it is an interesting possibilty.

73

rob
K5UJ

On Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 10:37 AM, Vic K2VCO <k2vco.vic@gmail.com> wrote:
> The stock 922 apparently isn't optimal at the low end of 160 (or 80). I had 
> to add some
> capacity across the loading capacitor to get a reasonable match on mine, but 
> output is
> still low compared to other bands. I suspect that there isn't enough 
> inductance and the Q
> is too high.
>
> On 1/25/2012 11:14 PM, Mike Tubby wrote:
>> On 26/01/2012 02:40, TexasRF@aol.com wrote:
>>> About a month ago, JE1BMJ reported a similar problem with his SB1000. In
>>> his case, the problem was found to be inadequate bypassing of the plate rf
>>> choke. Apparently enough rf was reaching the bypass capacitor to heat it up
>>> and  cause it to change value and that was enough to detune the plate 
>>> circuit.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Gerald K5GW
>>>
>> This appears to be not uncommon across several amp designs - even the
>> venerable TL-922 shows lower output on 160m than it does on 80m/40m and
>> no doubt if the input power is there then the output is going
>> somewhere... okay in the case of the '922 it might not be causing
>> de-tuning and grid current but I bet soemthing's getting warm ;-)
>>
>> Mikie G8TIC
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> In a message dated 1/25/2012 7:20:22 P.M. Central Standard Time,
>>> at6c@bellsouth.net writes:
>>>
>>> Carl/Paul,
>>> There isn't a fix loading padder (Carl, I think you  are referring to a
>>> capacitor pad for 160M correct me if I am wrong) in the  HF 1250.  There
>>> is a tapped ferrite transformer/coil that is switched  in for 40-80-160.
>>> That being the case the problem could be something  shorting out part of
>>> that transformer in the 160M position.  Also the  band switch could be
>>> bad.  Have you checked all the components in the  RF compartment for
>>> visual damage/overheating/value?  The only  difference in the
>>> tuning/loading circuit between 80M and 160M is the  position of the band
>>> switch and which part of the above coil is in the  circuit.
>>>
>>> Another point to consider is that the LP100A has three  different
>>> selections for measuring output  power(average/peak/?pulse?).  I find
>>> that if you are tuning a twitchy  amplifier a needle type watt meter is
>>> easier to use than the LP100 (maybe  it's just me).  I think if you are
>>> not using a pecker tuner,   peak is recommended, check the manual.  Also
>>> carefully follow the  instructions in the HF 1250 manual as to the way
>>> you tune the amp.  I  found those instructions will prevent surprise grid
>>> current  fluctuations.  Good  luck.
>>>
>>> 73
>>> George
>>> W2GS
>>> _______________________________________________
>>>
>
> --
> Vic, K2VCO
> Fresno CA
> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
>
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