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Re: [TenTec] Hercules 444 amp

To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Hercules 444 amp
From: "R. Eric Sluder via TenTec" <tentec@contesting.com>
Reply-to: "R. Eric Sluder" <resluder@yahoo.com>, Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 16:19:01 -0400
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
I thought hard about buying a transistor amp, but went with a used al-80a 
serial #60 and it's been rode hard and is only on its second tube in its 
lifespan.  I believe I saw where it was built in 1986.  It got it's second tube 
when I bought it in 2013.  

I can have it tuned up pretty quick and it seems to run like a Timex.  

-Eric
W9WLW

> On Aug 10, 2014, at 4:11 PM, "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick@DJ0IP.de> wrote:
> 
> I support your opinion, Wade.
> 
> My old AL-80A is only 28 years old, but has been used HARD in at least 20 or
> 30 big 48 hour contests.  When I wasn't using it, it was loaned out to
> others who were.  It is on its original 3-500zg tube and its output power
> has only dropped about 100w per band.
> 
> 73 - Rick, DJ0IP
> (Nr. Frankfurt am Main)
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Wade Staggs
> Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2014 7:54 PM
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Hercules 444 amp
> 
> *At least for now, even if we could afford one of the Big Gun Solid State
> Amps. I would hope that we would have the good sense to stick with an Amp
> which runs 1 or 2 of the 3-500ZG Triodes. They are as tough as Nails. How
> can you argue with a system that with proper care, will run a lifetime. The
> tubes in our SB-220 are Original. This means that they are approaching their
> Fortieth Birthday. We recently replaced the Capacitors and Relay. The Amp
> was still working Great when we did this Preventative Maintenance.  And Even
> a Cave Man with Knives and Bear Skins can repair the Amp if needed. *
> *                                                                     73
> from Wade/KJ4WS*
> 
> 
>> On Sun, Aug 10, 2014 at 12:01 PM, Robert <rmcgraw@blomand.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Many to most design parameters do change radically when converting 
>> from BIPOLAR to MOSFET devices.
>> 
>> I seen to think MFJ does have their products in the reach of the 
>> average ham.  I find typically they offer reasonable designs, 
>> reasonable quality at reasonable prices. Maybe it's the hams average reach
> that needs adjusting.
>> The days of the SB-200 and SB-220 KIT prices are long gone.
>> 
>> Good quality amps, those that are clean and don't spew garbage across 
>> the bands, require good design and good quality parts.  Then add a 
>> high duty cycle and it places more demand on the designs and the parts
> choices.
>> 
>> 73
>> Bob K4TAX
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Aug 9, 2014, at 5:38 PM, Brian Carling <bcarling@cfl.rr.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> So maybe the Hercules can be converted to use MOSFETs. Seems like it
>> should be possible.
>>> 
>>> I also think MFJ needs some competition on MOSFET linear amplifiers 
>>> to
>> get the price point within reach of the average ham.
>>> 
>>> There is just not a good reason why so many linear amplifiers should
>> cost $3500 to $9500 when you look at the parts cost and manufacturing
> cost.
>>> 
>>> [/SOAPBOX]
>>> 
>>> Best regards - Bry Carling
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Aug 9, 2014, at 5:24 PM, Douglas <sparks06524@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2014 10:12:45 -0400
>>>> From: Brian Carling <bcarling@cfl.rr.com>
>>>> To: "k9yc@arrl.net" <k9yc@arrl.net>, Discussion of Ten-Tec 
>>>> Equipment
>>>>   <tentec@contesting.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Hercules 444 amp
>>>> Message-ID: <86F80EE5-1044-42AA-9641-D8859123467B@cfl.rr.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain;
>>>> charset=us-ascii
>>>> 
>>>> Seems like a lot of RF power transistors are similar, so it should 
>>>> not be too difficult to find a substitute.
>>>> 
>>>> Best regards - Bry Carling
>>>> 
>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------
>>>> 
>>>> Ah -  but it is hard to find a substitute. The Ten-Tec factory 
>>>> can't
>> find one.
>>>> 
>>>> There were only a few designs of 250 to 300 watt 50V bi-polar power
>> transistors made. The remaining ones are hard to get and have an HFE 
>> that is too high. Several such transistors have been totally discontinued.
>> Motorola for example is out of that business. M/AComm bought some of 
>> their designs but in general bi-polar RF transistors are considered 
>> passe. RF MOSFETS are now the name of the game.
>>>> 
>>>> Per another poster: I've not had trouble with the power supply 
>>>> drifting
>> upward with temperature rise. Perhaps they solved that with compensation.
>>>> 
>>>> 73,
>>>> 
>>>> Doug/WA1TUT
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