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Re: [TenTec] Eagle & Heath SB-200 Amp

To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Eagle & Heath SB-200 Amp
From: Mike Bryce <prosolar@sssnet.com>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2020 14:15:24 -0500
List-post: <mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
gang,

the SB-200’s key line sits about MINUS 130 ish volts DC.

Mike, WB8VGE
SunLight Energy Systems
The Heathkit Shop
http://www.theheathkitshop.com/
J e e p
o|||||||o 

A man with one clock knows what time it is. A man with two clocks is never sure.

> On Feb 25, 2020, at 2:12 PM, Ron Notarius W3WN via TenTec 
> <tentec@contesting.com> wrote:
> 
> Rich,
> 
> I'm just getting a chance to view my email now, so I apologize if some of 
> what I have to say seems redundant.
> 
> The simple answer is, NO, this is NOT OK.  
> 
> A couple of quick answers off the top of my head...
> 
> 1.  Amplifier:
> Keep in mind that the SB-200, which is a great amp (I used to own one), was 
> designed back in the days when every commercial transceiver had tube outputs, 
> at appropriate voltages.  If memory serves, the keying line was either 90 or 
> 100 V -- which the Eagle will NOT be able to handle (without modification), 
> which means you likely WOULD cause damage to the rig.
> 
> When I owned that amp, I had a Kenwood TS-140S.  I rigged up an external 
> relay -- the rig tripped the relay, the relay tripped the amp -- as a buffer. 
>  At the VERY least, you'll need to do the same.  There are also some 
> commercial interface solutions for the same purpose.  I'm SURE MFJ has one 
> (don't they always seem to have one of everything?) but check around.  There 
> are a few small companies that make excellent interfaces at very reasonable 
> prices.
> 
> 2.  Antenna tuner... and SWR meter if it's external
> 
> Make sure that the tuner can handle 600 W or more output power.  The smaller 
> tuners (rated 100 - 200 W) will arc or burn up with the output power of the 
> amp.  Same for an external SWR bridge.  And... if your coax to the antenna is 
> RG-58 or RG-8X, you may run some risks there too, in terms of power rating.  
> I'm not sure about RG-58; I have run 600 W through RG-8X for short runs, but 
> it gets warm (I believe 600 W or so is the maximum rating), and it is NOT 
> recommended.  RG-8 / RG-213 or equivalent should be used.  You want your 
> power to go to the antenna, NOT to heat the coax!
> 
> 3.  Antenna
> 
> What antenna?  Same thing as above... is it rated for 600 W?  Most commercial 
> verticals are, but if it's a wire antenna... better check.  
> 
> Also, you didn't mention this, but... you do have a dummy load for tuning the 
> amp?  If not, you will need one.  
> 
> I hope this doesn't come across as negative.  That's a great amp, and it's a 
> big step up in terms of power output.  I had a lot of fun with mine, back in 
> the day.  Just make sure you don't accidentally blow up the rig, or portion 
> thereof... or cause yourself other headaches down the road.  
> 
> And don't let this discourage you.  You might have to do a few upgrades in 
> the shack, but it will be worth it!  
> 
> (Now if I can just get a 220 V line into the shack...)
> 
> 73, ron w3wn
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Richard Wagner via TenTec <tentec@contesting.com>
> To: tentec <tentec@contesting.com>
> Cc: Richard Wagner <richardmccay@icloud.com>
> Sent: Tue, Feb 25, 2020 9:14 am
> Subject: [TenTec] Eagle & Heath SB-200 Amp
> 
> I’ve never dealt with an Amplifier before. A friend gave me a Heath SB-200. 
> It appears I have to make a connection between the AMP KEY terminal of the 
> ACC-1 accessory connector and the AMP KEY Socket of the amp. A plug for the 
> socket and short jumper wire were included with my Eagle. This appears to be 
> all that is needed. I’ll connect from the Eagle to the Amp then through my 
> Antenna Tuner to the Antenna. Does this seem OK?
> 
> Rich Wagner
> K4MZE
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