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Re: [TenTec] Ten-Tec Centurion 422 , looking for a new Tuning Air Cap

To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Ten-Tec Centurion 422 , looking for a new Tuning Air Cap
From: Bob McGraw <rmcgraw@blomand.net>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2020 09:33:19 -0500
List-post: <mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
David:

The buzz is the result of arcing between the plates of the capacitor.  This typically is the result of the amplifier being too lightly loaded resulting in excessive RF voltage in the output network.   Or perhaps the SWR is high.   In either case, the voltage in the PA tank was excessively high resulting in the arc.   Grounding has nothing to do with the issue but all equipment should be bonded to a common point for safety reasons.

You can remove the capacitor and disassemble it.  Then using a file, carefully file away the rough areas of the affected plates. Then finish smoothing them with fine steel wool.   The plates are very soft and can be damaged by excessive force.  I suggest laying each plate on a flat surface when you are working on it, applying a downward force.  Then reassemble and install the capacitor.

I suggest you check your SWR on your antenna system.  Any value of 3:1 or greater is not suitable for the amplifier.  Address and correct the antenna system.    Also when tuning the amplifier be sure to TUNE and LOAD the amplifier correctly always adjusting for maximum output.  Then reduce drive to the desired operating power, but DO NOT change any tuning or loading.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 10/15/2020 6:32 AM, David Sturm wrote:
Good morning all,
I have an excellent condition Centurion that I purchased in 2015 from a Ham
in Marietta GA
( NK9R) and he purchased it in 2001 from another ham and then sent it into
Ten-Tec for a QSK installation and a new fan.
The 422 has been working faultlessly for years until last week. I got a
buzzing sound of 20m. So I stopped using it. I got a similar buzzing sound
at 40m.
Nothing has changed, all grounding and bonding in place( I'm in Ecuador and
have been operating with the same coax, 4" copper flashing for a ground and
bonding)
I opened up the cover and found on the stationary plates and the rotor
plates small pitting and some small melting.
*What would cause this?*

*I'm looking for an option on cleaning the plates. Can/should this be
done?( short term)*
*(Long term)Where can I purchase a Tuning Air Capacitor to replace this
one? I was trying to find the uf and voltage rating, but I can't seem to
find it in the manual? Looking in the wrong schematic.*
Any help would be appreciated.
Thx
*David-*
*HC5DX*

*WB4OZM*


*http://carmenlaveranda.com <http://carmenlaveranda.com>*

*I follow the DX CODE of CONDUCT*

[image: http://nfarl.org/picts/nfarlLogoTransparentBackground_medium.gif]

*From Ecuador, at 8,300 (2,500m) feet in Altitude, a 60'(19m) tower is tall
enough I say!*
*Love getting QSL cards*
*Excellent Coffee here, drink some and stay awake for some great DX*

*"It is not the class of license the Amateur holds, but the class of the
Amateur that holds the license."*
*David-*
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