Looks like everyone is preoccupied with a discussion on vibrating germs of
some sort, so I'll tell you what I can about the sockets.
I have used the cast aluminum socket and have never had a problem that I
could attribute to the socket itself. I also know of several 4-1000 amps
locally that use the metal socket without any problems. Despite the
apparent good local experience, I have heard of instability problems and
occasionally cooling problems associated with the cast socket. Here's what
I've seen that seems to work with respect to the cast socket :
1) The air hole portion of the socket is cut off on a band saw to
provide
a larger area for air flow. Enthusiastic types have gone so far as to
"port and polish" the new opening to further improve air flow.
2) Grid grounding is accomplished with very liberal use of 1/2" wide
copper strapping.
This is what I've seen in amps that do NOT experience the rumored problems
with the metal socket. I also had an email from someone last year that
reported no problems with the metal socket.
During a phone conversation with Eimac a couple of years ago, Eimac highly
recommended the newer style plastic socket over the older metal socket, for
the same reason's already cited. It's possible that the problems with the
metal socket are more pronounced with the 4-1000 used as a tetrode( grid
driven service), rather than when it is used in a quasi-triode
configuration (grounded grid - both grids strapped together).
That's as much as I know on this subject.
Phil
At 09:50 AM 3/7/2000 -0500, you wrote:
>
>Hello all,
>
>I have seen where using the cast air system socket for a grid driven 4-1000
>was a 'no-no', because it made for an unstable amp.
>
>I have one of each type of socket and would really prefer to use the cast
>alum one.
>
>So, what is the problem with this socket? Or, is it just not as forgiving
>to sloppy layouts?
>
>It appears to be a short, straight shot from the pins (studs) to the #10
>screws on the bottom (which hold on the insulating center disk) allowing
>for direct mounting of by-pass caps.
>
>The physical properties of this socket make it advantageous for me to use.
>I can mount the silver plated fuse clip which holds one end of the grid
>termination R, directly to the grid pin. The hole in the fuse clip bottom
>fits directly over the terminal stud for the grid. No lead length and
>mechanically stable.
>
>Any clues on what the 'curse' of this socket may be would be appreciated
>and no doubt, enlightening.
>
>73 de Steve, NR4M
>---------------------------------------------
>Steve Bookout, NR4M (ex NJ4F)
>Rapidan Data Systems
>
>'DX4WIN...The way logging programs should be!'
>Free demo at http://www.dx4win.com
>
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>
>
>
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