Aint that the truth!
Carl
KM1H
----- Original Message -----
From: <K3vw@aol.com>
To: <amps@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: [Amps] Amps Digest, Vol 105, Issue 9
>A lot of folks on this site do not understand the "Gettering process" !
> Bringing a tube up to normal operating parameters is not gettering! I
> suggest
> that these folks "Google" the gettering process before talking about it.
> Willy Worth K3VW
>
>
> In a message dated 9/12/2011 7:58:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> amps-request@contesting.com writes:
>
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>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Alpha 76a (Patrick Barthelow)
> 2. Re: Alpha 76a (ROBERT HARMON)
> 3. Re: Alpha 76a (Colin Lamb)
> 4. Ameritron AL-80B ( s-roabr@online.no )
> 5. Re: Ameritron AL-80B (Mitch Cox)
> 6. Re: Alpha 76a (ROBERT HARMON)
> 7. Re: Alpha 76a (Alek Petkovic)
> 8. Re: Alpha 76a (Carl)
> 9. Re: Alpha 76a (Carl)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:23 -0700
> From: Patrick Barthelow <apolloeme@live.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
> To: <mikea@mikea.ath.cx>, <amps@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <SNT115-W43777F03CF113DFCDF7A8FDF020@phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
> I received a 76A about 6 months ago, as a gift from a OOM who I helped a
> lot when he was active. A 3 holer, that had been stored for some time, I
> "gettered" it, slowly, bringing it back to life, without incident. On
> ALL
> amps I have run, I am hyper aware and observant of grid current, in the
> interest of long life, and note that Bob Wolbert has published a grid
> overcurrent trip circuit for the Alpha, that might be wise to install.
> While
> getting used to normal tuning dynamics of my New/old stock Alpha, I was
> startled
> somewhat at the grid current dynamics. At how quickly the Ig goes from
> very low values to very high values with small adjustments of input
> power,
> and tune and load controls, even with a good amount of loading. Perhaps
> this is "normal" for a 3 holer '76A but maybe it is saying something
> about one
> or more tubes. Other than that Ig sensitivity, the Alpha is the "AC
> Cobra 427 " of amps, IMHO. and with winter coming up, if I operate QRO
> with it, I will not
> heed a shack heater, or a fire to cook marshmallows.
>
> Best Regards,
> Pat Barthelow AA6EG
>
>
>
>> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:31:22 -0500
>> From: mikea@mikea.ath.cx
>> To: amps@contesting.com
>> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
>>
>> On Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 11:20:33AM -0700, ROBERT HARMON wrote:
>> > Charles,
>> >
>> >
>> > I agree 100%. The Alpha 76PAC is one of the best amps ever made, a
>> > real
>> > workhorse. Like a Timex watch, "takes a licking and keeps on ticking"
> ,
>> > with one caveat, as you indicated, watch the grid current.
>> > I run mine hard all the time (and keep a watchful eye on the grid
>> > current)
>> > Remember the "brick on the key" advertisements for these amps ? My
>> > favorite is the ad used in 1981 which shows the usual heading of " Key
>> > Down, How Long ?" and instead of the normally used brick on the key
> there
>> > is a skeleton sitting there with his hand on the key. Now thats a good
>> > amp ! hihihi
>>
>> Erm ... As long as he's not wearing a nametag that reads "Ross Hull".
>>
>> --
>> Mike Andrews, W5EGO
>> mikea@mikea.ath.cx
>> Tired old sysadmin
>> _______________________________________________
>> Amps mailing list
>> Amps@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:23:52 -0700
> From: ROBERT HARMON <k6uj@pacbell.net>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <B3BED37F-5373-4E57-9AA0-924AB69B30ED@pacbell.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Pat,
> Congratulations on acquiring the 76A, she will serve you well !
> The grid overcurrent protection is a good idea. I am considering this
> for
> my amp. Normally I keep
> a close eye on the grid current but in the heat of battle during a
> contest
> sometimes we lose our grip, hihi.
> One thing you might consider if you haven't already is replacing the
> power
> supply HV filter caps. They are more than ready
> to be replaced if they are the originals.
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
> On Sep 12, 2011, at 12:00 PM, Patrick Barthelow wrote:
>
>>
>> I received a 76A about 6 months ago, as a gift from a OOM who I helped
> a lot when he was active. A 3 holer, that had been stored for some time,
> I
> "gettered" it, slowly, bringing it back to life, without incident. On
> ALL
> amps I have run, I am hyper aware and observant of grid current, in the
> interest of long life, and note that Bob Wolbert has published a grid
> overcurrent trip circuit for the Alpha, that might be wise to install.
> While
> getting used to normal tuning dynamics of my New/old stock Alpha, I was
> startled somewhat at the grid current dynamics. At how quickly the Ig
> goes from
> very low values to very high values with small adjustments of input
> power,
> and tune and load controls, even with a good amount of loading. Perhaps
> this is "normal" for a 3 holer '76A but maybe it is saying something
> about
> one or more tubes. Other than that Ig sensitivity, the Alpha is the
> "AC
> Cobra 427 " of amps, IMHO. and with winter coming up, if I operate QRO
> with it, I will no
> t
>> heed a shack heater, or a fire to cook marshmallows.
>>
>> Best Regards,
>> Pat Barthelow AA6EG
>>
>>
>>
>>> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:31:22 -0500
>>> From: mikea@mikea.ath.cx
>>> To: amps@contesting.com
>>> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
>>>
>>> On Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 11:20:33AM -0700, ROBERT HARMON wrote:
>>>> Charles,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I agree 100%. The Alpha 76PAC is one of the best amps ever made, a
>>>> real
>>>> workhorse. Like a Timex watch, "takes a licking and keeps on ticking"
>>>> ,
>>>> with one caveat, as you indicated, watch the grid current.
>>>> I run mine hard all the time (and keep a watchful eye on the grid
>>>> current)
>>>> Remember the "brick on the key" advertisements for these amps ? My
>>>> favorite is the ad used in 1981 which shows the usual heading of "
>>>> Key
>>>> Down, How Long ?" and instead of the normally used brick on the key
> there
>>>> is a skeleton sitting there with his hand on the key. Now thats a good
>>>> amp ! hihihi
>>>
>>> Erm ... As long as he's not wearing a nametag that reads "Ross Hull".
>>>
>>> --
>>> Mike Andrews, W5EGO
>>> mikea@mikea.ath.cx
>>> Tired old sysadmin
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Amps mailing list
>>> Amps@contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Amps mailing list
>> Amps@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:43:26 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
> From: Colin Lamb <k7fm@teleport.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID:
> <553556.1315860207266.JavaMail.root@mswamui-valley.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> "One thing you might consider if you haven't already is replacing the
> power supply HV filter caps. They are more than ready One thing you
> might
> consider if you haven't already is replacing the power supply HV filter
> caps."
>
> Two weeks ago, I had my Alpha 76A apart and decided to check out the
> electrolytics and bleeder resistors. I removed each capacitor and
> checked them
> with a capacitance meter and and ESR meter. I also measured the leakage
> current under load. The amp had not been used for years, but after
> forming
> for a few minutes, the leakage current dropped to almost nothing.
> Measured
> capacitance was within a couple percent.
>
> These caps are high quality original caps and did not need replacement.
> Although I have found other amps that needed replacement caps, the Alphas
> have held up well. Worthwhile to try them before replacement.
>
> 73, Colin K7FM
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:18:09 +0200
> From: " s-roabr@online.no " <s-roabr@online.no>
> Subject: [Amps] Ameritron AL-80B
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <201109122218.p8CMIItZ002462@mail48.nsc.no>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> Hi
>
> I have a AL-80B, all bands is ok. But it have max 300w on 10m. Any idea
> how to find out why?
> Any one have had same problem?
>
> sent by HTC
> LA6FJA K3RAG Stein Roar Brobakken
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:36:14 -0400
> From: "Mitch Cox" <ww4cox@embarqmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Ameritron AL-80B
> To: <amps@contesting.com>, <s-roabr@online.no>
> Message-ID: <A02EDA34558D4FB6AD5F7185E821346B@w4cox057538544>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Have you looked at the SWR between the radio and amp on 10 meters?
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: s-roabr@online.no
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 6:18 PM
> Subject: [Amps] Ameritron AL-80B
>
>
> Hi
>
> I have a AL-80B, all bands is ok. But it have max 300w on 10m. Any idea
> how to find out why?
> Any one have had same problem?
>
> sent by HTC
> LA6FJA K3RAG Stein Roar Brobakken
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:20:06 -0700
> From: ROBERT HARMON <k6uj@pacbell.net>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <468DF4D7-A377-4E19-83EF-A300193B49C9@pacbell.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Colin,
>
> I didn't check the caps in my 76, I didn't see any evidence of swelling
> or
> leaking when I visually inspected them
> but since they were original I thought it would be prudent to replace
> them.
> HV electrolytics have a life span of between 15-20yrs. They quit
> producing the Alpha 76 series in 1985 so the original
> 76 series HV filter caps are at least 26 years old.
> They probably would have lasted longer before failing but I felt it was
> good preventive maintenance.
> Replacing the cap bank is pretty easy. RF Parts has the original
> replaceme
> nts.
>
> Another PM item worth doing is lubing the fan. The 76 fan has a sleeve
> bearing and a little lube will extend the life
> and prevent the fan from getting noisy and needing replacement down the
> road. (The original fans are no longer available.)
> Remove the motor end cover and do several repeated applications of fine
> machine oil like 3 in one oil. The shaft bearing is
> a porous bronze alloy and will soak up a substantial amount of oil. The
> motor end cover has an o-ring seal to prevent any oil from
> leaking out.
>
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
>
> On Sep 12, 2011, at 1:43 PM, Colin Lamb wrote:
>
>> "One thing you might consider if you haven't already is replacing the
> power supply HV filter caps. They are more than ready One thing you
> might
> consider if you haven't already is replacing the power supply HV filter
> caps."
>>
>> Two weeks ago, I had my Alpha 76A apart and decided to check out the
> electrolytics and bleeder resistors. I removed each capacitor and
> checked
> them with a capacitance meter and and ESR meter. I also measured the
> leakage
> current under load. The amp had not been used for years, but after
> forming
> for a few minutes, the leakage current dropped to almost nothing.
> Measured capacitance was within a couple percent.
>>
>> These caps are high quality original caps and did not need replacement.
> Although I have found other amps that needed replacement caps, the Alphas
> have held up well. Worthwhile to try them before replacement.
>>
>> 73, Colin K7FM
>> _______________________________________________
>> Amps mailing list
>> Amps@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:36:46 +0800
> From: Alek Petkovic <vk6apk@bigpond.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <4E6E978E.6020407@bigpond.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> So, you are saying that, if you push it really hard, then it will easily
> achieve Thailand's 200W PEP limit?
>
> Plus headroom. :-) :-)
>
> 73, Alek. VK6APK.
>
>
> On 12/09/2011 12:10 PM, Charles Harpole wrote:
>> I have an Alpha 76PAC and IF you watch the grid, you can drive this amp
> to 3kw out if u want.... This is one battleship amp, but too much grid,
> over half scale is vy bad, will kill the tubes fast.Alpha always sez "No
> ALC."
> I agree. ALC is for whimps. Please, gentlemen and ladies, your radios
> ARE THERE TO USE, not to baby and fall in love with....they are things,
> not
> people.DRIVE IT ....DRIVE IT... GO GO GO........... 73, Charles Harpole
> k4vud@hotmail.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> Amps mailing list
>> Amps@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>>
>
> --
> http://www.qrz.com/db/vk6apk
> http://www.qrz.com/db/vk6ap
>
>
>
>
>
> =======
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:57:59 -0400
> From: "Carl" <km1h@jeremy.mv.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
> To: "ROBERT HARMON" <k6uj@pacbell.net>, <amps@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <DBAC8A01CDCF4753A767C16A82095BD8@computer1>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252";
> reply-type=original
>
> Mine is a 3 holer PA that had a hard former life in a Caribbean contest
> station. It was given to me as payment for fixing their other amps and I
> put
> it back together as new....almost.
>
> I run at 1200-1300W maximum and keep the grid current and drive as low as
> possible to get there. Since it is the 2nd station amp it gets very light
> duty except when chasing new ones on several bands.
> The primary amp is still a LK-500ZC Ive had since 86.
>
> While swapping to a pair of 3CX800's is simple enough even those are not
> cheap as medical pulls and at some finite date Eimac will kill those
> also.
>
> Carl
> KM1H
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "ROBERT HARMON" <k6uj@pacbell.net>
> To: <amps@contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 2:20 PM
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
>
>
> Charles,
>
>
> I agree 100%. The Alpha 76PAC is one of the best amps ever made, a real
> workhorse. Like a Timex watch,
> "takes a licking and keeps on ticking" , with one caveat, as you
> indicated,
> watch the grid current.
> I run mine hard all the time (and keep a watchful eye on the grid
> current)
> Remember the "brick on the key" advertisements for these amps ? My
> favorite
> is the ad used in 1981
> which shows the usual heading of " Key Down, How Long ?" and instead of
> the
> normally used brick on the
> key there is a skeleton sitting there with his hand on the key. Now
> thats
> a
> good amp ! hihihi
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Alpha ?brick on the key? durability. If you are looking for a good used
> entry level amp, it's hard to go wrong with this old work horse. I
> personally would like to see Alpha bring this amp back into production,
> the
> simplicity of analog metering with basic controls is the way to go. The
> ?over use? of LED metering electronics just adds to the cost.
>
>
>
>
> On Sep 11, 2011, at 9:10 PM, Charles Harpole wrote:
>
>>
>> I have an Alpha 76PAC and IF you watch the grid, you can drive this amp
> to
>> 3kw out if u want.... This is one battleship amp, but too much grid,
> over
>> half scale is vy bad, will kill the tubes fast.Alpha always sez "No
> ALC."
>> I agree. ALC is for whimps. Please, gentlemen and ladies, your radios
>> ARE THERE TO USE, not to baby and fall in love with....they are things,
>> not people.DRIVE IT ....DRIVE IT... GO GO GO........... 73, Charles
>> Harpole k4vud@hotmail.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> Amps mailing list
>> Amps@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:58:32 -0400
> From: "Carl" <km1h@jeremy.mv.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
> To: "Colin Lamb" <k7fm@teleport.com>, <amps@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <54A580D44C544F40968C89B869A23E3A@computer1>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> I dont trust any electrolytic that is 30 or so years old. At $13 and
> change
> each I bought new ones from Ameritron and also replaced the equalizers.
>
> A big problem with many 76's is the C-109 tantalum, C-108 electrolytic,
> R-116 (go to a 1W), and R-124 a 2W carbon that drifts up in value to the
> point K-6 never activates.
>
> Carl
> KM1H
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Colin Lamb" <k7fm@teleport.com>
> To: <amps@contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 4:43 PM
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 76a
>
>
>> "One thing you might consider if you haven't already is replacing the
>> power supply HV filter caps. They are more than ready One thing you
> might
>> consider if you haven't already is replacing the power supply HV filter
>> caps."
>>
>> Two weeks ago, I had my Alpha 76A apart and decided to check out the
>> electrolytics and bleeder resistors. I removed each capacitor and
> checked
>> them with a capacitance meter and and ESR meter. I also measured the
>> leakage current under load. The amp had not been used for years, but
>> after forming for a few minutes, the leakage current dropped to almost
>> nothing. Measured capacitance was within a couple percent.
>>
>> These caps are high quality original caps and did not need replacement.
>> Although I have found other amps that needed replacement caps, the
> Alphas
>> have held up well. Worthwhile to try them before replacement.
>>
>> 73, Colin K7FM
>> _______________________________________________
>> Amps mailing list
>> Amps@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>>
>>
>> -----
>> No virus found in this message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> Version: 10.0.1392 / Virus Database: 1520/3892 - Release Date: 09/12/11
>>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
> End of Amps Digest, Vol 105, Issue 9
> ************************************
>
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