[AMPS] Zener Diodes
   
    Yellowstone Photo - Barri
     
    barrie99@marsweb.com
       
    Mon, 22 Dec 1997 16:57:41 -0700
    
    
  
I've built a few amplifiers over the years, but only one using Zener 
diode bias.  This is the most recent one: 8877 for six meters.
I built it "cookbook" style, following a couple of different plans 
published in CQ.  I used a 14 volt Zener.  The amp appears to work well, 
and according to reports sounds good.
My only problem, if it's a problem, is that the efficiency appears to be 
low: 55%, if I can believe the meters.
Would a different value of Zener have any effect on efficiency?  
The grid current runs lower than published figures at full output.  The 
resting plate current is about 100ma.
I can pull 1.2 amps at 4000 volts with 90 watts drive.  Again, if I can 
believe the meters.
I'm using, for the first time, a floating B-.  
Any help with this would be appreciated.
Barrie, W7ALW
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