[AMPS] 8873 retro in a Heathkit SB-230

[nospam4me@juno.com]

re: 8873 for Heathkit SB-230 

Hi Dennis,  

The 8873 is still available, but quite costly.  A very popular 
tetrode with almost if not exact physical mounting is the 
8560, often seen and pulled from commercial two-way 
radio base station vhf final amplifiers. They can be found 
cheap enough through surplus radio shops and flea 
markets. 

Building the screen, bias supplies and support circuits 
might prove cumbersome for the casual ham.  I have 
everything here to try one once the spare and installed 
valve in my 230 go away.  I would hope for another 20 
years or more of service. Ebay for a tube might be the 
way to go.  

Note that different Anode Material versions were made... 
The Anode material was made from Plated Aluminum 
or Copper in the two versions I have.  What ever Eimac 
uses for tubes with handles might even be another 
material.  Although the AL versions work, they weren't 
to popular from what I've been told.  One of those cost 
cutting measures that came back to haunt the mfgr(s). 

cheers
skipp
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