[AMPS] Network analysis of suppressors

[measures]

>
>Tom and Rich, please see my comments below:
>
>
>----------
>From: 	Tom Rauch[SMTP:w8ji@contesting.com]
>Reply To: 	W8JI@contesting.com
>Sent: 	Sunday, March 05, 2000 4:39 AM
>To: 	AMPS; measures
>Subject: 	Re: [AMPS] Network analysis of suppressors
>
>
>Hi Rich,
>
>
>> >This almost sounds like your theory that photons arriving from outer
>> >space can make amplifiers on standby explode because the photons hit the
>> >amplifier so hard they make the standby relay arc, and the arcing relay
>> >starts a parasitic in what is an otherwise stable amplifier that is just
>> >sitting there on standby!
>> 
>> Borrow a geiger counter, Mr. Rauch, and tune in on what's happening on the
>> upper frequencies.  Be not surprised if you occasionally encounter some
>> humungous signals.
>
>Rich or Tom, please forgive me if I misrepresent any of your
>claims as I haven't been following this debate very closely
>and hence am not fully versed in the details of your respective
>positions. Regarding the idea that radiation single events can 
>cause significant current to flow in a high power vacuum tube, 
>this seems unlikely to me. 

As it first did to me, Mike.  My guess is that a photon strikes an atom, 
knocking loose a current carrier/electron, thereby causingthe tube to 
briefly conduct.    This causes several kV to appear across the bias 
contacts, which arc.  The contacts form a metal vapour arc.  Since the 
voltage drop across such an arc is low, the amplifier tube switches out 
of cutoff bias and an event could take place.  

cheers

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