[Amps] Arc distance and plasma

[Steven Cook]

Tom, et al.,

The 3-500Z's in my TL-922 both exhibit a purple "plasma" above the top of 
the plate inside the glass envelope.  The intensity seems to change with 
plate voltage (CW vs. SSB) setting.  Also with frequency.  Does not seem to 
affect tube function -- output power about 1300W with 100W input.

Is this due to gas inside the tube.  Will it eventually getter out?  Does 
the presence of this gas have a deleterious effect on the tube life 
expectancy?

Thanks in advance...

Steve (((WG7K)))

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom W8JI" <w8ji at w8ji.com>
To: <amps at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2006 7:51 AM
Subject: [Amps] Arc distance and plasma


> Rather than claim I can look at a tube and magically tell
> what happened years ago with my magnifying glass,  I thought
> I would add a picture of a 3-500Z under RF plasma
> conditions.
>
> The photos clearly show then concentration of plasma during
> a hard fault.
>
> http://www.w8ji.com/fault_protection.htm
>
> Enjoy.
>
> 73 Tom
>
>
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