[Amps] ACOM-1000 replacing tubes

Paul M Dunphy amplifier at ve1dx.net
Fri Apr 20 15:55:29 EDT 2007


     Many thanks to all who replied, both to the list and to me 
personally.  I believe the answer lies somewhere in the 
middle.  Obviously this is partially a liability thing and by putting 
that disclaimer in there, they've covered themselves if a person 
sticks their finger on something live while it's still plugged 
in!  All amp manufacturers say something similar.  It's just common 
sense when you are messing around with 3,000 volts.

     Two people sent me identical instructions that came from ACOM 
that do indeed describe in detail how to do it.  It is a little more 
complicated than just pulling the old tube out and putting the new 
one in (although about half the instructions are about how to short 
out residual voltage after unplugging it, and to not touch the tube 
when it's hot -- these would apply to any amp.)

     The "complicated" part is to do with adjusting two variable 
resistors for the idling current.  This has to be done with a cover 
off, but it doesn't sound too bad if a person is careful.  Someone 
suggested I upload the document to the "files" section on the list, 
and I'll do so as soon as I figure out how.

     The long and the short of it is if you are competent enough to 
have a Ham ticket, and have a basic understanding of electrical 
safety, high voltages, and simple electronic adjustments, this isn't 
something I would send the amp back to the factory to be done.  It's 
too bad ACOM didn't include these instructions with the standard 
ACOM-1000 manual, but I guess they felt if they kept them separate 
and made the owner ask, it may reduce their liability even more.

     I'll dig into how to upload the file (it's plain text) in a few minutes.

73, Paul VE1DX 


-- 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 269.5.5/769 - Release Date: 19/04/2007 5:56 PM




More information about the Amps mailing list