[Amps] SB-220 Drive Levels

[Glen Zook]

You are thinking of the SB-200 and not the SB-220.  The SB-200 (pair of 572B tubes) was rated at 1200 watts PEP input and they generally get about 600 to 650 watts output.  The SB-220 (pair of 3-500Z tubes) was designed for 2000 watts PEP input and about 1000 watts output.  It generally takes at least 100 watts drive, and often a little bit more, to get 1000 watts output.  Getting 1000 watts output is definitely easier when running the SB-220 from 240 VAC and not 120 VAC.  Now you are not going to get 1500 watts out of a "stock" SB-220.  But, 1000 watts is doable and will not overload the pi-network, etc.

Glen, K9STH

Website:  http://k9sth.com


--- On Thu, 1/22/09, Robert Morris <robrk at nidhog.net> wrote:

The SB220 was never designed to "make" 1500 watts. It was designed for 1000 watts INPUT (plate volts x plate current). At 60% efficiency, look for 600 out.
 
Just because it has 3-500's, the tank coil and power supply were never meant for more than 600 out.