[Amps] Initial test of 813 amplifier

[Carl]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Vic K2VCO" <vic at rakefet.com>
To: "Amps reflector" <amps at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 3:04 AM
Subject: [Amps] Initial test of 813 amplifier


>I did some testing of my 2 x 813, class-c grid-driven amplifier under HV 
>for the first
> time today. After adjusting the neutralization (with HV off), I applied HV 
> and set the
> bias for 50 ma ZSAC (there's a grid resistor to supply the additional 
> class-c bias when
> drive is applied).
>
> I connected a dummy load and set the plate tank for approximate resonance 
> on all bands and
> diddled the grid tuning and loading to see if the amplifier would take 
> off. I didn't see
> any flicker in the plate current, or any grid current. So I believe it is 
> stable, at least
> under these conditions.
>
> However, when I removed the dummy load, I was able to create an arc in the 
> plate loading
> capacitor under some tuning conditions.
>
> Note that all of the above was with no drive, fixed bias and screen 
> voltage.
>
> So it is possible to make it oscillate when there is no load connected. I 
> didn't determine
> whether it was a VHF or HF oscillation.
>
> The shield enclosure and bottom plate are not in place yet.
>
> Here's my question: Should I bother with this oscillation at this point? 
> Or is it normal
> to have instability when no load is connected to the amplifier?
>
> I suppose the fact that there's no enclosure or bottom plate is also a 
> cause...
> -- 
> Vic, K2VCO
> Fresno CA


I think you answered your own question Vic. Once that is done touch up the 
neutralization and then see if it holds at power. Even some older commercial 
amps are marginally stable which is why they use a lot of cut-off voltage in 
standby.

Carl
KM1H