[Amps] Step Start circuit - needed or not?

[Gudguyham at aol.com]

Tom W8JI designed the AL-80A which is the same amp as the SB-1000 in a  
different looking box.  He claims a step start is not needed, however later  
versions of the AL-80A did have them.  When Tom was asked why they were  later 
installed he said because users "like the idea" of having them.  He  still 
maintained it did not need it.  My experience with them is they do  "bang" 
pretty hard when first turned on.  Let's put it this way, a step  start can't 
hurt whether it is needed or not.  So as Tom says, if it makes  you feel 
better, put it in.
 
 
In a message dated 2/23/2010 8:09:38 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
ws1l at comcast.net writes:

I'm the  new owner of a Heathkit SB-1000 amp, running it on 120 VAC.  It is 
 replacing my AL-811.  When I bought the 811 I also bought an Ameritron  
Inrush Current Protector, and have always used it to turn the amp on and  off.

Now with the SB-1000 and reading recent posts on-line, I am  wondering if I 
need the inrush current protector?  I am considering  installing a step 
start circuit inside the SB-1000, which will do the same  thing... but I am not 
sure it is necessary.

I'm reading that the  turn-on surge is only likely to really stress the 
power switch, and the  SB-1000 switch is rated at like 18A, well over the 
normal current, but who  knows how high it spikes when the caps are getting that 
first cycle?   And, of course, that's only for a very brief time.

So, is a step-start  of some type really needed?  If so, why don't more 
amps come with  it?  


73 de Chuck, WS1L

Oak Grove, MS -  EM51
ws1l at comcast.net
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