[Amps] Revamping a really ugly amp

Rex Lint rex at lint.mv.com
Sat Mar 13 11:04:07 PST 2010


I bought an old H/B amp that I'm totally revamping.  

It's 2 x 3-500Z's with a 4KV power supply.  It USED to have a pi-network
with a vacuum variable plate capacitor and a regular variable loading
capacitor, and the tank coil *was* a variable inductor so that the tank
could be adjusted for any transformation (within reason).  I want to keep
the caps, but change the coil to discrete inductor(s) with taps.  

I wonder if anyone uses relays instead of a rotary switch to select the
desired taps?  What are the parameters I need to consider in trying this?
In my thinking, I'll just be switching the output side of the inductor, and
the impedance at this point (when tuned) should be about 50 ohms, so the
voltage isn't that high (350 V.?),  and the current would be about 6 amps.
Relays for this should be a dime (well, $20) a dozen?  As a mtter of fact, I
see one like this would handle the job if never switched "hot" which you
wouldn't want to do with a rotary switch either!
http://www.mv.com/ipusers/lint/K1HI/RelaySpecs.pdf

I'm also looking at compact tank coils in the literature.  How much power
could I expect to run with two muffin fans to cool the tubess and operating
CW contests?

Thoughts?

    -Rex-

     Rex Lint, Consultant
     26 Brek Drive
     Merrimack, NH 03054
     PH:    603-860-7651    




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