[Amps] adding fan to Clipperton L

[Bill, W6WRT]

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

On Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:21:28 -0800 (PST), Paul Manuel <k4pdm at yahoo.com>
wrote:

>As it is, the single exhaust fan on the back allows the tubes to get awfully hot during a long-winded QSO.

REPLY:

How hot, exactly? If the exhaust temp is no more that about 160-170 F,
it is probably ok. If you really want to be sure, apply some temperature
sensitive paint to the tube, right at the junction of glass and metal
(or ceramic and metal) and compare the max temperature to the
manufacturer's specs. The paint is available in a range of temperatures
from Mc-Master Carr and others. 

You can also use a remote reading thermometer if you can gain access to
the seal area. These things are affected by RF so take the measurement
immediately after a long transmission. 

Either way, paint or thermometer, you'll know exactly what's going on.
You'll sleep better.  :-)

73, Bill W6WRT