[Amps] 4CX1500B project

[Vic K2VCO]

I've been thinking about my next project for some time, and I can't seem to shake the idea 
of an 160-10M amplifier using the 4CX1500B. The tubes and the beautiful SK-800B socket are 
just burning a hole in my workbench, as it were.

So I am thinking of running it in AB1 according to the parameters in the 4CX1000 datasheet 
-- 3kV on the plate, 325V on the screen and -60V bias. This will give me full legal output 
from one tube.  It is possible to reduce the bias and screen voltage and run it closer to 
class A for much better IMD, but as a CW operator I'd prefer a few more watts (actually, a 
CW/SSB switch is a possibility).

I am considering a grid-driven circuit with a 50 ohm swamping resistor. It seems to me 
that it would require 60v peak to just overcome the bias, which comes out to 72 watts 
drive for AB1 operation. Is this a reasonable assumption?

This configuration would make it unnecessary to build and fiddle with a tuned input 
circuit. I'm also thinking about using the G3SEK tetrode board, which would solve a lot of 
little problems in one package.

Does anyone have comments or suggestions?

-- 
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/