[Amps] 3CX1500A&/8877

[Robert Briggs]

Interesting comments re the two types of tubes 8877/GS-35B...I have 
built six amplifiers using the GS-35B four on 160 meters and two on 6 
meters...I have found that to make the 35B reasonably efficient you need 
at least 3500volts under load...

I live in VK and we don't have the opportunities to buy 8877 
pulls...When one considers cost then the GS-35B is way ahead at 
$120..The efficiency at 3500 volts is around 55%....You must use a tuned 
input to get the best from the tube..Who cares if you need a few more 
watts to drive the 35B....Pretty well all transceivers these days have 1 
or 200 watts output..

There always seems to be a bias on here by some people regarding 
anything that isn't made in the US...Hams are generally looking for the 
cheapest way to build amplifiers and other gear and there is a ready 
market out there of excellent quality components made in other countries 
other than the US...

I spend much of my time custom building amplifiers for VK hams and a 
large majority of the components come from suppliers like Dr Alex Gavva 
UR4LL...I have never had a faulty tube or capacitor from that source...

Bob..VK3ZL..