[Amps] More instability problems

N1BUG paul at n1bug.com
Fri Apr 12 11:02:22 EDT 2013


I just said:
>
> What makes me think oscillation is:
>
> Suppose I have the amp tuned for maximum output at 28 MHz. Indicated
> antenna SWR is low, output is 1500 watts.
>
> Now assume that for the following procedures I maintain RF drive at
> all times.
>
> Now I vary the amp loading slightly. As I decrease loading
> capacitance just a bit, I see a slow, gradual drop in output of
> maybe 50 watts, then all of a sudden a drop of at least 500 watts,
> and at that same instant, indicated SWR jumps up wildly. This is
> absolutely repeatable on several bands with different antennas.
>
> Once the sudden "jump" has occurred, returning the load cap to the
> previous setting does not return things to normal. Going well past
> the proper spot, toward higher capacitance, does at some point
> produce a sudden decrease in SWR and increase in output power.

FURTHER to this....

If I now leave the load cap at the max output spot and vary the tune 
cap... I see a sudden decrease in output and increase in indicated 
SWR when going to slightly less OR slightly more capacitance. Unlike 
the load cap, returning this one to the previous max output spot 
does cause things to return to normal (I don't need to continue past 
the previous sweet spot).

With the load cap, the issue only occurs if I go toward less 
capacitance. With the tune cap, it occurs going either way.

73,
Paul


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