[Amps] Clipperton-L question

[Larry]

I looked at the switch this morning in the amp (it's at the top of the front 
panel). With a mirror I spotted on the bottom side of the switch where it 
arced from some part of the switch contact to the switch shaft. The arc 
point is not visible from the top of the switch. The switch still rotates 
but I suspect the contact is so lose to the shaft that it just arcs with 
power. I won't know more until I take the switch out. I am not sure I will 
ever know why all of a sudden it arced over but at least I know what it is. 
There are no wires in the area.

I suspect the switch is a lost cause. Finding a new one should be 
interesting. A number of responses would suggest just bypassing the switch 
and just connect the SSB lead and just tie off the CW tap wire which could 
at least be an interim solution if not permanent.

I hope the switch is the only problem.

Thanks to all who took time to respond.

73, Larry  W6NWS


-----Original Message----- 
From: Ron Youvan
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 9:30 AM
To: amps at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Amps] Clipperton-L question

On 09/11/2013 02:58 PM, Carl wrote:

> Id check the SSB/CW switch carefully for arcing to a metal part. Common
> problem with an underrated switch.
>
>
> "Larry" <lknain at nc.rr.com> wrote:
>
>> One day when I switched from CW to SSB mode on my Clipperton-L it blew
>> the fuse with a good bang. The switch picks between a tap and one side
>> of the power transformer secondary – tap being for CW.

   I would take the switch out and put a "wire nut" on one transformer
connection sealing it off and make the other connection with another
"wire nut" and test.  Then I would switch to the other transformer
connection and test, if both work the switch is arcing.
-- 
   Ron  KA4INM - Youvan's corollary:
                 Every action results in unwanted side effects.
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