[Amps] Time to back up- SS and autotune

[Roger (K8RI)]

In the original post I made the statement, "paraphrased," that the 
latest generation of SS devices run with plenty of overhead didn't need 
an auto tuner.  They would not be hurt with the wrong antenna, a short, 
or open.

NOWHERE did I advocate running them like that.

SS amps run at half power have a much greater tolerance to these 
"temporary" conditions and has been mentioned, running at reduced power 
increases the signal quality.  I believe I mentioned running a pair of 
2400 watt units in parallel with a combiner.  Such amps have already 
been built and operated with previous generation devices.  Remember the 
backpack legal limit amp walking around Dayton?

When run well below their ratings, junction temps are low and needed 
protective circuitry is minimal allowing a legal limit amp (on steroids) 
to be built for a fraction of the cost of current legal limit amps 
capable of any mode, no time limit.

Forget today's SS amps and their expensive protection requirements.  
Such an amp "could" be built commercially for about half the $10,000 
claimed. I'm not saying they would, only that they could.  (It's what 
ever the traffic will support)

Unlike tubes that can be pushed beyond their limits, doing so with SS 
guarantees a very short life for the device and a crappy signal, but 
it's "relatively easy" to parallel properly designed circuits through 
properly designed combiners for the power to be run that give excellent 
linearity, rugged with minimal protective circuitry, and good efficiency 
at a reasonable heat load that is easy to get rid of.   (QUIET!)

There were a rash of worst case scenarios about running the transistors 
close to their limits following the original post which did not apply to 
the original intent.

73

Roger  (K8RI)