[Amps] Amplifier lifetime

[Manfred Mornhinweg]

My NCL-2000 is now close to half a century old, and still works 
perfectly. I got it cheaply, roughly 20 years ago, when it was in bad 
condition due to dead filter caps, some dead bleeder resistors, and a 
minor problem in the bias circuit. The repair was easy, and was helped 
by the amplifier's user manual giving all service information one may 
need for a device as simple as this.

I consider this to be a "good" design, because longer lasting filter 
caps simply weren't available when it was made, and because adequate 
service information was provided with it. It has lasted until becoming 
obsolete (quite a few years ago), and still lasts.

I would use it more, if it wouldn't make this nasty blower noise. 
Currently I only switch it on for a while when I absolutely need it to 
finish a QSO while the propagation is going. I hope to soon take it out 
of service, when my solid state EER squeme goes online. But at that 
point I won't throw it away! It has life left in it, so I will likely 
find a noise-resistant buyer and a loving home for it...

Manfred

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