[Amps] Amplifier lifetime

[Gary Smith]

FWIW, The 77SX I bought some long time 
back had a Vac relay that got stuck. I 
tried a new coil in it and it proved the 
contacts had welded shut. I bought a used 
silicone RJ-1A from Max-Gain and replaced 
it. That was maybe 8 years back and it's 
still going strong. I mostly listen on the 
bands but I also am active in 7-10 CW 
contests/year.

I bought a spare silicone enveloped relay 
and two regular Hy-Vacs to last my 
probable lifetime. Only takes 1/2 hour to 
replace them and I'm back in business.

I'm usually around the high 20's/low 30 
WPM in a contest, too fast costs points... 
but I rarely leave it at full QSK, I have 
the K3s set to delay it properly for the 
speed I'm at so it's like semi-break-in 
but faster than the usual "semi".

YMMV,

73,

Gary
KA1J