[SCCC] FW: VY1DX Amp Technical Help DE VY1JA

[Michael Tope]

Hi Jay,

The Diawa style cross needle wattmeters that read forward power
and VSWR simultaneously are a good idea for those who are
prone to careless operation of amplifiers. This gives instant feedback
feedback if you are on the wrong antenna. Tuning preset templates
for the plate and load controls can also be helpful (I cut up old
manila file folders for this duty).  At W6UE where we get a lot of
different operators sharing the same equipment, I put a big sign over
the grid current meters on the Alpha 78's that say "WARNING
100mA maximum grid current"!! just to remind people to watch the
gas pedal on the exciters.

Failsafe stuff like grid trip, anode trip, and VSWR trip can be
implemented in most amps, but its not a trivial task.

Perhaps you should hold a couple of amplifier clinics to make
sure everyone is qualified on the amplifier (wear your Tae
Kwon Do uniform for added emphasis of the consequences
for careless operation - hi hi).

Good luck!

Mike, W4EF.......................................................

----- Original Message -----
From: <N6ki@aol.com>
To: <jallen@internorth.com>
Cc: <sccc@contesting.com>; <rdavis@abac.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 6:11 PM
Subject: Re: [SCCC] FW: VY1DX Amp Technical Help DE VY1JA


> Jay,
>
>        Best thing for now would be some sort of circuit that looks at SWR
and
> trips
> the amp keying line out of circuit. Someone sold one at one time but I
don't
> reacall
> who.
>
>        That still won't protect you against operating with too high a Grid
or
> Plate Current. Now it gets more complex to protect you against that sort
of
> problem
>
> and there is no cure for when the bad Op turns your bandswitch WHILE
> transmitting.......
>
> You need an ACOM 2000A.....but then you would need to hit the lottery (
$6000
> new
> $4500 used) FULLY Protected and Automatic or and Alpha 87A  ( $3750 -
$4000
> used)
>
> Sorry I don't have much more practical solution, yo woulld ned a good
> designer to
> modify teh amp with protection circuits and may not even be worthwhile
>
> Just don't know of any other amps tha would be bullet/idiot proff...
>
> 73, Dennis N6KI
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