[SCCC] Alpha 78

[Glenn Rattmann]

Rick,

The Jennings RJ-1A relay new is probably $150 or so; check with Alpha 
if you haven't yet (your amp uses the 24 VDC version).  If you want 
to try the cheaper method, you can get surplus RJ-1A pulls from 
medical equipment from Alan Bond at Max Gain Systems in Georgia.  He 
has a website:

www.mgs4u.com/

Call and ask him about the relay, I think they might be about $45 or 
so if you want to try a used one.

On the gummy paint-- good luck.  Alpha has newly painted front panels 
(using modern hard paint) for $130 or so.  I was thinking of getting 
a new panel to replace my nasty 76A panel on my old original 
box.  Wonder if they give "core credit" for sending in the old metal 
panel; seems like it ought to be worth something to them compared to 
knocking out new metal work...?

I heard long ago that Dave Ritchie, formerly of this club but now 
living up north somewhere had redone some Alpha panels locally in the 
LA area and it was much cheaper.  Maybe W4EF remembers that....

Regarding tubes-- I don't know of a specific tube mod other than the 
pair of 3cx800 mod that is offered by Dick at:

www.N4UQ.com

If I were keeping the amp for a few more years, and doing a mod, I 
would do it that way I think.  Not cheap but you end up with two of 
the modern tubes, and don't have to look for 3 of the 8874's.  I have 
a friend in the Bay area who had it done by N4UQ and he was happy.

Good luck and let us know how you proceed, I'm sure there are other 
Alpha 78/76 owners on here who might be interested!

Glenn K6NA

At 08:37 AM 1/22/2007, Rick D wrote:
>Hi all,
>
>My old original Alpha 78 will not QSK and I suspect the vacuum relay 
>is shot. Is there a cheap replacement or a solid state mod floating around?
>
>It is a 3 hole and the 8874s are original.  I've seen some 
>replacement mods, but the replacement mods are almost as much as 
>Russian 8874s.  Is there a good mod using some easy to get cheap 
>tubes. Even if it is less power it is OK with me. Seems like I could 
>buy a new Ameritron for what it will cost to fix this one.
>
>Also, anyone have an easy fix for the gummy paint these things develop.
>
>Thanks
>
>Rick Darwicki  -= N6PE =-
>=================================================
>17775 Elmhurst Circle
>Yorba Linda, CA 92886
>
>http://www.qsl.net/n6pe/