[TenTec] Titan 425 insight needed

[Kelly Jones]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  Several suggested tightening the bolts 
on the transformer to reduce the hum.  While I don't recall seeing any 
bolts when I had the PS open for cleaning/inspection and to change the 14g 
cord to 12g, I may have missed them.  What I *do* recall seeing was crimp 
down banding straps holding the core together which I thought that was 
rather unusual.  My guess is this particular 425 is an early one and has 
the older transformer style.  I've read where TenTec replaced the original 
transformer type with a Peter Dahl.

And thanks for the tips on the sort-of tuned input.  I guess I should have 
done my homework a little better in this area.  While it does appear to 
have a tuned input, it's a FIXED tuned input.  The suggestion to getting a 
better SWR was to play around with coax lengths.  I actually did attempt 
this prior to posting to the reflector thinking that might help, which it 
did to some degree.  My old jumper showed a 2.5:1 input SWR on 20 & 
40m.  The new jumper, which is about 10' long, dropped it a 2:1.  For those 
that asked, this SWR measurement is into a dummy load, not into the 
antenna.  However, there isn't much difference between the dummy and 
antenna.  I'm not real hip on the idea that in order to lower my SWR I have 
to tinker with different lengths of coax.  Seems kind of cheezy but I guess 
that's my only option.

As for the fan, most suggested trying some type of rubber mounts.  I'll 
have to see what I can find for that.  On the positive side, the amp does 
seem to perform well.  About 60w drive produces 1500w.  It certainly heats 
up the dummy load.  I guess I got spoiled with my other amps - I haven't 
quite decided if I like this one or not.  I'll give it a few weeks to grow 
on me, but could be for sale at the right price if anyone is interested.

Thanks for everybody's suggestions!

Kelly - KE9KD
http://www.dxcentral.com