[TenTec] Amplifier Question

[k0bx at arrl.net]

1.  The Centurion Amp with the 3-500Z tubes is instance on.  Turn it on and go. No warm up is needed.

2.  I tune up looking at my wattmeter, but you can do the same thing looking at the FWD setting on the amp meter.  but as  you get close to 1 KW plus, you need to also check the grid meter so you don't over drive and get above 260MA.

3.  The other positions on the meter, Ref, is reflected power just like a SWR bridge.  You should never have  very much REF power.
The Ep is you plate voltage, it should move a bit down wards but too much means your 220VAC line is not give enough power.

4.  That is why I used a wattmeter and adjust for maximum on it.  As you said, the Ig grid current is the most usefully meter position once you get up to maximum power.

Joe K0BX
using the Centurion with a FLEX-3000


 
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________________________________
 From: Richards <jrichards at k8jhr.com>
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec at contesting.com> 
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 5:17 PM
Subject: [TenTec] Amplifier Question
 

OK...

1)  How long do I need to wait before my Centurion amp is warmed up and ready to transmit?  The manual says nothing, and I am sure one should not key the exciter too soon.  But... how soon is too soon?

2)   What METER do you guys watch, and why?

The right hand meter has four display options.  I usually watch the Ig (grid current) meter option, as the manual says this is the most important parameter to monitor.  It says it should not exceed 260 ma - I have never seen mine go above 240 ma at any exciter in level.  Just one reason I think this is an easy amp to tune.

Does anyone monitor any of the other three meter settings?  If so, what are you looking for and why?

The Plate meter hardly ever moves, and the FWD and REF settings do not seem very informative, because the scale markings are designed to convey Grid and Plate information, not power information - and the PEAK POWER meter on the right side more obviously indicates power out. I cannot imagine why one would watch the FWD or REF meter setting - but, know I still have a lot to learn...

Any ideas?

============  THANKS ! / K8JHR  ===================


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