[TenTec] Amplifier Question

[Richards]

Great.   Exactly what I needed!

-------------------  JHR  ------------------

On 6/25/2013 5:20 PM, Robert Mcgraw wrote:
> The tubes come to life in about 1 second.  I usually wait until the fan
> is at operating speed, typically 10 to 15 secs.
>
> Watch the grid current.
>
> I rarely look at FWD and REF values.  The PEAK meter tells me all I need
> to know.
>
> To tune,  always use a combination of drive from the exciter, adjust TUNE
> for max output, increase drive while watching the Ig and Plate meters.
> Adjust LOAD to keep Ig below 240 ma or the red line.  Keep moving drive
> up until you reach max power, Plate current 0.8A max, Ig 240/260 ma max.
>
> Do not retune if you wish to operate at lower power.  Just reduce drive.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>
>> 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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>
>