[TenTec] Care and Feeding of Centurions

[Jim Brown]

On 2/2/2014 12:03 PM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:
> Proper tuning and loading and proper drive is the key to success for 
> long amp and tube life.

And also the key to having a cleaner signal. An amp that is over driven 
(using AGC to control the drive power) or that is not well tuned will 
generate lots of splatter, clicks, and other trash.

I don't know about the 3-500Zs used in the Centurion, but the key to 
long life for the ceramic triodes used in the Titan is to keep the grid 
current below its limits at all times. My objective is to keep the grid 
current below half it's rated value, and my tubes last a LONG time. Grid 
current is minimized when the amp is well tuned and not overdriven.

73, Jim K9YC