[TenTec] Titan Repair

[MadScientist]

Part of the problem with this type of amp is that the delay turn on does not make it easy to, say, operate the amp at a  low voltage on a Variac to locate problems at safe working potentials (and currents).

Not sure if anyone mentioned is, but, if you do have a Variac, you can separate the primary and secondary wires from their connections and simply operate the transformer from the Variac. Of course, use a fuse in the supply to the transformer.

If you are able to ramp the Variac to full voltage without popping the fuse (all high voltage wires suitably and safely contained1) then your transformer is OK. An AC ammeter in the primary will be very helpful here.

If you are able to get, say, 20% Variac setting without significant current draw, and then experience an abrupt rise in current at some point on the Variac, then your transformer has a high voltage breakdown point.

If you get pretty high current draw (a few amps) at low Variac setting, and with no load connected to the secondary, likely you have a shorted turn in the transformer.


Gary W0DVN

I could do the repair on your amp but have so much work stacked here that I can’t take on any more.

> On Mar 17, 2019, at 10:47 AM, Bernie Skoch via TenTec <tentec at contesting.com> wrote:
> 
> Thanks, Gary.  I did that.  No joy.
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: MadScientist <dukeshifi at comcast.net>
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec at contesting.com>
> Sent: Sun, Mar 17, 2019 10:43 am
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Titan Repair
> 
> First thing to do - remove the tube and safely suspend the plate connector so it can’t touch anything, then apply power to see if the fuse still opens.
> 
> Gary
> 
>> On Mar 17, 2019, at 9:19 AM, <w4tjegrunt at gmail.com> <w4tjegrunt at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Look up triad electronic supply in Winston Salem. I don’t see a web page anymore, but on google, there’s still a telephone number. You want to talk to Mike, N4VE.
>> He has a tech (Keith) who did repair work on my Titan 3 several times, and always fixed it lickety-split.
>> I had a blown fuse issue with mine several yrs, ago. What worked for me was ordering a 220 surge protector and inserting that between the 220 outlet and the amp. Mine is an ICE model number 338.
>> 73 es GL de Jack W4TJE
>> 
>> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>> 
>> From: Bernie Skoch via TenTec
>> Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2019 10:07 AM
>> To: tentec at contesting.com
>> Cc: Bernie Skoch
>> Subject: [TenTec] Titan Repair
>> 
>> Does anyone know anyone who repairs Titan amps?
>> 
>> I’ve got a Titan III that suddenly started blowing fuses.
>> 
>> I tried what little diagnostics I could (checked transformer resistance, separated sections, checked diode stack) with no joy.  I sent it to a generic amateur radio repair tech who came highly recommended on discussion forums (not this one).  He had it several months, said he sent the tubes and transformer for testing, rebuilt part of the power supply, and finally gave up.
>> 
>> Any tips for a Titan repair source appreciated.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Bernie 
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