| Author |
Message |
    
Boxcar
Intermediate Member
Username: Boxcar
Post Number: 261
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 8:01 pm: | 
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This may sound kind of stupid on my part but when you tune in a tube linear utilizing both load, plate and driver plates, do you usually just tune these in to the highest swing output? I've been using one for quite a while but just thought I'd throw this out there for you guys to answer back and see if this is actually the correct way in doing so.
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Wildbill
Member
Username: Wildbill
Post Number: 70
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 9:17 pm: |
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The input is an important part, you should try and achieve the lowest input. I use a bird meter to see the least amount that's coming back, if that is done your output will be where you want it to be, not necessarily do you tune the way you're talking about. In most cases doing it that way only produces incorrect readings on your watt meter. Wildbill |
Boxcar
Intermediate Member
Username: Boxcar
Post Number: 262
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 10:26 pm: |
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What exactly is a good way of doing that then? I have only driven amps with 2 watts and more more than that. |
Cm3885
Intermediate Member
Username: Cm3885
Post Number: 311
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 12:08 am: |
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Boxcar. Ive tune all the tubies ive had with a steady tone for short periods of time rest in between to get the tubes to cool off then tune again with a tone.. Works for me! I dont have a bird meter (wouldnt have one given to me but thats JMHO) but i use a Dosy and its been recaliabrated to be pretty accurate.,. |
Wildbill
Member
Username: Wildbill
Post Number: 71
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 12:25 pm: |
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A simple way is to calibrate your radio, the same as if you're checking swr, leave it in the swr position and look at what the reading is showing, if it is above let's say 1.5 then you would tune the amp so that the reading shows less than 1.5, once that is done, then you can tune for maximum output provided that the lower reading of swr is still in effect, in most cases if your swr reading on your radio is pretty accurate, then that should be a good indicator. Just remember the lower the input the better on the output. Wildbill |
Gezus306
Junior Member
Username: Gezus306
Post Number: 44
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 1:31 pm: |
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The "tune" process is to accually not
allowing the tubes to create "harmonics".
Thus, you achieve lineariaty, out-put
power that is usable and resonate to the freq.
you wish to operate on.
As to the use of : I personaly take it easy on
ALL my tube items. If max power is not required,
I don't use it. Thus things last longer. !!!
HAPPY HAPPY DX'ING |
Ozzie
Intermediate Member
Username: Ozzie
Post Number: 162
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 9:03 am: |
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Ive not used linears but would assume you tune them similar to a tubed output radio, that is -
1) Set idle current to specified amount (as per manual)
2) Tune ALC level via drive control
3) Tune for plate current dip at required frequency, using plate control.
4)Tune for 2/3 scale reading on RF using Load and Plate controls.
Note all adjustments done in short (less than 10 seconds) bursts.
Just my pennies worth |
Cm3885
Intermediate Member
Username: Cm3885
Post Number: 312
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 1:20 pm: |
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Sounds like how you tune a Yaesu FT 101E!! Thats the proper way to tune a tube ham radio.. |
