Amps
[Top] [All Lists]

[AMPS] Band Switch arcing SB-1000/AL-80

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [AMPS] Band Switch arcing SB-1000/AL-80
From: measures@vcnet.com (measures)
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 17:47:02 -0700
>
>I know there was a thread about this a bit ago........But.......
>
>
>The arcing that I am having is in the front wafer of the switch.  This wafer
>just switches the tuning cap padder for 160 meters. 

This usually indicates a stability problem or spilt coffee.  .If you have 
a dipper, it might be fun to look for resonances between 150 and 160 MHz 
in the lead to the open switch.    

>
>The cap is 170 Pf.  The open contacts arc when in the 80 meter position.  I am
>not sure if it is a parasitic or not.  I would say not.
>
>Rich's special plate suppresser is installed in the plate lead.  The gap
>that arcs is almost 3/4 inches wide!  Why does the tune cap itself arc ?
>
3/4 inch is an incredible air gap, Jim.  This feat should take more than 
4x the anode supply potential.  To find out if it's a vhf parasitic, try 
increasing the inductance in L-supp.  in order to decrease VHF-Q in the 
anode resonant circuit.  /  One method of reducing feedback is VHF 
cathode loading.  We use this in our 3CX1200A7 suppressor retrofit kit 
due to its extraordinarily high feedback C.  .  For starters, connect 
25pF to 36Pf in series with a 10-ohm MOF resistor.  The R and C should 
have low intrinsic L.  .   (we use a Matsushita resistor. ).  Use short 
leads and a new ground lug at the site if it will reduce L.  The RC combo 
goes from one or both filament pins to ground.  

>Did Ameritron re-design this portion of the switch ?

doubtful.  /  The stock bandswitch tests at over 5000v on a high-pot.  
The peak RF potential in the amp. is about 2100v less.  The bandswitch 
should not arc.

Photos of AL80 bandswitches are on my Web site.  See Figure 15.  
>
>I really do not want to replace an $ 80.00 switch. Let alone the fuss of
>replacing it.
>
cheers, Jim

-  Rich..., 805.386.3734, www.vcnet.com/measures.  


--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/ampsfaq.html
Submissions:              amps@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  amps-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-amps@contesting.com
Search:                   http://www.contesting.com/km9p/search.htm


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>