My amp uses an Eimac 3CX3000A7, whose cathode is directly heated. (It's a
thoriated-tungsten filament, IIRC.) An often-touted virtue of such a tube
is that it requires just a couple of seconds of warmup time; in other
words, it's "instant-on."
My usual mode of operation is "search-and-pounce" DXing. In this mode I
may spend 30 minutes scanning the band for a "new one," and then use the
amp for a QSO lasting just a minute or two.
What's best for the tube? Should I leave the amp on all the time? Or shut
it off when I finish a QSO, and switch it back on when I'm about to make a
call?
Merry Christmas es 73 de Chuck W1HIS
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