There is still a lot of broadcast FM transmitters in the US and
worldwide using CPI/Eimac ceramic/metal tetrodes and triodes. Only need
installs and stations with the bucks can afford to buy a new SS
transmitter right now. Also, scientific market still depends on Eimac
tubes, the larger ones. Fermilab in Chicago has a synchrotron with many
4CW150,000E equivalents. HAARP in Alaska has at least 96 transmitters
that each have a pair of 4CX10,000D. Where I work, we buy Y847C, a glass
HV switchtube, from them (a recent design BTW) and we buy klystrons from
CPI as well. A lot of science labs use their klystrons. I agree that the
smaller tubes, sub 2 kW varieties, are not selling as much, and the
price has soared. I would not suggest CPI/Eimac is out of business.
73
John
K5PRO
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2024 16:52:41 -0400
From: Douglas L<sparks06524@yahoo.com>
To:amps@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Amps] MFJ
Since virtually all broadcast transmitters and medical equipment has gone solid
state, we amateurs are about the only users of transmitting vacuum tubes. With
declining sales, prices have skyrocketed. Eimac division of Varian must be
nearly out of business. Of course by jacking up prices so much, they have
hastened their own decline.
The Chinese are the only ones making glass tubes like the 3-500Z, 811 and the
572B.
They?re also mailing most of the ceramic tubes like the 3CX800A7, even though
they?re pricing it at around $900. I suppose we should be thankful for them. ?
With the demise of Ameritron, as others have pointed out, there will be no
sources of linear amps under $3000.
73,
Doug/WA1TUT
On Apr 27, 2024, at 6:59 AM, Rob Atkinson<ranchorobbo@gmail.com> wrote:
?I think the glass tube amps are still finding buyers, along with the
s.s. amps. If Ameritron continues, the ceramic tube amps will likely
be discontinued. Those tubes are crazy expensive but the single 3-500
and 811A products seem to be selling well.
Rob
K5UJ
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