TenTec
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [TenTec] Ten-Tec 411 Centaur Amp Problem

To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Ten-Tec 411 Centaur Amp Problem
From: "Rick - NJ0IP / DJ0IP" <Rick@DJ0IP.de>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Thu, 27 May 2010 18:12:50 -0500
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
Kris,

OK, I think we are honing in on the source of your problem.
My hunch is that something has changed in the input circuit of you amp.
Not a big problem.  The parts used there cost peanuts.

As a next step, please take some kind of matchbox (anything) and place it
between you transceiver and your linear.
The SWR is now 3:1.  Use the tuner to drop it to 1.5:1 or less.
Check the power out of your linear now.
My hunch is that it will be 500w....which should be ok.

Assuming that is what happens, we have something gone south in the input
circuit of your amp.

- take a small soldering iron (abt 50w) and carefully resolder ALL
connections in the 40m section of the input circuit.  Add additional solder
as necessary.  Be sure the solder flows on all joints.

If it still does not work right, then probably one of the 3 components has
changed values (I'm speculating here; I'm assuming you have a coil and 2
capacitors).  For sure something is amis in this circuit.

I forgot something.
The band switching is probably done with relays.
Resolder all of the connections to the 2x 40m relays too.

My hunch is that simple resoldering everything in this area will fix your
problem.

Remember, all of this is based on the assumption that using a matchbox to
adjust the SWR between rig and amp, you are able to get full power out.

Good luck.  I'm standing by for your feedback.

73
Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Kris Merschrod
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 1:15 PM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Ten-Tec 411 Centaur Amp Problem

Rick,  Thank you - I'LL ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN CAPS.

Kris KM2KM

> Need more info:
>
> 1.  Have you tried it on a dummy load?  If so, was it OK, or also 375w on
> 40m?
YES, SAME PROBLEM
>
> 2.  Did this suddenly occur, or has it always been this way?  Or is it new
> and being tried first time?
IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR A LONG TIME.  ABOUT FOUR MONTHS AGO I REPLACED THE 
TUBES WITH A MATCHED SET - SAME PROBLEM

>
> 3.  What transceiver are you driving it with?
TEN TEC DELTA II
>
> 4.  What is the SWR between the transceiver and the Linear on each of 
> these
> bands?

BINGO   3:1  ON 40 METERS NO SWR ON THE OTHERS  WHEN IN LINE WITH THE AMP ON

AND TUNED UP
>
> 5.  What is the output of your transceiver on each of these bands?  (If 
> it's
> down on 40, then the issue is not the linear).

OK, IT IS CUTTING BACK B/C OF THE SWR
>
> 6.  Assuming this has suddenly occurred, and it was previously working
> correctly, carefully examine the settings of the Tune and Load controls.
> Have they changed significantly from their settings when it was working
> properly?

MOOT QUESTION NOW
>
> When we know the answers to these questions, maybe something will give us
> further clues.
>
> 73
> Rick
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of Kris Merschrod
> Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 12:55 PM
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
> Subject: [TenTec] Ten-Tec 411 Centaur Amp Problem
>
> Wow, now that Joe (K0BX)  has managed to slid in edgewise by taking
> advantage of the great TT QSK while the discussion group was in CW 
> mode!!!!
>
> Here is the issue that I have.  On 40 meters, into a resonant 40 meter 
> loop,
>
> the Centaur will only put out 375 atts.
> On 80 meters and 20 meters it puts out the appropriate power  (500+ Watts)
> while using a tuner into an 80 meter dipole.  On 40 Meters, through the
> tuner, into an 80 meter diople it will only put out the same 375 watts.
>
> Where can the problem be?
>
> Kris KM2KM
> Merschrod
> 123 Warren Road
> Ithaca, NY 14850
> www.merschrod.net/KA2OIG.htm
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> 

_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec

_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec

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