there is a component in side the tube called a "getter" and if storing a
tube for any length of time while in the radio it is good practice for you
to
turn on the amp for a bit ( like an hour) once a month or so to allow the
getter
to colect the stray atoms of other gasses let in the tube while being
manufactured. Especially true on highh power transmit tubes... or so the
story
goes YMMV
tom N6AJR
""""""
Often when those glass tubes set for a while they collect gas,
Usually people will turn the amp on for a day or so after storage without
High Voltage to let the filiments draw the gas out of the tube,
If you apply HV too soon, the gas could ionize and blow a hole in the
grid.
Usually with a nice sounding pop....
If you see the purplish color at the top of the tube when you key the TX,
you got some gas in the tube.
This is the most prevelent cause of Tube death for tube amps.
Check the tubes....
Best wishes,
Rich
K5SF """"""
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