I purchased my Centurion new at the factory during 2003 hamfest
The amplifier would pop and spit from time to time but I could not ever see
why. In a short time, the pops and spits stopped and the amplifier became
very stable and quiet.
On the low end of 80 meters the amplifier did not seem to tune correctly.
The load capacitor was fully meshed, the grid current was much too low and
the amplifier's efficiency was somewhat low. I added 50% more fixed
capacitance in parallel with the loading capacitor in the 80 meter position
only. It helped.
73, Mike N4NT
----- Original Message -----
From: <atrampler@att.net>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 8:19 AM
Subject: [TenTec] Centurion Plate Capacitor
I'm having some recurring arcing on my Centurion whether in to dummy load or
antenna. I think the plates may have been pitted when I got it as it
happens so easily.
As noted in the Subject Line, it is a Centurion.
Have any of you replaced the plate capacitor, and if so, did you use Ten Tec
OEM spec part or find something with a higher voltage rating? Any of you
ever put in a vacuum variable instead?
Finally, does anybody know what the voltage rating of the plate capacitor
is?
I find that even into a dummy load I wind up giving the amplifier full load
capacitance, which is not what the manual expects. Anyone else have similar
experience?
Toying with sending it to Sevierville, but not yet convinced. All feedback
appreciated.
73,
Art, KØRO
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