I've had two of the 422 Centurions. Always tuned them and operated them to
"full tilt boogie" power out. The older one purchased new by me in 1991
still has the original tubes, original filter caps, original fan and
produces between 1200 and 1400 watts output depending on band.
The newer one has had a tube replacement as the fellow that had it before me
abused the amp. I put in a new matched pair of 3-500's and changed the
parasitic suppressors to the Rich Measures design. I find the amp tunes
much smoother, no flash-over events noted and makes more than 1200 watts out
on all bands including 10M.
73
Bob, K4TAX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richards" <jrichards@k8jhr.com>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2014 5:53 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Care and Feeding of Centurions
Whoa... THANKS FOR ALL THE PROMPT ANSWERS !!
1) I will follow the recommended internal check. I will enlist the
oversight of a local Elmer who retired from designing radio gear for Lear
Jets, NASA, and the Air Force. He looks over my shoulder ans asks a lot
of questions, like the Professor in a college physics lab. He won't do
it, but he watches and quizzes me as I go along, so I learn a lot.
2) I will locate the referenced QST article, and be careful it applies to
this type of amp.
3) I get the point that proper handling is the key to longevity. I never
run it over 600 watts and watch the meters carefully. I received good
advice on proper tuning from this group when I purchased it, so I got off
to a good start. I never push it, as I am serious about being a courteous
and good operator, with a good clean signal. Similarly, I buy big cars
with big engines, and then run them easy, usually owning a car for up to
fifteen years. ... Well... OK... that is, most of the time...
occasionally, I take the sports cars out for a "spirited ride" because,
like a good racing or hunting hound, they need the exercise... ;-)
4) As for a spare transformer... sheesh... while I take the point
seriously... I don't expect to last another 20 years! My wife says, we
agreed "... until death do us part..." which she says could come sooner
or later... so all bets are off!
Thanks, again.
------------------------------ JHR -------------------------
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