Peter, it is fairly common for these tubes, as they approach end-of-life, to have lower power output on 15 and 10.? Even with fresh tubes, you can expect around 150-175W out on those bands and that is normal.? If the neutralisation is off, you can also get lower power on the higher bands.
At any rate, on 10m you can work the world, when the bands is open, on very low power, so it's up to you if that is acceptable.
Also, for reference, I have a strong set of 6JB6's (3) in my TR-6 and that gets around 125W out on 6m.? Drake really was pushing those tubes to use them on 6!
73,
Steve Wedge, W1ES/4
Time flies like an arrow.? Fruit flies like a banana.
Sent with secure email.
On Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at 2:03 PM, Peter A <christinepeterarsenault@...> wrote:
[Edited Message Follows]
My tech messaged me yesterday about my TR4cw/rit.? I brought it to him for a "going over" and alignment if it was in need.? I've owned it for 2 or 3 years but never used it.? I had it on the air just before dropping it off at his QTH which is about 110 miles from me.? I tested the output on a couple of the lower bands and had about 165 to 185 watts out which was fine but I'll admit I didn't test the higher bands as I was in a hurry before bring it to him.
My tech's emailed me to ask, if I was aware that the output on 21MHz and 28MHz are 125 watts and 100 watts respectively.? He thought that was low.? He too was getting around 185 watts on the lower bands.
So my question is this.? Is it possible that my finals, which are 3 green label Sylvania's, could be a bit soft, but still give good output on the lower bands but much less on higher ones?
My tech is very experienced in tube/solid state equipment and spent his life in the field of repair and as an electronics instructor for communications equipment.? He didn't specify what direction he was going to take to look into it further.? At this point would bringing him some spare 6JB6's to test output be a good idea or should he look at other area's first.
What are the most common reason's for the issue my TR4 is experiencing, if there is in fact an issue at all other than aging out finals?? Again, I'm not going to second guess my tech, but since he's not a member here and there's so much experience within the group, I thought I'd ask for a bit of advice not knowing if he's fully familiar with "Drake" equipment in particular.
I'll admit that it was an extremely difficult decision to leave this rig with anyone for a going over because of it's nice condition but I felt it was time.
I forgot to mention that he swapped out the 6EA8 for a known good one with no improvement.
Thanks,
Peter
VE9KX
