Drake UV-3 Bulb replacement?
Is there an approved or recommended procedure or do I have to wing it.
?
Thanks
?
George K4MLB
|
Thanks Tom. I like that number! Ed
If it¡¯s in 100% condition I would ask $1200?
Tom W9TAB?
?
Steve,
Unfortunately (or fortunately in my opinion) my stove and dryer are gas appliances so no 240 outlets here.
I really dont?want to mess with wiring or rewiring it so I will take it to someone for testing.
Either way I am prepared to make someone a good deal on it when the time comes, I just want it out of my way.
Ed
On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 12:05?PM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via
<w1es= [email protected]> wrote:
That price is valid for an L-4B that is cosmetically decent and which works well.? It doesn¡¯t have to be a museum piece but it must work well with at least 1100-1200W out with the switch set to ¡°SSB¡±.? If there¡¯s no way of testing it, you will
probably need to negotiate heavily.
One thing to check is the power supply.? If it has the original boards /caps, that¡¯s going to pull the price down. There are other factors, as well.? It would be a good idea to wire it for 120V to test it if you don¡¯t have 240 available.? Don¡¯t
forget, though, that if you have an electric dryer, you have a 30A 240 source. You¡¯d probably need to install the matching plug. ?
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 11:56 AM, Ralph Mowery via < ku4pt@...> wrote:
I have one that I bought about 6 or 8 years ago .? I paid $ 1000 for it and it works fine.? Saw a few at hamfests over the last few years and they seem to go for around the same price.? That was? for the amp and power supply.? ?Now that MFJ seems
to be going out of business the prices? for used amps may be going up some.? ?If I was selling my amp I would start around $ 1200 and see if it sells.? Would not go under $ 1000 even if I had to let it sit for a few years.
Ralph ku4pt
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:04:34 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I see.
I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier.
Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have.
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze=
[email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
If it¡¯s in 100% condition I would ask $1200?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Feb 11, 2025, at 12:24?PM, Ed KG5UN via groups.io <maikranze@...> wrote:
?
Steve,
Unfortunately (or fortunately in my opinion) my stove and dryer are gas appliances so no 240 outlets here.
I really dont?want to mess with wiring or rewiring it so I will take it to someone for testing.
Either way I am prepared to make someone a good deal on it when the time comes, I just want it out of my way.
Ed
On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 12:05?PM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via
<w1es= [email protected]> wrote:
That price is valid for an L-4B that is cosmetically decent and which works well.? It doesn¡¯t have to be a museum piece but it must work well with at least 1100-1200W out with the switch set to ¡°SSB¡±.? If there¡¯s no way of testing it, you will
probably need to negotiate heavily.
One thing to check is the power supply.? If it has the original boards /caps, that¡¯s going to pull the price down. There are other factors, as well.? It would be a good idea to wire it for 120V to test it if you don¡¯t have 240 available.? Don¡¯t
forget, though, that if you have an electric dryer, you have a 30A 240 source. You¡¯d probably need to install the matching plug. ?
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 11:56 AM, Ralph Mowery via < ku4pt@...> wrote:
I have one that I bought about 6 or 8 years ago .? I paid $ 1000 for it and it works fine.? Saw a few at hamfests over the last few years and they seem to go for around the same price.? That was? for the amp and power supply.? ?Now that MFJ seems
to be going out of business the prices? for used amps may be going up some.? ?If I was selling my amp I would start around $ 1200 and see if it sells.? Would not go under $ 1000 even if I had to let it sit for a few years.
Ralph ku4pt
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:04:34 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I see.
I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier.
Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have.
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze=
[email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
Steve, Unfortunately (or fortunately in my opinion) my stove and dryer are gas appliances so no 240 outlets here. I really dont?want to mess with wiring or rewiring it so I will take it to someone for testing. Either way I am prepared to make someone a good deal on it when the time comes, I just want it out of my way. Ed
On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 12:05?PM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via <w1es= [email protected]> wrote: That price is valid for an L-4B that is cosmetically decent and which works well.? It doesn¡¯t have to be a museum piece but it must work well with at least 1100-1200W out with the switch set to ¡°SSB¡±.? If there¡¯s no way of testing it, you will probably need to negotiate heavily.
One thing to check is the power supply.? If it has the original boards /caps, that¡¯s going to pull the price down. There are other factors, as well.? It would be a good idea to wire it for 120V to test it if you don¡¯t have 240 available.? Don¡¯t forget, though, that if you have an electric dryer, you have a 30A 240 source. You¡¯d probably need to install the matching plug. ?
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 11:56 AM, Ralph Mowery via < ku4pt@...> wrote:
I have one that I bought about 6 or 8 years ago .? I paid $ 1000 for it and it works fine.? Saw a few at hamfests over the last few years and they seem to go for around the same price.? That was? for the amp and power supply.? ?Now that MFJ seems to be going out of business the prices? for used amps may be going up some.? ?If I was selling my amp I would start around $ 1200 and see if it sells.? Would not go under $ 1000 even if I had to let it sit for a few years.
Ralph ku4pt
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:04:34 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I see.
I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier.
Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have.
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via
<maikranze=
[email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
Re: Drake L4-B no Grid Current.
IF the grid? shunt has opened up, ( or anything else in the path) there is no path for DC grid current.? ?The amp can not be driven....and the power output will be zero.? Input swr between? xcvr and input of amp will be sky high.
|
That price is valid for an L-4B that is cosmetically decent and which works well. ?It doesn¡¯t have to be a museum piece but it must work well with at least 1100-1200W out with the switch set to ¡°SSB¡±. ?If there¡¯s no way of testing it, you will probably need to negotiate heavily.
One thing to check is the power supply. ?If it has the original boards /caps, that¡¯s going to pull the price down. There are other factors, as well. ?It would be a good idea to wire it for 120V to test it if you don¡¯t have 240 available. ?Don¡¯t forget, though, that if you have an electric dryer, you have a 30A 240 source. You¡¯d probably need to install the matching plug. ?
Steve Wedge, W1ES
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 11:56 AM, Ralph Mowery via groups.io < ku4pt@...> wrote:
I have one that I bought about 6 or 8 years ago .? I paid $ 1000 for it and it works fine.? Saw a few at hamfests over the last few years and they seem to go for around the same price.? That was? for the amp and power supply.? ?Now that MFJ seems to be going out of business the prices? for used amps may be going up some.? ?If I was selling my amp I would start around $ 1200 and see if it sells.? Would not go under $ 1000 even if I had to let it sit for a few years.
Ralph ku4pt
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:04:34 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via groups.io <maikranze@...> wrote:
I see.
I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier.
Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have.
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via
<maikranze=
[email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
Thanks. Yes I do have the manual, but I think I will opt for taking it to someone else with amp experience and 240 to check it out. Ed
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:14:13 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
Ed,
In one of the videos/slides from a Drake Forum presentation at Hamvention, there is a "shopping list" of things to check on an L4B, newly acquired.? The info is on the WB4HFN website.
73,
Evan, K9SQG
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:04:34 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I see. I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier. Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have. Ed KG5UN Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?Ed do you have the manual with the L4B? You could temporarily wire it per the manual to operate on 120 just to see if it works, follow closely the directions in the manual from Drake. I would not operate the amp permanently on 120V. Or do you have a friend nearby who has 240 in his shack. Before using the L4B carefully look at the manual, do not defeat the interlocks, if it has not been used in a long time (1 year ) let it warm up in the LV position for several hours.
Good Luck
73 Tim WB8UHZ
|
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:14:13 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via groups.io <maikranze@...> wrote:
Ed,
In one of the videos/slides from a Drake Forum presentation at Hamvention, there is a "shopping list" of things to check on an L4B, newly acquired.? The info is on the WB4HFN website.
73,
Evan, K9SQG
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:04:34 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I see. I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier. Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have. Ed KG5UN Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?Ed do you have the manual with the L4B? You could temporarily wire it per the manual to operate on 120 just to see if it works, follow closely the directions in the manual from Drake. I would not operate the amp permanently on 120V. Or do you have a friend nearby who has 240 in his shack. Before using the L4B carefully look at the manual, do not defeat the interlocks, if it has not been used in a long time (1 year ) let it warm up in the LV position for several hours.
Good Luck
73 Tim WB8UHZ
|
I have one that I bought about 6 or 8 years ago .? I paid $ 1000 for it and it works fine.? Saw a few at hamfests over the last few years and they seem to go for around the same price.? That was? for the amp and power supply.? ?Now that MFJ seems to be going out of business the prices? for used amps may be going up some.? ?If I was selling my amp I would start around $ 1200 and see if it sells.? Would not go under $ 1000 even if I had to let it sit for a few years.
Ralph ku4pt
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:04:34 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via groups.io <maikranze@...> wrote:
I see. I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier. Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have. Ed KG5UN Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Ed,
In one of the videos/slides from a Drake Forum presentation at Hamvention, there is a "shopping list" of things to check on an L4B, newly acquired.? The info is on the WB4HFN website.
73,
Evan, K9SQG
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:04:34 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I see. I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier. Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have. Ed KG5UN Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
The info is in the slides/video from the 2014 Drake Forum at Hamvention. ?Link is found on the WB4HFN website.
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
Ed,
In one of the videos/slides from a Drake Forum presentation at Hamvention, there is a "shopping list" of things to check on an L4B, newly acquired. ?The info is on the WB4HFN website.
73,
Evan, K9SQG
I see. I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier. Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have. Ed KG5UN Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
I see. I have been licensed since 1988, active for most of that time and have never owned or?operated an HF amplifier. Hopefully I can find someone to help me determine exactly what I have. Ed KG5UN Gulfport, MS
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier.? Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components.? Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:39:21 AM EST, Ed KG5UN via <maikranze= [email protected]> wrote:
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
Ed,
That is a fine amplifier. ?Pricing depends on cosmetic condition, output power from the tubes, condition of the power supply, and the condition of all the internal components. ?Some mods add to the value, while others detract.
73,
Evan
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
I just picked up a Drake L-4B amplifier.
Looks great, but I have no idea if it works. I dont have 220 volts in the shack to hook it up.
I doubt I will keep it so I was wondering if I were to sell it what I should ask for it.
I will find someone to test it before I actually try to sell it.
?
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS
?
?
|
Re: Drake L4-B no Grid Current.
Craig
?
Thank you for the response.?
- Do you have plate voltage present? As others have mentioned, be careful with this. Do you have an HV probe to use with a meter? Can you actually verify that the plates have B+ present??
- Are the tube filaments lit??
- Is the relay engaging??
Yes, to all the above questions. I don't remember the exact voltage on the b+, but it didn't set off any red flags of being low.
?
Jake
|
Re: T4XB & D104 poor sudio
The Internet (not 'google' - because precision in communication
matters),
essentially (in this context) translates "uncanny valley" as the robotic sound
of DMR.
FreeDV also contains 'robotic' voice artifacts (on HF) but is amazingly capable
of delivering an effective voice signal in rough band conditions.
I'm not a fan of DMR, for a variety of reasons, but am fascinated with the
potential of FreeDV (and FreeDATA) on HF.
Both may become central to emcomm-related Amateur Radio communications
support.
IMHO, YMMV ... KD4E
> On 2/10/25 23:04, Jim Shorney via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
A friend of mine recently gave me a pair of DMR HTs. I am not excited in any way by what I call 2 Meter CB (or in this case 70 cm CB) but he thought I should have them for ARES. For me the audio falls into "uncanny valley" territory. If you are not familiar with the term Mr. Google can explain it.
On Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:40:10 -0800
"jerry-KF6VB via groups.io" <jerry@...> wrote:
I was disappointed with DMR; It had promise: the ability to pop up
in some foreign country and practice my language skills. But it's so
compressed and the fidelity so poor that I find it useless.
|
Re: Drake L4-B no Grid Current.
Hi Jake-
?
I haven't troubleshot amps other than basic mechanics of tightening loose bits on them. But if I were in your shoes I would get really methodical and start from the ground-up. When I do any kind of mods or troubleshooting, I try to establish a baseline reference for how it worked and what voltages were present where. You want to leave a breadcrumb trail so you can retrace your steps should you find it necessary.?
?
Regarding troubleshooting your current setup, use Occam's razor; I find that the majority of circuit issues are due to the basics of not having the proper supply voltages present, through loose connections, burnt supply resistors, etc. The root cause for "no output" should be apparent if you break it down, which will point to the culprit eventually.?
?
- Do you have plate voltage present? As others have mentioned, be careful with this. Do you have a HV probe to use with a meter? Can you actually verify that the plates have B+ present??
- Are the tube filaments lit??
- Is the relay engaging??
--
Craig/W8CS
Greenville, SC
|
Re: T4XB & D104 poor sudio
A friend of mine recently gave me a pair of DMR HTs. I am not excited in any way by what I call 2 Meter CB (or in this case 70 cm CB) but he thought I should have them for ARES. For me the audio falls into "uncanny valley" territory. If you are not familiar with the term Mr. Google can explain it. On Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:40:10 -0800 "jerry-KF6VB via groups.io" <jerry@...> wrote: I was disappointed with DMR; It had promise: the ability to pop up
in some foreign country and practice my language skills. But it's so
compressed and the fidelity so poor that I find it useless. -- 73 -Jim NU0C
|
Re: Drake L4-B no Grid Current.
Ok, so after buying new tubes and ruling, it is not the tubes that was exspenseve.
I poked around the bias and discovered that I had no bias voltage. Tracing back the bias to the soft start board. I do not have any voltage on the yellow wire from the filament transformer. I believe I have 2.5 volts on the filament leads and 12 volts on the blue wire out of the filament transformer. I am running the amp on 240v.? I have 120v on all terminals when the amp is off at the terminal strip, and with the amp on, I get 120v on the outside strips and nothing in the middle two. Is that right because it's jumped for 240v? I was thinking about trying it set up for 120v and see what that did. Also, I had to buy past the soft start relay because the timer transistor went again, which was disappointing. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone has any recommendations to help debug.
|
Ed KG5UN
Thomas W9TAB
DavidC KD4E
Craig W8CS
Jim Shorney