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Boosting Audio in T4XC

 

I have a T4XC with a Astatic DN-500 mic as well as the DX Engineering speech processor add on. Is there any way to get any more gain out of the transmitted audio on this unit? Would a powered D 104 mic produce and further gain, or another mic? When I switch from the Icom 7300 to the Drake my audio reports are that the Drake sounds much weaker audio wise while the signal strength is about the same..

?
?
William N1WL

?????????
Re: T-4XB T/R switching delay

 

Yep, the tubes are the easiest things to check first. The capacitor in the VOX circuit would be next (sorry, I¡¯m in my phone and don¡¯t remember the ref des).?

73,

Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.


Sent from Proton Mail for iOS


On Sun, May 21, 2023 at 07:37, N3WM - Bill via groups.io <n3wm@...> wrote:
Good Morning Peter,

You may want to try another 6EV7 VOX amp tube..it's easy and worth a try IMO. I have a T4XC that had a VOX problem that turned out to be a bad 12AX7 VOX AMP tube. BTW the 12AX7 checked good on my Hickok.

Best 73's

Bill N3WM

On Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 04:41:39 AM EDT, Peter E <elekessy@...> wrote:


I have a T-4XB and R-4B that I have been using to have a chat on 40M of a morning, and the only minor annoyance with the T-4 is the two second delay when switching back to receive. I have the VOX delay set on minimum, but the shortest I can get is about 2 seconds. It also seems inconsistent, some times it is even longer.

Before I launch into tracing through the VOX and TX switching circuit, does anyone have any suggestions as to what to look at first (or is this delay normal with the T-4XB)?

Cheers,
Peter - VK2AN

Re: Drake 7 Series Cabinet Paint

 

I forgot that Rustoleum is available in non-spray form. I was having visions of someone spraying the roller until it was saturated and I knew that was ridiculous.?

TNX.?

Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.


Sent from Proton Mail for iOS


On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 21:29, John N9FCA <jmbeattie@...> wrote:
Steve, I didn¡¯t see a reply to your query from Gary on this. I used Krylon satin black spray initially but used Rustoleum satin black for the final roll on finish.
--
73
John?N9FCA

Re: T-4XB T/R switching delay

 

Good Morning Peter,

You may want to try another 6EV7 VOX amp tube..it's easy and worth a try IMO. I have a T4XC that had a VOX problem that turned out to be a bad 12AX7 VOX AMP tube. BTW the 12AX7 checked good on my Hickok.

Best 73's

Bill N3WM

On Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 04:41:39 AM EDT, Peter E <elekessy@...> wrote:


I have a T-4XB and R-4B that I have been using to have a chat on 40M of a morning, and the only minor annoyance with the T-4 is the two second delay when switching back to receive. I have the VOX delay set on minimum, but the shortest I can get is about 2 seconds. It also seems inconsistent, some times it is even longer.

Before I launch into tracing through the VOX and TX switching circuit, does anyone have any suggestions as to what to look at first (or is this delay normal with the T-4XB)?

Cheers,
Peter - VK2AN

Re: Output power

 

Hi Sean,

My T4XB is doing nearly 160W on 40M in tune mode. Check your 12BY7 driver tube - my original one was a bit weak and it would only do about 100W before I changed it.

Cheers,
Peter - VK2AN
T-4XB T/R switching delay

 

I have a T-4XB and R-4B that I have been using to have a chat on 40M of a morning, and the only minor annoyance with the T-4 is the two second delay when switching back to receive. I have the VOX delay set on minimum, but the shortest I can get is about 2 seconds. It also seems inconsistent, some times it is even longer.

Before I launch into tracing through the VOX and TX switching circuit, does anyone have any suggestions as to what to look at first (or is this delay normal with the T-4XB)?

Cheers,
Peter - VK2AN
Re: Drake 7 Series Cabinet Paint

J Ferro
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

I used a rust oleum black textured, something like
That. Can¡¯t think of the exact name of it. ?Then I knocked down the glossy finish with a flat black. While not powder coated, it has a powder coated look. It¡¯s hard to tell the difference between the speaker I did and my R7a. I¡¯ll post the exact paint names tomorrow. I have the cans in the garage.?


On May 1, 2023, at 7:08 AM, Michael Smith via groups.io <tw8kcabpilot@...> wrote:

?What is the best matching quality paint for seven series cabinets, spray can or otherwise, but not powder coat? ?Is there some kind of primer that can be used to approximate the original surface texture?

Thank you.

Michael Smith, N4KZO

Re: Output power

 

Very helpful Steve, 73 OM?

On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 6:57 PM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via <w1es=[email protected]> wrote:
You¡¯re welcome.?

Remember that the transmitter interface is different between the two. All TR-3/TR-4 sets do not have a reduced output TUNE mode. When you tune up in CW, that¡¯s your power out and the drive control stays the same.?

With the T-4(any) you need to adjust your power out in CW mode. The GAIN control gets advanced much farther for more power out.?

The manuals have the recommended max plate current, which is a good guideline. Remember that most hams did not have accurate power meters ¡°back in the day¡±. Even the W-4 (which is a very good wattmeter)?wasn¡¯t used at every station.?

73,

Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.


Sent from Proton Mail for iOS


On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 21:18, Sean (KK6BEB) <seanlynch@...> wrote:
Thanks so much Steve, I think you¡¯re exactly right that I¡¯m just seeing the reduction in power due to being in the tune position. Both transmitters are new (to me) and I¡¯m still familiarizing myself with them. Recently received both back from Ron (who did an amazing job of course).

I don¡¯t intend to run them at max power, but was interested in what they¡¯re capable of ¡°real world¡°.

Thanks again,
KK6BEB
Sean

On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 5:49 PM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via <w1es=[email protected]> wrote:
Firstly, in TUNE mode, you will not get full output with the T-4X. The screen voltage is reduced in TUNE mode. You need to put it into CW mode to see your power out. Fresh tubes should provide 140W or so on 20m ¡ª slightly less on the higher bands and slightly more on the lower bands

The TR-4 should see around 180+ watts out on 40, and fresh tubes would give you over 150W on the higher bands. It is important that the PA is properly loaded to around 450 mA by adjusting the LOAD control after dipping the PLATE control. These values can change if the RF TUNE isn¡¯t set up right.

It¡¯s important for best tube life to not run them at full max and to avoid keying down for prolonged times. I like running my twins at no more than 120W out and my TR-4Cw RIT at 175W or less.

Bear in mind that the difference of 20W from 120W is a fraction of a dB. Ditto for 175 vs 200W.



Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.


Sent from Proton Mail for iOS


On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 20:17, Sean (KK6BEB) <seanlynch@...> wrote:
I have a TR-4Cw and a T-4XB. Both max at about ~100 watts in cw/tune. Curious what others are seeing, I know the transmitters are rated for more but it¡¯s obviously old equipment.

I have some NOS finals for both and my intention was to not do any tube replacements until necessary, but I am curious what kind of performance others are seeing?

Sean
KK6BEB

--

--

--

Re: Output power

 

You¡¯re welcome.?

Remember that the transmitter interface is different between the two. All TR-3/TR-4 sets do not have a reduced output TUNE mode. When you tune up in CW, that¡¯s your power out and the drive control stays the same.?

With the T-4(any) you need to adjust your power out in CW mode. The GAIN control gets advanced much farther for more power out.?

The manuals have the recommended max plate current, which is a good guideline. Remember that most hams did not have accurate power meters ¡°back in the day¡±. Even the W-4 (which is a very good wattmeter)?wasn¡¯t used at every station.?

73,

Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.


Sent from Proton Mail for iOS


On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 21:18, Sean (KK6BEB) <seanlynch@...> wrote:
Thanks so much Steve, I think you¡¯re exactly right that I¡¯m just seeing the reduction in power due to being in the tune position. Both transmitters are new (to me) and I¡¯m still familiarizing myself with them. Recently received both back from Ron (who did an amazing job of course).

I don¡¯t intend to run them at max power, but was interested in what they¡¯re capable of ¡°real world¡°.

Thanks again,
KK6BEB
Sean

On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 5:49 PM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via <w1es=[email protected]> wrote:
Firstly, in TUNE mode, you will not get full output with the T-4X. The screen voltage is reduced in TUNE mode. You need to put it into CW mode to see your power out. Fresh tubes should provide 140W or so on 20m ¡ª slightly less on the higher bands and slightly more on the lower bands

The TR-4 should see around 180+ watts out on 40, and fresh tubes would give you over 150W on the higher bands. It is important that the PA is properly loaded to around 450 mA by adjusting the LOAD control after dipping the PLATE control. These values can change if the RF TUNE isn¡¯t set up right.

It¡¯s important for best tube life to not run them at full max and to avoid keying down for prolonged times. I like running my twins at no more than 120W out and my TR-4Cw RIT at 175W or less.

Bear in mind that the difference of 20W from 120W is a fraction of a dB. Ditto for 175 vs 200W.



Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.


Sent from Proton Mail for iOS


On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 20:17, Sean (KK6BEB) <seanlynch@...> wrote:
I have a TR-4Cw and a T-4XB. Both max at about ~100 watts in cw/tune. Curious what others are seeing, I know the transmitters are rated for more but it¡¯s obviously old equipment.

I have some NOS finals for both and my intention was to not do any tube replacements until necessary, but I am curious what kind of performance others are seeing?

Sean
KK6BEB

--

--

Re: Drake 7 Series Cabinet Paint

 

Steve, I didn¡¯t see a reply to your query from Gary on this. I used Krylon satin black spray initially but used Rustoleum satin black for the final roll on finish.
--
73
John?N9FCA
Re: Output power

 

Thanks so much Steve, I think you¡¯re exactly right that I¡¯m just seeing the reduction in power due to being in the tune position. Both transmitters are new (to me) and I¡¯m still familiarizing myself with them. Recently received both back from Ron (who did an amazing job of course).

I don¡¯t intend to run them at max power, but was interested in what they¡¯re capable of ¡°real world¡°.?

Thanks again,
KK6BEB?
Sean

On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 5:49 PM Steve Wedge, W1ES/4 via <w1es=[email protected]> wrote:
Firstly, in TUNE mode, you will not get full output with the T-4X. The screen voltage is reduced in TUNE?mode. You need to put it into CW mode to see your power out. Fresh tubes should provide 140W or so on 20m ¡ª slightly less on the higher bands and slightly more on the lower bands

The TR-4 should see around 180+ watts out on 40, and fresh tubes would give you over 150W on the higher bands. It is important that the PA is properly loaded to around 450 mA by adjusting the LOAD control after dipping the PLATE control. These values can change if the RF TUNE isn¡¯t set up right.?

It¡¯s important for best tube life to not run them at full max and to avoid keying down for prolonged times. I like running my twins at no more than 120W out and my TR-4Cw RIT at 175W or less.?

Bear in mind that the difference of 20W from 120W is a fraction of a dB. Ditto for 175 vs 200W.?



Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.


Sent from Proton Mail for iOS


On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 20:17, Sean (KK6BEB) <seanlynch@...> wrote:
I have a TR-4Cw and a T-4XB. Both max at about ~100 watts in cw/tune. Curious what others are seeing, I know the transmitters are rated for more but it¡¯s obviously old equipment.

I have some NOS finals for both and my intention was to not do any tube replacements until necessary, but I am curious what kind of performance others are seeing?

Sean
KK6BEB

--

--

Re: Output power

 

Firstly, in TUNE mode, you will not get full output with the T-4X. The screen voltage is reduced in TUNE?mode. You need to put it into CW mode to see your power out. Fresh tubes should provide 140W or so on 20m ¡ª slightly less on the higher bands and slightly more on the lower bands

The TR-4 should see around 180+ watts out on 40, and fresh tubes would give you over 150W on the higher bands. It is important that the PA is properly loaded to around 450 mA by adjusting the LOAD control after dipping the PLATE control. These values can change if the RF TUNE isn¡¯t set up right.?

It¡¯s important for best tube life to not run them at full max and to avoid keying down for prolonged times. I like running my twins at no more than 120W out and my TR-4Cw RIT at 175W or less.?

Bear in mind that the difference of 20W from 120W is a fraction of a dB. Ditto for 175 vs 200W.?



Steve Wedge, W1ES/4

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.


Sent from Proton Mail for iOS


On Sat, May 20, 2023 at 20:17, Sean (KK6BEB) <seanlynch@...> wrote:
I have a TR-4Cw and a T-4XB. Both max at about ~100 watts in cw/tune. Curious what others are seeing, I know the transmitters are rated for more but it¡¯s obviously old equipment.

I have some NOS finals for both and my intention was to not do any tube replacements until necessary, but I am curious what kind of performance others are seeing?

Sean
KK6BEB

--

Output power

 

I have a TR-4Cw and a T-4XB. Both max at about ~100 watts in cw/tune. Curious what others are seeing, I know the transmitters are rated for more but it¡¯s obviously old equipment.

I have some NOS finals for both and my intention was to not do any tube replacements until necessary, but I am curious what kind of performance others are seeing?

Sean
KK6BEB?

--

Re: TR4-CW Service Bulletin

Rick WA6III
 

On Fri, May 19, 2023 at 06:33 PM, Chuck Rippel - K8HU and ex - NMN wrote:
Steve, et al...

I just filled in the blank spots in my tube spares for the "C Line" and TR4-CWxit.? Luckily, a core set of spares came with the "C" Line but I found many of the ones I needed had mil-spec versions that were NOS and had late build dates.? There were a few which were not JAN/Mil spec and those were obtained from Frank Krize, K5SVC:



He also sells through E-Bay.

--
Chuck Rippel, K8HU

Yeah.? He even had tube "kits" for the TR-4C and others.?? When you click on the actual links to "Buy Now", it takes you to eBay.

And for anyone looking for 12JB6's for a TR-3, he has 4 left? @ $34.95 each

(and FYI has 12JB6's for $18....but you have to call them to see how many they have )

?
--

73/Rick

WA6III
*Every post is created using Linux

Re: TR4-CW Service Bulletin

 

Steve, et al...

I just filled in the blank spots in my tube spares for the "C Line" and TR4-CWxit.? Luckily, a core set of spares came with the "C" Line but I found many of the ones I needed had mil-spec versions that were NOS and had late build dates.? There were a few which were not JAN/Mil spec and those were obtained from Frank Krize, K5SVC:



He also sells through E-Bay.

--
Chuck Rippel, K8HU
Re: Not much Drake gear today at Dayton

 

How are the prices? Ham swap prices, or Ebay prices?

- Jerry, KF6VB
Not much Drake gear today at Dayton

 

Although I did buy a nice c line today?
Re: wtb: repairable ac-3 or ac-4

 

I have one. I'm at Dayton,? spaces 9717, 9718, 9719.

Thanks Ron
WB4OQL?
Clyde, NC?

On Thu, May 11, 2023, 10:41 PM Dave via <kc3am=[email protected]> wrote:

I could also use a AC-3 or AC-4 for my TR-3.

This is on my list to look for at Dayton.

Dave KC3AM

On 5/11/2023 6:52 PM, Jim Linsenbardt wrote:
Hi to all!

I recently got a TR-3 functional and hope to use it on some of the vintage nets. I'm now looking for a repairable power supply to pair with it (with or without speaker.) If you happen to have one, please let me know.

73's and best wishes

Jim
KD0WF

Re: wtb: repairable ac-3 or ac-4

 

GM Jim,
Contact me off list.

Ron WB4OQL?
Clyde, NC?

On Thu, May 18, 2023, 6:42 PM Jim Linsenbardt <jim.linsenbardt@...> wrote:
Hi Ron,

I won't be at Dayton but would you still be willing to sell it with shipping?

Jim
KD0WF

Re: wtb: repairable ac-3 or ac-4

 

Hi Ron,

I won't be at Dayton but would you still be willing to sell it with shipping?

Jim
KD0WF
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