FT-101E conversion to 6883B finals
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Emerson, thanks for that. That cements my decision to return my 101E to original. At least I can backtrack what I did and it should work ... I've already bought the replacement 6JS6C sockets. Now I just have to find the tubes at an affordable price.? On Sun, Oct 1, 2023, 8:40 AM Emerson PP6EW <bunhoel@...> wrote:
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Hi Dan,? I was a little concerned about that as well.? I actually triple checked everything I did before applying power. I used the cold neutralization process from the conversion article and added the trimmer cap for 10m as recommended. Apparently everything went fine with the conversion. I chose the 6883Bs over the 6146 in order to get the 100+W output. The 6883s require a higer grid voltage than the 6146s but the article and the schematic provided gave the specifics on how to install the grid boost circuit.? Don't know if I answered your question but the conversion work for me. My first contact after going back on the air was in Scotland and my report was 59 at 100W with a Cushcraft Ringo Ranger at about 10m. My 2nd contact was just yesterday afternoon in Iowa, again 59 but at 50W with the same antenne only at about 4m (trying to fine tune since SWR was 2+). Today's contact was in Oregon with same antenna setup and about 50W. All things considered I'm very happy with the rigs performance. Tomorrow I hope to get the antenna back up to its 10m height and I expect? the SWR will come down. I realize this was a bit long and maybe a bit disconnected but overall the 6883s are actual beam power tubes AC BFF they seem to be working well .... the rig? actually runs a bit cooler as well. 73, N1BHE On Sat, Nov 11, 2023, 2:43 PM Dan via <stockupdate2006=[email protected]> wrote: Hi Ron, |
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Hi Dan,? Do you have a variac? That would work. I used a multitap (90v-120v in 5v increments) isolation transformer when I brought mine back to life. Then it managed to blow both Q1 and Q2 on the regulator board .... no 6v so no VFO and no operation. I ended up recapping the regulator board and replacing the diodes on the rectifier board.? It's been an education ?. On Sun, Nov 12, 2023, 12:18 PM Dan via <stockupdate2006=[email protected]> wrote: Hi Ron, |
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Hi Dan,? Very good on the test bench set up. The dim bulb test should work fine. I don't have much in the way of test equipment ... a B&K isolation transformer, a digital 200MHz disk channel scope with built in signal generator (that's handy), a couple of multimeters and some insulated trimmer adjustment tools from my TV/radio servicing days. I found out in short order however, that they weren't insulated enough to work around high voltages. I got but a couple of times while neutralizing the new finals. It took two layers of shrink tubing for isolation. Live and learn I guess.? I got some smoke once towards the end of my rebuild. It took me almost three days to find the source. Had the rig on its side, heard a quick snap and saw a little puff come up from ..... somewhere. After inspecting EVERYTHING,? under magnification, and finding nothing I turned it on again and found I had no audio. It turned out that I had lost the AN-214 audio amp .... no visible component damage though. Anyway I replaced that and it came back to life.? I also had to build my own .156" pitch extender cards. I designed 4 double sided cards and bought several dual position edge connectors. The 101E uses single position connectors but I figured dual position connectors would be more versatile.? Anyway, I've rambled a bit here so I'll let you go. I need to get my antenna back up on the roof now that is cleaned and tuned. Good luck with getting your rig back in service.? 73 On Mon, Nov 13, 2023, 6:26 PM Dan KK7JNR via <stockupdate2006=[email protected]> wrote:
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Ron, N1BHE
Alistair GM4ENF