Looks like I was wrong.
?
Jennings got sold to Thomas Betts and is currently rebuilding their sales network. This might include ABB as distributor.
?
?
I think you know the story of the Jennings VP of engineering who became the chief scientist at Gigavac. The used the management team from Kilovac? after TE Connectivity bought Kilovac, which would explain the price rises.
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I bought a dozen? new? Gigavac? GH1 vac relays from max gain systems.? ?You can get em with either a? 80 ohm, 12 vdc coil....or a 335 ohm, 26.5 vdc coil....or a 6000 ohm, 115 vdc coil.? ? ?Coils are interchangeable too.??
Mine are 12 vdc coils.? ?I used 3 x vac relays in each of my 4 x L4B amps.? ?Input / output / bias cut off.? ?All 3 x coils are in series.? ?The oem relay supply was a 22 vac winding on the fil xfmr...to a 1/2 wave rectifier = 30 vdc unloaded.?
I tossed the 1/2 wave rectifier and installed a FWD.? No load is now? +63 vdc.? ?It takes 3 x 12 = 36 vdc to operate the 3 x series coils.? ?I wired a 175 ohm, 1% tolerance, 25 watt metal finned drop resistor? in series with the +63 vdc.? ? So it has a 63/36 = 1.75 or? 75% over voltage.? That speeds it up.? ?To speed them up even more,? a? 50 uf? @ 150 vdc lytic with axial leads is wired directly in parallel with the 175 ohm drop resistor.? ?Ok, now they are all stupid fast, with a 1 msec operate time.? 175 ohm drop resistor dissipates 3.9 watts on TX...and 0 watts on RX.?
Gigavac? GH-1? / Jennings RJ1A / Kilovac HC-1 are all the same vac relay, same basic specs.?
I also bought a bunch of gigavac? G2? vac relays.? ?These are the same as the Jennings RJ2B.? The Gigavac G2? can be bought with a 12 vdc / 26.5 vdc / 115 vdc coil.? ?You can also order it with a flanged base, or a threaded base.?
You can also order it with threaded? cylinders for the NO / NC / COM? ?connections are made..... which makes it easier? to terminate stuff like copper strap, or ring terminals. (M3 hardware supplied)
The threaded base versions of the GH1 / G2 are metric.? ?( GH-1 is? M14 nut + washer).? ?(G2 is? M20 hardware).?
Years ago, Alpha switched from the Jennings RJ1A? to the Kilovac? HC-1? vac relay.? Said the internals on the Kilovac version were more robust...last longer when qsk used.?
Gigavac was started by ex Kilovac engineers...(after they all got booted? after Kilovac was bought out by Eaton...then TE).?
So far, so good...... but Kilovac prices have gone way up.? Any Jennings products you see are used / pulls.? Kilovac, new, is priced into the stratosphere.?
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I never saw your request...however I believe I have the schematic to do that conversion...
Contact me off group..
Ke0ssm@...?
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-------- Original message --------
From: Steve <k0xp@...>
Date: 5/17/25 3:53 PM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: [ham-amplifiers] 6 Meter Amp WTB
My search for info to convert my 2M Clipperton V amp to 6M not having
received any replies...
Anybody out west, say in Nevada, Arizona or possibly western NM, or
perhaps as far north as Sacto, CA (within no more than about 2 day's
driving distance of 29 Palms, CA) have a 6M amp for sale? I need at
least 600W and preferably legal-limit.My budget is somewhat limited,
tho... so unless it's a real Alpha 8406, I'd like to spend less than $1500.
My other option is to convert one of my half-dozen HA-14 "Kompact KW"
amps tp 6M; but I've never seen info on anybody who has successfully
done that. (SB-200, sure... but not the similar HA-14). I tried it once
and wasted several days trying to stop it from oscillating. Took off
like a banshee on coke 8-O
TNX,
Steve K0XP
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My search for info to convert my 2M Clipperton V amp to 6M not having received any replies...
Anybody out west, say in Nevada, Arizona or possibly western NM, or perhaps as far north as Sacto, CA (within no more than about 2 day's driving distance of 29 Palms, CA) have a 6M amp for sale? I need at least 600W and preferably legal-limit.My budget is somewhat limited, tho... so unless it's a real Alpha 8406, I'd like to spend less than $1500.
My other option is to convert one of my half-dozen HA-14 "Kompact KW" amps tp 6M; but I've never seen info on anybody who has successfully done that. (SB-200, sure... but not the similar HA-14). I tried it once and wasted several days trying to stop it from oscillating. Took off like a banshee on coke 8-O
TNX,
Steve K0XP
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Try Max Gain Systems for vacuum relays.? I bought one for a legal limit amp project that is still in a bunch of boxes on the living room floor. Larry KF7EYF
On Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 12:34:49 PM EDT, Jim VE7RF via groups.io <jim.thom@...> wrote:
That catalog was from 2018.? ?I don't see any Jennings products at all on? ABB's? website.?
On a side note,? KILOVAC is still in business.? ?Their prices on vac relays will make u gag,? totally absurd.??
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That catalog was from 2018.? ?I don't see any Jennings products at all on? ABB's? website.?
On a side note,? KILOVAC is still in business.? ?Their prices on vac relays will make u gag,? totally absurd.??
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So for the doide packs and the capacitor pack $15
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 2:25 PM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: W5rg@...
73s Bob W5RG
Sent from Proton Mail Android
-------- Original Message -------- On 5/16/25 2:02 PM, kc9nea via groups.io wrote: Whats ur email
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 10:48 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: OK.. I'm going to say shipping about $15.00 and I can take PP or you can just send a check to me QRZ adr.. PP with my e-mail adr..
On Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 10:32 AM, kc9nea via groups.io <kc9nea@...> wrote:
I am interested in the capacitor bank ship to 62948
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: I bought a 2KD-5 Amplifier that had a bad transformer The owner pulled out the bad transformer before he shipped it to me. I think it had some damage when it was shipped to me as the? tuning knobs where very hard to get back on. I'm using a outboard power supply that I have for another 8877 amp. So I have some parts if anyone would like to have them and I only want postage money for shipment. I have the full capacitor board with all the parts left on it as well as the three diodes that came off of the power supply. If anyone would like to have these just send me a e-mail.
?I have the amplifier working but the output on 15 and 10 meters is low. It has new tubes in it also. If anyone has any ideas or problems they have had with a 2kd-5 I would like to hear from you..
?Thanks Bob W5RG
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W5rg@...
73s Bob W5RG
Sent from Proton Mail Android
-------- Original Message -------- On 5/16/25 2:02 PM, kc9nea via groups.io wrote: Whats ur email
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 10:48 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: OK.. I'm going to say shipping about $15.00 and I can take PP or you can just send a check to me QRZ adr.. PP with my e-mail adr..
On Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 10:32 AM, kc9nea via groups.io <kc9nea@...> wrote:
I am interested in the capacitor bank ship to 62948
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: I bought a 2KD-5 Amplifier that had a bad transformer The owner pulled out the bad transformer before he shipped it to me. I think it had some damage when it was shipped to me as the? tuning knobs where very hard to get back on. I'm using a outboard power supply that I have for another 8877 amp. So I have some parts if anyone would like to have them and I only want postage money for shipment. I have the full capacitor board with all the parts left on it as well as the three diodes that came off of the power supply. If anyone would like to have these just send me a e-mail.
?I have the amplifier working but the output on 15 and 10 meters is low. It has new tubes in it also. If anyone has any ideas or problems they have had with a 2kd-5 I would like to hear from you..
?Thanks Bob W5RG
|
And the 3 diodes shipped also
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 2:02 PM, kc9nea via groups.io <kc9nea@...> wrote: Whats ur email On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 10:48 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: OK.. I'm going to say shipping about $15.00 and I can take PP or you can just send a check to me QRZ adr.. PP with my e-mail adr..
On Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 10:32 AM, kc9nea via groups.io <kc9nea@...> wrote:
I am interested in the capacitor bank ship to 62948
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: I bought a 2KD-5 Amplifier that had a bad transformer The owner pulled out the bad transformer before he shipped it to me. I think it had some damage when it was shipped to me as the? tuning knobs where very hard to get back on. I'm using a outboard power supply that I have for another 8877 amp. So I have some parts if anyone would like to have them and I only want postage money for shipment. I have the full capacitor board with all the parts left on it as well as the three diodes that came off of the power supply. If anyone would like to have these just send me a e-mail.
?I have the amplifier working but the output on 15 and 10 meters is low. It has new tubes in it also. If anyone has any ideas or problems they have had with a 2kd-5 I would like to hear from you..
?Thanks Bob W5RG
|
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 10:48 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: OK.. I'm going to say shipping about $15.00 and I can take PP or you can just send a check to me QRZ adr.. PP with my e-mail adr..
On Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 10:32 AM, kc9nea via groups.io <kc9nea@...> wrote:
I am interested in the capacitor bank ship to 62948
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: I bought a 2KD-5 Amplifier that had a bad transformer The owner pulled out the bad transformer before he shipped it to me. I think it had some damage when it was shipped to me as the? tuning knobs where very hard to get back on. I'm using a outboard power supply that I have for another 8877 amp. So I have some parts if anyone would like to have them and I only want postage money for shipment. I have the full capacitor board with all the parts left on it as well as the three diodes that came off of the power supply. If anyone would like to have these just send me a e-mail.
?I have the amplifier working but the output on 15 and 10 meters is low. It has new tubes in it also. If anyone has any ideas or problems they have had with a 2kd-5 I would like to hear from you..
?Thanks Bob W5RG
|
OK.. I'm going to say shipping about $15.00 and I can take PP or you can just send a check to me QRZ adr.. PP with my e-mail adr..
On Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 10:32 AM, kc9nea via groups.io <kc9nea@...> wrote:
I am interested in the capacitor bank ship to 62948
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: I bought a 2KD-5 Amplifier that had a bad transformer The owner pulled out the bad transformer before he shipped it to me. I think it had some damage when it was shipped to me as the? tuning knobs where very hard to get back on. I'm using a outboard power supply that I have for another 8877 amp. So I have some parts if anyone would like to have them and I only want postage money for shipment. I have the full capacitor board with all the parts left on it as well as the three diodes that came off of the power supply. If anyone would like to have these just send me a e-mail.
?I have the amplifier working but the output on 15 and 10 meters is low. It has new tubes in it also. If anyone has any ideas or problems they have had with a 2kd-5 I would like to hear from you..
?Thanks Bob W5RG
|
I am interested in the capacitor bank ship to 62948
On Fri, May 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM, w5rg via groups.io <w5rg@...> wrote: I bought a 2KD-5 Amplifier that had a bad transformer The owner pulled out the bad transformer before he shipped it to me. I think it had some damage when it was shipped to me as the? tuning knobs where very hard to get back on. I'm using a outboard power supply that I have for another 8877 amp. So I have some parts if anyone would like to have them and I only want postage money for shipment. I have the full capacitor board with all the parts left on it as well as the three diodes that came off of the power supply. If anyone would like to have these just send me a e-mail.
?I have the amplifier working but the output on 15 and 10 meters is low. It has new tubes in it also. If anyone has any ideas or problems they have had with a 2kd-5 I would like to hear from you..
?Thanks Bob W5RG
|
Henry said: "Now if only Eimac could become sensible again!"
?
OK, I'll chime in here!
with the new management under TransDigm running the Eimac MPP business unit as they call it, things are never going to be like they were at Eimac.
The only thing they are concerned with is profit.? There is no chief engineer - only production people doing a cookie cutter business.
?
Wait till you see the 2025 prices, of course after one is forced to buy Eimac products through Richardson Electronics!
that whole deal might become a story I'll tell someday.??
Reid? W6MTF
??
??
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OK. I'd be interested to know how or where you found prices.
73, Alek VK6APK.
On 15/05/2025 10:47 am, tardivat via
groups.io wrote:
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Thanks for the link Tracy
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It also looks they have reasonable prices and have not priced
themselves out of the market.
?
Its good news for hams for popular products like the RJ1A and
RJ2B.
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Now if only Eimac could become sensible again!
?
Henry
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Thanks for the link Tracy
?
It also looks they have reasonable prices and have not priced themselves out of the market.
?
Its good news for hams for popular products like the RJ1A and RJ2B.
?
Now if only Eimac could become sensible again!
?
Henry
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??
?? Page 35 onwards
?
??
?
?? Presumably they are exactly the same products but now under a new umbrella.
?
?? Regard
?
?? Tracey G5VU
?
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----- Original Message -----
Sent: 14/05/2025 12:09:52
Subject: [ham-amplifiers] Jennings Relays ABB
[Edited Message Follows]
I see a lot of advertisements around for Jennings products. It seems the ABB group have taken over Jennings? and are producing products like the RJ2B? and the full Jennings lineup.
?
Anyone used these new ABB/Jennings products from? ABB THOMAS & BETTS?
I cant seem to upload files in the files section.
?
Henry
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I see a lot of advertisements around for Jennings products. It seems the ABB group have taken over Jennings? and are producing products like the RJ2B? and the full Jennings lineup.
?
Anyone used these new ABB/Jennings products from? ABB THOMAS & BETTS?
I cant seem to upload files in the files section.
?
Henry
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Re: 12 KW CCS ON 160-15M....USING THE 3CX-6000A7..... PART 25
Here is the part 25 u tube link.?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BpADwJMbOk
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12 KW CCS ON 160-15M....USING THE 3CX-6000A7..... PART 25
Here, the soft start is wired up. Paralleled 25 ohm, 50 watt resistors used. Since there is a total of 125 uf for the filter cap assy, the step start has to be done very carefully, with the requisite delay...typ 5-10 seconds. 12.5 ohms is used because if say 25 ohms used....the B+ will come up to almost max, but won't reach max, since the magnetizing current on the paralleled plate xfmr's primary's will still flow through any step start resistor...creating a V drop across the step start resistor assy....so you never get the full 240 vac applied to the xfmr's primary. Once shunted, you end up with a secondary surge. To minimize the secondary surge, a lower value is used for the step start resistor assy. Regardless of value, when T=0, you always end up with the full 240 vac dropped across the resistor assy.
Paralleled 4 ga teflon wire used. Mercury contactors used. I found a pair of 250 amp supercon connectors, cheap, on ebay, so notified Scott asap....and he snagged em. These go on the power cable ......and plugged into the mating (existing jacks) on the back of the HV supply. This supply gets a bit more complex, since the pair of identical 7.5 kva (5300 Vac) plate xfmr's will reside in a separate cabinet. The HV supply is getting there.....albeit slowly, due to time constraints.
Note you can turn on the close captioning...and also the entire transcript.
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Re: Plate blocking cap in Alpha 76PA
Thank
you Peter and Chuck. ?I have discarded the Cera-Mite capacitor and ordered a .005 door-knob cap, with similar dimensions to the Cera-Mite, from Surplus sales. While waiting, I am finishing up
the current work on the Alpha 76PA and will close it up for testing.?
When the new cap arrives next week, I’ll open the Alpha and retro-fit the new cap into the Amp.
?
73,
Dave, w6de
?
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From: [email protected]
<[email protected]> On Behalf Of Peter Voelpel via groups.io
Sent: 7 May, 2025 22:14
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Plate blocking cap in Alpha 76PA
?
Same here, used exactly the same type to get more capacitance on 160m as a HT bypass capacitor
It exploded after a few minutes.
I assume those capacitors are not suitable for RF.
?
73
Peter, DJ7WW
?
?
?
Regarding replacing the plate blocking caps….if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.?
?
I blew up one of those red plate blockers by Ceramite.? It turns out that they are not rated for significant RF current, so…
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Keep the original caps would be my suggestion…
?
-Chuck K1KW
?
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I am doing some updating to my Alpha 76PA 3-tube amplifier.? I have switched the T/R relay to a pair of vacuum relays and changed the "relay" (AKA Send or PTT) request to send from 24 Volts to be a compatible 12 Volts for modern transceivers.?
I am about to replace the original Alpha Plate Choke with a re-wound Ameritron style taller choke.
While I'm at it I have a, new-but old, Cera-Mite 5000 PF, 15 KV door-knob capacitor.? I'm planning to replace the original plate blocking capacitors with this door knob cap.? The original plate blocking cap uses dual original 2000 PF, 6
KV ceramic disk capacitors.
I've has this door knob cap a long time and I'm no longer planning on building a tube amplifier from scratch.? As you can see I've fabricated two copper straps to place the cap in the 76pa amp.? I fabricated these straps to put to door
knob cap into a previous Alpha 76PA I had.? And when fastened in place it is quite sturdy and has adequate clearance from its surroundings.
This amplifier will be kept in my station as a back-up for my Solid State PA.? I've found SSPAs to be less tolerant of operator errors than tube amps.? But I still like the instant on and 6 meter capability in my current SSPA (403A/Flex
PGXL).
What are your thoughts on this replacement other than it is overkill in this situation?
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Brandon DX