开云体育

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 开云体育

Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?


 

I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
Band Load Tune Pin Pout Iplate ma Igrid ma
160 10 8 80 1kW 600 180
80 10 5 55 1kW 630 140
40 10 2.5 80 1kW 440 160
30 (40) 1.6 0.75 50 1kW 450 160
20 6 0.75 50 1kW 500 170
17 (15) 7.4 1.25 60 1kW 630 160
15 6 0.75 80 1kW 530 160
10 5 0.5 75 1kW 600 160


 

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
Band Load Tune Pin Pout Iplate ma Igrid ma
160 10 8 80 1kW 600 180
80 10 5 55 1kW 630 140
40 10 2.5 80 1kW 440 160
30 (40) 1.6 0.75 50 1kW 450 160
20 6 0.75 50 1kW 500 170
17 (15) 7.4 1.25 60 1kW 630 160
15 6 0.75 80 1kW 530 160
10 5 0.5 75 1kW 600 160


 

The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it? ?It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light. ?If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR. ?Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few. ?THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. ?That would be normal. ?I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK. ?Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally. ?But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
BandLoadTunePinPoutIplate maIgrid ma
160108801kW600180
80105551kW630140
40102.5801kW440160
30 (40)1.60.75501kW450160
2060.75501kW500170
17 (15)7.41.25601kW630160
1560.75801kW530160
1050.5751kW600160


 

开云体育

> I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA

?

How do you measure plate current?

?

?

--

F1AMM

Fran?ois

De la part de Bob
贰苍惫辞测é?: lundi 15 juillet 2024 10:48


 

Francois,
In addition to the meter described in your quote from the manual, there is another meter dedicated to Iplate. It's a 0-1A meter.





On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:53 AM Fran?ois via <18471=[email protected]> wrote:

> I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA

?

How do you measure plate current?

?

?

--

F1AMM

Fran?ois

De la part de Bob
贰苍惫辞测é?: lundi 15 juillet 2024 10:48


 

Thanks Bob. My tubes glow similarly in the lower plate portion when keyed without drive, but only a dull red. The photo you sent makes the plate look white hot...maybe it is an overexposed photo.


On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 3:48 AM Bob via <W4JFABob=[email protected]> wrote:
I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
Band Load Tune Pin Pout Iplate ma Igrid ma
160 10 8 80 1kW 600 180
80 10 5 55 1kW 630 140
40 10 2.5 80 1kW 440 160
30 (40) 1.6 0.75 50 1kW 450 160
20 6 0.75 50 1kW 500 170
17 (15) 7.4 1.25 60 1kW 630 160
15 6 0.75 80 1kW 530 160
10 5 0.5 75 1kW 600 160


 

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?
My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.


On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
BandLoadTunePinPoutIplate maIgrid ma
160108801kW600180
80105551kW630140
40102.5801kW440160
30 (40)1.60.75501kW450160
2060.75501kW500170
17 (15)7.41.25601kW630160
1560.75801kW530160
1050.5751kW600160


 

Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?
My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
BandLoadTunePinPoutIplate maIgrid ma
160108801kW600180
80105551kW630140
40102.5801kW440160
30 (40)1.60.75501kW450160
2060.75501kW500170
17 (15)7.41.25601kW630160
1560.75801kW530160
1050.5751kW600160


 

开云体育

Thank you; I did not see this ammeter in the instructions manual.

?

It seems difficult to manufacture power electronic tubes with a solid grid structure. Chinese manufactures often have a fragile grid.

?

You have found a collapsed grid on the cathode (filament). It is possible that, for the tube that reddens at the bottom of the anode, the grid is deformed without yet touching the filament. The distribution of the electron flow between the catode and the anode is modified and this could be the cause of what you see (I do not see any other).

--

F1AMM

Fran?ois

?

De la part de Robin Midgett
贰苍惫辞测é?: lundi 15 juillet 2024 15:18


 

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.



On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?
My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
BandLoadTunePinPoutIplate maIgrid ma
160108801kW600180
80105551kW630140
40102.5801kW440160
30 (40)1.60.75501kW450160
2060.75501kW500170
17 (15)7.41.25601kW630160
1560.75801kW530160
1050.5751kW600160


 

开云体育

I think Lou meant after a period of being keyed, rather than the age of the tubes.

73, Alek VK6APK

On 15/07/2024 10:58 pm, Robin Midgett wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.



On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?
My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
Band Load Tune Pin Pout Iplate ma Igrid ma
160 10 8 80 1kW 600 180
80 10 5 55 1kW 630 140
40 10 2.5 80 1kW 440 160
30 (40) 1.6 0.75 50 1kW 450 160
20 6 0.75 50 1kW 500 170
17 (15) 7.4 1.25 60 1kW 630 160
15 6 0.75 80 1kW 530 160
10 5 0.5 75 1kW 600 160


 

If your plate meter reads 125 ma at idle the tubes are immediately dissipating 375 watts with no drive. ?Immediately turning red on the bottom bell at 375watts is a bit quick. ?Are both tubes turning red about the same way or is one brother red thsn the other?





On Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:59 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.



On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?
My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
BandLoadTunePinPoutIplate maIgrid ma
160108801kW600180
80105551kW630140
40102.5801kW440160
30 (40)1.60.75501kW450160
2060.75501kW500170
17 (15)7.41.25601kW630160
1560.75801kW530160
1050.5751kW600160


 

开云体育

Sounds like two problems at once

?

1) Plate meter is reading low, perhaps due to a burnt shunt resistor in the metering circuit

?

AND

?

2) Bias supply is not working depending on the plate voltage in that amp.? Not familiar with that amp’s plate voltage but “zero bias” tubes like 3-500’s do need some minimal bias, like 5 – 8 V negative, again depending upon plate voltage.

?

-Chuck K1KW

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Louis Parascondola via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 8:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

If your plate meter reads 125 ma at idle the tubes are immediately dissipating 375 watts with no drive. ?Immediately turning red on the bottom bell at 375watts is a bit quick. ?Are both tubes turning red about the same way or is one brother red thsn the other?



?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:59 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

?

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.

?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?

My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.

Bob W4JFA?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:

I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:

I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.

With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.

The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?

If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.

I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?

?

Band

Load

Tune

Pin

Pout

Iplate ma

Igrid ma

160

10

8

80

1kW

600

180

80

10

5

55

1kW

630

140

40

10

2.5

80

1kW

440

160

30 (40)

1.6

0.75

50

1kW

450

160

20

6

0.75

50

1kW

500

170

17 (15)

7.4

1.25

60

1kW

630

160

15

6

0.75

80

1kW

530

160

10

5

0.5

75

1kW

600

160


Virus-free.


 

开云体育

That negative bias is sometimes done with a zener in series with the CT od the filament transformer.? When that goes, no negative bias.? I’ve seen that many times, since zeners are not very good in handling higher currents.

-Chuck

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Chuck Neal via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 9:06 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

Sounds like two problems at once

?

1) Plate meter is reading low, perhaps due to a burnt shunt resistor in the metering circuit

?

AND

?

2) Bias supply is not working depending on the plate voltage in that amp.? Not familiar with that amp’s plate voltage but “zero bias” tubes like 3-500’s do need some minimal bias, like 5 – 8 V negative, again depending upon plate voltage.

?

-Chuck K1KW

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Louis Parascondola via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 8:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

If your plate meter reads 125 ma at idle the tubes are immediately dissipating 375 watts with no drive. ?Immediately turning red on the bottom bell at 375watts is a bit quick. ?Are both tubes turning red about the same way or is one brother red thsn the other?

?

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:59 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

?

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.

?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?

My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.

Bob W4JFA?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:

I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:

I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.

With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.

The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?

If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.

I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?

?

Band

Load

Tune

Pin

Pout

Iplate ma

Igrid ma

160

10

8

80

1kW

600

180

80

10

5

55

1kW

630

140

40

10

2.5

80

1kW

440

160

30 (40)

1.6

0.75

50

1kW

450

160

20

6

0.75

50

1kW

500

170

17 (15)

7.4

1.25

60

1kW

630

160

15

6

0.75

80

1kW

530

160

10

5

0.5

75

1kW

600

160

?

Virus-free.


 

If the zener is shorted the idle current goes way higher thsn 125ma. ?So I doubt it’s shorted.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:10 PM, Chuck Neal <cdoneal@...> wrote:

That negative bias is sometimes done with a zener in series with the CT od the filament transformer.? When that goes, no negative bias.? I’ve seen that many times, since zeners are not very good in handling higher currents.

-Chuck

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Chuck Neal via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 9:06 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

Sounds like two problems at once

?

1) Plate meter is reading low, perhaps due to a burnt shunt resistor in the metering circuit

?

AND

?

2) Bias supply is not working depending on the plate voltage in that amp.? Not familiar with that amp’s plate voltage but “zero bias” tubes like 3-500’s do need some minimal bias, like 5 – 8 V negative, again depending upon plate voltage.

?

-Chuck K1KW

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Louis Parascondola via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 8:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

If your plate meter reads 125 ma at idle the tubes are immediately dissipating 375 watts with no drive. ?Immediately turning red on the bottom bell at 375watts is a bit quick. ?Are both tubes turning red about the same way or is one brother red thsn the other?

?

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:59 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

?

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.

?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?

My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.

Bob W4JFA?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:

I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:

I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.

With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.

The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?

If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.

I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?

?

Band

Load

Tune

Pin

Pout

Iplate ma

Igrid ma

160

10

8

80

1kW

600

180

80

10

5

55

1kW

630

140

40

10

2.5

80

1kW

440

160

30 (40)

1.6

0.75

50

1kW

450

160

20

6

0.75

50

1kW

500

170

17 (15)

7.4

1.25

60

1kW

630

160

15

6

0.75

80

1kW

530

160

10

5

0.5

75

1kW

600

160

?

Virus-free.


 

It takes 5 seconds to test the zener to see if it’s good.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:06 PM, Chuck Neal via groups.io <cdoneal@...> wrote:

Sounds like two problems at once

?

1) Plate meter is reading low, perhaps due to a burnt shunt resistor in the metering circuit

?

AND

?

2) Bias supply is not working depending on the plate voltage in that amp.? Not familiar with that amp’s plate voltage but “zero bias” tubes like 3-500’s do need some minimal bias, like 5 – 8 V negative, again depending upon plate voltage.

?

-Chuck K1KW

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Louis Parascondola via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 8:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

If your plate meter reads 125 ma at idle the tubes are immediately dissipating 375 watts with no drive. ?Immediately turning red on the bottom bell at 375watts is a bit quick. ?Are both tubes turning red about the same way or is one brother red thsn the other?



?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:59 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

?

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.

?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?

My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.

Bob W4JFA?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:

I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:

I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.

With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.

The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?

If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.

I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?

?

Band

Load

Tune

Pin

Pout

Iplate ma

Igrid ma

160

10

8

80

1kW

600

180

80

10

5

55

1kW

630

140

40

10

2.5

80

1kW

440

160

30 (40)

1.6

0.75

50

1kW

450

160

20

6

0.75

50

1kW

500

170

17 (15)

7.4

1.25

60

1kW

630

160

15

6

0.75

80

1kW

530

160

10

5

0.5

75

1kW

600

160


Virus-free.


 

Lou, If you're talking about my photo, i cannot read any brand on it. The photo is from an original AL-80 (no A or B). That tube was in this amp when I bought it in 1994. An ole Timex watch!
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 6:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:
The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.




On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.
Bob W4JFA?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:
I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:
I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.
With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.
The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?
If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.
I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?
?
BandLoadTunePinPoutIplate maIgrid ma
160108801kW600180
80105551kW630140
40102.5801kW440160
30 (40)1.60.75501kW450160
2060.75501kW500170
17 (15)7.41.25601kW630160
1560.75801kW530160
1050.5751kW600160


 

开云体育

Seems to me that a burnt shunt would make the meter read high. 73 – Mike

?

Mike B. Feher, N4FS

89 Arnold Blvd.

Howell NJ 07731

908-902-3831

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Chuck Neal via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 9:06 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

Sounds like two problems at once

?

1) Plate meter is reading low, perhaps due to a burnt shunt resistor in the metering circuit

?

AND

?

2) Bias supply is not working depending on the plate voltage in that amp.? Not familiar with that amp’s plate voltage but “zero bias” tubes like 3-500’s do need some minimal bias, like 5 – 8 V negative, again depending upon plate voltage.

?

-Chuck K1KW

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Louis Parascondola via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 8:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

If your plate meter reads 125 ma at idle the tubes are immediately dissipating 375 watts with no drive. ?Immediately turning red on the bottom bell at 375watts is a bit quick. ?Are both tubes turning red about the same way or is one brother red thsn the other?

?

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:59 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

?

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.

?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?

My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.

Bob W4JFA?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:

I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:

I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.

With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.

The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?

If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.

I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?

?

Band

Load

Tune

Pin

Pout

Iplate ma

Igrid ma

160

10

8

80

1kW

600

180

80

10

5

55

1kW

630

140

40

10

2.5

80

1kW

440

160

30 (40)

1.6

0.75

50

1kW

450

160

20

6

0.75

50

1kW

500

170

17 (15)

7.4

1.25

60

1kW

630

160

15

6

0.75

80

1kW

530

160

10

5

0.5

75

1kW

600

160

?

Virus-free.


 

开云体育

Depends on the resistor.? Some go very low in value

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mike Feher
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 10:13 PM
To: 'Chuck Neal'; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

Seems to me that a burnt shunt would make the meter read high. 73 – Mike

?

Mike B. Feher, N4FS

89 Arnold Blvd.

Howell NJ 07731

908-902-3831

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Chuck Neal via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 9:06 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

Sounds like two problems at once

?

1) Plate meter is reading low, perhaps due to a burnt shunt resistor in the metering circuit

?

AND

?

2) Bias supply is not working depending on the plate voltage in that amp.? Not familiar with that amp’s plate voltage but “zero bias” tubes like 3-500’s do need some minimal bias, like 5 – 8 V negative, again depending upon plate voltage.

?

-Chuck K1KW

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Louis Parascondola via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 8:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

If your plate meter reads 125 ma at idle the tubes are immediately dissipating 375 watts with no drive. ?Immediately turning red on the bottom bell at 375watts is a bit quick. ?Are both tubes turning red about the same way or is one brother red thsn the other?

?

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:59 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

?

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.

?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?

My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.

Bob W4JFA?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:

I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:

I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.

With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.

The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?

If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.

I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?

?

Band

Load

Tune

Pin

Pout

Iplate ma

Igrid ma

160

10

8

80

1kW

600

180

80

10

5

55

1kW

630

140

40

10

2.5

80

1kW

440

160

30 (40)

1.6

0.75

50

1kW

450

160

20

6

0.75

50

1kW

500

170

17 (15)

7.4

1.25

60

1kW

630

160

15

6

0.75

80

1kW

530

160

10

5

0.5

75

1kW

600

160

?

Virus-free.


 

开云体育

Especially the carbon comp ones under about 1K, above that, they tend to go high when overloaded.

?

?

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Chuck Neal via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 10:28 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

Depends on the resistor.? Some go very low in value

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mike Feher
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 10:13 PM
To: 'Chuck Neal'; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

Seems to me that a burnt shunt would make the meter read high. 73 – Mike

?

Mike B. Feher, N4FS

89 Arnold Blvd.

Howell NJ 07731

908-902-3831

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Chuck Neal via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 9:06 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

Sounds like two problems at once

?

1) Plate meter is reading low, perhaps due to a burnt shunt resistor in the metering circuit

?

AND

?

2) Bias supply is not working depending on the plate voltage in that amp.? Not familiar with that amp’s plate voltage but “zero bias” tubes like 3-500’s do need some minimal bias, like 5 – 8 V negative, again depending upon plate voltage.

?

-Chuck K1KW

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Louis Parascondola via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 8:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ham-amplifiers] Ten-Tec Centurion, new tubes, idle current, glowing plates?

?

If your plate meter reads 125 ma at idle the tubes are immediately dissipating 375 watts with no drive. ?Immediately turning red on the bottom bell at 375watts is a bit quick. ?Are both tubes turning red about the same way or is one brother red thsn the other?

?

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:59 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

"Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive."

?

The brand new tubes did this right out of the box...no time elapsed.

?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 8:35 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

Oh Sorry, normal idle current is 125–160ma. Over time the bottom Bella of the tube will definitely turn red even with no drive.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 9:27 AM, Robin Midgett <RobinK4IDC@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info, Louis. To be clear, the photo you're referencing is from Bob W4JFA, not from me or my amplifier.?

My tubes from Tom Rausch of CTR Engineering do have white bases.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 5:36 AM Louis Parascondola via <Gudguyham=[email protected]> wrote:

The tube in that photo, does that tube have a white base to it?? It looks like there is no white base and the white looks to be a reflection of the filament light.? If this is so, that tube didn’t come from Tom at CTR.? Normal idle current on a pair of those tubes is around 125ma give or take a few.? THE PLATES WILL GET RED FOR SURE LIKE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.? That would be normal.? I’m not sure however if that amp has electronic bias ? I know it has QSK but I think you can switch between PTT and QSK.? Tom tests all his tubes ?do if they are new the amp should be working normally.? But the tube in the pgmhoti doesn’t seem to have any white base on it at all unless the photo is deceiving.

?

On Monday, July 15, 2024, 4:48 AM, Bob <W4JFABob@...> wrote:

I hope the attached picture shows. This is a 3-500z with approx 90 - 100mA plate current after about 60 - 90 seconds.

Bob W4JFA?

?

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 1:23 AM Robin Midgett via <RobinK4IDC=[email protected]> wrote:

I'd like to query the collective knowledge about a Ten-Tec Centurion amplifier I've been working on, if you'd be so kind as to respond:

I found that one tube had a cathode to grid short. I ordered and received a new pair of 3-500ZG tubes from Tom at CTR Engineering. I installed the tubes and it makes power.

With the amp keyed into a dummy?load & no drive, I see an indicated plate current of ~125mA, which I think is normal for a pair of 3-500Z tubes?in grounded grid; please comment on that. More to the point, the bases of the tube plates glow a dull red in that condition. I've been told by an elmer who I'm inclined to trust that the plates shouldn't glow with only 125mA plate current, and if they are glowing in keyed/idle, then the indicated plate current is likely false & for some reason greater than 125mA.

The original fault that I found is one tube has a short between grid and cathode, the other tube doesn't show any shorts. Is it possible or likely that some of the resistors used to derive?the plate current indication were damaged by the shorted grid/cathode condition?

If the plate current is greater than 125mA, what would cause that? I'm aware that Ten-Tec had some problems with bias from the QSK board in these amps for a time, but I don't know anything more about that. Any info is appreciated.

I recorded these parameters on each band; measurements taken from the front panel meters of the amp. I stopped at 1kW output because I don't have a slug for my Bird 43 that will indicate above 1kW on HF frequencies.?

?

Band

Load

Tune

Pin

Pout

Iplate ma

Igrid ma

160

10

8

80

1kW

600

180

80

10

5

55

1kW

630

140

40

10

2.5

80

1kW

440

160

30 (40)

1.6

0.75

50

1kW

450

160

20

6

0.75

50

1kW

500

170

17 (15)

7.4

1.25

60

1kW

630

160

15

6

0.75

80

1kW

530

160

10

5

0.5

75

1kW

600

160

?

Virus-free.