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Message |
    
Foxhunter
Member
Username: Foxhunter
Post Number: 50
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2008 - 12:07 am: | 
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It's me again....I could really use any information any member might be willing to share on this particular amplifier. It is the (New--I believe) Kris Big Boomer 300 Base Amplifier.
I know something is worth "only what someone is willing to pay for it"----and I paid $200, which I really didn't have to begin with, and now I'm feeling---guilt. Ever feel that way? It looks exceptionally clean, but am unsure if that is a "fair" price, assuming it was a good-working unit (??).
I searched what I could and didn't find much. CB Tricks has the manual which led me to a couple small discoveries/problems....
The manual states it is a 300W on SSB only, and like a dummy I saw "300W" on the meter and assumed AM. It is only rated at 125W-200W on AM. So the "dollar per Watt" formula would tell me not much of a bargain, maybe.
Then something else I noticed with the tubes. The manual states/describes the four tubes in the amp as:
** one driver (6JG6) and three finals (6LQ6's). In place of one of the three 6JG6 tubes is one that is similar, but not exact, and smaller---that says "6JE6C / 6LQ6". Would this be some sort of "generic" all-purpose replacement tube?? Would this slight mismatch cause problems?
Most tubes (except new) I've seen have atleast some "silvering" or burn-spots on the inside of them. I'm assuming this is due to heat and some burning off of the filament or plate materials. Is that really correct and somewhat "normal"? I've also seen tubes totally silver or mirror-looking----but mine seem to just have a quarter (coin) sized spots.
Anyone have or ever had this amplifier? When were they made? I used several search engines and had quite a few dead-ends. |
Starface
Senior Member
Username: Starface
Post Number: 2012
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2008 - 7:45 am: |
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You never stated what your seeing on a watt meter AM and SSB. Just what a manual is stateing.
If your getting the same stated readings from the manual I say you did ok at paying $200.oo
Yes you will see more wattage on SSB then AM/FM, this is normal.
6JE6C tubes are a replacememnt driver tube but the same as a 6JG6 (If you had a Tube book you fine a lot of replacement tubes with different #'s)but work just the same.
A silering or burn spot on the inside of them quarter side is also a normal sign.(Even new) As some are tested at the factory before sell.
So have you hooked this up to a radio and see your wattage readings?
Just remember not to over drive it with the radio.
Would only put 2-3 watts into it and see what your output wattage is.
If your getting 125-200 watts output on AM then your doing good.
Close to 300 watts on SSB is a good sign too.
So hook it up and test it out.
Also even factory will sub Tubes.
George
CEF#Ø476
KI4NBE Amateur Extra
HAM#Ø181
CVC#ØØ14
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Foxhunter
Member
Username: Foxhunter
Post Number: 51
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2008 - 7:47 pm: |
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"Much obliged"----Starface. And thank you. No I haven't hooked it up yet and can't yet. I got the amp yesterday evening.
I'd seen on the amplifier's own meter display that it would read up to 300W. So I was assuming AM not SSB. It was well over 105-F degrees out and I wasn't thinking clearly I was having a tough day/week/month.
So I read what I could first about the amp and the only real data I could find last night was the owner's manual on "CB Tricks". So all the figures I was quoting was from the manual and I hope this amp will do close to the numbers listed. I don't (still) have a base antenna yet set up so I can't really test the amp like I'd like to.
The manual says 3-1/2 Watts drive, so I'll be using 2W-3W at first
The amp has the proper driver tube (6JG6).
But one of the three finals is the one that's a bit different (dual tube numbers) and somewhat smaller. I'll try to find an actual 6LQ6 tube (like the other two finals) instead of the one oddball 6JE6C/6LQ6 tube. Unless it really doesn't matter (?)----I've read that tubes should never be mismatched in either type, design or tested percentage.
If you or anyone has anything else to add or even a link or recommendation I'd gladly welcome it. Appreciate it--------Foxhunter |
Starface
Senior Member
Username: Starface
Post Number: 2021
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 8:53 am: |
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JUST ONE recommendation.
BE CAREFUL, AMPS EVEN UNPLUG STILL HOLD A CHARGE!!!!!
ONE FALSE MOVE AND YOU'LL BE ZAPPED.
being a dumb kid of 19 at the time I made that false move and thought after it was over that someone came into the shack and hit me in the chest with a baseball bat.
so again when you replace that tube BE CAREFUL!
or IN DOUBT,DON'T! GET SOMEONE THAT KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
George
CEF#Ø476
KI4NBE Amateur Extra
HAM#Ø181
CVC#ØØ14
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Foxhunter
Member
Username: Foxhunter
Post Number: 54
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 2:01 pm: |
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OK I'll try......I've read in either CQ or QST that SEVERAL Ham's are killed each year poking around inside an amplifier. I am by no means qualified as a repair or tech in anyway. My best attribute is doing heavy-duty mobile installs. I've already had the cover off since the moment I brought it home, and took each of the tubes out twice. I will be careful though.
I watched a clip online last week of a father & son both electrocuted in Kansas City I believe trying to erect an antenna. The son's 4 year old daughter witnessed the whole thing.
I wish I had a decent place in the Southern New Jersey area to take tube equipment. I don't believe there is any place around. I'll be careful and again, Thanks Starface (I heard that name being called out on AM the other night about 3-AM in the morning) |
Starface
Senior Member
Username: Starface
Post Number: 2024
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 3:19 am: |
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Wish you the best in getting it altogether,
3am huh? could of been me, I do stay up late.
George
CEF#Ø476
KI4NBE Amateur Extra
HAM#Ø181
CVC#ØØ14
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Foxhunter
Member
Username: Foxhunter
Post Number: 59
Registered: 4-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 7:14 pm: |
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Thanks again your willingness and helpful attitude is truly appreciated. I know I use the words "thanks" and "appreciate" alot on the Copper Forum here----but I am sincere and really mean it. Thanks guys |
454
New member
Username: 454
Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2016
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2017 - 5:48 pm: |
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Although this post is old I thought I would chime in for current readers. The spots he is referring to as mirror-like and such is caused by the "Getters" inside the tubes. This is completely normal and a new tube will develop it within minutes of being powered on. The Getter is a internal device that burns off impurities that may get within the tube. so when you see this mirror-like area on your tubes don't give it a second thought. |
