Thunderbolt 101

[Dead_Metal]

My father just gave me a Thunderbolt 101 and I don’t know anything about it. I searched the forums and Google but found little information. Was hoping someone could tell me about it and how to tune it etc.

Thanks

 

[paws264]

My father just gave me a Thunderbolt 101 and I don’t know anything about it. I searched the forums and Google but found little information. Was hoping someone could tell me about it and how to tune it etc.

Thanks

Your Thunderbolt 101 uses 2 6JE6 /6LQ6's and might do as much as 350 watts PEP.

To tune this amplifier (and any other tube amplifier) first, close LOAD gang (fully meshed or about 500 pf on a vacuum variable).

Set the tune capacitor for half mesh.

Place watt meter on medium scale.

DK 4 watts into the amp, adjust the TUNE for max output on wattmeter; do this quickly, key for 5 seconds and tune then wait 5 seconds.

After you have tuned for max with "TUNE", still keying quickly, adjust your "LOAD" for max output on meter.

Alternately adjust your TUNE and LOAD controls (still keying at short intervals) until you can see no more increase in dead key watts.

With your peak-reading watt meter inline, adjust only the LOAD control for maximum forward swing when you say "The Magic Word".

If, everything is swinging forward and the tubes are looking good (no red glowing plates) then, I would recommend that you talk on it.
.

 

[2sc2879]

I had 3 of these amps.Nice little amp will do 160watts give or take with a standard 4 watt radio.You should adjust your dead key down on the radio.These boxes get warm so you put a outside fan on it.They do not have any fans from the factory.