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Another Ameritron problem.


That is funny LOL. What are the power transistors with more gain that they are using? Can't tell from the video, haven't researched it. Never worked on a ALS-500, only the 600 model.
 
Ok I see here on the Youtube video description he adds this:

The second issue is mainly when PP100 transistors are used in place of 2SC2879 transistors. The amplifier has a large current spike. The PP100's have a lower base bias threshold, typically I measure around .51 volts or so, and high dc current gain at idle. The bias circuit has a very brief (a few milliseconds) spike of around .75 volts before it settles to operating bias levels. The PP100's also have a good bit more VHF gain. This causes the amplifier to momentarily oscillate upon relay closure.
 
I'm glad I have one of the older ones with the 2879's in my Jeep. That thing has been rock solid for me. That remote current issue is troubling, though...I use that!
 
I was laughing at the oscillating / Bias spike problem. Should never see such a thing from a production amplifier. Not funny for the end consumer, no, but funny as a tech to see that happening.
 
I never knew Ameritron used "PP100" outputs until now.

But I do know Ameritron is owned by "MFJ" now and that pretty much explains it all.

Take their most expensive amps... a 1 year warranty.. So they are not expecting, they are hoping your 5 thousand dollar linear lasts a year.

I get a 6 month warranty on all the tubes I use from my distributor in our guitar amps we manufacture.

I bought a new 300 watt mfj matchbox at the Dayton fest a few years ago. The metering never worked. Turned it in 3 days later, 8 month later I got it back. Exact unit, I etched it. And guess what. Just as phucked as when I got it. Still have it. And on top of it. The dummy load is 57 ohms... that's 14%!
 
I too have an older one with 2879's and use it with the ALS-500RC remote and it works fine. I tried it with the ARI-500 remote auto-band switch and it seems RF or something else occasionally will trip the amp into fault to where it was too aggravating to bother with it.

Seems like putting a simple fuse in line on the internal remote wires would be a good idea.
 
It continues.
Brand new amp with a solder blob under the flange when it was bolted down.
Fail.
73
Jeff
Screenshot_20220817-084925~2.png
 

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