D&A TRIPLE STAGE PHANTOM ISSUE

[Sonar]

My phantom is going to be sent out for repair but I'd like to get some input on what might be the cause of it's problem.
Lo and med work fine as far as output.
Med dead keys about 90 and pep is 450.
When switched into the high position I'm only seeing about 30 (120) watts more dead key then med. and about 80 (530) watts extra on the pep. This is the case on ssb and AM.
The tubes are original Sylvania stamped d&a's. I'm assuming that it's a tube issue.
Wow!! I'm hoping it's not more than one of them.
If so it's in the closet for the old boy or since there's really no difference on the other end between 450 and the 1000+ I might continue to use it in the med position. That's if it can be used without causing further damage or possibly blowing something out or worse up!. It's always been driven with 11/2 dk and 14-20 pep. It was recapped totally about 6 months ago. HV cap took a dump so I had just about everything one could do to bring it to better than spec. Everything except a retube which will not be happening. I forgot exactly what tubes are in it but their definitely those 50 - $70 sweeps! My fingers are crossed that it could be something besides tubes. What do you think?? 73. Ps I was seeing 1000+ watts on ssb with 15-18 on SSB. Close to the same on AM. Thanks again.

 

[wavrider]

Sounds like tubes SONAR,
IF it is indeed tubes talk to your tech about converting to 811 tubes.

Four 811 a tubes will give you 500 to 600 clean output with about 85 watts of drive.

 

[Sonar]

Sounds like tubes SONAR,
IF it is indeed tubes talk to your tech about converting to 811 tubes.

Four 811 a tubes will give you 500 to 600 clean output with about 85 watts of drive.

I'm

Sounds like tubes SONAR,
IF it is indeed tubes talk to your tech about converting to 811 tubes.

Four 811 a tubes will give you 500 to 600 clean output with about 85 watts of drive.

Thanks waiverider. Honestly I was hoping to hear the problem might be caused by a component (transistor, cap etc etc). I'm kind of holding out hope it's one tube. Even if it's two I'd spring for them. If it's not going to be cost effective to repair I'm hoping I can continue to use the amp in the med position. At 90 dead key and 450 pep it does a great job for me. Being that the amp is in phenomenal condition I might consider doing some type of tube swap. I know this means work and that means $$$ so I'll wait for Mike (Mikesradiorepair) to determine what it will need in order to get it back to its potential. It really sucks to want to keep things simply because of nastagia but that's the bottom line. I'll definitely let you know what caused the drop but I'm fairly sure you're correct and it's a tube or two or three or MOFO!!!! Anyone who operates old equipment strictly for nostalgic reasons knows how difficult it is to let them go. Thanks my friend. 73 ps Is a cx 250b an option and how complicated is that? Maybe something more robust (and cheap). I see a modified maverick on eBay. It has a 150b. That would guarantee the amp would be on the air for many many years. Thanks again my friend

 

[Sonar]

Sounds like tubes SONAR,
IF it is indeed tubes talk to your tech about converting to 811 tubes.

Four 811 a tubes will give you 500 to 600 clean output with about 85 watts of drive.

Well. After removing the cover I was happy to see the tubes which I knew were original as I recalled them being stamped d&a (Sylvania's). They are 6jm6's. I could probably retube it for about $90. I've read when owner's of the phantom retubed they usually went with the more robust replacement for the 6jm6. Which now are $50-$75. I don't know if that curtailed doing a mod but since these are the original tubes that were put into this amp before it was shipped by d&a I'm assuming all that Needs to be done is pop out the old ones and replace them with new one's. This could be an easy fix and the plus is it stays original. That's actually import me as it's about what it is more than what it can do. If it were a rust bucket I wouldn't care. I probably wouldn't even own it. For me it's about nastagia and condition. I'm not comfortable putting my fingers in there so I'm still going to ship it to Mike. Thanks waiverider. 73

 

[222DBFL]

Great idea sending to a tech that can work on HV stuff. Man will it grab you quick and doesn't let go!! Not worth it. Just don't drive the piss out of it, which I am pretty sure you weren't doing any ways. 1.5 watt DK and 12-14 pep watts, amd as long as you using the mi Gain correctly, don't see you having any issues. Maybe just have the amp gone through to make sure nothing else is wrong which I am sure youlll do. Hope you get it working like you want man. Just shows that even original parts can last a very long time if treated properly. They all eventually lose more output over a long period of time and use. It they aren't just slap burnt up!! Have fun with it after you get it back. Don't push it right now as you may create more heat abs cause other issues. Run on low if possible. On medium only when you really need it. More fun to make the contact with less power anyways.
Again, be well man, and have fun, I am rebuilding myself after Hurricane Matthew. Not far from the coast of Daytona Beach. South some about 5 miles, but only about 3-4 miles inland. Had to remove my antenna. It just wouldn't have made it. Anyhow I'll be back on by the time it cools down here in FL LOL!! Enjoy the DX'ing and have a good one.

 

[wavrider]

Sounds good sonar, good luck,

 

[Sonar]

Sounds good sonar, good luck,

Waiverider. I've searched online and am unable to find out whether the tubes need to be matched. I'm assuming it doesn't but I just don't know. I've read why certain amps need matched tubes and doubt this is one of them. Would you know for sure wheather it does or doesn't? Thanks

 

[wavrider]

I can not think of any reason why there should be matched tubes in that D&Ao

 

[222DBFL]

I would think that if they are new with no use that they would have about the same rating within a certain percentage. Or am I off base?? Not a tube amp owner, but know a good friend of mine that uses an Yaseu FT101E and and the FL2100 amp I think it is. The one that was made to use with those radios. It's a yaseu amp. Anyways. I am of the same thinking as Wavrider. Wouldn't think it would be an issue as long as they are new and are well manufactured tubes. Just a guess.

 

[BJ radionut]

I also wonder about your tube numbers...
Are you sure those are not 6MJ6's....and Not 6jm6's
6MJ6 and 6LQ6/6JE6/ and I think 6ME6 are basically same tube...
Those were very commonly used in D&A's....but then again D&A used what ever they could buy the cheapest at any given time tube wise in those days when they made a production run...
All the Best
Gary

 

[Sonar]

I also wonder about your tube numbers...
Are you sure those are not 6MJ6's....and Not 6jm6's
6MJ6 and 6LQ6/6JE6/ and I think 6ME6 are basically same tube...
Those were very commonly used in D&A's....but then again D&A used what ever they could buy the cheapest at any given time tube wise in those days when they made a production run...
All the Best
Gary

Thank you Gary. After a second look they are indeed labeled 6lq6/6je6c. There are actually 9 of these and the tenth is the tube used for keying it in cw. I will look and see what the cost will be to retube it. IMO if any amp was worth $200 to bring it back to it's rated output, this is one of them. I know many might think that insane but the amp is truly in exceptional condition. I've already had it totally recapped with modern flam proof capacitors, cleaned the tuning controls and the fan was disassembled and lubed. Besides replacing the tubes there really is nothing else i could think of doing. I'm the second owner and it's been babied all it's life. Using it along with my sonar 2340 sets the station time period up nicely and for me that's important. I enjoy the equipment that was produced during the cb craze. I know many will disagree and think keeping equipment like this going is a waste. I obviously don't and prefer the old gear. I doubt all the tubes need to be replaced but unfortunately I don't have a way to test the original d&a stamped Sylvania's that are in there and have been since the amp left the factory (as far as I know). I value all of your opinions. Thanks very much gary. Ps. This photo is one of the several I added when I first hooked up the amp over a year ago.

 

[wavrider]

Nope Sonar many operators still use the old vintage stuff.

I have a Browning Eagle, then a Browning Eagle Mark III
Old colt tube type cb.

For amateur gear I have an old Swan 700CX, all tube with exceptions of a couple transistors.
Hybrids are Yaesu FT 102, Kenwood TS 820, Kenwood TS 830.

The amplifier I am using for Amateur bands has a tube that has not been in production in many years and is getting as hard to find as Hens teeth, 3-1000Z. ( I do have two new 4-1000's to drop in the socket if the old 3X1 goes South on me).

SO nope it is all about how YOU want to have your station, if you like vintage and want to maintain it then so be it, I think the old stuff is cool and real radios glow in the dark ( not neon led lights but tubers).

 

[BJ radionut]

Hmmm... R. L. DRAKE L4B Serial #79...production date 1967(?)...
Wonder who runs this on a DAILY basis?
http://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/i-finaly-got-it-done.64758/

 

[wavrider]

Hmmm... R. L. DRAKE L4B Serial #79...production date 1967(?)...
Wonder who runs this on a DAILY basis?
http://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/i-finaly-got-it-done.64758/

Some Broadcast station in Indiana I think

 

[BJ radionut]

Some Broadcast station in Indiana I think