LETTING AMPS RUN

[Stellasstillarat]

Is it ok to let an amp tube or transistorized to run for fairly long periods while not in use? I always let the fan run for adout 5-10 minutes after operating. Occasionally I will have to abruptly stop operating my radio /amp. I turn the radio off but since I like to leave the fan running to cool off the amp I sometimes can't return for up to an hour or more to shut it off and this concerns me. Should it?

 

[M0GVZ]

Should be fine. Its heat that does the damage and tubes sat there doing nothing generate very little.

 

[543_Dallas]

A transistor amp really doesn't matter because all that's consuming power at idle is the fan. If something else is pulling current it ain't right. It needs no warm up or cool down time so you can leave it on or turn it off and on several times a day. You won't damage it.

If you plan on using the tube amp go ahead and turn on the filament and blower so that it can warm up before turning on the HV. Take a look at the spec sheet for the tubes you have because not all tubes require the same warm up time. Letting the tubes cool before turning off the blower and filament is a good idea.

 

[wavrider]

If you are not using your equipment, disconnect the coax and unplug the radio . amp. ps.

Coax unplugged no path for lightning to hit your equipment from the antenna,

Equipment unplugged no path for lightning to hit your equipment from electrical wires.

Your equipment risk it as you like.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

If you are not using your equipment, disconnect the coax and unplug the radio . amp. ps.

Coax unplugged no path for lightning to hit your equipment from the antenna,

Equipment unplugged no path for lightning to hit your equipment from electrical wires.

Your equipment risk it as you like.

What does that have to do with what the OP was asking about? I think you misunderstood. He was talking about leaving gear on for maybe an hour or more until it could be turned off. If he could unplug everything as you suggest then he could have turned everything off in the first place.

 

[Stellasstillarat]

I assumed letting it run in stby for an hour or two wouldn't do any damage over the short period. I came to this conclusion while reminiscing the times when our zenith bw television rarly was turned off. It probably stayed on 12 hours a day for about 10 years. Granted it was repaired once and im sure a (sweep)tube or two had been replaced before getting our first color Rca in 70. I must say these sweep tubes may not be ideal for transmitting but there certainly resilient. I'd better knock on wood as this reply will no doubt cause one or more of these.4 x 6lf6's"s or 2 x 6kd6's to go bye bye. Just my luck. It usually goes that way for me. Thanks.

Should be fine. Its heat that does the damage and tubes sat there doing nothing generate very little.

Should be fine. Its heat that does the damage and tubes sat there doing nothing generate very little.

Should be fine. Its heat that does the damage and tubes sat there doing nothing generate very little.

 

[wavrider]

[QUOTE="Stellasstillarat, post: 516453, member: 42401"sometimes can't return for up to an hour or more to shut it off and this concerns me. Should it?[/QUOTE]

I interpret this statement as not being at the operating station.

Thus if any bad weather, or if any component in the PS should short and cause an electrical fire, the op would not be at the operating station.

It may be more than just equipment that you loose.

Here in Florida with bad weather it is not uncommon to have many power fluctuations and/or power outages momentarily. Where the electric will shut off then within few seconds back on again.

This plays hell on older equipment, especially old cb amplifiers whose power supplies are marginal at best.