A good friend of mine in southern California is finishing the design for a
new HF amp based on the very popular tube in the broadcast world called the
3CX3000A7.  Though the tube is capable of putting out 10 KW, it only costs
about $700, which is half the price of the Eimac 8877.  There are tons of
pulls available, meaning that used tubes can be found for a song.  The amp
should be ready for production later this summer, and I am on the list to
get one of the first units.  The amp will cover all ham bands from 160 thru
10 meters.  Though the amp is designed for the 3CX3000A7, another tube can
be substituted with minimal effort.  This tube is far less common, but they
can be bought from the rebuilders for not too much more money.  This tube is
the 3CX6000, and differs only in the diameter of the anode cooler.  There is
enough room in the amp to squeeze the 3 by 6 in, though a new larger chimney
is required.  I plan to make the substitution, and go with the more rugged
tube.  The first units will be manual tune, but work is already underway to
switch production to auto-tuners fairly soon after production begins.  I'll
keep the group up to date on the amp's progress.  Though final  pricing
isn't set as of now,  it is estimated to be circa $12,000.  The amp will be
very rugged, and a optional remote control head will also be offered.

 

Alan - N7MIT

 

 

Alan R. Downing

Phoenix, AZ