D&A "Raider" boat anchor

[Blue Ox2]

Well, I put some "new" tubes in the D&A "boat anchor". Seems to be making forward progress
Not sure if my tuning has made much difference.

Can't really tell if moving the load setting has made a difference either.

I am showing about 40W swing on positive modulation.

This evening I'll try for a local radio check.

73,

Mike

[Kruser]

Your power supply filter capacitors are one of the most important things in a tube amp. The Raider has 3 of them. I just completed a rebuild on a Raider this week. Today you can get larger value caps that are smaller than what D&A had in the 70s. I upgraded mine to hold more power and used 500 volt ratings.

Have you checked yours? Something is wrong if that is all your getting out of it.

[Blue Ox2]

Hey there Randy,

Would you be willing to take on the project of getting this thing working proper if possible?

73,

Mike

[Kruser]

I just found your reply here a year later. I hope you got it up and running. As for time working on radios and amps, I am up to my neck now with work. I need to be faster but I am so particular at getting things right, it really slows down what I can get done. 73s and wish I could have helped you more.
Randy

[nk14zp]

Caps in all old tube equipment is suspect. Also a variac can be handy working on old tube stuff.

[Kruser]

I have a lot of test equipment but a variac is something I need to get. I agree it is always the best not to just throw 120 volts into equipment that is old or has not been used in quite a while. And 1,000 volts to old dried capacitors can cause the 4th of July to come early.
Does anyone have a suggestion of what to buy or what not to buy? There are several on fleabay but like anything else, you get what you pay for.
Randy

[nosaj]

Variacs are nice but a dim bulb tester has saved my bacon many times. It's basically a go no go device and simple to build. Basically if you have a short the light bulb soaks up the current saving your parts if say you put a cap in backwards.
Here's some info[Please login or register to view this link]

nosaj
N1EBC

[nk14zp]

I also wired a bulb in series with my variac. Replace bulb with fuse for full power.

[Blue Ox2]

The project still stands, that is a fact. If and when you have the time and desire, I have the project for you....

73 fer now, we'll be scannin' the waves...…

Mike

I just found your reply here a year later. I hope you got it up and running. As for time working on radios and amps, I am up to my neck now with work. I need to be faster but I am so particular at getting things right, it really slows down what I can get done. 73s and wish I could have helped you more.
Randy