I would highly suggest that you read and review Neil Rosenberg's (K1VY) article on "Rebuilding the Drake PTO Assembly" -- found here:
http://www.wb4hfn.com/DrakeTechTips.htm

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I very much doubt that this conversion was performed on a stock SB-200 (Two Hundred) which uses the 572B tube ....

It is more likely that the SB-220 (Two Hundred Twenty) which uses the 3-500Z woudl serve as the basis for such a conversion.

Also likely that this is another urban legend or rumor -- ask for photos or web pages.

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Well I was at Alpha (Boulder, CO) on September 1st.  Met Molly, president; Anthony, heads sales operation; and Glenn, service deaprtment.  They seem to be shipping a number of the new SWR meters and had Ronnie Milsap's former Alpha 77 (serial numebr 2) in for maintenance.  Parts for my Alpha 76 are still readily available.

Sounded like a 6 meter amplifier (previously discussed a couple of years ago) is in initial design stages (likely using the 8877).

The new 9500 will have no less than 5 microprocessors (that's quite a bit of computing power) - compared to the 87A's single Motorola processor.  Yes, the transistor and tube discussion took 15 mintes of my visit.  I see their viewpoint from a service and service expense viewpoint (the average amateur understands changing a bad tube -- but does not respond well to changing out 4 RF transistors).  I think their experiecne with RF concepts taught them quite a bit about their customers and the economics.

** I don't see Quandra's or PW-1's flying off the shelves from any US dealer - BUT I do hear maning about the price and inability for "the common amateur" to repair it. **

Greg
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JC -

Palomar as an amplifier building company has been gone for a number of years -- new units appear with their name from the illegal domestic mfg. operations and illegal export.

Some of the original designs from the 1970s, were direct copies of Helge Granberg's PC board layouts from the Motorola application notes. Of course Motorola was never paid $$ for these infringements.

You might as well open it up, take a few photos and note the transistors used (likley "2SC" bipolars).

Useful for a few parts (e.g. heat sink, transistors)in building a "good" amateur radio HF amplifier!

Greg
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For the Hustler (Newtronics) antennas - I deal with DX Engineering (in Ohio - where Hustler use to be based - before it was moved to Texas)

Good Internet ordering -- key documents are on-line for downloading, etc.
http://www.dxengineering.com/

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Rob -

In the future, here is ALL the contact information for
Tom's Tubes:

Telephone (256) 593-0077
Fax (256) 593-0077

Postal address
190 East Hwy.
Boaz, AL 35957-6430

E-mail for General Information/Sales: w4th@tomstubes.com

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As I suspected, Tom had a problem with the web site/ISP.

The web site is up (business is still there) and fully functioning.
http://www.tomstubes.com/

Greg
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Your TS2000 is fully capable of automatic switching with your Yaesu amplfier (within its TTL or relay ratings).  You could use a relay/buffer box -- IF the amplfier exceeds the TS-2000 switching specs --
I don't have the switching voltage / amperage specs for FL-2100F on this computer - BUT ALL of this (specifications) is clearly covered in both manauls.
http://www.theheathkitshop.com/ampkeyer.html

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Chuck -

Well I am a high speed Extra (earned it in 1980s with 20 wpm) .. the FCC Millennium rule making did away with the 13 wpm and 20 wpm -- and with 5 wpm and test you get the Extra.

I actually would hold on to the Advanced if I were you .... at least proves you passed the 13 wpm .. I know of 5 Advanced who are taking that approach.  Iw oudl just like an "Endorsement" - but I will have to take the GROL exams to signify that skill now!

gb  

I do not think you need a "matched set" (my opinion).

RF Parts would be my source - they warranty and recommend Taylor brand.

GB, w9gb

Rick -

Straight from the Icom America web site:
Connection Cables Reference List
http://www.icomamerica.com/support/documents/cables.asp

OPC-023A 5 A DC Power Cable for 45A, 260, 290H, 255A, 1200, 25A, 120, 490, AT500, 245, AT100, 280, 221, 220, 560, 290, 490, (R71/A with CK70 Kit), 22S 4 pin, 3 meter wht, gry

OPC-023B 10 A DC Power Cable for 25A, 27A, 125, 211, 37A 4 pin, 3 meter, wht

Rick -

Here is the Icom IC-25A manual (Adobe Acrobat)
http://www.icom.co.jp/manual/external/transceivers/IC-25A_E.pdf

Ken's Electronics list the connector as -
80-1490PRT = P5108 (2 pair) 4-pin inline .093 plug/socket Icom IC25A $7.47

61-504 (pair) 4 pin .093 male & female connectors with male & female housings
http://www.kenselectronics.com/lists/pwrcord.htm

Radio Shack use to sell that connector in the 1980s. You should be able to "pick-up" at any Molex dealer/distributor - such as: Fry's Electronics or Mouser
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/622/949.pdf

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Is that power connector -- 4 pins in-line with a triangle point on on-side (polarity alignment) and a square off of the other end?  If it is - that is a Molex connector -- .093" pin.

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Bill -

Don't forge the TS-440S "reset" after battery replacement!

Excerpt from the TS-440S manual:
http://www.icanworkthisthing.com/docs/amateur_radio/multi/ts440%20manual.shtml

5.5. Microprocessor back-up lithium battery

A lithium battery is contained in the transceiver to retain memory. Turning off and POWER switch, disconnecting the power cable, or a power failure will
not erase the memory. The battery should last for approximately five years. When the battery discharges, an erroneous display may appear in the display.
[SNIP]

1. When the lithium battery is replaced, the microprocessor must be reset, using the procedure in section 5.6.
2. When the lithium battery fails, the radio's microcoded functions are NOT affected. Only information stored in memory will be cleared.

5.6. Microprocessor reset

When the microprocessor has functioned erroneously or when setting the transceiver in the initial state, switch on the power with the A=B switch pressed.

Note: The microprocessor can be easily reset. However, only perform this operation when necessary since the contents of memory are cleared by
resetting.
==================

Art -

Do you realize that an automated band switching solution for different rigs exists from Elecraft?
http://www.elecraft.com/KRC2/krc2.htm

The Elecraft KRC2 Band Decoder is a universal, programmable station control unit that can switch any combination of antennas, filters, amplifiers, or other equipment. It supports analog, digital, and RS232 control inputs, so it's compatible with transceivers from Icom (voltage level), Yaesu (BCD and voltage level), and Kenwood (serial or BCD via logging program), as well as Elecraft's own K2 and K2/100.

The KRC2 includes decoded outputs for all HF bands (including WARC bands), three transverter bands, and general accessories. High-side (source) and low-side (sink) relay drivers are included. All signal lines are RF bypassed to eliminate RFI and noise pickup.

Individual driver outputs can be "wire-ORed" as with conventional decoders. However, the KRC2 also provides a PC-based command interface, allowing the user to configure the unit with simple text commands. New firmware can even be downloaded via the internet. The combination of these features makes the KRC2 uniquely suited to the user's present as well as future station control needs.
============================

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