Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00  (Read 5617 times)

N4MQ

  • Member
  • Posts: 577
Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00
« on: March 14, 2018, 11:59:33 AM »

A couple of thoughts on 6146s.  they are rather pricey today and I have found a way around that.  There are 12 volt versions of the 6146 such as the 6883 which are available NOS for about $8.00 delivered from EBAY.  I just got 5 for $40 delivered and they tested out fine in my johnson ranger.

Since I have solid stated the rectifiers, the 5 volt rectifier filament winding was not needed.  By adding a SPDT switch in the rig, I can operate with 6 or about 12 volt filament tubes without other changes.  The switch was mounted into an existing panel hole as shown. The 110 volt ranger operated at higher filament voltages with todays 120 - 125 volt power lines, so the 12 volt tubes preform rather well with the filaments added in series ( properly phased to be additive ).

This opens the rig up to a source of new tubes at a great price, and I just wanted to pass this along to others that may be interested.  BTW I used a three position SPDT switch that is locking so it can not be BUMPED accidentely to wrong voltage.  Labels are added to remind me of the position and tube type.

One further idea that works for me is the plate caps have the 6-32 screws removed and thumb screws installed, saving the use of a screw driver to install or remove the plate cap.  Ive added thumb screws to the 4-400s in my thunderbolt as well, as I am doing lots of testing of tubes and working on the 160 meter conversion of this rig also.

Enjoy W  ;D  ;) D Y

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e4e72e1eb7&view=att&th=162249afaef7a7ac&attid=0.1&disp=safe&realattid=1594918224233758720-local0&zw

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e4e72e1eb7&view=att&th=162249afaef7a7ac&attid=0.2&disp=safe&realattid=1594918224233758720-local1&zw

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e4e72e1eb7&view=att&th=16225de280b73a00&attid=0.1&disp=safe&realattid=1594940434602262528-local0&zw

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e4e72e1eb7&view=att&th=16225de280b73a00&attid=0.2&disp=safe&realattid=1594940434602262528-local1&zw

« Last Edit: March 14, 2018, 12:02:07 PM by N4MQ »
Logged

KM1H

  • Member
  • Posts: 11155
RE: Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2018, 02:18:12 PM »

Ive been running 6883's in TS-830's a few decades now, just rewire the filaments at the socket for parallel operation.
The other KW hybrids are also wired for series filaments.

When SS took over the mobile 2 way market the 12V tube versions were soon dumped, including the phony Motorola designations.

Carl
Logged

N4MQ

  • Member
  • Posts: 577
RE: Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2018, 02:46:44 PM »

Can you discuss the phony motorola issue a bit more?

Woody
Logged

KM1H

  • Member
  • Posts: 11155
RE: Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2018, 03:29:48 PM »

They had their own part number stamped on the tube by GE, RCA, etc and told repair shops not to use anything else. They were bought in bulk and stuffed in Motorola boxes. I purchased many for pennies on the dollar ;D

Carl
Logged

KX4OM

  • Posts: 533
    • HomeURL
RE: Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00
« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2018, 04:36:46 PM »

That's good to know. Phony Motorola, not phony tubes. I haven't seen any. The application probably used single-ended PA, I imagine? I do have a pair of NOS 8032As that will someday go into my HW-101.

Ted, KX4OM
Logged

KM1H

  • Member
  • Posts: 11155
RE: Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2018, 04:41:20 PM »

All 2 way FM radios Im aware of used a single end design with the exception of the 5894 and Moto versions. I suspect those were PP but never looked at the schematics.

Carl
Logged

JS6TMW

  • Member
  • Posts: 1266
RE: Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00
« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2018, 05:57:25 AM »

A couple of thoughts on 6146s.  they are rather pricey today and I have found a way around that.  There are 12 volt versions of the 6146 such as the 6883 which are available NOS for about $8.00 delivered from EBAY.  I just got 5 for $40 delivered and they tested out fine in my johnson ranger.


Did you get the Phillips ones that are being sold in lots of 5? (He's raised the price if so, but still a good deal.)

Steve
Logged

N4MQ

  • Member
  • Posts: 577
RE: Beam Power Tubes "6146" types new for $8.00
« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2018, 01:02:54 PM »

I got another supplier that had 5 in rca boxes. Woody
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up