[Boatanchors] Re: WRL LA-1 Linear

[Barry L. Ornitz]

Gary Schafer,K4FMX, wrote:

> >  Steve Wenger asked:
> >
> >  > Does anyone know a good replacement for the EL38's? What is
> >  > a good replacement if I rewire the tube socket. Anyone have
> >  > any EL38's for sale? Anyone interested in buying the amp -
> >  > make offer.

> I have one of those amps too. It works ok but it does not put out as
> much power as advertised. Back in those days there was confusion of
what
> PEP really was. I haven't run mine in awhile and don't remember how
much
> power it puts out, somewhere around 200 watts at most if I remember
> right. Maybe only 150. It was used with 20A's and the globe scout.
>
> The EL38 I think is the same as a 6CA7. Both equally hard to find. I
> believe that they are popular with the audio people so the price is
> rather high.

The 6CA7 is an EL34.  Which is it, an EL34 or EL38?  The list
of transmitting tubes for amateur transmitters posted recently
said the tube was an EL38.

> It could be converted to 1625,s or 837,s but would require a socket
> change. Shouldn't be too hard to do as there is not much to the amp.
The
> power handling of those tubes would be equivalent to the EL38. If
using
> 1625,s you would need to modify them to disconnect the suppresser
grid
> from the cathode.

Not all 1625 tubes are suitable.  This is discussed in the
1957 ARRL Handbook where they note that in some 1625 tubes,
the suppressor grid is brought out from the tube envelope and
connected to the cathode inside the base of the tube.  Here
you just need to remove the base and clip the connection.  But
in other 1625 tubes, the connection of the suppressor to the
cathode is internal to the glass envelope.

        73,  Barry     WA4VZQ     ornitz@tricon.net