[Boatanchors] Swan 700CX Help Needed

[Al West, K7JUB]

Dave Meitzen wrote:

>I came into ownership of a Swan 700CX. I became fascinated with this rig
>because of the claims of 700 watts PEP operation. I have done some
>restoration work and this is where I am at.
>
>I switch it into TUNE and I can tune it up null the carrier and get about
>220 watts out on a peak reading bird when I switch it back to REC and key
>the mike and see peak voice on the bird at 220 watts.
>
>When I switch to TRAN mode the PA controls do not do anything. Even with the
>carrier tune in. The meter reads about 50ma with the bias turned all the way
>clockwise.
>
>I think 220 watts for a couple of sweep tubes is pretty strong. BTW this
>unit has been modified to use the 6LB6 in place of the 8950's.
>
>Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated. Has anyone seen 700PEP on
>this rig?
>Thanks
>Dave
>
>
>  
>

Dave,

If you are running 6LQ6 finals  the rig won't see 700 watts PEP.  The 
500C and 500CX Swans ran the 6LQ6 tubes.  Price wise the LQs are cheaper 
to replace, and some have converted their Swans to run on 6HF5 finals 
which are dirt cheap, and still make reasonable power.  For tuning I 
suggest using the CW position with a key. Preset the plate and grid 
controls for best RX and with just a bit of carrier inserted key up and 
dip the plate.   From there just tune for maximum power out and enjoy!  
Bye the bye, don't "key down" for long periods of time until you get the 
plate dipped.  Give it just a few seconds at a time.

There is a Swan group on Yahoo that is loaded with info, and a tech net 
on Wednesday afternoons on 14.251(+\- qrm) at 2300Z.  There is also a 40 
meter version on Saturdays, but I don't know the freq or time off hand. 
Stu, K4BOV hosts the nets and you will not find a more knowledgeable 
Swan guru.  He is located in Corning New York.
You can email him at >>k4bov at yahoo.com<<.

Good luck, and keep it glowing!

73

Al West
K7JUB
Tucson, Az.

(Swan 500CX & Swan 100MXA)