[Boatanchors] 6146 vs 6146A vs 6146B or 6146W

[cemilton at aol.com]

I probably do not have the total experience level as Lee, but I've also made the various subs of the 6146 family and also not had any problems.  I've used them interchangeably in my Collins, Heath, Eico, EFJ and WRL rigs.  I, too, try to run them as the individual manuals prescribe.  Not a problem to date.

73
Chuck
W4MIL 


Remember, the government cannot give anything to anyone that they have
not first taken away from someone else.




-----Original Message-----
From: lee <pulsarxp at embarqmail.com>
To: boatanchors <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tue, Jul 5, 2011 3:25 am
Subject: [Boatanchors] 6146 vs 6146A vs 6146B or 6146W


I just scrutinized the spec sheets for the above mentioned tubes.  They are 
146, 6146A, and the 6146B or newer 6146W tubes.  The spec sheets show the 
146B and 6146A  interelectrode capacity to be virtually the same and the 
146 tube to have 1/2 pf more input capacitance.  So for practical matters, 
he interelectrode capacitances are the same for all these tubes.
The tube spec/charts also show they all can be run as plate modulated class 
 amplifiers with 600 volts on the plate, 250 volt grid voltage on grid 2, 
nd -150 volt negative voltage on grid number 1.  Yes, the 6146B shows the 
lass envelope can run at a higher temperature then the others and the plate 
urrent can be increased from 125 ma to 250 ma. when using the 6146B or W. 
he number 2 grid still has a max of 2 watts and the grid current is the 
ame for all.  That is 4 ma.
I have plugged in many 6146B tubes in my old boat anchor rigs which 
riginally were supplied with 6146 or 6146A tubes.  I have never had a lick 
f a problem when ever I have done so.  Since my transmitters were designed 
or the 6146 power ratings,  I have never "pushed the rigs to give the max 
146B power output by increasing the plate current.  I think that would be 
nwise.  (The exception to this is my Collins S-line equipment which were 
uilt for 6146B tubes or at least came out of Collins with the B tubes 
lready installed.
That said, to be honest,  I think the talk about B tubes not working in A 
ube transmitters is a bunch of BS or falsehood as I have never experienced 
he horror story myths I have read about B tubes from time to time.  I base 
his upon the spec sheets and the fact I have never had a problem 
ubstituting an A tube with a B tube.  As I mentioned earlier, I have never 
pushed" the rig beyond the A tube ratings after installing a B set of 
ubes.
I am well aware of the WARNING given about using a B tube in place of A 
ubes by one individual.  (I am not trying to slam him but I do disagree 
trongly with his paper.  I don't know anything about using these tubes in 
HF applications but only in HF applications).  All I can say is, the spec 
heets point out you can replace an A tube with a B or W tube and I have 
ever had a problem doing this.  I've done it enough times without a problem 
nd based on the spec sheets, they indicate no reason for having a problem. 
nother good ham friend of mine has used the B or W tubes enough times too 
nd he too has never had a problem with the substitution.
Today, in 2011, new 6146B and 6146W tubes are sure a lot easier to find then 
146 or 6146A tubes.  I've also been able to buy  NOS military 6146W tubes 
or less money then NOS 6146 or 6146A tubes.  I can buy new W tubes for 
bout the same or less money then used 6146 or 6146A tubes.
I am writing this so others who may have a fear of using a B or W 6146 in 
lace of a 6146 or 6146A tube should try it and find out for yourself what 
s fact and what is fiction.
Am I alone with never having a 6146B substitution problem?  I'd sure like to 
ear from others who have done the switch.  Have you personally ever had a 
roblem doing this?  The spec sheets say you should have no problem and I 
ave had none myself.
Lee, w0vt 
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