[Boatanchors] Twins -

[Rodger Singley]

Pete,

The S suffix version of the TS-900 uses a 4X150 tube instead of the no suffix sweep tube version but I have never run across one.  I use a Kenwood TL-911 amplifier with my TS-900 and the 911 is the best built sweep tube amplifier I have seen.  It uses five 6LQ6 tubes in parallel with electronic over current protection, provisions for separately balancing idle current and peak current for each tube, and a very nice power supply, cooling system, and layout.

I believe that the TS-511 was also available in two power levels with the higher power level also having an S suffix.

Rodger WQ9E

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From: manualman at juno.com<mailto:manualman at juno.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 4:03 PM
To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net<mailto:boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Twins -

Trio was trying to enter the U.S. market through Henry Radio. Drake
products were considered high quality and feature rich for the time. Trio
was out to debunk that notion and get their foot in the door. The TS-900
didn't last long but was a great starting point. They also used sweep
tubes. Someone once told me they made a high power version of the TS-900
but was never offered in the U. S. In the separates, the first set of
Trio/Kenwood Twins R/T-599 were also introduced in 1970 and were quite
successful through Henry Radio and used the much better 6146's in the
transmitter final. By the mid 70's, additional U. S. retailers started
stocking the Twins and moving them very well and further eating into
Drake's market. By late 1972/early 73, Trio/Kenwood introduced the
TS-520, also with 6146's, and became an instant success. Trio/Kenwood
never looked back; they continued to move forward into the amateur U. S.
and International markets.

Pete, wa2cwa