[Boatanchors] 6146 question

[Richard Knoppow]

    The A and B are essentially similar. I think the A has controlled 
heater warm up for mobile use. Not a significant difference. The B was 
redesigned, I think by Sylvania, it is physically larger and may not fit 
in some equipment designed for the A. It also has different 
interelectrode capacitances and may be difficult to neutralize in some 
gear not designed for it. A W in a tube type means it was sold to a 
government contractor. W tubes sometimes have tighter tolerances on 
specs. Otherwise they are the same as the A version.
    The Ranger has a very good reputation. Worth restoring.

On 1/28/2024 10:55 AM, corner five wrote:
> hi group.
> I am the new owner of a viking ranger 1, ver2. fully restored, and soon 
> to be on the air.  I'm new to the world of tube rigs and wish to learn 
> as well as do right by my new treasure, so looking for your thoughts 
> related to the single 6146 final.
> .
> I have read that there are four variants of the 6146.
> => 6146, 6146A, 6146B, 6146W.
> My ranger currently has the 6146A installed.  Somewhere down the line I 
> may need to replace this tube.  From what I read the 6146 and 6146A are 
> essentially identical and both will work fine in this transmitter.
> .
> Question: Can I safely use the 6146B?  If so, will I need to change 
> anything from the current (6146A) setup to accommodate this different 
> final?  I ask because the "ok" use of the 6146B seems to be yes or no 
> depending upon what transmitter you are using.
> .
> Same question for the 6146W.
> .
> .thanks.

-- 
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
SKCC 19998