[Elecraft] Positioning of the KPA500

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Yes, Merv - memories! Some tubes must be operated in the upright position
and I recall the permissible orientations being one of the specs one would
find on the mfgr's data sheet.

Brian - thinking about the aesthetics of standing the KPA500 on its side
gives me a headache, Hi! I have always found that I do my best work (or
play) when I'm in an environment that looks good to me.

Have you considered a "bridge"? I often use one at the operating position.
I'm talking about a simple "U" shaped affair made out of some 1x12 wood -
pine or whatever's handy. A vertical section of the plank at each end
holding a horizontal section that passes over the K3/P3 combo. All you need
is a bit of plank from the local shop, a saw, a few screws and a
screwdriver. For the weight of the KPA500, you might splurge on some
right-angle brackets to support the join between the uprights and the ends
that elevate the horizontal span. I didn't bother on mine because I used
long screws that go well down into the vertical segments. 

Because I'm a dedicated brass-pounder I have one on my desk that elevates
the K3, KPA500 and P3 enough to allow me to put my mechanical keys under the
rigs. That lifts them up so I don't need to use the tilt-stands and can
comfortably look straight on at them. It masks for a very neat, clean
installation. 


73,

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Merv Schweigert
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2011 8:19 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Positioning of the KPA500

Seems there could be a problem with the grids in the tubes sagging and 
touching the
plate if not operated in the proper position,  I do know that the 866A 
rectifiers will
not work, the mercury will puddle on the sides and cause arcs,  they 
need to be
operated vertical.   :-)

Good ole days eh?
K9FD/KH6