[ETO_Alpha] Alpha 76 questions

[Brian Harris]

This is my first post to this list.

I recently acquired an Alpha 76, Model PA-76CAF (three tubes and a Hipersil transformer).  At least I think it's a Hipersil transformer.  It weighs 31.4 pounds and is covered with what appears to be black epoxy.  

I have not installed the transformer and won't until I replace a broken fuse holder on the rear panel and check the power supply electrolytics for leakage and the equalizing resistors to see if they have drifted.  

I am aware of the meter shunt modification that increases the meter peak reading to 1.5A rather than 1.0A and I will do that modification.

This unit does not cover 10 meters.  I assume all that's required to get it on 10 meters is to install an appropriate tap on the tank coil and modify the bandswitch so it will move another position clockwise.  Will someone please provide me with the proper tap location and information on how to change the stop on the bandswitch (I assume it's just a tab or something on the front plate of the switch that needs to be removed).

I noticed there are two ceramic coupling capacitors in parallel between the final plates and the pi network.  While these apparently work, I was surprised (disappointed) that these weren't door knobs.  Are these capacitors reliable or should I remove them and install an appropriate door knob?

If there are any other modifications that are common and either helpful or considered necessary, please let me know about them or point me to a link on the internet.

Thanks in advance for your help and 73.

Brian Harris, WA5UEK

phone 214-763-5977

email cosmophone at yahoo.com

website www.myhamshack.com/wa5uek



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