[Hallicrafters] HT-33 A

[Roger(K8RI)]

Hi John,

I'm not too worried about the PL172s.  There seem to be quite a few around
although most are probably gassy.  I can get them with a guarantee/warranty
but those are expensive.  The 8295A is a direct replacement and a lot of
PL172s have 8295 stamped on them. However the 8295A is a metal and ceramic
tube where the PL-172 is metal and glass.  Naturally the 8295As are more
than twice the cost of a PL172 and that works out to be more than many
modern legal limit amps.  One commercial supplier of tubes quoted me $1200
for a PL-172 and $2600 for a fresh, tested, and warranted (30 or 60 days?)
8295A.

Here's what my HT-33B looks like inside
http://www.rogerhalstead.com/boat8.htm
and the front panel http://www.rogerhalstead.com/boat9.htm

I'm wondering if the 33A uses the same screen voltage as the 33B.  That
might account for the lower power out. Course a soft tube(s) could do the
same.  This amp comes with two tubes, but it appears both are weak/soft, or
gassy. At least the quoted power is fairly low.

I just saw your "Yet another Look" and I'm going to guess...based on the
extra holes, the new filament transformer, the appearance of the tan powder
(or color) in areas difficult to reach, the appearance of the chassis around
the missing tube sockets (it does appear as if there were tube sockets
mounted there and again emphasizing that lighting can play tricks in
photographs), the new bleeder resistor on top of the stack, AND the
repainted cover and "guess" the  filament transformer probably shorted out
and caused a real mess (fire?).

I'd be surprised if it makes reserve...I'm betting it's either $300, or $350
and it looks like too much work for me. I just finished up completely
rebuilding a Henry 2K4 and I have a really nice looking HT-33B ready for the
cabinet. (when the cabinet is ready)  I think I can keep the shop warm by
taking a break any time it gets chilly and get on 40 meters for a few
minutes. Man, but that thing throws out a lot of heat.

I'll be putting those two projects on some pages soon.

Roger Halstead (K8RI, EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
N833R, World's Oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2)
www.rogerhalstead.com

> Hi Roger,
>
> I can't help you on the VR tubes but you should know that the final on
that
> rig is a PL-172A.  They are no longer manufactured and very expensive when
you
> find a good one.  Also, as I am sure you are aware, the HT-33 weighs a ton
so
> shipping will be extremely expensive, especially if it is some distance
from
> you.