[Hallicrafters] Components failing with age?

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

Bob, 	
	
You forgot to mention, along with that formula, you must factor in the heat
dissipation. It is that build up of heat that causes the breakdown and failure,
especially in a light bulb. 	
	
There are several, and my good friend K9EID, Bob Heil, is among them, who will
not use apiece of vintage gear without bringing it up on a Variac each time.
Perhaps this is overly cautious, but a slow increase of the voltage is easier on
the system, regardless of age, and regulating that line voltage cuts down on
excessive heat. When it comes to this equipment, heat can be a killer! 
		
Duane W8DBF	
   

----------
From: RJB <rjb at lynden.com>
To: hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Hallicrafters] Components failing with age?
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 4:54 PM

IIRC i learned, as an elec engineering student back in the 60's, that the
lifetime of an incandescent lamp bulb varied inversely as the 14th power of
the applied voltage (YIKES!!!). If this is anywhere near true, AND if a
similar law applies to the heaters in vacuum tubes, it has horrible
implications for an overvoltage of even 10% on the life expectancy of yer
average 6BA6 et al :(

At my QTH the line voltage is typically 120-125v.

Bob, Maple Vly, WA

-----Original Message-----
From: hallicrafters-admin at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:hallicrafters-admin at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Duane Fischer,
W8DBF
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 1:01 PM
To: ARDUJENSKI at aol.com; hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] Components failing with age?


Based on some testing W9GXJ did several years ago,  the higher line voltage
has
a definite effect on all components' transformers, tubes, capacitors,
resistors
and so forth. He made observations about the heat generated, as heat
shortens
life. He found that most sets would operate up to factory design
specifications
running from 100-110 VAC. Hence his firm belief that the line voltage should
be
controlled for all older gear that was never designed to operate on today's
common 125 VAC.

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