[Hallicrafters] HT-33B Value

[Mark Shaum]

I've seen up to $750 if the physical condition is very good and
(important) the PL-172/8295 is good.  New/unused tubes go for up to
$900. Add $100 to value or so if the unit has the ceramic version of the
PL-172 (Eimac 8295A) - the ceramic version has longer life.  The
original 8295/PL-172 has glass to metal seals that eventually leak and
reduce efficiency.

I have a 33A and with my best of three PL-172's it puts out 675 watts on
80m with a steady, measured 1kw plate input and runs cool.  This is
probably about the max for a class AB2 amp. You can push it a bit harder
but this is going beyond the original Halli specs.  By adding a
supressor grid supply the thing will easily put out 1200 watts or more,
but your milage may vary.  The original design has the supressor
grounded.  I experimented with insulating the suppressor ring contact
and bypassing, then applying 50-75V.  Tube spec sheets will note the big
difference in output when the suppressor is contributing.

My only other comment is the thing is TOO heavy if you re-arrange your
shack a lot.  135 pounds or so.  I'm going to pull the plate iron out
and put it in a remote box with a variac one of these days.

73! - Mark K9TR

From: "Frank Baker" <frankbaker at mchsi.com>


> What's the top dollar value for a HT-33B in Excellent condition? I
have no
> idea
> 73's Frank