[Heathkit] Troubleshooting my HW-101

[Ted Bruce]

After initially aligning the rig after acquiring it a
couple of years ago, I used it on 10m recently for the
first time.  I was surprised at the output - about 30
Watts.  I already knew I was getting a bit less on 15
than on the lower bands,attributing it to weak finals
or driver.  Well, I replaced the late-model GE 6146B's
in the rig with new GE 6146W's (1987 date code), along
with a new driver, I had the same results.  I tested
the original 6146B's and 6CL6 ok, after I put the new
tubes in.

Reading the HW-101 bulletins list, I saw the note
regarding low output and the the IF amp tubes V3 and
V4.  One was an original Mullard, but the other (V3)
was a Sylvania.  I dug through my 6AU6s, eliminated
all of the Sylvanias and RCAs, and found several
Daystroms with some other designation that sounds
Chinese.  Since Daystrom used to own Heath, I thought
they might work.  Right - power immediately jumped to
60W output on 10m. (The Sylvania in the rig checked
out ok on my transconductance tube tester, by the
way).

I can't get the neutralization right following the
manual, so I've got to do the alternative procedure,
with plate and screen voltage removed.

I've got a bad socket on my tester, and I can't test
the 6EA8's.  I also don't have any ready spares.  Has
anyone tried subsituting a 6U8 or other potential subs
listed for the 6EA8 (from
http://www.oldtuberadio.com/tubes/tube_database/6EA8.htm
)? I thought I'd try that temporarily during
troubleshooting.

Thanks,
Ted KX4OM

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