[Heathkit] Chippewa

[Singley, Rodger]

Larry,

I have owned a Chippewa for a few years.  There are a couple of things to watch out for.  First, the plate current meter is in the HV lead and is at full plate potential to ground so it would be best not to touch it while the amp is powered up.  Other rigs I have seen with this metering scheme mount the meter behind an additional glass panel.

Also, be careful not to damage the adjustable resistor feeding the VR tubes when removing the case.  You can reorient the tap somewhat to lessen the chance of damage.

If the power supply still has the MV rectifiers, run them filament only for 5 to 10 minutes before the initial start-up and anytime the power supply has been turned on its side or inverted.  This ensures that any liquid mercury that has collected where it shouldn't will be "vaporized" before AC is applied causing lots of damage.  Besides the pretty flashing look, I despise MV rectifiers and I would suggest replacing them with xenon or SS if you plan to utilize this amp a lot.

The blower motor has lube ports and you will want to drop a little oil in each, I use synthetic 5W20 which has worked well for me.  Remove dust/dirt also.

The blower is noisy and there was an article in Electric Radio about modifications to the Chippewa.  I like keeping my vintage gear stock except for needed safety mods so my blower setup is original.

Enjoy the amp, it is the most rugged amp Heathkit built and will work with a wide range of gear, it will amplify a QRP level rig up to the amps rated input.  You will need to arrange T/R antenna switching and one of the B&W transfer switches is also nice for switching it out of line when you want to use the Marauder "barefoot".  They show up at hamfests and look just like a regular round B&W antenna switch except there are only 4 connectors and it has a diagram showing proper hookup.  I have my KL-1 hooked up with a TX-1/SB-10/Mohawk station and the Mohawk also has the matching 6 and 2 meters converters to go with the Seneca which is also patched in to this setup.   

73, Rodger WQ9E


-----Original Message-----
From: heathkit-bounces at mailman.qth.net on behalf of Larry Grindel
Sent: Wed 3/17/2010 2:28 PM
To: heathnet
Subject: [Heathkit] Chippewa
 
Hi Guys,
 A few weeks ago, I picked up a Chippewa linear along with the matching power supply. Both units are in great cosmetic condition. I am going through and cleaning, lubricating, and doing an overall check of these things. Just wondering if anyone could give any specific advice for bringing up and/or operating these units. I do have both manuals. I will probably use them with my Marauder, at least to begin with. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
73
Larry Grindel
KD5ECG


      
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