[ICOM] RE: IC-PW1 Problem

[Ken Kinyon]

Thanks for all the helpful responses.
After reviewing all the info, This is apparently what happened.
I NEVER use the antenna tuner on either the 756PIII or the PW-1. All my antennas
are 1.5:1 SWR   or less (3 ele  SteppIR with 30/40 add on and a 5 element m2
beam on 6 meters.
I switched from 40 to 17 meters and waited for the SteppIR to complete the band
change, I then transmitted on CW without looking at the PW-1 control head.  The
P-3000 power meter is right in my field of view, and I stopped transmitting when
I saw that there was no power out. (a second or two)  When I looked at the PW-1
control head, The antenna tuner was selected and the protect light was red with
auto light blinking. How the tuner became selected and what is was doing when I
started transmitting is a mystery.
I looked at the service manual and decided that there is no way I am going to
mess around inside there. So off to Bellevue it goes.
I am quite disappointed that there is not protective shutdown circuits to
protect against this. From the responses I have received both on the list and
privately, my experience is far from an Isolated incident.
My only other experience with solid state HF amps was a Ten-Tec Hercules II.  I
had it for several years and did a lot of stupid things to it and never once
caused it any damage. I bought the Hercules used and I think it cost about what
these repairs are going to.   two or 3 of them would still cost less than a PW-1
:<).
I am seriously think of going back to tubes, although I like not having the HV
in the Shack.  I would appreciate any suggestions regarding PW-1 alternatives
direct to me at w7ts at comcast.net.

73, and thanks again to the group,
Ken W7TS

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Kenneth E.  Kinyon
34 Princeton Circle
Longmont, CO 80503-2106
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E-mail: W7TS at comcast.net
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