[MFJ-Ameritron] AL-1500 Woes

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

Today I powered on my Ameritron AL-1500 amplifier. The three minutes warm up for
the 8877 passed as usual. When the relay closed to allow the amplifier to be
used, the fuse blew. No prior problems of any kind. No voltage surges, lightning
or so forth.    	
	
I removed both fuses and tested them. Only one had blown. I replaced it and
tried again. Just as the realy started to click, the fuse blew again. 	
	
Any suggestions as to why this happened?	
	
I am totally blind, so please do not tell me to look  on page 5, paragraph 3,
section 2 under subsection aB2.36 and study the diagram. All I get from doing
that is a headache. 	
	
Perhaps a diode in the high voltage blew?	
	
Are there any known problems of this sudden failure known for the AL-1500?	
	
I will have to find someone locally in the Flint, MI area to effect repairs, as
the last time I contacted Ameritron about a factory defect in the new AL-82a
they never did manage to call me back. They were even called by the dealer who
sold it to me. So much for warranty!		
	
Thank you for your assistance.  
	
Duane Fischer, W8DBF	
dfischer@usol.com