[R-390] To Standby or Not to Standby...

[Norman Ryan]

Hi, Barrie,

It's true.  In STANDBY the B+ is switched off to the RF and IF
circuits.  Their tubes still emit electrons, but without plate voltage
they have no place to go and mill around the cathodes.  Dr. Jerry, K0CQ,
explained that, over time, cathodes degrade under this condition. 
Leaving in STANDBY for brief periods is OK.

Wish he were around to explain this better than I'm doing.  Way back in
the archive one can find his authoritative postings on this and other
issues.

Where the heck is he these days?  The guy really knows his stuff.  And
Nolan!  List is dull without these fellows.

73...
Norman
KG4SWM


barrie99@marsweb.com wrote:
> 
> A long time ago someone (Rick Mish?) told me to never use "standby".
> 
> Just leave the radio on and turn the gain down.
> 
> He said that proceedure was easier on all the components.
> 
> That's it, that's all I remember.
> 
> Barrie, W7ALW