Hello,
Yesterday at a local Hamfest I purchased my first HF amplifier (a
Heathkit SB-230). I understand that the tubes for these amps is very hard
to find and very expensive when you do find one (hmmm....perhaps one day
sell this off for parts...the tube alone equals most of what I payed for the
amp). Anyway, given these facts I am planning on babying this amp during
the tuning process. I have used a club amp many years ago, so am familiar
with tuning by dipping the plate, adjust load for output, repeat, etc. I am
also planning on purchasing Ameritron's inrush current protector to limit
wear on the amp. The final piece of hardware is a tuning pulser...Amertron
has one...the ATP-102...seems a bit pricey given what it does. I already
have an electronic keyer....could the same results be had by sending a
string of dits at around 50 or 60WPM or is the pulser a better way to go.
Also, any other tips on tuning and operating this amp? (I've read about the
limited parasitic protection and am debating adding a kit to improve that or
maybe just putting on new ferrite beads, but am going to take my chances for
now before going that route. I need to test this amp out soon before I
seller "forgets" my purchase (he gave me his call and contact number and
promised a refund if I had any problems with the amp).

Thanks a bunch!
Craig KB8FGC