Good point, although turn-on current surge is what blows most components. Ever had a light bulb
'just go out' while you were using it??
Listen to the power transformer 'clunk' at turn on in just about any AC powered equipment. And your
point about 'heat and reheat' is actually as much an argument for leaving them on, with proper
cooling, than the thermal cycling. We tried out best at NASA back in the 60's to kill gear with
temperature cycling. All my 4-Line radios in the RTTY station had small fans either on or behind
them and you could rest your hand on top of the cabinet over the T-4X PA after a 30 minute+
transmission at full power.
I think if you use a radio for an hour after dinner, then yeah, turn it off when you go in to watch
'American Idol' or whatever. But if you're in and out of the shack during the day and evening,
leaving the gear (especially tube gear) on is probably easier on everything. But the power
bill!! When I was running my autostart RTTY stations, TVA electricity was about 0.75 CENTS a kWH!
And yes, Evan..... A CORRECT fuse (or 'A' fuse!) is a necessity!! Even if it's in the twin fuse
wall plug!!!! :-)
Interesting discussion.......
73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA
Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
<www.k4oah.com>
David wrote:
I essentially turn it on for use. I see no need to heat and reheat
components. Heat is a major Drake killer. Use and enjoy them, when done
turn them off.
David Assaf, III
W5XU
-----Original Message-----
From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net]
On Behalf Of Garey Barrell
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 5:22 PM
To: Neil M Califano
Cc: Drakelist@zerobeat.net
Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Leaving tube radio on
I'm not as paranoid (or as 'safe', I still have equipment with 2-Wire line
cords!,) as Jim. I DO verify that each piece of equipment has the CORRECT
fuse.
My rule is that I turn on whatever I want to use in the morning. If I
'think' I'll use it again during the day, I leave it on until I'm ready to
quit for the day.
Back in the 70's, I ran three Drake 4-Lines 24/7 for autostart RTTY. They
ran 24/7 for almost three years with only one failure, a 12BY7 Driver tube
filament opened up.
73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA
Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
<www.k4oah.com>
Neil M Califano wrote:
I use my R4A about 4 hours a day. Should it be left on continuously or is
it better to turn the radio off every night?
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