Buying 3-500s

[Gene A. Nailon]

FROM: Gene Nailon  K5DLE  k5dle at juno.com
Edmond, OK
23 April 2005

Hello Dave;

Sorry to take so long to answer you.  I've been trying to find
a message I posted to this list 4 or 5 years ago.

I never did find it.  But, this is close to what I said.

You can run 4-400A tubes in the amp.  Just JUMPER pins 2,3 and 4
on the tube sockets.  These 3 pins are jumpered inside of the 3-
500 tubes.  Once you have installed the jumpers, just plug in
the 4-400A tubes and load up.  They have worked fine in the last
few years in several amps.

Once you have installed the Jumpers, either 3-500Z or 4-400A
tubes will work.  I can't hardly wait for the Nay Sayers to
launch all the reasons this won't work.  DON'T LET THEM GET
TO YOU.

Remember what they say about the Bumble Bee, The experts say it
can't fly, It doesn't know this and flys anyway.

Most of the 3-500Z amps are not capable of getting full output
from the amp due to Power supply limitations.  I said MOST not
all.

I haven't looked lately, but, I used to see 4-400A's at Hamfest
for $20.00 to $30.00 each used.  Most of the time they are EIMAC.

In my opinion, Chinese tubes are pure junk, Russian tubes are not
much better.  Go with used U.S. Mfg. tubes.

Best regards,

Gene
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005
From: Dave Leisman <wb8baf at VOYAGER.NET>

Subject: Buying 3-500s

I need some advice in the purchase of new 3-500 for my amplifier.
It's not an SB-220 but it's very similar and I'm sure guys with
SB-220's will have the same question.

How do I select a pari of 3-500's for the ol' girl when there are
so many makes to choose from?  I know that Eimac is the standard,
no question, but there are lots of Chineese tubes, and Russian
tubes, and quite honestly I know there are lots of variation even
within those.

So how do I pick a good reliable pair without throwing away my
money?

Also, what does it mean to buy a "matched pair"?

I don't mean to sound stupid here but I am relatively new to
purchasing the high end power tubes.  Any help would be
appreciated.

Dave, W8QW
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