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Alpha/Eto Model 76A Linear Amplifier Info Wanted

Discussion in 'Contests, DXpeditions, QSO Parties, Special Events' started by W8GL, Apr 19, 2011.

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  1. W8GL

    W8GL Ham Member QRZ Page

    Hello, I have an opportunity to purchase a used Alpha linear amplifier from a non-ham that knows nothing about the amp, and therefore cannot answer any of my normal, pre-purchase questions. I have tried to research it online, and am coming up short of the info I wanted to learn, in order to make a wise purchase. Does anyone in the qrz community know any specs about this model? I particularly wanted to know when it was manufactured, if it is currently still being built, where they are built, what the maximum output power is, what is a fair price range for one in excellent cosmetic condition, but untested, and possibly needing repair. Where could I get an operator's manual, and who would be a good person to repair it, if necessary? Would it be a good match to use with my Icom IC-7000? Where could I view clear, sharp photos online, of this model? This model Alpha is not listed on rigpix's website.Thanks for any enlightenment you can provide me. 73, W8GL, Gary, in Grand Rapids, MI.
     
  2. KD0CAC

    KD0CAC Ham Member QRZ Page

    Just to get the ball rolling , I do not know a lot about these , but the Alpha amp are high end amps that one is an older / out production as far as I know .
    I am just a little familiar from 2 perspectives , one is I look at the high of gear but these are priced out of my range , but I saw an add a while back it was a 76 or 78 and it seems from a bad memory they used tubes that ranged in the are of $300 - 400 each and retubing was $1,200 - 1,500 .
    Then another thing that I would double check is , the power capacitors , maybe not old enough , but a little older like my Heathkit SB-210 or Colins 30L-1 should be recapped .
    Again form memory I have seen prices from about $500 - 1,200 .
    Should get some others to drop in soon for more info .
     
  3. W8GL

    W8GL Ham Member QRZ Page

    Thanks, John, for your input, on the Alpha 76A linear amplifier!
     
  4. KD0CAC

    KD0CAC Ham Member QRZ Page

    I was hoping to see more replies from others to get know these better my self ?
     
  5. W6IX

    W6IX Ham Member QRZ Page

  6. W9GB

    W9GB Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Gary -

    The Alpha 76A was made from late 1970s to mid 1980s.
    It used the 3CX400A7/8874 ceramic triode (2 or 3 tube combinations).
    At that time, that tube was used extensively in pager systems and as a driver for commercial amplifier designs.
    The tube is still made, BUT it is not cheap (=> $350 USD each).

    Used pulls are still found.

    What do you want to know?
    2 of my Elmers (K9EWK, K9EWJ(sk) ) had these when new.
    I refurbished the K9EWJ unit a couple of years ago (new HV caps, sticky paint front panel)

    I would recommend the Dick Byrd, N4UQ update for Grid Protection.
    http://www.n4uq.com/

    What else do you need to know? Normal maintenance?

    w9gb
     
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