Heathkit HW16 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

qrpeter · 26th Sep 2019, 2:29 am

Hi
Have just acquired the above transmitter/receiver, and it seems to work fine, have had a couple of QSO's with it. Problem is, it only gives about 40w power, when the spec for this rig says the input should be 40 - 90w. What could be the problem, maybe replace the final valve? Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks
Peter G0JJI

Keith · 26th Sep 2019, 11:27 am

Peter,

I think you'll find that this rig is from the days when power was defined as DC input to the PA valve. If the PA is a 6GE5 it has an anode dissipation of 17W so 40W out is about right.

qrpeter · 27th Sep 2019, 1:35 am

Keith
Yes, you're right, had a chat with the "Elmers" at the club this evening, 40w out for an input of 90 is right. Thanks for the reply. Don't know if you have had any experience with this rig, but the audio seems a bit quiet, need 'phones for it. Maybe an addition of an AF amp would be good.
Peter

IsquaredR · 22nd Nov 2019, 6:32 am

Peter, I just saw your thread and want to add that you will also likely see the RF output drop dramatically as you increase frequency. On 80 meters that 40 watt RF output may to perhaps 10 watts up on 15 meters. These were compromise rigs built largely by neginners with no experience so it might also benefit you to go through it and do a careful alignment. Nonetheless it is a fun transmitter and receiver molded into one box. Enjoy!

26th Sep 2019, 2:29 am	#1
qrpeter Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Poole, Dorset, UK. Posts: 5	Heathkit HW16 Hi Have just acquired the above transmitter/receiver, and it seems to work fine, have had a couple of QSO's with it. Problem is, it only gives about 40w power, when the spec for this rig says the input should be 40 - 90w. What could be the problem, maybe replace the final valve? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Peter G0JJI

26th Sep 2019, 11:27 am	#2
Keith Heptode Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 693	Re: Heathkit HW16 Peter, I think you'll find that this rig is from the days when power was defined as DC input to the PA valve. If the PA is a 6GE5 it has an anode dissipation of 17W so 40W out is about right. __________________ Keith Yates - G3XGW VMARS & BVWS member http://www.tibblestone.com/oldradios/Old_Radios.htm

27th Sep 2019, 1:35 am	#3
qrpeter Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Poole, Dorset, UK. Posts: 5	Re: Heathkit HW16 Keith Yes, you're right, had a chat with the "Elmers" at the club this evening, 40w out for an input of 90 is right. Thanks for the reply. Don't know if you have had any experience with this rig, but the audio seems a bit quiet, need 'phones for it. Maybe an addition of an AF amp would be good. Peter

22nd Nov 2019, 6:32 am	#4
IsquaredR Tetrode Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Minocqua, Wisconsin, USA. Posts: 86	Re: Heathkit HW16 Peter, I just saw your thread and want to add that you will also likely see the RF output drop dramatically as you increase frequency. On 80 meters that 40 watt RF output may to perhaps 10 watts up on 15 meters. These were compromise rigs built largely by neginners with no experience so it might also benefit you to go through it and do a careful alignment. Nonetheless it is a fun transmitter and receiver molded into one box. Enjoy!