Tetrode Manual PDF
Tetrode Manual PDF
Tetrode Manual PDF
Versatile!
• For one or two tetrodes, including: 4CX250–350–400 (all types), 4CX800/
GU-74B, 4CX1000, 4CX1500B, 4CX1600A, 4CX1600U/GS-23B,
YL1050/52/56, GU-73B, GU-78B, GU-84B... and more.
• 'Universal' DC grounding – use with grounded cathode, grounded screen or
grounded control grid.
• Ideal for your new amplifier – or as an upgrade for your existing tetrode PA.
WARNING
Product support is only provided to purchasers of the genuine Tetrode Boards
from GM3SEK/G3SEK.
Order direct from the designer:
www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/boards/boardshop.htm
The names of tag connections on the boards are shown underlined, as in “the G2-REG OUT tag”.
On the PC boards and the Interconnections diagram, some labels had to be shortened to save
space, e.g. G2-REG OUT is labeled G2REG on the board and the Interconnections diagram.
CAUTION
DO NOT use the Tetrode Boards with a screen supply derived from the anode high
voltage through a dropper resistor – it will cause serious component damage!
Always use a separate transformer winding for the screen supply.
REVISION NOTES
AN-1 Issue No G2-CONTROL REC-G1-ALC Changes (where significant)
board Issue No board Issue No
1.0, April 1998 3B 3B
Intermediate changes 1.1–1.22 See earlier versions
1.23, August 2014 3B 3D Removed all reference to kits; updated some part
numbers.
1.24, July 2018 3B 3D WARNING against fake boards. Include grid-driven, DC-
grounded screen configuration. Change value of C4.
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual that are not the property of IFWtech are acknowledged
to be the property of their respective owners.
• ‘Universal’ control unit for almost any amateur-size Tetrode Power Amplifier and its High
Voltage supply.
• Screen-grid currents monitored for sensitive fault detection. No risky grid fuses!
• Fault conditions disable PTT and HV supply for safety – simply press RESET to recover.
• Comprehensive metering.
• User-configurable for special requirements, with help from these detailed Instructions.
For a general introduction to these circuits and the ideas behind them, see Power and
Protection for Modern Tetrodes by Ian White, G3SEK, in QEX for October 1997
(PDF version downloadable from the Tetrode Boards website – see Section 11).
2. Introduction
• Control grid: 0–105V AC (anywhere in the range from 100 to 150V AC) at 50–100mA.
• Relays etc: 15–0–15V AC 1A min for 12V coax relays, higher voltage for 24V relays.
Note: a center-tapped winding is essential here.
• Heaters: the appropriate AC voltage and current for the tube(s). Allow for voltage
drops in the heater wiring, and adjust for exactly the correct on-load voltage at the
tube pins.
2. RESET switch: SPST momentary push-button (low-voltage).
3. ALARM LED: ordinary 20mA red LED.
4. Heatsink for Q2: see notes on page 48.
5. Mounting pillars and hardware for the two PC boards.
6. M1: typically 0–50mA or 0–100mA moving-coil meter for screen grid current. The G2-
CONTROL board has provision for an optional meter shunt resistor R17.
7. M2: 0–10mA moving-coil meter for control grid current. The REC-G1-ALC board has
provision for an optional meter shunt resistor R108.
8. RF choke wound on a 100Ω resistor, for mounting near the tube (see Section 3.4).
9. Screen-cathode bleeder resistor Rs (see Section 3.4 for values and ratings).
10. Power resistors R12 and R14 (see Sections 4.2.4 and 4.2.5 for values and ratings).
You will also need some temporary resistors for the setting-up procedures.
CAUTION
Please read ALL of Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 BEFORE you switch on the soldering iron!
CAUTION
Do not start to build the Tetrode Boards until you have read ALL of Sections 3 – 7,
and have decided which options you will need to install.
You can use the Tetrode Boards with any configuration of DC and RF grounding of the tube(s).
Remember that RF grounding and DC (chassis) grounding are different! For example, the screen
grid of a tetrode is always RF-grounded, but in most configurations the screen is not DC-
grounded to the chassis.
This section explains the three practical combinations of DC and RF grounding, and shows you
exactly how to connect the Tetrode Boards. Note that some configurations require additional
components, shown in the schematics below as Rs, Cs, RFC, Rd, VDR – see Section 3.4 for
more details of these components.
Two-tube Amplifiers
The Tetrode Boards can handle either one or two tubes, though only one tetrode (V1) is shown
in these examples. If yours is a two-tube amplifier, use the connection points marked →V2 on
the schematics below.
Also see the note on page 10 about Matched Pairs of Tubes.
ToV2
V2 IF V2 ISRFC,
Repeat USED,Rd,REPEAT RFC1,
VDR and Cs atR2,
eachVDR1
tube
RFC1 RFC
SEE TEXT
V1 G1 BIAS
G2
INPUT CIRCUIT RF
Rd
R2 100Ω
100R1W
1W
Rs
R1
Rs
SEE TEXT
CATHODE
VDR
VDR1 Cs
C1
RF drive is to the control grid, and the screen grid is bypassed by Cs (usually built into the tube
socket). The tube cathode is grounded to chassis (maybe through a small RF feedback resistor
at X).
Connect both of the CATHODE tags on the G2-CONTROL board and on the REC-G1-ALC
board to chassis ground as shown above. Do not connect the G1 OUT and G2-REG OUT rails to
chassis!
Note that the G1 meter is at control-grid potential below chassis ground, and the G2 meter is at
VG2 potential above chassis ground. Your anode-current meter in the B-minus rail will be at
chassis ground potential.
G1
If V2 IF
is V2
used, repeat Ca
IS USED, at eachVDR1,
REPEAT tube C1
V1
G2
V2
Rs C1Ca
R1
SEE TEXT VDR
VDR1
V2
C2Cb
10n
B-MINUS
In the schematic above, RF drive is to the cathode, the screen grid is DC-grounded (so there is
no screen bypass capacitor Cs). The control grid is bypassed to chassis ground by Ca.
The grid-driven configuration is very similar. The only difference from the schematic above is that
the RF input network connects to G1, and the cathode is bypassed to chassis ground.
For all DC-grounded Screen Grid configurations, connect the G2-REG OUT tag on the G2-
CONTROL board to chassis ground as shown above. Do not connect the CATHODE or G1 OUT
rails to chassis!
The RF bypass capacitor for the input circuit is shown as Cb. Ca and Cb should both be 10-100nF;
VHF/UHF amplifiers may need additional capacitance here.
Note that the G2 meter is close to chassis ground potential, but the G1 meter is at (VG2 + VG1)
potential below chassis ground. Also your anode-current meter in the B-minus rail will be at VG2
potential below chassis ground.
G1 To V2
V2 Repeat RFC, Rd, VDR and Cs at each tube
RFC1 RFC
SEE TEXT
V1
G2
Cs
C1
R2 100
Rd 100R 1W
Ω 1W
Rs
R1
SEE TEXT
V2
VDR
VDR1
Cb
C2
10n
B-MINUS
RFC1 RFC
SEE TEXT
V1
G2
Rd
R2100 Ω 1W
100R 1W
Rs
R1
SEE TEXT
CATHODE
VDR1
VDR C1
Cs
VDR
This VDR is identical to the two VDRs on the G2-CONTROL board. It is the first line of defence
to protect the screen grid, the screen bypass capacitor and the power supply in the event of a
flashover. Connect the VDR directly from the screen tag on the tube socket to the nearest
cathode tag, with short leads to minimize inductance.
There are already two VDRs on the G2-CONTROL board, but an extra VDR will be needed right
here at the socket for the tube. A two-tube amplifier needs a separate VDR at each tube socket.
Cs - RFC - Rd
Cs is the screen bypass capacitor, and is usually built into the tube socket.
RFC and Rd prevent spurious resonances between Cs and the LF bypass capacitor C9 on the
G2-CONTROL board, which could lead to the screen grid becoming ‘un-bypassed’ at HF. Rd is a
100Ω 1W carbon or metal-oxide resistor (not wire-wound) and RFC is about 40 turns of 24-
gauge enameled wire, scramble-wound over the body of Rd.
If you use two tubes, you need a separate Cs-RFC-Rd network at each tube.
If the screen grid is directly DC-grounded, as described in Section 3.2, then Cs, RFC and Rd are
not necessary.
CAUTION
Do not start to build the Tetrode Boards until you have read ALL of Sections 3–7,
and have decided which options you will need to install.
The Tetrode Boards can be used with many different tubes that have a wide range of screen
voltage and current requirements. For correct operation, you will need to select certain
component values, depending on the following factors:
• Type of tube
– regulated voltage required
– maximum positive screen current (without losing voltage regulation) per tube
– maximum negative screen current (without losing voltage regulation) per tube
– screen trip current, per tube
• Number of tubes – simply multiply the current requirements by the number of tubes
• Mains transformer
– AC voltage
– current capability and/or winding resistances.
* These values are taken where possible from manufacturers’ data sheets, or selected from information
developed by amateur users. Data given here are in no way warranted by IFWtech.
The screen current of a tetrode is a very sensitive indicator for a wide range of fault conditions,
including:
• Incorrect plate-circuit tuning
• Loading too light, or too heavy
• Too much RF drive
• Loss or major change in anode, screen or control grid voltage
• RF and DC arcs, flashovers and other ‘glitches’
• Blower failure, resulting in overheating of the tube(s).
All of these faults will result in too much screen current, either positive or negative. Continuous
electronic monitoring of the screen current is thus one of the most important features of the
Tetrode Boards.
The suggested current trip levels are normally about 20–25% above the ‘typical’ peak screen
current recommended by the manufacturer. This is generally high enough to avoid false alarms
during normal operation, but still low enough to give adequate protection to the screen grid.
However, for some tubes the manufacturer’s recommended ‘typical’ screen current (at the
recommended screen voltage) equates to the maximum allowable power dissipation. Where this
limit applies, the ‘typical’ screen current is given as a ‘≤’ value in the table above, and the
suggested trip current is given as a ‘≥’ value. The screen trip in the Tetrode Boards is very fast-
acting if anything goes wrong, so in practice it may be OK to set the screen trip current to 20%
above the manufacturer’s maximum recommended current.
Standing current
METER
R12
Unregulated
R12/Q2
input voltage Bleed Regulated
Q2 current
currentRS screen voltage VDR
Rs
+30V
Each of the worksheets below contains an example column based on 2 x 4CX800/GU74B tubes,
and a blank column where you can enter the values for your particular amplifier. (If your
calculated values are dramatically different from the example values at any stage, you need to
1
check your arithmetic!)
1
There is also an Excel spreadsheet on the Tetrode Boards website. The spreadsheet approaches the
problem in a different way, but the results are similar in most cases.
Tetrode Boards: AN-1 11
Issue 1.24, July 2018 1998-2018 IFWtech
4.2.2 Calculate the Trip Current and the Standing Current
The ‘standing current’ is the current that flows through R14 all the time the amplifier is in the TX
condition (K1 energized as shown above).
Fill out this worksheet:
Ohmite part number D50K1K0 (1kΩ 50W max) will be suitable for R14 in almost all cases (see
Components List for ordering information). This resistor can be adjusted to any value below 1kΩ.
The power dissipation is up to 50W, proportional to the length that is actually being used. The
resistor is air-cooled, and with good ventilation it will run reliably at a moderate temperature.
Notes on R12
R12 can be either a large wirewound resistor mounted with good ventilation, or a 50/100W metal-
clad resistor mounted on a large and well-cooled heatsink. If you choose the second option, the
heatsink for R12 must be separate from the heatsink for Q2!
* Also use the same components for the two VDRs that are connected at the screen(s).
A total of four VDRs will be needed.
Resistor R15 sets the working range of the screen-current trip circuit. Choose a value for R15 so
that your trip current (D from the Section 4.2.2 worksheet) falls about in the middle of its working
range. R15 should be a 1W metal oxide resistor.
CAUTION
Do not start to build the Tetrode Boards until you have read ALL of Sections 3–7,
and have decided which options you will need to install.
This section deals with the basic inter-board connections that all configurations will need.
The Interconnections diagram on page 36 shows all of these basic interconnections, and also
some of the Power and Control options (Section 7).
Basic Interconnections
1. Wire the REC-G1-ALC board and the G2-CONTROL board together as shown in the
Interconnections diagram (page 36).
2. Wire the CHASSIS GROUND points on the two boards to a secure chassis ground. Do not
rely on board mounting pillars for chassis ground connections.
3. Always wire the CATHODE tags on the two boards together. Also re-check Section 3 to
confirm you are using the correct DC-grounding options.
Now connect the following off-board parts:
4. Mains transformer
The tags on the REC-G1-ALC board are marked for typical input voltages. Connect the
transformer windings to the following tags on the REC-G1-ALC board:
– Screen supply: AC voltage as calculated from Section 4.2.3
– Control grid supply: typically 105V AC
– Relay supply: typically 18-0-18V AC.
Do not use these transformer windings for any other purposes.
5. G2 current meter M1
The full-scale deflection of the meter should be a round number, above the maximum trip
current suggested in the table on page 9. Typically the meter movement will need to be either
0–50mA full-scale for small amplifiers, or 0–100mA full-scale for larger amplifiers.
Observe correct meter polarity as marked on the G2-CONTROL board. R17 is an optional
meter shunt for calibration.
A typical 0–50mA meter will indicate screen current from approximately –10mA to +40mA
(see Section 9.3.3 for a detailed explanation, and page 29 for a typical meter scale).
6. G1 current meter M2
For class-AB1 operation, this meter must normally be 0–10mA full-scale.
Observe correct meter polarity as marked on the REC-G1-ALC board. R108 is an optional
meter shunt for calibration.
7. RV102
This is the G1 bias control potentiometer, usually mounted on the rear panel.
8. ALARM LED and RESET switch
Mount these components on the front panel. Observe correct LED polarity.
CAUTION
If the total standing current (Section 4.2.2) is greater than about 100mA, you may
require two MOSFETs connected in parallel with equalizing resistors.
If this may apply to your amplifier, e-mail boards@ifwtech.co.uk for further details.
CAUTION
Do not start to build the Tetrode Boards until you have read ALL of Sections 3–7,
and have decided which options you will need to install.
Sequencing Requirements
The two DPCO relays K2 and K3 give you several options for TX/RX changeover sequencing.
When you press and release the PTT, K2 operates quickly but K3 operates slowly. This
combination of fast and slow changeovers can generate all the necessary TX/RX sequencing by
inter-linking appropriate contacts.
RX → TX TX → RX
Fast Slow Fast Slow
Screen relay K1 • •
Coaxial relays • •
RF drive • •
(optional TX inhibit)
Grid bias switching • •
(optional)
When the PTT line is grounded, the current is about 140mA. When the PTT line is un-grounded,
the open-circuit voltage is regulated at +12V.
NC NO 1
NC NO 1
4
4
RL IN RL IN 1N4001
1N4001
7.1.3 TX inhibit
A common problem with TX/RX sequencing is that the transceiver starts to generate RF drive
before the PA is ready for it. The Tetrode Boards include a TX Inhibit feature that holds the
transceiver’s EXT ALC INPUT line fully negative, preventing RF drive until the correct time in the
changeover sequence. You can use this feature if your transceiver has an external ALC INPUT
connection, and if the transceiver’s ALC recovery is fast enough to allow an acceptably quick
2
changeover.
The TX Inhibit feature can only be used if you are also using ALC – see Sections 7.5 and 9.5.
Also, you cannot use both TX Inhibit and the G1 switching feature (Section 7.4) because they use
the same changeover contacts on K2 and K3.
G2-CONTROL BOARD
(TRACK SIDE)
NC NO
1
K2 - FAST
TO 'INH IN' TERMINAL ON
REC-G1-ALC BOARD
K3- SLOW
RL IN
2
The Yaesu FT-990 and FT-1000 series have an alternative way to inhibit the transmitter until the
amplifier is ready. The transmitter will only operate when pin 8 of the BAND DATA socket is grounded.
To use this feature, wire the ‘N.O’ contacts of K2 and K3 in series, and use them to switch pin 8 to
chassis ground.
HV control is an important safety feature. We strongly recommend that you use it!
To use the +12V HV ENABLE feature you must install a 12V DC-operated relay to interrupt the
mains supply to the HV transformer. Make sure that the relay is capable of handling and breaking
the maximum overload current of the transformer – with a large safety margin.
The maximum total current available from the +12V HV ENABLE and +12V OUT tags is 1.5A.
The current is limited by the 7812 voltage regulator IC which also provides short-circuit
protection.
7.4 G1 Switching
The Tetrode Boards offer you the option to switch the control grid to a more negative voltage on
receive. However, for most tetrodes, switching the screen grid to cathode using K1 is enough to
ensure zero anode current in the RX condition.
If you know that you will not require G1 switching, make a wire link on the REC-G1-ALC board in
place of R107, and ignore the rest of this section.
If you do require G1 switching, then install R107 on the board. R107 is typically 4.7kΩ 2W, but
take care not to exceed the tube manufacturer’s maximum grid-cathode voltage in the RX
condition. Also connect the G1 SWITCH tag on the REC-G1-ALC board to K2 and K3 on the G2-
CONTROL board as shown below, and connect the switched line to the CATHODE tag.
G2-CONTROL BOARD
(TRACK SIDE)
NC NO
G1 SWITCH
G1 SWITCH
CATHODE
RL IN
CAUTION
Do not start to build the Tetrode Boards until you have read ALL of Sections 3–7,
and have decided which options you will need to install.
CAUTION
Do not drill the holes in the REC-G1-ALC board any larger than 0.25 in (6mm) diameter.
To adjust RV1 and RV2, use a slim INSULATED trimming tool, to avoid shock hazards or
short-circuits between the two boards.
Resistors
Some resistors are marked with the familiar three-band value code, e.g. 10kΩ is brown-black-
orange... BUT...
Many resistors today may be marked with the newer four-band value code: 1st digit, 2nd digit,
3rd digit (always black), number of zeroes. In this coding, a 10kΩ resistor is brown-black-
black-RED – so take care! If in doubt, measure the resistors with a multimeter.
Trimpots
These have a two-digit marking: 1st digit is value, 2nd is number of zeroes:
500Ω 52
1kΩ 13
10kΩ 14
Ceramic capacitors
The 10nF capacitors are marked 103 (read the code as “1, 0 and 3 more zeroes”, i.e.
10,000pF). The 0.1µF (100nF) capacitors are marked 104. The 4.7nF (4700pF) capacitors are
marked 472 or 4n7.7
Diodes
Check the small glass diodes carefully using a magnifier. All the 1N4148 diodes will usually be
banded together. Some of the zener diodes have the voltage in the part number – the
BZX79C12 diodes are 12V zeners, and the BZX79C15 diodes are 15V.
Transistors and ICs
Install all the small transistors and the TO-220 devices according to the outlines printed on the
board.
Q2 is mounted separately on its own large heatsink, following the G-D-S connections printed
on the board. (Note – the rectangular outline printed on the board is for an optional 3-pole
connector.)
Take extra care to install all of the DIL sockets with the index notch at the correct end.
Lead-free parts
In future, all parts will be supplied with lead-free plating – the boards are now silver-plated!
For reliable soldering, we strongly recommend you continue to use regular tin/lead solder.
(In Europe, this is still legal for home constructors.)
Heatsinks
You must provide the large off-board heatsink for Q2, as stated in Section Error! Reference
source not found.. You must also provide nuts and screws to fix the TO-220 transistor tabs to
all of the heatsinks. For Q2 there is a plastic bush to insulate the bolt from the transistor tab,
and also a special insulating, heat-conducting washer– do not use heatsink compound with
this washer.
For the three small heatsinks on the boards, use heatsink compound with a nut and bolt. No
insulation is required.
5. Wire the two high-voltage links LK4 and LK5 under K1 on the G2-CONTROL board (view
below is from under-side of board). Use Teflon insulated wire or sleeving.
6. For on-board TX/RX wiring options, follow the instructions in Section 7 and wire the necessary
links in the area beneath K2 and K3 on the G2-CONTROL board.
7. When you have finished all wiring, remove flux residues, solder balls etc. from the under-side
of both finished boards, using denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol and an old toothbrush.
Rinse well and allow to dry.
8. Check both boards very carefully for missed connections, dry joints or solder bridges. Use
a magnifier!
CAUTION
Do not connect the Tetrode Boards to the amplifier yet.
Do not insert tubes into the amplifier until you reach
Section 10 – Power-up Your Amplifier.
If you find any problems, look in Section 9.2 for help.
9.1 Procedure
CAUTION
If there are any problems here, fix them before you go any further.
7. Adjust R14 to the value that you calculated in Section 4.2.4. Set all trimmer potentiometers
and RV102 to mid-range. Insert U2 (748) on the G2-CONTROL board (observe polarity). Do
not insert the opto-couplers U3 and U103 yet.
8. Apply mains power to the transformer(s) and check that the correct voltages appear at all
terminals of the tube socket(s) in the RX condition:
• Nominal heater voltage (check again later, with the tubes inserted)
• G2 at same potential as the tube cathode and the CATHODE tag (because in the RX
condition G2-REG OUT is connected to CATHODE by K1)
• Approximately correct negative G1 voltage in RX condition (depending on your choice
for G1 switching – see Section 7.4).
• The ALARM LED should light dimly, but not brightly.
9. Ground the PTT line to switch to the TX condition, and check the G2 voltage again:
• G2 voltage should now be present, and should be approximately the correct value
with respect to the tube cathode and the CATHODE tag.
• Check that RV1 can vary this voltage around the required value. In case of problems,
see Section 9.2.1.
• Move the positive test probe to the G2 METER + tag (or the meter itself). The voltage
should be exactly the same as at the G2 tag on the tube socket. Un-ground the PTT
line and check that the voltage does not change significantly in the RX condition. This
checks the ‘keep-alive’ function that reduces power consumption in the RX condition.
10. Ground the PTT line and check the G1 voltage in the TX condition:
• Check for approximately correct negative G1 voltage in the TX condition.
• Check that RV102 can vary this voltage over a range of about 5V.
11. Switch off and disconnect from the mains.
9.2 Problems?
The most likely source of all problems is wiring errors – either between boards or on the boards
themselves.
Output voltage low • Check Q101, D114 and associated components for short-circuits.
(unregulated –
RV102 has little or
no effect)
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the exposed windings of R14 (if you are using the recommended
Ohmite resistor), ALWAYS slacken the screw clip until it rattles and will move freely.
NEVER attempt to slide the clip while the circuit is live!
* The value of RL only needs to be as accurate as you wish to set the trip current – a few percent is accurate enough.
Setup Instructions
1. Switch off and disconnect from the mains. Disconnect the Tetrode Boards from the amplifier.
2. Turn RV2 on the G2-CONTROL board fully clockwise.
3. Insert the opto-coupler U3 (observe polarity).
4. Apply power, and ground PTT. The ALARM LED should light dimly as usual – it should not
light brightly.
When PTT is grounded, confirm that the screen current meter comes up to the new zero
mark (see above).
Switch off and disconnect from the mains.
5. Connect the load resistor RL between the G2-REG OUT tag and the CATHODE tag on the
G2-CONTROL board.
Apply power, and ground PTT. The screen current meter should now read the correct trip
current level.
Confirm that the regulated DC voltage does not change when this load is applied. If you have
a suitable oscilloscope, also check that this voltage remains clean and constant under
maximum load. If you see negative spikes at 100/120Hz, these are caused by AC ripple on
the unregulated input. You may be able to adjust R12 slightly to remove the spikes; but if this
is not possible, the transformer AC voltage is too low – you will need to review Section 4.2.3.
6. With the load resistance applied, rotate RV2 very slowly counter-clockwise until the ALARM
LED lights brightly and the relays drop out. If you overshoot, release the PTT, turn RV2 back a
little and press the RESET button. The LED should go dim again (it is normal that the LED
does not go out completely).
7. Switch off and disconnect from the mains. Remove the temporary load resistor and restore all
connections to normal.
The screen current trip will now protect the amplifier during your further tests.
Setup Instructions
1. Insert the LM324 op-amp U102 and the opto-coupler U103 (observe polarity). Turn RV103
fully counter-clockwise.
2. Disconnect both of the 105V AC tags from the REC-G1-ALC board. Temporarily connect the
G1 OUT tag to chassis ground (see hookup diagram below).
3. Disconnect the wire going to RV102 slider from the RV102 SLIDER tag on the REC-G1-ALC
board.
4. If you are using the TX Inhibit feature (Section 7.1.3), disconnect the lead to the INH IN tag on
the REC-G1-ALC board.
5. Apply power. With no grid current flowing, the voltages at the ALC OUT tag and the G1 TRIP
OUT tag should both be zero.
6. Remove power. Temporarily connect the RV102 SLIDER tag via a 22kΩ 0.5W resistor to the
+12V OUT tag. (Do not disconnect the 12V feed from +12V OUT to the G2-CONTROL board
– it will be needed for step 9.)
REC-G1-ALC BOARD
105V AC
DISCONNECT
RV102 SLIDER
G1 TRIP OUT
G1 METER +
G1 METER -
+12V OUT
G1 OUT
G2_CTRL BOARD
M2
RV102 TEMPORARY GROUND
G1 BIAS +
G1 CURRENT
DISCONNECT 22K
7. Apply power. The grid current meter should read 0.5mA. This current also flows through the
grid opto-isolator U103 and activates the protection and ALC circuits.
8. Confirm that RV103 is fully counter-clockwise. Then confirm that, at some point within
RV101’s total range of travel, the voltage at the ALC OUT tag will change quickly between 0V
and almost –12V.
3. Check that approximately the correct G1 voltage is actually reaching the tube pins, in both RX
and TX conditions.
4. Switch off and disconnect from the mains. Disconnect the heater supply and connect the G2
supply. Apply power and check that the correct G2 voltage is actually reaching the tube pins in
the RX and TX conditions.
Congratulations –the Tetrode Boards are completely checked out and ready for use!
10.2 RF Testing
RF testing of power amplifiers is outside the scope of this manual... but whichever way you do it,
the Tetrode Boards will protect the tube(s).
You should disable ALC feedback until you have finished testing the amplifier and established
correct RF drive levels. To disable ALC, turn RV103 fully clockwise.
Trouble-shooting
Apply the following tests in the sequence shown:
1. Remove the tubes and test again by repeatedly keying the PTT. Re-check the screen current
trip setting that was described in Section 9.4.
2. Test again with tubes that are known to be problem-free.
3. Try shorter and thicker wires for the CHASSIS_GROUND straps on the two boards. Route the
CHASSIS_GROUND connections from both boards to a single point on the chassis.
4. Remove the G1_TRIP_IN connection to the G2-CONTROL board. If the false trips no longer
happen, there may be a spike on this line caused by inadequate grounding. Alternatively, your
transceiver may be producing a spike of full RF output when the key is first pressed.
If you cannot improve the grounding any more (step 2) then change R126 to 10K and insert a
10K resistor on the G2-CONTROL board in place of LK2.
5. If steps 3 or 4 do not work – perhaps because the problem is in your transceiver – increase
C14 to 0.47–1.0µF. This has the disadvantage of increasing the reaction time of the trip
sensing (but the main delay is still in the HV control relay).
6. If you are using DC-grounded screen, with the cathode and B-minus line floating below
ground, you may see a screen-current trip on TX/RX switching. This is because the switching
makes the B-minus line change potential, and thus charges and discharges the RF bypass
capacitors at the cathode. These pulses of charge/discharge current are sensed as ‘screen
current’ and may cause a false trip. The solutions are to check that the bypass capacitors are
not larger than needed for RF performance, and to equalize the total capacitances from
anode to chassis and from cathode to chassis. It may also help to increase C14 to 0.47–
1.0µF.
Normal operation
Normally, the trip circuit will never operate, and the ALARM LED will stay dim.
When the screen-current trip operates, the ALARM LED lights and the PA is placed in Standby
mode with the screen voltage removed. HV will also be removed if you have used the +12V HV
ENABLE option, which is strongly recommended – see Section 7.3.
When the trip has operated, the tube heaters are still powered, so you only have to press the
RESET button to return to normal operation. Before you press the PTT, wait a few moments for
the HV to come up.
If there is still a fault, the trip will operate again as soon as you press the PTT.
INH IN
G2-UNREG OUT ALC OUT
18-0-18V AC
CATHODE
REC-G1-ALC BOARD
105V AC
RL-UNREG
RV101 SLIDER
G1 TRIP OUT
G1 METER +
G1 METER -
RV101 CCW
G1 SWITCH
RV101 CW
+12V OUT
Labels for terminals on the
G1 OUT
boards are shorter versions
of the ones you see here.
COAX RELAY OPTIONS
SEE NOTES
12V 24V
M2
RV102
G1 BIAS +
G1 CURRENT
ALARM RESET
SEE NOTES
TO HV SUPPLY ALC
SEE NOTES TRANSCEIVER
PTT
1
2
3
4
+12V HV ENABLE
PTT
AUX TRIP IN
+12V IN
CHASSIS
G1 TRIP IN
RL IN
J1
TX/RX OPTIONS
SEE NOTES
G1
R12
G2-UNREG IN
TETRODE BOARDS R14 - SEE TEXT
G2-CONTROL BOARD: SCREEN REGULATOR R16 1k5
2
Issue 3C 040416 (c) IFWtech Ltd
1k U3A
4N36
50W D8 1N5337B (4.7V 5W)
typ (U3B on sheet 2)
1
R15 82R 1W typ
R13
10K 2W typ K1A
1
BR1
RX R17
4 2 Meter Shunt
+ Ig2
METER, 50mA
3
D9 D10
- Ig2
R10 1N4001
R12 - SEE TEXT 50-100W typ
150k 1W typ
C10
10n 1kV R11 82k
VDR1 K1B
V320LA40B
G2-REG OUT
D
D7 C8 LK3
C11 RX
BZT03C82 4n7 1kV
470n
(82V 3W)
Q2
VDR2
G STP5NB100 typ R8
V320LA40B
470k C9
D6 G DS 1W 100n
BZX79C12
U1 1kV
C2 (12V 0.5W)
LM317L S
2 3 10u 35V +30V rail
VO VI
D4
ADJ
R5
1N4148
D1 2k7 CATHODE
U2
1
39k 7
R1 270R 100n D2 100n 3 RV1
6 10k
C6
2 33p
C1 Q1
10u TIP122 D5
5
1
4
1N4148
R2 C5 R9
R3 D3
4k7 4n7 27k typ
470R 1N4148 C7
100n
R6 22k
+23V reference
WARNING
EUROPEAN COMPONENT CODES Q1 REQUIRES A SMALL HEATSINK Values marked "Typ" depend on THE SCREEN VOLTAGE INPUT AND OUTPUT
Tetrode Boards: AN-1
4k7 = 4.7k = 4700 ohms etc Q2 REQUIRES A LARGE HEATSINK 37
screen voltage and current required - ARE UNGROUNDED!
4n7 = 4.7nF = 4700 pF etc. R12 AND R14 HAVE HIGH HEAT DISSIPATION see text and Components List USER MUST PROVIDE GROUNDING
Issue 1.24, July 2018 AS REQUIRED. 1998-2018 IFWtech
G2-CONTROL Schematic – Sheet 2
TETRODE BOARDS
G2-CONTROL BOARD: CONTROL CIRCUIT USER-CONFIGURABLE RELAY SEQUENCING
Issue 3C 020317 (C) G3SEK
SEE APPLICATION NOTES
FOR WIRING OPTIONS
ALARM RESET
LED SW1 K2A
+12V REG IN
J1 "FAST"
1
2
3
4
3 1
VO VI
GND
C16 K3A
R24 R26
100n
10k 10k
2
C13
100n R21 "SLOW"
K3B
470R 1W
Q4
5 2N4403
U3B C12 Q6
4N36 10u IRF9520
RL-IN : SUPPLY VOLTAGE INPUT
FOR EXTERNAL COAX RELAYS
4 R27
R20
U5 LM555CN 10k D12
D11 100k
8 1 1N4001
R18 1N4148 R22
VCC GND
220R 10k
7 2
Q3 DSC TR Q5
2N5061 C15 +12V HV ENABLE
6 3 MPS2222A
100u THR OUT (TO HV PSU)
R29 5 4 R28
CNT RST
10k R23 82R 1W
R25
10k
10k
D13
RV2 1N4001
R19
K3 6V
2
500R 1M
C17
C14 2200uF 16V
100n
1
LK2
G1 TRIP IN D15
K1 12V K2 12V 1N4001
2
LK1
AUX TRIP IN
1
D14
1N4001 D16 D17
EUROPEAN COMPONENT CODES 1N4001 1N4001
4k7 = 4.7k = 4700 ohms etc
4n7 = 4.7nF = 4700 pF etc.
PTT (GROUND)
GND
D101-108
1N4007 U102
2
C105
G2-UNREG
4
330V AC 4700u 35V D120 C106 C109
1N4001 100n 100n
C107
11
D118 C108
R101 C101 100u 35V
100n 35V
100K 2W 100u 385V BZX79C12
-12V
R110 470R 1W
R113
R102 C102 100K U102C
100K 2W 100u 385V LM324
CATHODE D121
R111 10K
13 1N4148 R114 100R ALC OUT
INH IN 14
12
R107 C111 C112
4K7 2W (or link) G1 SWITCH 100n 33p
D122 RV103
1N4148 10K C113
C103 100n
R112 10K C114
220u 200V R104
100K 2W D114 R115 10K 33p
1N5364B (33V) U102A
LK1
Q101 1N5370B (56V) LM324 D123
R103 TIP122 1N4148 R119 R120
3
D110-113 1K5 2W 2K7 1M0
1 10
R116 10K 8
1N4007
2
C104 R106 C116 9
100n 100V +12V R117 R118 470K U102D
470R
10K 1W 1u0
105V AC 470K LM324
G1 OUT
EUROPEAN COMPONENT CODES C120
4k7 = 4.7k = 4700 ohms etc 100n
D115 D116 1N4001
4n7 = 4.7nF = 4700 pF etc.
Tetrode Boards: AN-1 39
Issue 1.24, July 2018 1998-2018 IFWtech
G2-CONTROL Board Layout
Actual size is 5in x 4in
If you are
stacking the
two boards,
drill 0.25in
(6mm) max.
See
warning
note!
SUPPLIERS
There are many sources for most of these components. The Farnell # columns shows order
codes from Farnell (www.farnell.com). Farnell have associate companies in many countries,
including www.newark.com in the USA.
In the USA, Mouser Electronics (http://www.mouser.com) is probably the best single source;
Digi-Key (http://www.digi-key.com) is also a good source for most parts.
Resistors and capacitors may be subject to minimum order quantities. Small quantities can
often be bought more cheaply from other dealers.
Note that you must also supply some off-board parts – see this list and also Section
Error! Reference source not found..
‘TYPICAL’ VALUES
Some component values depend on the output voltages and currents required.
These values are marked ‘typ’ in the list below and in the schematics –
see the cross-references for further details.
Capacitors
Total C# Value Volts Comments Farnell #
5 C6, C112, C114, 33pF 100 Ceramic, 0.1" radial leads 941-1682
C117, C119
1 C5 4n7 (4700pF) 63 Ceramic, 0.1" radial leads 114-1780
1 C8 4n7 (4700pF) 1000 HV ceramic, Murata 952-7249
1 C4 10n (0.01uF) 63/50 Multilayer ceramic, 0.2" 121-6432
radial leads
1 C10 10n (0.01uF) 1000 HV ceramic, Murata 952-7222
15 C3, C7, C13, C14, 100n (0.1uF) 63/50 Multilayer ceramic, 0.2" 121-6445
C16, C106, C108, radial leads
C109, C110, C111,
C113, C115, C118,
C120, C121
1 C104 100n (0.1uF) 100 Polyester, BC (formerly 121-5469
Philips) 368 or equivalent
1 C9 100n (0.1uF) 1000 Polyester, 1.1" radial leads, 116-6096
BC/Philips 375 or equivalent
1 C11 470n (0.47uF) 100 Polyester, 0.6" radial leads, 121-5478
BC/Philips 368 or equivalent
1 C116 1.0uF 50 Electrolytic, 0.1" radial 969-3734
3 C1, C2, C12 10uF 35 Electrolytic, 0.1" radial leads 945-1242
1 C15 100uF 16 Electrolytic, 0.1" radial leads 945-1080
1 C107 100uF 50 Electrolytic, 0.2" radial 945-1412
2 C101, C102 100uF 385 Electrolytic, Panasonic 119-8738
TSUP or equivalent
1 C103 220uF 200 Electrolytic, Panasonic 119-8575
TSUP or equivalent
1 C17 2200uF 16 Electrolytic, 0.2" radial leads 945-1137
1 C105 4700uF 35 Electrolytic, Panasonic 119-8715
TSUP or equivalent
Resistors
‘R’ in resistor values means Ω, e.g. 15R = 15Ω, 0R33 = 0.33Ω, 3K3 = 3.3kΩ, 1M0 = 1.0MΩ etc.
1W, 2W and 3W resistors are metal film power types, e.g. BC/Philips PR02 and PR03.
0 R17 Meter
shunt
0 R108 Meter
shunt
Semiconductors etc
Total Part # Type A / PIV / W Comments Farnell #
Other parts
Total Part # Type Comments Farnell #
2 6 DIL socket 169-5668
Options for Q2
There are several options for Q2, depending on the screen voltage and current required.
• Voltages up to about 500V, screen currents up to about 100mA: choose a 1000V MOSFET
like the STP8NB100Z (TO-220 package)
• Higher voltages and/or higher currents: choose or STW8NB100, IRFPF40, IRFPG30,
IRFPG40 (TO247/TO3P package).
When screen voltages and currents are high, the FET requires a specially good heatsink – an
area of chassis cooled directly by the PA blower is ideal, and even a small heatsink fan will help a
lot.
If the total standing current (Section 4.2.2) is greater than about 100mA, you may require two
MOSFETs connected in parallel with equalizing resistors as shown below. The transistors must
be mounted at least 40mm (1.5in) apart on the heatsink.
D
STP5NB100
G 47 x2 NEMOS
47
4.7 1W 4.7 1W
WARNING
Product support is only provided to purchasers of the genuine Tetrode Boards
from GM3SEK/G3SEK.
Order direct from the designer: www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/boards/boardshop.htm
1998-2018 IFWtech