Drake TR-3

[n3lrx]

I've got a Drake TR-3 that I am thinking about using as an exciter for an E RF Deck. At the moment it doesn't work, but I have the skitzo-matics and I can probably fix it. It receives but does not Xmit. Would this thing be able to hold up to an Old Buzzard Key down if I used it in CW or AM to drive the Class E Amp? I don't plan in using it for more that a few watts. Probably less than half it's full rated output which I believe is 50W PEP on AM (300W PEP Input).

I know nothing about Drakes, I've heard they're great for Slop bucket or CW but what about for extended key down on AM or CW?

[W7IXZ]

You should have no trouble with the TR-3 in the CW mode as a driver.  I used to run my T-4XB, key down on RTTY back in the 70's and never had any problems with it.  The TR-3 has three finals and the T-4XB has two so I would guess you could get all the drive you need without damage to the Drake.  I have been working on the T-4XB as a driver for one of my broadcast rigs.  Good luck.
Larry
W7IXZ

[n3lrx]

Cool,
I have yet to take the covers off and see why it's not transmitting but hopefully it will. I wont even need to run it at full output so it should stay pretty cool.