bauer broadcast conversion Pi Tank

[kc4mne]

I have converted the output of the transmitter to a pi network with two vac variables (400pf for c1 and 500pf for c2), and two padder caps 1000pf add to c2 for 75M and 2000pf add to c2 for 160M and a coil with a tap for 75M and 160M. A DPDT relay selects the L tap and padder cap that connects to c2.
 
when I tune up I get a plate current dip with c1 that's perfect , but with c2 I get no dip , as c2 goes up in value plate current goes down and power out goes down, as c2 goes down in value plate current goes up and so does power out. But I never see a dip in power out or plate current.  I have tried several tap positions on the inductor with same results.  what is going on here?  Plate current is 500 ma and Plate volts is 3000. power out is 1000 watts

[KC2ZFA]

after c2 is reduced (and plate current has increased) retune c1 for plate current dip. Repeat until you've obtained the rated plate current at the dip of c1.

[KB5MD]

I don't think you are supposed to get a dip with c2, just the plate tuning cap c1.  I have an RCA bc transmitter.  When tuning the pi network, I dip the plate and tune the loading cap for maximum output and then back it down a little.
Been running it that way for years. Just stay within the limits on Ip.

[KL7OF]

Too much L??

[KA2DZT]

I have converted the output of the transmitter to a pi network with two vac variables (400pf for c1 and 500pf for c2), and two padder caps 1000pf add to c2 for 75M and 2000pf add to c2 for 160M and a coil with a tap for 75M and 160M. A DPDT relay selects the L tap and padder cap that connects to c2.
 
when I tune up I get a plate current dip with c1 that's perfect , but with c2 I get no dip , as c2 goes up in value plate current goes down and power out goes down, as c2 goes down in value plate current goes up and so does power out. But I never see a dip in power out or plate current.  I have tried several tap positions on the inductor with same results.  what is going on here?  Plate current is 500 ma and Plate volts is 3000. power out is 1000 watts

That's the way a pi-network is suppose to tune.  Seems like it's working correctly.  You dip the Ip with the plate tuning cap, usually with a lighter load,  then adjust the loading cap for the rated plate current.  You can recheck the plate tuning cap for the dip in Ip.

The loading cap will work in reverse as you have observed.

Fred