3CX3000A7 obtaining

[Opcom]

A few days ago, I picked up this 3CX3000 for $45. It needs rebuilt. Another one found last year is in the same condition.

Econoco and Kennetron rebuild them, $800-900 which i presume is the price with core.
Rebuilds with no core outright seem to be closer to the $1300 pricing.
I saw an Eimac for $2200 and would expect it to be new with a good warranty for that money.
Others for $1300 new are Greenstone brand with a 1 year warranty, which I suspect is Chinese but don't know.
Some warranties are '1 year', others are pro-rated based on hours.

I don't need a new or rebuilt tube now, just interested in where people are getting them and what the warranties and costs are. It's a big expense.

[K3YA]

Great tube for linear service assuming that's the A7 version.  I just turned off my 3cx3000 f7 80 meter amp.  Same tube but doesn't require a socket.  I've been running that tube for more then 30 years now.

A tube that's too tired for a 5 kw broadcast transmitter may still work fine in a 1.5 kw plus ham amplifier.

[Opcom]

That's a good point.

[K3YA]

I get almost 13db gain at 4.2KV, zero bias, when lightly loaded for 100 watts drive.  Saves on heating bill. 

[KD6VXI]

The thing about the 3000 is:  Run anywhere near safely, its a buy once tube


It will make 1500 watts to 3000 watts literally forever (pep).

I run mine on 6.2 kv.   It's documented power level is on here and YouTube, it has zero issues making desk kw levels of power.

One tube, bulletproof.  Yes, it costs a lot.

But I can run 4 1.5 kw streams simultaneously on FT8 if I really wanted to.

Tey that with an 8877 or even 3 x 500Z tubes.


--Shane
WP2ASS

[K3YA]

It is a nice tube for FT8.  How much bias does it need at 6.2 KV and how much gain does it have?  I have a bigger plate transformer in the back room that I have considered trying.