[BC] SS versus thermionic finals

[John Lyles]

Interesting discussion, really a variety of opinions on it. The Harris DAX 1 kW DSP PWM transmitter is about $17K delivered. 

I wonder if people worry about this anymore: Lightning susceptability and EMP

SS transmitters require active or passive lightning protection on the output, whereas tube finals don't, due the nature of the design having high voltage DC already. 

EMP. Solid State transmitters don't have a chance with this. Of course, the days that we worry about USSR dropping the bomb here are gone. But the chances of an airborne explosion of a nuclear device, can generator horrendous impulse. Tube finals survive it, SS don't. Its a given. Hardening can be applied, as the military has done, but significant cost added. 

Just another thought to factor in besides cost alone.