[BC] BC-1G Advice

[Craig Healy]

> ..another in MO had a Varriac on the primary of the
> plate transformer so they could back down the 250
> to 208 (customer add on and a good but expensive
> idea).

I had a Variac on an ancient GE XT-1A at the 1220 station in Providence, RI.
They had five different power levels during the day.  The XT-1A had an mod
that dated to the original PSA authorization, but no way would it have been
able to handle five steps.  The on-air people knew how to turn the knob for
the appropriate power at the time indicated in the log.

What worked well was putting the final bias supply also on the variac.  That
rig could do from 1100w down to about 25w and still sound good. And, the
modulation levels didn't need to be altered.

Another mod on that was to use a Marantz stereo amp with the left and right
channels set in push-pull mono.  Transformers used for input and output.
Input was a simple UTC A-10 and the output was a UTC LS-54.  That had a 30
ohm side to the amp output, and an 8000 ohm side with a split center so the
feedback ladder could be used to the 833A modulator tubes.  It sounded
really good, much better than the original.

Speaking of transmitter mods, has anyone tried swapping out hard to find
5-500 tubes for 5CX1500 type?  Sure it's overkill, but at least the 5CX1500s
can be found easily.  I have a backup rig I'm considering modifying.

Craig Healy
Providence, RI