Collins 30L-1 and AM

The Collins 30L-1 is a heritage linear RF amplifier using four 811A triodes.

The manual gives no guidance on the use of the 30L-1 on AM, and that leads some users to think that it isn’t suited. This article explores the 30L-1 using the model described at RF Power Amplifier Tube Performance Computer.

The 30L-1 is specified for 1000W peak DC input in SSB telephony. This imposes one constraint on its use for AM, the other constraint is anode dissipation.

Tuned / loaded for rated SSB telephony

If the PA is tuned and loaded for 1000W peak DC input in SSB telephony, one would expect an output of about 680W PEP.

The carrier power for normal 100% modulated DSB AM is 25% of the PEP, so the carrier power for 680W PEP is 160W. However, at this level, the anode dissipation would be 294W, in excess of the valve ICAS ratings of 260W for four.

If drive was reduce until carrier power was just 70W, anode dissipation would be just under 260W, and PEP would reach 280W. This clearly does not exploit the 30L-1 very well.

Tuned / loaded for AM

Reloading the 30L-1 for a higher resonant load impedance at the anodes will allow operation at reduced power for AM (due to the dissipation constraint) at higher efficiency and within the dissipation limit.

The RF Power Amplifier Tube Performance Computer gives us a tool for exploring different operating conditions without risking damage to the valves.

Fig 1:

Fig 1 shows the AM scenario

If the PA is tuned / loaded for a little over 500W PEP (say 510W) with the least drive, the PI coupler is adjusted for the optimal resonant load for AM within the dissipation limit. AM drive is then adjusted for 123W carrier output, and modulation will take the signal to 492W PEP.

Output power is 74% higher than under the “Tuned / loaded for rated SSB telephony” heading above.

Under these conditions, anode current should be about 229mA DC, and assuming the DC input voltage is 1700V+30V drive, DC input power should be about 1730*0.229=396W, carrier out should be about 136W at the anodes, 123W at the output terminals, leaving anode dissipation at about 396-136=260W.

Summary

The above is a procedure to adjusting the 30-L1 for optimal AM telephony operation within the dissipation limits of four 811As. Under those conditions, it is capable of 490W PEP output, which is about 72% of the PEP capability in SSB telephony.

Note that Collins cautions against high duty cycle modes due to risk of damage to the power supply, proceed with caution.

Fig 2: