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3CX400A7 availability

K

kberlen

I look after a CCA 3000DS that has had IPA retrofitted with a 3CX400A7, rather than a pair of 4CX250B's. The tube I am running is getting a little soft, and I am looking for a source for a replacement. Apparently, this is not a very common tube, as the only one we have been able to locate was over $780. Does anyone have a NOS one that is no longer needed, or a suggestion for a supplier that has a reasonable price point? Thanks.
 
$780 is typical for that tube these days...I've paid as much as $850!

Talk to Van at V and J Electronics about upgrading to a solid state IPA or at worst, maybe changing to the 3CX800A7 (will run much longer than the 400).
 
level42 said:
$780 is typical for that tube these days...I've paid as much as $850!

Talk to Van at V and J Electronics about upgrading to a solid state IPA or at worst, maybe changing to the 3CX800A7 (will run much longer than the 400).
Click to expand...
I'm only getting 14 months from a 3CX800A7 in a CCA FM4000G. Tube looks new when it comes out...owner says the box has produced that life for over 20 years. Any idea what the solid state mod kit runs from V&J? At $800/yr for the tube, that upgrade may pay for itself in a reasonable time.
 
Well, if you already have an amp or high powered exciter (500 watts or more), I think it's maybe $500 in parts. The whole package from them with the amp is pricey...I think it's around $3,500.
 
I have a Sintronic 3KW transmitter (also built by the folks in Cleburne) that had the IPA retrofitted with the 3CX800 back in the late 1980's. That transmitter has the original 3CX800 in it, and was the main transmitter for this same station until they picked up the CCA about 10 years ago. Tube life has also been good on the 3CX400A7, as this will only be the second IPA tube I have changed since we put his transmitter on the air, and this tube is about 7 years old. Based on the tube life we have gotten in the past, it looks like the best thing to do is bite the bullet and buy the tube. By the time we need another, I hope to have retired this old reliable transmitter to standby service.
 
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