Considering the RF amp with 2 x 813's and the modulator with 2 x 813's -
what
are the equations and math to work out the required wattage, impedance,
step
ratio etc.
And, just how much can one depart from the ideal arrangement and with what
effects? ( should I not be able to find the right xmfr for this amp I'm
planning
to build ).
Regardless of tube or impedances, if you are running a common power supply
supplying the same voltage for modulator and final, you need a modulation
transformer with a somewhere between 1.3:1 and 1.6:1 turns ratio. The
lower ratio (1.3:1) will give higher positive peak capability and more
headroom before flat-topping. The higher ratio (1.6:1) will allow the
modulator tubes to run cooler, but your modulation percentage will be
limited to just a little over 100% both positive and negative, leaving
little headroom in the positive direction before peak clipping sets in.
Most modulation transformers with a given turns ratio will match a wide
variety of actual impedances. For example, a 2:1 impedance ratio (1.4:1
turns ratio) could match 8000 ohms plate-to-plate to a 4000 ohm modulating
impedance, or the same transformer could be used to match 16000 ohms
plate-to-plate to o 8000 modulating impedance. Modulating impedance is
final amp plate voltage divided by final amp plate current.
Just be sure that the ratings of the transformer (maximum voltage and
current) are not exceeded. Running a given transformer at higher impedances
tends to result in some low frequency rolloff, and running it an lower
impedances tends to roll off some of the highs, due to inductances and
internal capacitances of the windings.
Optimum turns ratios will vary if the plate voltage on the modulator is
different from that of the final.
With lower modulator plate voltage you need less step-down in the mod xfmr
and vice versa. Also, if you are interested in extended positive peaks, you
will need less stepdown.
Don k4kyv
