mobile tube amp?

[sir. witchback]

So I have been building myself a new truck for the last 3 years and its about ready to put on the road. I have (2) alternators. One 13VDC;190A to run the truck electrical, and my radio equipment. And one 19.2VDC;155A that is powering a 16VDC AGM D1600 2,400A battery, for my amplifiers. I am half way done building a (4) tube -31LQ6 driver amp that will drive my water-cooled 8Pill.
I am thinking of dropping the 8pill from the truck, and building a large tube box. I have build a few 6lq6, and 31lq6 boxes, and many pill boxes. I try to make them very clean, and filtered all I can. I don't over drive my gear, and run most of the time about 90% modulation. Low dead keys, and swing what I can. Living in the hills of WV, I do allot of driving way out in to the woods. I would like to know what you people think of this idea. What kids of tubes I can go with, and what kind of power I can expect, using my power supply's.

Any input is welcome. 73's

 

[W5LZ]

There used to be several tube mobile amplifiers. That was about the time when transistors first came out, weren't common at all, so cost more than a tube type mobile amplifiers did. It's certainly is possible. It also is a really PITA because of the higher voltages required for a tube type amplifier, plate voltage for instance. That can be really fun. And then there's the fact that a 'tube' if more fragile than solid state devices. Just different problems. If you want to try it, do so. Just get ready for working out problems that are not very common anymore.
- 'Doc

 

[rumrunner]

I agree - mobile tube amps are "interesting". BUT - I know a guy that runs dynamotors (1950's) and runs a broadcast-quality mobile on AM. He runs old aircraft dynamotors that are fed with 24 volts (rated at 28 volts). They produce the plate voltage and current. He also runs a Johnson Ranger. Mobile. He uses 813's as finals in his amp. They were designed for "JAN" service. (Joint Army/Navy) service in the '40's. They are rated @ 500 watts and are "case hardened" for mobile and aircraft service. (thats a joke but they are not sensitive to mobile use). Take a look at the old ART-13 transmitter. The Russkys got sum good mobile toobs, too. My old friend run's 4 813's. Mobile. I wish I had a setup that good.....Keep the faith! ..Rumrunner out...

 

[sir. witchback]

This is great feed back. I have also thought about how much vibrations, and jarring sweep tubes can handle. I think I might have to drop the idea of a 4 tube sweep amp. I think if I do go with tubes, they will have to be built a tad bit better hay..

Thank you for your inputs, I would love to see more on this subject.