Hello Group, I could use your help! Looking to pick up a 3-500ZG replacement for my AL-80B.? My choices are: RF Parts Company: 3-500ZG (6-month warranty). 250$ (China) DX Engineering: Penta Labs RF Vacuum Tube 3-500ZG (no warranty listed). 300$ (assume China?) DX Engineering:?Ameritron 3-500Z Replacement Power Tube (All products manufactured by Ameritron have a one-year limited warranty) 360$ (assume China?). Both vendors have always been reliable for me so my question: Is the Ameritron tube worth the additional $$ or is it branding? Is the Penta Tube?worth the additional $$ What would be the best replacement? (sorry for writing a novel) Thanks in advance! 73 K5AKM - Dave
Howdy Dave,
Just as an FYI, Henry Radio (yes, they still sell stuff...) has new "Greenstone" 3-500C tubes for sale. They are Chinese (of course), but seem okay, work well, and are "guaranteed"... I purchased a couple of these a long while back, and they are still running strong. I've run the pair in both my Drake L-4B (that's what they're in now), as well as my Henry 3-KA. They work great, and the price was (I thought) quite reasonable.
Alan - W5ARM
