The Tuning Room 

This is the tuning room. The variometer to the rear is used for tuning and loading one of the 500kW sections (the outputs are later combined). Note the large arc gap balls. These provide protection for the final amplifier tubes in case of mistuning and static discharge from storms and lightning strikes. Each one is monitored with a photoelectric cell. When the cell detects the flash from an arc over, the output of the transmitter is turned off for a split second. The items in the foreground (large barrel looking things) are capacitors!

Photo:W7QHO


Capacitor close-up



30 April 1998