Ten-Tec TITAN III 417

Questions and Answers

A
arodriguezAug 18, 2025
How to fix a Ten-Tec Amplifier that will not turn on?
- C
  Christopher ClarkAug 18, 2025
  If your Ten-Tec Amplifier is not turning on, start by checking the fuse and replacing it if necessary. Also, verify your house wiring and ensure the breaker is closed. Make sure the power cable is securely connected to the amplifier. Inspect the fuse on the HV-AC board A9 (81945) and replace it if it's open. Finally, there might be a problem with the low voltage power supply on the QSK board A11 (81949), which would require diagnosis and repair.
F
freemankristinaAug 20, 2025
What to do if line fuses blow when turning on my Ten-Tec Amplifier?
- M
  Michael StephensAug 20, 2025
  If relays A9K1, A9K2, and A9K3 close at turn on, but the line fuses blow in your Ten-Tec Amplifier, check for high voltage shorts at the crowbar or elsewhere. Another potential cause is a shorted tube, which would need to be replaced. Also, consider the possibility of leaky electrolytics in the high voltage supply, and replace them if necessary.
J
jennifergrossAug 23, 2025
Why is my Ten-Tec Amplifier difficult to drive with high plate current?
- M
  Matthew StewartAug 23, 2025
  If your Ten-Tec Amplifier is difficult to drive, has little or no output, and exhibits high plate current (possibly with a 'frying sound'), first check that the band switch is in the correct position and adjust if needed. Reduce the load SWR. If the issue persists, the output relay A4K1 on the 81951 SWR board may be defective and require replacement. Finally, diagnose and repair any arcing in the tank circuit or antenna feed line.
B
Becky LewisAug 26, 2025
What causes my Ten-Tec Amplifier to stay keyed in receive mode?
- C
  Courtney LynchAug 26, 2025
  If your transceiver stays keyed in receive mode, possibly accompanied by loss of receive signal when using your Ten-Tec Amplifier, the relay A4K1 on the 81951 SWR board might be stuck and needs replacement or repair. Another cause could be a shorted key-in or key-out cable, which should be replaced. Finally, a defective relay control circuit on the 81949 QSK board (A11) could be the culprit, requiring repair.
L
Lawrence PaulAug 28, 2025
Why won't my Ten-Tec Amplifier drive with high SWR?
- E
  ehallAug 28, 2025
  If your Ten-Tec Amplifier won’t drive, shows zero grid and plate current, and has high input SWR, the issue might be a defective cable from the transceiver to the amplifier, which you should replace. Alternatively, the input relay A4K2 on the 81951 SWR board could be defective and needs replacement. Finally, check the input filter A7 or A8 on the 81946 Input Matching board (A6) for looseness or damage, and repair as needed.
J
jessica68Aug 30, 2025
Why doesn't my transceiver key with my Ten-Tec Amplifier?
- O
  omoralesAug 30, 2025
  If your transceiver does not key using the key-in/key-out loop with your Ten-Tec Amplifier, first ensure the key-in and key-out lines are not reversed at either the amplifier or the transceiver and correct them if they are. Next, check for defective key line cables and replace them if necessary. Finally, the defective relay control circuit on the 81949 QSK board (A11) may require repair.
R
Rebecca ThompsonSep 2, 2025
Why is the screen overdrive LED lit with no drive on my Ten-Tec Amplifier?
- M
  Manuel SimmonsSep 2, 2025
  If the screen overdrive LED lights up with no drive on your Ten-Tec Amplifier, it could be due to A10R23 on the 81950 Screen Supply being open or increased in value, which requires replacement. Another possibility is low or no high voltage, in which case you should diagnose and restore the high voltage, turning off the amplifier immediately.
K
Karen WilliamsSep 5, 2025
What does it mean when the grid overdrive LED lights with no drive on my Ten-Tec Amplifier?
- L
  Laura GarciaSep 5, 2025
  If the Grid overdrive LED lights up with no drive on your Ten-Tec Amplifier, it may be caused by a shorted or leaky A10Q7 on the 81950 Screen Supply, which needs to be replaced. Alternatively, the tube may be shorted or leaky and require replacement.
M
Michelle LewisSep 7, 2025
Why is there excessive plate current in receive mode on my Ten-Tec Amplifier?
- S
  Shawn MatthewsSep 7, 2025
  If you're experiencing excessive plate current in receive mode with your Ten-Tec Amplifier, it could be due to a defective bias circuit on the 81950 board (A10), which needs repair. Alternatively, there may be a shorted grid/cathode in the tube, requiring replacement.
L
Lindsay LesterSep 9, 2025
What if relays A9K2 and A9K3 close but relay K1 doesn't on my Ten-Tec Amplifier?
- T
  Theodore DavisSep 9, 2025
  If relays A9K2 and A9K3 on the 81945 HV-AC board close but relay K1 does not on your Ten-Tec Amplifier, it could be because A9Q1 on the 81945 HV-AC board is defective, requiring replacement. Alternatively, A9K1 on 81945 may be defective and needs to be replaced as well.

Summary

Installation

1.1 Introduction to Installation

Overview of installation requirements, ventilation, and location selection.

1.2 Electrical Connections Guide

Details on power requirements, wiring, and safety for electrical connections.

1.3 High Voltage Transformer Installation

Step-by-step guide for safely installing the HV transformer.

1.4 Transceiver Interconnections

How to connect the amplifier to various transceivers.

1.5 Antenna Requirements

Specifies antenna impedance and SWR for optimal operation.

1.6 Ground Connection

Importance of proper grounding for safety and RF reduction.

1.7 High Power Operation

Checks and considerations for operating at maximum power levels.

1.8 ALC Functionality

Information on Automatic Level Control connections and adjustments.

1.9 Cooling System

Description of the forced air cooling system and its importance.

Operating Instructions

2.1 Introduction to Operation

Guide to quickly place the amplifier into operation.

2.2 Front Panel Controls

Detailed explanation of front panel controls and indicators.

2.3 Rear Panel Connections and Controls

Description of rear panel connectors and their functions.

2.4 Initial Turn-On Procedure

Step-by-step procedure for the first power-up.

2.5 Tune Up Procedure

Guide to safely tuning the amplifier for optimal performance.

Operation and Safety

3.1 Introduction to Operation and Safety

Additional information on safe operation of the amplifier.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4.1 Introduction to Troubleshooting

Overview of troubleshooting hints for common problems.

4.2 Maintenance Guidelines

Guidelines for cleaning and maintaining the amplifier's internal components.

Circuit Descriptions and Illustrations

5.1 Introduction to Circuits

Introduction to circuit board subassemblies and diagrams.

5.2 Input Matching Board A6 (81946)

Description of the input matching board, filters, and ALC circuits.

5.3 High Voltage Rectifier Assembly A2 (81944)

Details on the HV rectifier bridge, filters, and meter circuits.

5.4 Screen Supply and Grid Bias Board A10 (81950)

Description of screen and grid bias supply, and protective circuits.

5.5 QSK Board A11 (81949)

Explanation of low voltage supply, relay sequencing, and T/R control.

5.6 SWR Board A4 (81951)

Description of input relay, output relay, and SWR bridge.

5.7 Plate Connector Assembly A3 (81948)

Details on parasitic suppressors and coupling capacitors.

5.8 Meter;Switch Board A12 (81947) and Display Board A13 (81952)

Description of metering circuits and front panel displays.

5.9 AC Line Delay Board A9 (81945)

Explanation of step start relays and inrush current control.

5.10 Load Shunt Board A5 (81943)

Details on extra load capacitance for specific bands.

5.11 Schematic Diagram, Model 417 Amplifier

The complete circuit schematic for the amplifier.

Master Parts List

Chassis Mounted Parts A1

List of parts mounted directly onto the amplifier chassis.

AC Line Board A9 (81945) Parts

Parts list for the AC Line Delay Board.

Input Matching Board A6 (81946) Parts

Parts list for the Input Matching Board.

Meter-Switch Board A12 (81947) Parts

Parts list for the Meter-Switch Board.

Plate Board A3 (81948) Parts

Parts list for the Plate Connector Board.

QSK Board A11 (81949) Parts

Parts list for the QSK Board.

SWR Board A4 (81951) Parts

Parts list for the SWR Board.

Load Cap Shunt Board A5 (81943) Parts

Parts list for the Load Cap Shunt Board.