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All prices are in US$ and are current as of 30 April 2013
US Postal rates for all classes of shipping were increased on 27 January 2013.
Because of this price increase of between 25 to 40 percent it has been necessary for us to increase our shipping rates. We apologize for this inconvenience.
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SSQ-2F v1.41 --- SSQ-2F v3.10 --- SSQ-2F Accessories --- SSQ-2F Parts --- PA1 --- PA2 --- PA1 & PA2 Parts --- 3.1MHz Link Coupler --- Plasma Tube Electrodes - Miscellaneous Parts
LC31P - LC31S - LC31ST- Complete Coupler
Assembly, $85.00Starting with a tubular PVC coil form, a heavy-enamel insulated 18 gauge copper wire secondary coil is wound directly on the PVC coil form. This coil will connect to your plasma tube. A primary winding of 14gauge PVC insulated wire is then wound over the center of the secondary coil. The primary coil accepts the RF power from the SSQ-2F v3.10 or the PA1 or PA2. Two high-quality Mica capacitors allow tuning of the primary winding for maximum power transfer. A high voltage coaxial capacitor is then connected across the terminals of the secondary coil. This capacitor tunes the secondary coil to match your plasma tube. Should you decide to use a different plasma tube, the coaxial tuning capacitor may be easily removed and replaced with a different one. Screw terminal connector blocks are used for all electrical connections to the LC coupler. There are no wires to solder.
Using the LC31P or the LC31S is easy. Connect one end of a 20 foot / 6 meter length of 50 ohm coaxial cable to the RF OUT connection on the SSQ-2F v3.10 or the PA1 or PA2. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the input terminals of the LC coupler assembly. Connect two insulated wires from the output terminals of the LC coupler to the electrodes of your plasma tube. That's it! Now, power up your system. No tuning is required.
If you are using a Bill Cheb 8" Phanotron tube,or the Bill Cheb 48 mm x 20" (2" x 20") SSQ-ST external electrode plasma tube, you should purchase the model LC31P coupler assembly which comes with the model TCP coaxial capacitor installed.
If you are using a Bill Cheb SSQ-PT 1" x 14" external electrode plasma tube, you should purchase the model LC31S coupler assembly which comes with the model TCS coaxial capacitor installed.
If you are using a Bill Cheb Original 2" x 26" Super Tube, you should purchase the model LC31ST coupler assembly which comes with the model TCR coaxial capacitor installed.
If you wish to use the LC coupler for both the Cheb 8 inch Phanotron tube and the Cheb SSQ-PT plasma tube, then you should order the model LC31P coupler and the model TCS coaxial capacitor. In order to switch the LC coupler for use the other tube, you simply swap the TC coaxial capacitors and move one jumper on the input terminal block on the LC coupler. The time required to make the change is approximately 1 minute.
Other makes and models of plasma tubes may be used with the LC couplers, however it may be necessary to change the value of the series link capacitor or the coaxial tuning capacitor, but it should not be necessary to modify the coils.
In order to allow the plasma tube to be placed at some distance away from the computer and control electronics, the LC coupler system has been designed to operate with a 20 foot / 6 meter length of 50 ohm coaxial cable between the output of the SSQ-2F v3.10 or the PA1 and the input of the LC system. Please note that using connecting cables of less than 20 feet / 6 meters in length, will require an adjustment to the LC coupler.
CAUTION: the use of connecting cables shorter than 20 feet / 6 meters in length may cause damage to the SSQ-2F v3.10 or the PA1. If the LC coupler is not adjusted to compensate for the shorter cable length.
Please refer to the instruction manual for further details.
TCP - TCS -
TCR - Coaxial tuning capacitors for the LC3, $20.00 each.All you need to do is change the TC coaxial tuning capacitor on the LC coupling assembly and change one jumper on the input terminal block of the LC coupler.
If you are ordering and LC31S, or the LC31P, you do not need to order one of these capacitors unless you want to be able to use it with a different plasma tube. The LC31S and the LC31P are furnished with the proper coaxial tuning capacitor.
LC31 - Coil assembly only for the LC31P or LC31S, $75.00This is our standard LC coupler coil assembly, but supplied without the coaxial tuning capacitor. It does include the two Mica link-tuning capacitors. These may be removed and replaced with different capacitors for tuning if desired. The standard operating frequency of the LC31 coil assembly is 2.5 to 3.5 MHz.
Electrode Types E1 (left) and E1W (right) for the SSQ-PT Plasma Tubes
The type E1 electrode is furnished without a connecting wire, but it does have a hole through one tab of the electrode where a wire may be either soldered in place or fastened with a nut and bolt.
The type E1W electrode is furnished with a connecting wire of the correct length to connect to the type LC31 link coil coupler network.
The type E2 electrode is furnished without a connecting wire, but it does have a hole through one tab of the electrode where a wire may be either soldered in place or fastened with a nut and bolt.
The type E2W electrode is furnished with a connecting wire of the correct length to connect to the type LC31 link coil coupler network.
The type E3 electrode is furnished without a connecting wire, but it does have a hole through one tab of the electrode where a wire may be either soldered in place or fastened with a nut and bolt.
The type E3W electrode is furnished with a connecting wire of the correct length to connect to the type LC31 link coil coupler network.
Excessive heat is the most common cause of Plasma tube failure. This type of damage will typically result in contamination of the gas mixture inside the tube, causing an unwanted color shift in the discharge and/or poor performance. The process of ionizing the gas causes the glass wall of the tube directly under the electrodes to become very hot. Using ordinary bare copper or aluminum electrodes may result in damage to the tube wall due to overheating if high powers are used or if the electrode is too small for the power level being used. Untreated copper or aluminum electrodes do not effectively remove excess heat from the plasma tube.
For complete technical details and correct use of the Type "E" electrodes, please download the instruction manual.
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PA2-HS2 Combination - $225.00The PA2 plasma tube amplifier is designed to be driven by a SSQ-2F v1.41 processor when the SSQ-2F is set to output a TTL level (0 to +5 volt,) 3.1 MHz square wave square-wave duty-cycle modulated carrier. The PA2 may be driven by any other frequency generator that is capable of outputting a similar TTL carrier signal.
The PA2 may also be driven by any frequency generator (such as later models of the GB-4000) that outputs a 3.1 MHz sine wave carrier that is square-wave duty-cycle modulated, with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 4.5 to 5.5 volts.
The powerful but quiet cooling fan mounted on the rugged HS2 heat sink allows the PA1 to be operated at full power for as long as the researcher desires. A separate power supply for the cooling fan is not needed, because the PA2 provides power for the fan.
The PA1 is fitted with the Quick Change option, so the power amplifier MOSFET may be easily and rapidly replaced should the need arise - no soldering is required.
Two power supplies are required to operate the PA2, one supply of +20 volts for the logic circuitry and cooling fan, and another of between +50 to +175 volts, depending on the type of plasma tube being used. Please refer to the operating manual for full technical details.
K5 -
PA2 Parts Kit only - $75.00
PA2-BB - Blank Circuit Board only - $50.00All components are included for building the amplifier, except for the main heat sink and the cooling fan - these are to be supplied by the builder.
>>> Please note: As of 28 FEB 2013, the assembly manual is not yet complete, however assembly is simple, and reference to pictures of the finished amplifier in the Operations Manual will show you where all the parts are fitted in the amplifier. <<<
PA1-HS2 Combination - $175.00The powerful but quiet cooling fan operates on 12 volts DC, and allows the PA1 to be operated at full power for as long as the researcher desires. The PA1 itself is fitted with the Quick Change option, so the MOSFET may be easily and rapidly replaced should the need arise - no soldering is required - just two screwdrivers, small wire cutters and possibly a pair of common pliers.
The HS2 features a rugged solid aluminum core, measuring 30 x 30 x 28 mm, which provides a massive 25.5 cc of heat absorbing mass to rapidly remove the heat from the PA1. To dissipate the heat into the airstream provided by the cooling fan, a total of 108 fins with a surface area of 812 cm^2 or 125 in^2 extend into the airflow. The HS2 maintains a safe operating environment for the MOSFET on the PA1, ensuring stable operating conditions and high efficiency.
PA-1 - Assembled & Tested, $75.00The PA1 has been designed so that its output matches a standard 50-ohm load impedance, making it possible to connect the output of the PA1 to a conventional antenna tuner or to the 3.1 MHz link coil coupler. Due to the design of the PA1, the output signal from the PA1 is of the same high quality the output from the SSQ-2F v3.10.
The PA1 is designed to be driven by the SSQ-2F v3.10. The PA1 increases the power output of the SSQ-2F v3.10 to a power level of between 300 to 500 Watts peak power. When using modulation duty cycles of between 0 to 100%, the PA1 will produce at least 300 Watts peak or continuous power output. For modulation duty cycles of between 1 to 50%, the PA1 can produce up to 500 Watts peak power output. These power levels are sufficient to operate even the largest plasma tubes now available.
The PA1 comes complete with a high-efficiency Bergquist thermal pad to go between the STW20NK50Z MOSFET output transistor and the heat sink. A rubber pressure pad is required when clamping the STW20NK50Z against the heat sink. This pressure pad is included with the PA1.
There is one option available for the PA1. Normally, the STW20NK50Z output transistor is permanently soldered to the circuit board of the PA1. If you prefer, you may order the "Quick Change" option for the PA1. This option adds a 3-pin connector to the PA1 circuit board which allows you to simply loosen three screws and replace the STW20NK50Z in a matter of seconds. No soldering is required. Please select this option from the pulldown list in the PayPal ordering button below.
The PA1 must be mounted on a substantial heat sink for proper operation.
To connect a plasma tube to the PA1 requires the use of either a commercial antenna tuner or the 3.1 MHz link coil coupler.
This is a double sided board, with plated through holes and 0.05" wide, 3 ounce tin plated copper traces for reliability and durability during assembly. This board is solder mask coated to protect the circuit traces. It is fully silk-screened for ease of component placement identification during assembly. Four mounting holes are provided for mounting the completed circuit board.
Please download and read the instruction manual for the PA1 before ordering.
PA-1 Kit, $50.00There is one option available for the PA1. Normally, the STW20NK50Z output transistor is permanently soldered to the circuit board of the PA1. If you prefer, you may order the "Quick Change" option for the PA1. This option adds a 3-pin connector to the PA1 circuit board which allows you to simply loosen three screws and replace the STW20NK50Z in a matter of seconds. No soldering is required. Please select this option from the pulldown list in the PayPal ordering button below. When the "Quick Change" option is ordered, the additional connector will be included in your PA1 kit.
The PA1 must be mounted on a substantial heat sink for proper operation.
This is a double sided board, with plated through holes and 0.05" wide, 3 ounce tin plated copper traces for reliability and durability during assembly. This board is solder mask coated to protect the circuit traces. It is fully silk-screened for ease of component placement identification during assembly. Four mounting holes are provided for mounting the completed circuit board.
Please download and read both the assembly manual and the instruction manual for the PA1 before ordering.
PA1-BB Circuit Board only, $20.00
This is the bare circuit board required to assemble the PA1 Rife Plasma Tube amplifier.
This is a double sided board, with plated through holes and 0.05" wide, 3 ounce tin plated copper traces for reliability and durability during assembly. This board is solder mask coated to protect the circuit traces. It is fully silk-screened for ease of component placement identification during assembly. Four mounting holes are provided for mounting the completed circuit board.
Download the Assembly Manual for the PA1 HERE.
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SSQ-2F v3.10 - Assembled and tested, $175.00This is a double sided board, with plated through holes and 0.05" wide, 3 ounce tin plated copper traces for reliability and durability during assembly. This board is solder mask coated and silk-screened. Four mounting holes are provided for mounting the completed circuit board in your enclosure. One year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Download the Instruction Manual for the SSQ-2F HERE.
Download Frequency Sweep Files for the SSQ-2F HERE
I recommend FreX to drive the SSQ-2F. Please visit Ken Uzzell's web site at http://frex.com.au/frex17.html for information about FreX.
K3
- $55.00Parts Kit K3 contains all the components needed to assemble your SSQ-2F Controller board. The only other item required is the printed circuit board, which you may purchase from us, or make yourself.
This kit includes either a 3.1 or 3.3 MHz oscillator module. Please specify which frequency you need when you place your order, otherwise we will include the standard 3.1 MHz oscillator. A type HS-1 heat sink (not shown here) for the 12 volt regulator is included in the parts kit.
This is a double sided board, with plated through holes and 0.05" wide, 3 ounce tin plated copper traces for reliability and durability during assembly. This board is solder mask coated and silk-screened. Four mounting holes are provided for mounting the completed circuit board in your enclosure. One year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Download the Instruction Manual for the SSQ-2F HERE.
Download Frequency Sweep Files for the SSQ-2F HERE
B1 -
$50.00This is a double sided board, with plated through holes and 0.05" wide, 3 ounce tin plated copper traces for reliability and durability during assembly. This board is solder mask coated to protect the circuit traces. It is fully silk-screened for ease of component placement identification during assembly. Four mounting holes are provided for mounting the completed circuit board in your enclosure. Complete this Controller board using your own parts, or order Parts Kit - K3.
Complete assembly instructions for this circuit Board may be downloaded by clicking HERE
SSQ-2F v1.41 -
Assembled and tested, $125.00This is a double sided board, with plated through holes and 0.05" wide, 3 ounce tin plated copper traces for reliability and durability during assembly. This board is solder mask coated and silk-screened. Four mounting holes are provided for mounting the completed circuit board in your enclosure. One year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Full specifications available HERE.
Download the Instruction Manual for the SSQ-2F HERE.
Download Frequency Sweep Files for the SSQ-2F HERE
I recommend FreX to drive the SSQ-2F. Please visit Ken Uzzell's web site at http://frex.com.au/frex17.html for information about FreX.
Parts Kit K1
- $37.00Parts Kit K1 contains all the components needed to assemble your SSQ-2F Controller board. The only other item required is the printed circuit board, which you may purchase from us, or make yourself.
This kit includes either a 3.1 or 3.3 MHz oscillator module. Please specify which frequency you need when you place your order, otherwise we will include the standard 3.1 MHz oscillator. A type HS-1 heat sink (not shown here) for the 12 volt regulator is included in the parts kit.
Complete assembly instructions for this kit when using Circuit Board - B1 may be downloaded by clicking HERE.
B1 - $43.00This is a double sided board, with plated through holes and 0.05" wide, 3 ounce tin plated copper traces for reliability and durability during assembly. This board is solder mask coated to protect the circuit traces. It is fully silk-screened for ease of component placement identification during assembly. Four mounting holes are provided for mounting the completed circuit board in your enclosure. Complete this Controller board using your own parts, or order Parts Kit - K1.
Complete assembly instructions for this circuit Board may be downloaded by clicking HERE.
M1 -
$19.00
R2 -
$5.00
A1 - $5.00(NOTE - If you are ordering the SSQ-2F v3.10, then do NOT order this power adapter - it will not work with the SSQ-2F v3.10.)
This adapter plugs into a standard North American mains power outlet. The DC output cord is 6 feet long and it is terminated with a standard 2.5 mm phone plug, positive tip.
You will need to cut off the power plug and fit the end of the power cord to the SSQ-2F power connector.
My tests show that the actual output voltage drops to the minimum required to operate the SSQ-2F at duty cycles above 70%. This is a current limited power supply. This means that should an accidental short circuit occur, the SSQ-2F should not be damaged.
The bad news is that this is NOT a filtered power supply. In order to use this power supply with the SSQ-2F, you must add a 4700 uF 25 Volt electrolytic filter capacitor across the DC output of the power supply. The good news is that it is cheap.
U4 - Standard
frequencies of 3.1 and 3.3 MHz - $16.00.Price for nonstandard frequencies are US $20.00 for the first oscillator. Additional oscillators are $12.50 each, if purchased on the same order.
LME49710NA -
$3.75
74HCT14N -
$1.20
TC4426CPA -
$2.50
MC7812CP -
$1.25
MCC7805CT -
$1.25
2N4401 - $0.80
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Q2 - IRF730 - $2.50
TBLOCK-2 - $0.55
TBLOCK-3 - $0.75
HS-1 -
$2.00
PAD-1 -
$1.20
STW20NK50Z - $6.25
PAD-4 -
$1.50 PAD-3 - $1.00
RES-7R5-2W - $0.35
L3 -
$10.00Note: The photo shows two views of the coil, but only one is required for the amplifier. You will receive one coil in your order.
L1 - $2.50
C1 - $5.50
C2-C3 - $0.55
RS-11 - 11 Position Rotary Switch, with Knob -
$6.25This switch is rated at 150 V between contacts with a current carrying capacity of 5 A. The switch mounts through a single 0.375" / 9.52 mm diameter hole. The shaft is 0.25 inches / 6 mm diameter. The shaft length is 0.4 inches / 10 mm.
C2 - 220 uF 200 VDC Electrolytic
Capacitor- $4.75This capacitor is rated at 220 µF at 200 V DC. Temperature rating is 105°C.
RG – 58 - $0.55 /per footthis cable is suitable for connecting the output of the SSQ-2F v3.10, the PA1, or the PA2 amplifiers to the 3.1 MHz Link Coil Coupler to drive your plasma tube. A total length of between 18 to 22 feet is required. The optimal length suggested to use is 20 feet. this cable may also be used for the connection between the SSQ-2F v3.10 and the input to the PA1 amplifier. Priced per foot.
(Picture coming
soon.) . - $0.00Bill Cheb has designed a new tube especially for use with the SSQ-2F v3.10 - the model SSQ-PT.
The SSQ-PT is a 1" x 14" straight tube using external electrodes. The SSQ-PT is available in several different gas pressures for your application.
If you would like more information about the SSQ-PT, please go to http://billsplasmatubes.com/index#ssqpt
If you would prefer to use an 8" Phanaotron tube instead, please go to http://billsplasmatubes.com/index#8inpt
This web site and all contents including pictures, text and diagrams is Copyright © 2012 by Ralph M Hartwell.
All Publication, Reproduction and Manufacturing Rights Reserved.
