Drake L-7 Test Results - Serial #3044

by Don Falle, VE2DFO

November 30, 2020

Test set up: K3 driving the L7 which is wired for 220 VAC. The wattmeter is an LP-100A into a Bird dummy
load. SWR was below 1.1:1 on all bands. All test results in the SSB( high voltage position) but key down .
Typically 2500 volts key up and 2200 volts key down. Boosting the voltage will give more output if you need
it! The L7’s internal wattmeter is fairly accurate btw and generally agreed with the LP-100A.

160 Meters: 1.824 MHz

 90 watts drive
 700 MA plate current
 200 MA grid current
 Output: 1,025 watts

80 Meters: 3.753 MHz

 84 watts drive
 750 MA plate current
 220 MA grid current
 Output: 1,111 watts

40 Meters: 7.019 MHz

 88 watts drive
 720 MA plate current
 200 MA grid current
 Output: 1,055 watts

30 Meters: 10.111 MHz-----Note band switch in the 20 meter position—tune position at the top end of 80
meters

 95 watts drive
 800+ MA plate current
 175 MA grid current
 Output: 730 watts

Comments: tried it in the 40 meter band position and results were poor. Since the grid current is a bit low
compared to other bands a tuner might help to improve the input match but it pretty good as is.

20 Meters: 14.015 MHz

 92 watts drive
 800 MA plate current
 220 MA grid current
 Output: 1,060 watts
17 Meters: 18.068 MHz-- Band switch in the 21 MHz position

 85 watts drive
 800 MA plate current
 200 MA grid current
 Output: 994 watts

15 Meters: 21.020 MHz

 725 MA plate current

 200 MA grid current
 82 watts drive
 Output: 925 watts

Comments: It will do over 1KW with more drive—just didn’t try it!

12 Meters: 24.925 MHz---Band switch in 10 meter position

 84 watts drive
 800 MA plate current
 150 MA grid
 Output: 715 watts

10 meters: exact frequency not recorded

 92 watts drive
 750 MA plate current
 220 MA grid current
 Output: 1,039 watts

Comments: Tested also with 100 watts drive and grid current at 240 MA—output was 1,089 watts

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