Note
HP-13 1963-1968 $59.95
HP-13A 1969-1972 $78.95
HP-13B 1972-1979 $89.95
The HP-13 evolved from the HP-10 and was released in 1963 principally as a companion for the HW-12, 22, and 32 “Single-Bander” transceivers introduced that same year, and with the soon-to-be-released SB series as well.
The basic specifications of these units are nearly identical to the HP-23 series. Outwardly, the HP-13 series are identical, except that the 13B has no bias adjust control. These are fully solid state switching power supplies with a switching frequency of about 1500 Hz. They are all built around a single circuit board and a proprietary potted toroid type transformer.
The choice of low voltage (250 or 300 VDC) is made during construction. To determine what voltage any given unit has been set for check the BLU-GRN and BLU-YEL wires from the potted transformer.
Refer to illustration. For 250 volt operation the BLU-YEL wire will be connected to the BLU-YEL LOW TAP solder terminal on the circuit board, and the BLU-GRN wire to point D.
Refer to illustration. For 300 volt operation the BLU-GRN wire will be connected to the BLU-GRN HIGH TAP terminal, and the BLU-YEL wire to point D.
The units will also switch DC filament voltages to the rig, and feature circuit breakers with both automatic reset and load delay. No simple field check is possible to determine the status of the transformer. Case is black anodized aluminum with distinctive heat sink fins.
Changes between the original and the A/B version include better output transistors. Changes between the A and B version include removing the variable bias voltage, changing the bias on the transistors, and adding some asymmetry to improve starting. All three versions use the same potted transformer (p/n 54-144).
Caution: While the HP-13 “A” and “B” models will tolerate input voltages up to 16 VDC, the original version has an absolute maximum input rating of 14.5 volts.
References:
Review. QST. Mar 1964, p. 61.
Nuisance circuit breaker tripping. QST. Dec 1969, p. 51.
General repair tips. Ham Radio. Jun 1970, p. 56.
Cooling. CQ. Oct 1981, p. 70.
Specifications apply to all models, with differences as noted.
Input voltage:
HP-13: 12 to 14.5 VDC (do not exceed 14.5 volts)
HP-13A and B: 12 to 16 volts (do not exceed 16 volts)
Input current: 15 amps at full load
Operating temperature limits: –10F to +122F
High voltage:
output: 800 volts, no load; 750 volts @ 250 mA
effective output capacitance: 10 uF
ripple: less than 1% at 250 mA
duty cycle: continuous to 150 mA; 50% up to 300 mA
Low voltage high tap: 310 volts, no load; 300 volts @ 150 mA
ripple: less than 0.05% @ 150 mA
duty cycle: continuous up to 175 mA
Low voltage low tap: 265 volts, no load; 250 volts @ 150 mA
ripple: less than 0.05% @ 150 mA
duty cycle: continuous up to 175 mA
Bias:
HP-13/HP-13A: from –40 @ 1 mA to –130 @ 20 mA, adjustable
HP-13B: –130 VDC with 20 mA load
Filament supply:
HP-13: 6 amps
HP-13A/B: 10 amps
Switching frequency: approximately 1500 Hz
Solid State: (7) 1N2071
HP-13: (2) SP838 (Ge-PNP 45 v, 25 amp)
HP-13A/B: (2) DTG110B (Ge-PNP rated 90 volts, 25 amps)
Photos, general information and specifications from "Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur Radio Products," by Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE. Used with permission.
