T-368 E Model Transmitter Ham Radio

Description

T-368 E Transmitter Ham Radio
The Basics
The much sought after T-368 transmitter, this is the "E" model, with
the latest enhancements and updates.
Complete and in very nice condition, surplus to my needs.
I picked this one up from a ham down in MA back in 2019, moved it to my
location in Maine.
As much as I love these transmitters, just don't need another
one of these,
and now that the pandemic has eased, I am offering it for sale.
Condition
Checked out it out, moved it to Maine, and parked it next to my existing T-3.
Overall condition is very good, unit is quite original, other than the rollers
added on the bottom cabinet (a blessing) and the audio jack on the modulator
deck (nice addition). Many times these units are hacked up or damaged as
folks try to run them on 11 meters, or modify, this one has been very well
cared for. Has been kept covered in my heated hamshack and workshop since arrival.
Pickup
Must be picked up from my home, located in midcoast Maine, or you can
arrange a mover to come and get it. Has wheels on the bottom, so it rolls
easily. The three decks slide out, and as you can see from the photo, will
fit into the back of a minivan. The decks are heavy, so ideally you'll want to
bring a companion with you to help move.
T-368 Transmitter Data - From The W1UJR Website
History
Produced in large numbers during the 50’s and 60’s, the T-368 transmitter was used by the military as a multi-purpose unit. Affectionately known as the  “T-3” a great many were placed in stationary RTTY service, while others were used for AM and CW operation. As a medium power transmitter the T-368 was overbuilt for continuous 7/24 service. Originally designated as the T-368/URT, the T-368 has since undergone several updates, culminating in the T-368F model. Major updates were the addition of a vacuum T/R relay, and modified protection circuits. Most of the older non-lettered models have undergone MWOs (Modification Work Orders) for service updates. The MWO tags are typically affixed to the front of the decks.
Physical
The unit weighs about 700 lbs., and is roughly cube shaped. Height and length are close to 41″. It’s modular construction allows easy access for service. The lower deck, and the most heavy, is the power supply section. The middle deck, and next lightest, is the modulator, and the top deck  is the RF section. All decks are equipped with Cannon connectors and can easily be removed for service and troubleshooting. It fact it is possible to “hot swap” defective decks while the power is still energized with no adverse effects.
Conversion to Amateur Use
The T-368 requires very little in the way of conversion for use on the amateur bands. With its 450 watts of carrier, and heavy duty construction, the T-3 makes an outstanding amateur transmitter. A few simple safety and convenience changes are all that is required.
Tube Complement
The T-368 uses a total of 29 vacuum tubes. A pair of  4-125A tubes are used for modulators, and a single 4-400 for the PA. Power output is 400-450 watts carrier in the AM mode. The unit is quite frequency agile, capable of a tuning range from 1.5 Mc to 20 Mc with the built-in exciter unit. The exciter tube, know as a “6000” is a bit unusual, and becoming more difficult to find. I have replaced the rectifier tubes in my T-3 #1 unit with solid state found that the unit runs considerably cooler. Although this does raise the supply voltage somewhat, I believe that the design offers significant engineering headroom as not to cause a problem.
Power
Power requirements are simple, 110-120VAC at 20 amps.
Operation
As it was designed for military service, the T-368 is exceptionally simple to operate. It is also equipped with numerous safeguards both for the protection of the transmitter, as well as the operator. The T-3 employs a overload protection relay which engages when excessive plate current is detected. A thermal protection switch is also placed over the 4-400 final tube to protect it in the event of blower failure. Any frequency between 1.5KC and 20KC can be readily selected with the built-in exciter unit. The two large vacuum variable capacitors used in the loading and tuning circuit allow rapid and painless frequency changes. The design of the Pi-L tuning network allows the T-3 to match a wide range of antenna loads.
Summary
The T-3 is really overbuilt for amateur service, and it is a pleasure to operate on the air. When used in intermittent amateur service, the unit will easily outlast its owner. Service parts are readily available from a variety of vendors
. Failures are infrequent, and when they do occur, it is usually a simple matter to diagnose and correct.
There is very little, short a commercial broadcast transmitter, that can offer the “brick on the key”, 7/24 service of a T-368. Given some simple mods, and a little time, the T-368 is capable of outstanding transmit audio. When matched with the R-390A receiver, the T-368 indeed offers a bulletproof and formidable vintage AM station.
See you on the air!