In a message dated 7/16/2006 4:27:23 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
k5uj@hotmail.com writes:
I'm not sure how many hams want a no-tune amp--tuning a tube plate to low Z
doesn't really bother me that much, in fact I prefer to do it myself, not
trusting some logic circuit to tune and load for me. however I know one of
the great things about the PW-1 is that it follows the icom exciters making
them 1 kw transceivers which I must admit is pretty nice. Also, it's
easier to remote the amp when it's no-tune. But I think a lot of hams make
buying decisions based primarily on the purchase cost. Since they aren't
transmitting around the clock every day of the year, operating costs aren't
that much of a consideration. If I transmitted all the time, a 90%
efficient s.s. tx would be attractive to me. So, in other words, I
understand the broadcast industry moving to s.s. but their reasons mostly do
not apply to hams, at least for now. If a s.s. 1.5 kw ham amp or even a 1
kw ham amp can hit the $3K mark, then things will change.
=====================================================
I have several solid state amps, a als 600, Ic2-kl and also several tube
amps, a alpha 76 and an alpha 87 a. the one I use most is the alpha 87a. It is
auto tune and tied together with the 3 ele steppir, and the Orion and my logger
and I can literally point and soot . If I click on a telnet spot , the amp
the radio and the antenna all tune there, and I make the contact. Very
nice, and convenient.
I also had a separate IC 2-KL for my 756 and an at500 so that was 600
watts auto tune and sold them and kept the 746pro with my other 2-kl and at
500,
so 3 of my hf rigs in the shack have autotune or auto band switching amps
attached.
I have had in the past every thing from sweep tube amps, and several
Clipperton L's and a couple of 811 H's and als 500's and more. I talked with
Elcraft about their new amp about this time last year but I guess they are
still
waiting for the FCC ok on it before going into production. .
I know there is a " mystique" to the art of tuning an amp with the "dip the
plate, peak the load " but it gets old real fast shooting dx or in a
contest. I love the quiet switching on the orion and the alpha so working vox
there
is no click-clack, you just talk and it is either on or off. nice, like
talking to someone sitting next to you.
I would have bought the elcraft but I wanted one this past spring so I
bought the Alpha 87 A and I really love it now. I would certainly use a
legal
limit solid state amp but they have to ship it first...
any one to buy the alpha 76 A, manual tune, about 1200-1300 watts , local
pick up please, $900 .. I don't use it much any more.
tom N6AJR
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