Jerry,
It often seems at though the only builders here are those who turn
out works of art. But there are some who build functional amplifiers
that aren't pretty. My main reason for amp building is insatiable
desire to push the limits of propagation and DXing on some of the
more challenging bands. I would love to have something that looks
great too, but that's not in the cards. I have neither the money to
buy commercial amplifiers nor to outfit a shop to produce works of
art nor to hire out the metal work. I have seen others make works or
art using simple tools. I either don't have the skills, the
patience, or I start with less than ideal raw materials to cut cost.
All of my amps were low budget projects. My early amplifiers were
built using only simple hand tools. In recent years I have acquired
a drill press and table saw (which I use to cut aluminum). I don't
have space for a work shop. For the messy parts of a project I often
work outdoors on a folding work bench - even if it happens to be
winter with snow on the ground. Over the years I have built (for
myself and others) amplifiers for all bands between 1.8 and 432 MHz
with power ranges from a few hundred watts to 1500 watts out. None
of them were pretty.
It's a matter of what you want. If you want to build a functional
amplifier you can certainly do that without the beauty. If you want
something that looks professional then you must explore options to
achieve it.
Paul N1BUG
On 01/17/2014 10:10 AM, Jerry wrote:
I have had a long desire to build my own linear HF or VHF amp. I believe I
have the electronic technical skills but after looking at some completed
projects like those on WD7S website, I realized I don't have the skills or
tools to do a nice job on the mechanical aspects of chassis / sub-chassis
sheetmetal work. I guess I could cram it all into an unattractive box
behind a reasonable looking front panel but is linear amp building mainly
for those with good metal work capabilities? How does one break into this
with limited workbench space other than an electronic workbench?
Jerry
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