Thanks Paul,
I would settle for not pretty, but functional and clearly adequate for RF
and electrical safety aspects. Also wanted to use "stuff' I have
accumulated over the years . I also don't mind compartmentalizing with
stand alone power supply and separate RF deck and separate control box, etc.
I guess I have to throw myself into it and just see how it comes together
(or likely falls apart)
73 Jerry
K1JOS
-----Original Message-----
From: N1BUG [mailto:paul@n1bug.com]
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 10:44
To: Jerry; 'Amps'
Subject: Re: [Amps] Building an Amp 101
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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