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Re: [Amps] Flex Power Genius XL 2KW amplifier

To: amps@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Amps] Flex Power Genius XL 2KW amplifier
From: Larry Benko <xxw0qe@comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2018 13:42:00 -0600
List-post: <mailto:amps@contesting.com>
Download the 40 series datasheet @ https://www.findernet.com/en/unitedstates/products/families/18/series/40/documents

Specs say 2ms release and 5ms operate as typical numbers.  The relays look like copies of the Omron G2RL with 16A (low frequency ratings) and non-bifurcated contacts.

Larry, W0QE


On 10/5/2018 6:23 PM, Jim Garland wrote:
I had a conversation with Nate, one of the sales reps for the new FlexRadio "PowerGenius XL" solid state 2000W (ICAS) amplifier. Unfortunately, I'm sorry to report that for CW operators such as myself, the news is not very encouraging. The issues I inquired about specifically were (1) T/R switching, (e.g., whether the amp used vacuum relays or PIN diode switching); (2) Whether the 20 msec "warning" the transceiver had to give the amplifier before sending RF to it was really necessary. And (3) what the measured fan noise is and whether the fan(s) used sleeve bearings (which to me normally means low reliability) or high reliability ball bearings.

Nate tried to be helpful and did best he could, but couldn't provide detailed answers on the spot. He promised to have one of the Flex engineers call me, and I'll report back when I get the info. However, I did learn that the amplifier uses non-vacuum, enclosed relays manufactured by Finder, model 4052.9.012.0000, but I haven't been able to track down the relay specs. The US distributor for Finder relays appears to Platt Electric Co., an industrial electronics distributor based in the western United States. Finder is a new name for me. The company appears to make several small power plastic-encased relays similar to other brands sold by Mouser, Digikey, Allied, etc.

Normally, one would want T/R switching time, including contact bounce to be under roughly 10msec. Nate said that the amplifier is not designed for QSK operation, which suggests that the T/R switching may not be as quiet as many hams would like.

The PowerGenius XL was obviously designed to meet the needs of serious SO2R contesters, but was evidently engineered without much input from the (presumed much larger) pool of CW operators and contesters. To me this problem is reminiscent of CW problems with some early Flex models. Since then, Flex completely solved those problems with their 6000 Signature series of transceivers, which have superb CW capabilities. I hope the CW issues with the new PowerGenius XL amplier can also be addressed, because I've got my checkbook out and think it would sure look swell on my operating desk next to my Flex 6300 and 6500 radios.

73,

Jim W8ZR

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