Since the AL-82 uses the same PS and RF section as the AL-1200, and AL-1500
which are known to have failed for others in a RTTY contest at a full 1500W
I fail to see how the AL-82 is any different. Perhaps there is a difference
between contesting and Contesting.
The AL-82 is also derated above 18 MHz.
The bandswitch is the same as used by Alpha for decades and several others;
it is a survivor when used properly.
OTOH I have had to repair quite a few big Ameritrons used in RTTY Contesting
at a claimed 1500W.
Carl
KM1H
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Cole" <dave@nk7z.net>
To: <amps@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 8:58 PM
Subject: Re: [Amps] AL-82 opinions
Hi,
Having owned an SB-220, and an AL-82, I would take the 82 any day...
Here is why:
Good Points:
1. Solid as a rock
2. Full output on all bands, RTTY contesting
3. Will do 10 Meters
4. Easy to tune
5. So far-- good on tubes
Bad Points:
1. You should run it on 220, (Not really that bad, all decent
amps should be)
2. The band switch is a bit light... If you move it while
transmitting, you replace it. I did not do this on a 220
so I don't know how the 220 would react, probably the same
way.
3. Heavy as heck
4. Noisy, but it moves a LOT of air across the tubes.
5. Replacement of the band switch is a real pain in the rear...
Overall feelings towards the amp:
Very simple to use, easy tune up, solid as a rock. I have used it in
Contest RTTY, and all it does is get warm... Runs fine... Beyond the
bandwidth switch issue, (which I caused), it has had zero issues for the
past 5 years of RTTY contesting. It runs WAY cooler than a Heath 220
does in an RTTY contest. Better air flow, the 82 used a pair of
chimneys, while the 220 I had did not have any.
I would buy it again over a Heath any time, any day....
--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info
On Wed, 2013-11-06 at 16:11 -0500, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
I'm pondering purchase of a (probably used) AL-82. My current amplifier
is an SB-220, which I use like an active antenna tuner, and which
delivers 950-1300 watts 10-80 meters.. Where my K3 will fold back at
just over 2:1 SWR, the SB-220 cheerfully drives an 80M array tuned for
the CW end, up into 3800-3900. Even though the reported SWR is over
3:1, so long as the loading control can find an output peak, I just go.
My principal reason for going to the AL-82 would be to get 160M, but I
don't want to do it if I would be trading my SB-220 for a touchy
monster. A couple of questions:
Is the power supply adequate for 1500W CW in contest service?
Is the output circuit reasonably forgiving, compared to my SB-220?
Any other significant concerns, aside from the brute weight?
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1432 / Virus Database: 3222/6316 - Release Date: 11/07/13
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
|