The glaring defect of this amplifier is that it runs on 12v and my
understanding is that IMD is thus highly sensitive to supply voltage, i.e. a
fraction of a volt change can improve the IMD from really bad to just plain
bad. Any amplifier final is a slave to the transfer curve.
As a compromise device for the intended HF mobile use it's the only game in
town AFAIK. As a fixed station amplifier it's not a great choice, though for
continuous modes like CW IMD really doesn't matter.
IMHO. YMMV. LSMFT.
Al
AB2ZY
________________________________________
From: Amps <amps-bounces@contesting.com> on behalf of Ray, W4BYG <w4byg@att.net>
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 3:08 PM
To: Mike Feher; amps@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Amps] Ameritron ALS 500M
Mike,
I have had my ALS-500 mobile for about 3.5 years, driving it with an
FT-100D at about 50 watts drive SSB and CW. Basically it has served me
well and has never shown a heat problem.
I have never tried it on AM, but I would suspect you would have to keep
the output power somewhat below about 25% of what it is rated for (about
125 watts or so), if you were going to try it on AM. That would likely
require input drive around 12 watts from your exciter.
If you try it, initially be real sensitive of the heat build up while
operating, especially if you are anticipating keying it for 10 minutes
at at time. Even then, I tend to think that amount of key down might
stress the finals, so I would test it thoroughly (into a dummy load),
with lower drive and shorter key down periods, working toward your goal,
with low heat build up on the heatsink, before any significant
operating. If it gets to hot to hold and keep your hand on it, it's to hot.
Once you find a comfortable output power level and if you do not have a
way to look at the waveform output for distortion. I would ask for a
number of quality checks when initially going on the air.
Be sure your antenna system either has a low SWR, or you have a good
antenna tuner to provide a good match to your amplifier. It won't like
anything above a 2:1 SWR.
Ray, W4BYG
On 11/21/2015 10:55 AM, Mike Feher wrote:
> I probably should have asked these questions prior to buying one, but, one
> just arrived yesterday and it will still be helpful to get some user input.
>
>
>
> So, I just bought the subject amp and the matching Ameritron power supply. I
> would have preferred a tube amp, but, I am just no longer able to maneuver
> heavy items like I used to.
>
>
>
> So, this amp is about 3 dB less than a full KW, but should be adequate for
> my needs. I would like some observations from users regarding actual
> performance, duty cycle heat handling. For example can I use it on AM for
> about a 10 minute transmission? Would be nice but not necessary as I see
> myself using it mostly on SSB and CW.
>
>
>
> All feedback appreciated. Thanks & 73 - Mike
>
>
>
> Mike B. Feher, N4FS
>
> 89 Arnold Blvd.
>
> Howell, NJ, 07731
>
> 732-886-5960
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
--
I'm no longer young enough to know everything!
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