JOE and TAM BV/N0IAT wrote:
>
>
> Hello Ten Tec Users.
> I am preparing to purchase an Omni VI plus and have been debating
> whether or not to also purchase a Hercules II amplifier with the
> Hercules 80 + 20 amp 13.8VDC poweer supply.
>
> Considering the amount of money involved, I wanted to check with a
> few owners of the Herc amp and power supply combination. I'm
> primarily a cw operator, occasional contester, and I dabble in pileups
> now and then. I wonder if the 1/2KW amp and power supply is really a
> good radio investment. Seeing as how the Centaur amp, which relies on
> inexpensive Svetlana 811A's, is about half the price for the same power
> out, I am now having some reservations.
>
> I would like to hear from anyone who has an opinion on the Herc solid
> state amp. Scott sold me on the Omni 6+ at Dayton -- now I'd like to get
> the rest of the story on the other options before placing my order.
>
> Finally, what manual antenna tuner is suggested? Should I be looking for
> a current production model, or, one of the older models (like the auto
> tuner that matched the Paragon)?
I use the Herc with a battery connected to a 35A Astron set to float the
battery at full charge. I have found the Herc to be quiet, and reliable.
The battery supply is not much good for AM, but CW and SSB work very
well. I have the Herc wired up to the Yaesu 990 and the bands
automatically change with the 990. I have also found that the QSK hookup
is best with this combo.
I have the TT auto tuner and use it every day. I would say that it has
some annoying flaws but if you understand them, they can be gotten
around with very little effort. I like the TT stuff in general.
--
Charles (Jack) Hawley Jr.
Amateur Radio: Chuck, KE9UW
BMW Motorcycles: Jack, BMWMOA #224
c-hawley@uiuc.edu
Sr. Research Engineer Emeritus
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
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