[Amps] Question: Ameritron AL-80A tuning

[jsb at digistar.com]

On Wed, 1 Dec 2004, NW7US, Tomas wrote:

> I am using an AL-80A and have need as an Army MARS and National Guard
> Net member to utilize frequencies far out of normal Amateur Radio
> allocations.  I am finding it hard to get the Amp to tune on certain
> frequencies "out of band" - I can get about 100 watts on those problem
> frequencies.

Peter SM/G3RZP raises a good point about SWR your radio sees going to the
amp...  you may have to re-tune the input coils to provide a proper match
for your exciter.

Also bear in mind that you probably will stress the tank circuit and
possibly the bandswitch.  I wouldn't suggest running the amp over 50% of
its rated capacity unless your user manual states that the frequencies
you're transmitting on are acceptable for it.  There's not a lot of
difference dB-wise between 400 and 800 watts anyway.


73 Jason N1SU