[Amps] AL-82 opinions

Thu Nov 7 16:10:58 EST 2013

Hi Carl,
If in fact the Power Supply is the same as other failed Power Supplies,
then you are correct.  Maybe it is the de-rating that keeps things under
control?  Any thoughts there?

Nice to know the band switch is not just available from Ameritron, and
as I said, it was my fault for the failure...  Do you have a part number
for the band switch and a vendor I can get into my file for the amp.

How does it stack up compared to the Heath SB-220?
-- 
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:
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for MM-SSTV see:
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On Thu, 2013-11-07 at 10:47 -0500, Carl wrote: 
> 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 at nk7z.net>
> To: <amps at 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 at contesting.com
> >> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
> >
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> >
> >
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> 