[Amps] Building an Amp 101

[N1BUG]

Jerry,

It often seems at though the only builders here are those who turn 
out works of art. But there are some who build functional amplifiers 
that aren't pretty. My main reason for amp building is  insatiable 
desire to push the limits of propagation and DXing on some of the 
more challenging bands. I would love to have something that looks 
great too, but that's not in the cards. I have neither the money to 
buy commercial amplifiers nor to outfit a shop to produce works of 
art nor to hire out the metal work. I have seen others make works or 
art using simple tools. I either don't have the skills, the 
patience, or I start with less than ideal raw materials to cut cost. 
All of my amps were low budget projects. My early amplifiers were 
built using only simple hand tools. In recent years I have acquired 
a drill press and table saw (which I use to cut aluminum). I don't 
have space for a work shop. For the messy parts of a project I often 
work outdoors on a folding work bench - even if it happens to be 
winter with snow on the ground. Over the years I have built (for 
myself and others) amplifiers for all bands between 1.8 and 432 MHz 
with power ranges from a few hundred watts to 1500 watts out. None 
of them were pretty.

It's a matter of what you want. If you want to build a functional 
amplifier you can certainly do that without the beauty. If you want 
something that looks professional then you must explore options to 
achieve it.

Paul N1BUG


On 01/17/2014 10:10 AM, Jerry wrote:
> I have had a long desire to build my own linear HF or VHF amp.  I believe I
> have the electronic technical skills but after looking at some completed
> projects like those on WD7S website, I realized I don't have the skills or
> tools to do a nice job on the mechanical aspects of chassis / sub-chassis
> sheetmetal work.  I guess I could cram it all into an unattractive box
> behind a reasonable looking front panel but is linear amp building mainly
> for those with good metal work capabilities?   How does one break into this
> with limited workbench space other than an electronic workbench?
>
> Jerry