[Amps] Flex Power Genius XL 2KW amplifier

[Larry Benko]

Download the 40 series datasheet @ 
https://www.findernet.com/en/unitedstates/products/families/18/series/40/documents

Specs say 2ms release and 5ms operate as typical numbers.  The relays 
look like copies of the Omron G2RL with 16A (low frequency ratings) and 
non-bifurcated contacts.

Larry, W0QE


On 10/5/2018 6:23 PM, Jim Garland wrote:
> I had a conversation with Nate, one of the sales reps for the new 
> FlexRadio "PowerGenius XL" solid state 2000W (ICAS) amplifier. 
> Unfortunately, I'm sorry to report that for CW operators such as 
> myself, the news is not very encouraging. The issues I inquired about 
> specifically were (1) T/R switching, (e.g., whether the amp used 
> vacuum relays or PIN diode switching); (2) Whether the 20 msec 
> "warning" the transceiver had to give the amplifier before sending RF 
> to it was really necessary. And (3) what the measured fan noise is and 
> whether the fan(s) used sleeve bearings (which to me normally means 
> low reliability) or high reliability ball bearings.
>
> Nate tried to be helpful and did best he could, but couldn't provide 
> detailed answers on the spot. He promised to have one of the Flex 
> engineers call me, and I'll report back when I get the info. However, 
> I did learn that the amplifier uses non-vacuum, enclosed relays 
> manufactured by Finder, model 4052.9.012.0000, but I haven't been able 
> to track down the relay specs. The US distributor for Finder relays 
> appears to Platt Electric Co., an industrial electronics distributor 
> based in the western United States. Finder is a new name for me. The 
> company appears to make several small power plastic-encased relays 
> similar to other brands sold by Mouser, Digikey, Allied, etc.
>
> Normally, one would want T/R switching time, including contact bounce 
> to be under roughly 10msec. Nate said that the amplifier is not 
> designed for QSK operation, which suggests that the T/R switching may 
> not be as quiet as many hams would like.
>
> The PowerGenius XL was obviously designed to meet the needs of serious 
> SO2R contesters, but was evidently engineered without much input from 
> the (presumed much larger) pool of CW operators and contesters. To me 
> this problem is reminiscent of CW problems with some early Flex 
> models. Since then, Flex completely solved those problems with their 
> 6000 Signature series of transceivers, which have superb CW 
> capabilities. I hope the CW issues with the new PowerGenius XL amplier 
> can also be addressed, because I've got my checkbook out and think it 
> would sure look swell on my operating desk next to my Flex 6300 and 
> 6500 radios.
>
> 73,
>
> Jim W8ZR
>
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