[Amps] SS Amps are expensive...why?

[N4ZR]

Best check their reflector first - there seem to be a lot of expensive 
problems with immature firmware.

73, Pete N4ZR
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On 1/27/2019 8:23 PM, Martin Sole wrote:
> That's a good breakdown, I hadn't realised, until I re-read the 
> website, that the PSU is INCLUDED! Really is quite a good deal. A 1500 
> watt, RTTY contest capable amp for a bit over US$3k. A Pi, fans and 
> some coax is nothing in that picture, lack of full break-in seems a 
> minimal loss in exchange for all the rest.
>
> Someone mentioned it weighs about 49lb (22kg)
>
> What about dimensions (HxWxD)?
>
> Martin, HS0ZED
>
>
>
>
> On 26/01/2019 08:43, Jim Thomson wrote:
>> Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2019 17:13:26 -0500
>> From: charlie carroll <k1xx at k1xx.com>
>> To: amps at contesting.com
>> Subject: Re: [Amps] SS Amps are expensive...why?
>>
>> <The correct link for the current B26 amplifier kit is
>> <   http://rf-kit.de/en/2k_Kit.php
>>
>> ##This is the correct home page.
>>
>> ##  The amp is 95% assembled.  The end user supplies and
>> installs the pair of  120mm  fans....and the  single 80mm  fan.
>> The pair of 120mm  fans are in push pull.  The 80mm fan is used to
>> cool the LPF assy..and also the optional auto tuner.
>>
>> ##  7 LPFs  used to cover  160-6m.  They are all 2+ kw rated.
>> The optional auto tuner covers  160-6m, also 2+ kw rated.
>>
>> ## end user also has to supply the raspberry pi  processor..
>> and also assemble some interconnecting cables.
>>
>> ##  amp comes with a pair of  BLF  189XRAs in push pull.    Each
>> 189 is a pair of transistors on one die.  Each pair is paralleled
>> to make one big transistor.   EACH 189 assy is rated for 1.5 kw.
>> So 2 of em in push pull, run at  1.5 to 2 kw is conservative.
>>
>> ##  choice of 3,  13 or  16 db @  100  watt input pad.
>>
>> ##  reinhard already  tried  NFB..which bought him nothing, and no 
>> improvement in IMD redux,
>> so  no NFB used.    No alc used either.   This amp will not operate  
>> QSK, without some modifications.
>> ## Includes the  3 kw CCS  switching power supply.   Reinhard also 
>> tried a diplexer, which also resulted
>> in no net benefit, so no diplexer used.   Flex uses a diplexer, which 
>> consists  of a mating HP filter for each LPF.
>> Harmonics are then  routed  via the  HPF  to a 400 watt  dummy in the 
>> case of the flex....power genius.
>>
>> ##  reinhard tells me the B26 amp  operates at  typ  72% eff. Others 
>> have done detailed IMD tests with this
>> amp at 1.5 kw..and its fairly good.   Still others have beat on it  
>> for an entire weekend of   rtty contesting.
>> Others have beat on it with FT-8 and other data modes.   Others have 
>> used it on AM.  Processed  ssb is
>> a non issue too.  Ditto with cw.
>>
>> ##  Its a quiet amp.   The heat sink design is superb, bar none.   As 
>> far as  SS  high power amps go, its a bargain.
>> ##  one input... but four switchable  outputs.  I believe it also has 
>> an output for  ..pure signal..for the  ANAN  xcvrs.
>>
>> ##Once  ..pure signal.... starts to be used by   icom, kenwood, 
>> yaesu,  etc, or their version of it.... IMD  will be a thing of the 
>> past.
>> ##  I have seen the results of an ANAN  8000  used with a OM-4000  
>> running full bore....and all the IMD products are through the floor,
>> they are all down –70 db....   sorta like a brick wall  filter on 
>> RX.      Others have played with bias settings and idle current 
>> settings, and
>> now you can reduce the idle current on a GG tube amp even more..and 
>> with PS engaged,  IMD is still through the floor.
>>
>> ##  Just to recap, they only make just the one product, the B26 
>> RF-2K+  amp.    They will be in orlando in Feb..and  dayton in may.
>> The prices I was quoted are in euros, so u have to do your own 
>> conversion.   Below is the price quote I got 3 months ago.
>>
>> We do sell the Kit in two versions:
>>
>>
>>
>> Pricing:
>>
>>
>>
>> -             RF2K+ Kit without Tuner                              
>> 2550,-€
>>
>> -             RF2K+ Kit with Tuner                                   
>> 2850,-€
>>
>> -             13dB;16dB or 3dB attenuator 22,-€
>>
>> -             Shipment to Canada                                      
>> 190,-€
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Today's order will be delivered in October 2018.
>>
>> All new shipment will be with the brand new BLF189XRA.
>>
>> To complete the KIT you need a Rasperry Pi3; 2x120mm fan and 1x80mm fan.
>>
>> Cost for the additional needed components is about 80,-€.
>>
>> Finishing the Kit takes just a few hr.’s as everything is already 
>> installed in the housing.
>>
>>
>>
>> ##  Hope this helps a bit.
>>
>>
>>
>> Jim    VE7RF
>>
>>
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