[CQ-Contest] contesting amps

[K0HB]

I have an Ameritron AL-1200.   You can touch 1.5KW legal (USA) limit on 
every band, and it's run a lot of contests in perhaps 15 years of use.

So far it's been trouble free.  I think the 3CX1200A7 is a pretty 
"forgiving" tube, and the internal "plumbing" looks robust.  It's quite a 
few years old, pre-dating the MFJ-ownership era, so I don't know if any 
"value engineering" has changed the reliability of newer models.

But it's not very "portable" --- heavy beast, although self-contained. 
Biggest downer is a fairly loud cooling fan, but K0CKB and I both wear 
earphones so that isn't an issue in our shack.

73, Hans, K0HB

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Kelly Taylor" <ve4xt at mts.net>
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 3:45 AM
To: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Subject: [CQ-Contest] contesting amps

> Hi all,
>
> Considering an amp to replace my homebrew 4-400s.
>
> I'd like something durable, not necessarily a California kilowatt and
> self-contained (no external HV PS). The more portable, the better.
>
> I get the sense that the Ameritrons are more suited to the casual, crank 
> it
> up for that rare one, DXer, but have doubts about their hardiness for 48
> hours of use.
>
> I like the ACOMs, but don't (and won't) have the coin for a 2000A (though 
> I
> certainly did like how that amp played at 6Y1V). The 1010 and 1000a are 
> both
> appealing.
>
> WWYD (What would you do)? Something used? Something new?
>
> Am going to be turning my TS-850SAT into part of this amp, so I won't be
> making any decisions at all at least until the KW is sold.
>
> All opinions welcome.
>
> 73, kelly
> ve4xt
>
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