[CQ-Contest] contesting amps

[Tom Haavisto]

Hi Kelly

I have a QRO HF2500.  Purchased new on eBay, and it is a very nice
amp.  There are pictures on the QRO web site, and it includes a vacuum
realy for QSK operation.

I also have an Ameritron AL-1500 amp.  Picked it up used - works great.

When I went looking for an amp, there were a few things that were high
on the list.  I did NOT want a "light weight" amp.  The heaviest thing
in both these amps is the power transformer.  Both amps weigh around
100 pounds each - the power transformer is a big part of that.  A
lighter amp means a smaller power transformer.

I wanted a "full power" (1500 watt) amp with ceramic tubes.
I wanted 10-160 meters.
I wanted an amp for contesting.

The biggest thing you want in a contest amplifier is one that will
still be running at the end of the contest.  I ruled out the Heathkit
amps - no 160 meters, and they are getting to be a bit old.  I would
be a little worried about them making it to the finish line.

Even if you are not on 160, you may want it in the future.  Hence -
best to get it now while you are shopping.

Tom - VE3CX



On Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 10:45 PM, Kelly Taylor <ve4xt at mts.net> wrote:
> 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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