[RTTY] greater than 600 watts for RTTY?

[Bill Turner]

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On Fri, 24 Mar 2017 12:59:31 -0600, Lee wrote:

>
>OK. I was kinda wondering since I'm looking or a new amp since just
>selling my AL-811H. I'm looking for one that can run RTTY for more than
>10 seconds without cooking the tube(s).  But I probably won't buy a
>legal limit amp since that would mean having to buy an antenna that can
>handle continuous duty at 1.5 KW. I asked Mosley about my TA33SR and
>they said that I'd melt the traps running continuous duty (i.e. RTTY) at
>power levels over 600 Watts. Looks like an AL-80B is worth considering.
>Do you have the GOP option?

REPLY:

AL-80b is a good amp. I had an SB-1000 which is essentially the same
thing and it was great.  I eventually converted it to six meters.
However, I'd recommend an Alpha 9500 if it fits your budget. You can
get a good used one, run it for several years and sell it for what you
paid if not more. Cost of operation = zero. The 9500 will run legal
limit all day forever. Full autotune with memories, instant band
switching, perfect for contests. A dream to operate. 

As you say you would need to upgrade your antenna. I'm using a
Cushcraft X7 which I highly recommend. The driven element is actually
a four element log periodic with no traps, very broadbanded and easily
handles 1500 watts and provides a small amount of gain all by itself.
I was a little concerned about the balun so I tested it before I put
it up by supporting the antenna on some sawhorses and running 1500
watts into it for five minutes or so. The balun got barely warm to the
touch. Losses were almost zero.  Bsluns on yagis can be a weak point
but this is a good one. 

73, Bill W6WRT