[TenTec] Tokyo Hy-Power QRP amps

[Caitlyn Martin]

Hi, Winston,

> I've been reading postings about a Tokyo Hy-Power HF amp that will
> amplify 5-10 watts to 50-plus watts on all HF bands of 80-10. It
> sounds like it would be a good mate for the Argonaut V and other
> similar QRP rigs when you want to run QRO.

Since the Argonaut 5 is a 20W rig I'm not sure the gain would justify
the cost of the amp.  A Tokyo Hy-Power HL-200BX with 180W out would make
more sense.
> 
> My question: How do these Tokyo Hy-Power amps get into the U.S. and 
> is it legal to import one from Japan or another country?

Mostly hams order them directly from the factory.  It costs about $255
for an HL-50B.  Technically it *is* illegal to import them, but customs
does not enforce FCC rules, particularly when we are talking about one
whole amp.  Import 1,000 and they likely would be siezed.  As a
practical matter I know hams who have imported the HL-50B, HL-750, and
HL-200BX without consequence. 

73,
Caity
KU4QD