[UK-CONTEST] Heatherlite 2m Explorer amp
Chris Parnell
chris-g0hfx at hotmail.co.uk
Thu Jan 26 12:33:02 PST 2012
Hi Guys,
Recently there was some adverse remarks concerning Heatherlite Amplifiers. However I have accquired one which has been "got at".
I would appreciate a copy of the handbook, information, but preferably a circuit diagram of this PA.
It run a single 4cx250B, the blower is shot and some mods have been carried out, but a basic cct diag would be a great help.
Many thanks Chris G0HFX----reply of line if preferred via chris-g0hfx at hotmail.co.uk
> From: uk-contest-request at contesting.com
> Subject: UK-Contest Digest, Vol 109, Issue 36
> To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:20:54 -0800
>
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's (David)
> 2. Re: Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's (Ian White GM3SEK)
> 3. Re: Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's (David)
> 4. 50MHz UKAC and the new bandplan (DAVID BUTLER)
> 5. N1MM UDC Files (Les Elliott)
> 6. Re: Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's (Don Field)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:02:39 -0000
> From: "David" <g3yyd at btinternet.com>
> Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> To: "UK-Contest at contesting. com" <UK-Contest at contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <011f01ccdb9c$4aa2b4e0$dfe81ea0$@com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Chris
>
>
>
> Sorry to disagree with you. I have been a RTTY contester since the early
> 70s. As well as being a RTTY rag chewer.
>
>
>
> I have used various rigs and all of them have been able to run at full power
> on RTTY. The first was a Drake T4XC which in those days ran happily at
> 150watts DC input, which was the maximum power allowed then. The original PA
> valves were still in use when I sold it after 26 years. Then I had a
> FT1000MP with built in mains PSU that ran happily at 100 watts out as do the
> K3s I now have. None of these rigs has had a PA device failure.
>
>
>
> I am just wondering what rigs you have used that emitted smoke? Must be
> poorly designed.
>
>
>
> The use of an amplifier is required with the rigs I use to be able to run
> maximum licence power. Unfortunately maximum licence power means I am at a
> 5.75dB competitive disadvantage when competing with EI (1500 watts in
> contests), USA, Canada and many other countries.
>
>
>
> I suggest the BARTG March contest rules are changed to have a 400 watts
> power limit for entrants in the Expert class to enable a level playing field
> against the likes of K4GMH. He came 1st in 2010 and 2011 while I came 3rd
> and 4th. However enforcement is not a realistic possibility so maybe not.
> A better solution is to campaign for a 1500 watts power output limit for the
> UK even if it is restricted to contests only.
>
>
>
> 73 David G3YYD
>
>
>
> From: Christopher Plummer [mailto:plummerc42 at hotmail.com]
> Sent: 25 January 2012 16:45
> To: g3yyd at btinternet.com; uk-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: RE: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
>
>
>
> David,
>
> Your original comment did not make it clear that you took listening time
> (cooling time) into account, however, if you have a rig capable of running
> 100w out, then it is wise to derate this by to least 70W when running RTTY.
> Even short periods of tune up can cause the rig to emit smoke. Try it and
> see.
>
> The only reason I would see to run a linear on such as BARTG contests is to
> bring your derated rig output back to a reasonable level within your license
> terms, please don't run kilowatts BECAUSE YOU (think) YOU CAN, the rest of
> us don't appreciate the sidebands and spatter.
>
> 73 de Chris G8APB
>
>
> > From: g3yyd at btinternet.com
> > To: UK-Contest at contesting.com
> > Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:35:45 +0000
> > Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
> >
> > Unfortunately you are incorrect. Duty cycle on amplifiers needs to be
> > averaged over time due to the thermal inertia in the components used. In a
> > contest calling CQ and listening for replies result in 50% duty cycle on
> > RTTY.
> >
> >
> >
> > CW is even lower typically in a contest about 30% duty cycle and for SSB
> > lower still even with heavy RF clipping around 15 to 20%.
> >
> >
> >
> > The hardest I work my amplifiers is in RTTY contests when I am dual CQing
> on
> > 2 bands the highest average duty cycle that can be achieved is 50%. One of
> > my amplifiers is OK the other amplifier cut out after 3 hours - the
> > transformer's thermal cut out disconnect the primary. I now have it in a
> > box with fans blowing air over it and now copes with the whole of the
> BARTG
> > March contest and others like it.
> >
> >
> >
> > More rubbish is talked about power ratings of amplifiers than any other
> > area. If the amplifier can survive transmitting at full power RTTY for
> > several minutes without over heating then the problem is not the RF device
> > cooling. Then look at the transformer, which is a large weighty item of
> > copper and iron with a long thermal time constant. This means the
> > transformer can be overrun for a long period of time without failure as
> long
> > as it does not exceed the temperature rating of the insulation on the
> > copper wire. On a modern transformer this is about 100c. The outside of
> the
> > transformer will be cooler as it is the winding in the middle that is the
> > limiting factor. If the inner winding is at 100c then touching the outside
> > would burn your fingers unless you are blowing air over the transformer.
> >
> >
> >
> > Transformer VA ratings are specified by the manufacturer for still air.
> > Blowing a lot of air around the transformer will increase that VA rating
> by
> > 50 to 100%. A 1000VA transformer with forced air cooling could have an
> > average load of 2KVA. But the diode capacitor power supplies used in valve
> > amps have very high peak current to charge the capacitor QED the VA rating
> > needs to be higher than the RF devices DC power input. Could probably
> > average about 1500 watts DC input for a forced cooled 1KVA transformer.
> Note
> > the average DC input power. Thus a 1000KVA still air rated transformer,
> > forced air cooled used in a RTTY contest should be able to reliably
> deliver
> > about 1500 watts RF output for the whole contest but it would be running
> the
> > transformer at its limit. But without forced air cooling average input
> would
> > be around 750 watts or for RTTY contest 1500 watts in and about 800 watts
> > of RF.
> >
> >
> >
> > If your amplifier does not lend itself to transformer forced air cooling
> > then use the transformer intelligently. Use the thermal inertia of the
> > transformer by mixing say 30 minutes of Run with 30 minutes of S&P and
> > better still monitor the transformer temperature and maximise its
> > utilisation.
> >
> >
> >
> > 73 David G3YYD
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > From: Christopher Plummer [mailto:plummerc42 at hotmail.com]
> > Sent: 24 January 2012 23:03
> > To: g3yyd at btinternet.com; uk-contest at contesting.com
> > Subject: RE: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> >
> >
> >
> > David,
> >
> > Sorry to be pedantic, but RTTY is 100% Duty cycle, its CW thats around
> 50%.
> >
> > So always derate your linear for Data modes.
> >
> > Dont forget to try a toe in the water of HF RTTY this weekend in the BARTG
> > RTTY Contest, its sounds like bedlam, but its actually fairly gentlemanly
> > (at times at least).
> >
> > Chris G8APB
> > BARTG Awards Manager
> >
> >
> > > From: g3yyd at btinternet.com
> > > To: UK-Contest at contesting.com
> > > Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:03:31 +0000
> > > Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> > >
> > > The Acom 2000 was designed to run 1500 watts continuous carrier output
> for
> > > hours on end. So it can be run on RTTY contesting with its circa 50%
> duty
> > > cycle with a huge reserve.
> > >
> > > Most amplifiers being so called under run the only bit you are under
> > running
> > > is the transformer. Half power out will dissipate almost the same power
> in
> > > the PA devices as running full power. However if the transformer is
> > > deliberately fan cooled will make a huge difference to its power
> > capability
> > > compared to still air.
> > >
> > > 73 David
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
> > > [mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim Balls
> > > Sent: 24 January 2012 20:24
> > > To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> > > Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> > >
> > > Most of the video's on you tube I've seen of contest operations have the
> > > amps running flat out!!
> > >
> > > If you got it, flaunt it ;0)
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Bob Harrison
> > > Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 7:15 PM
> > > To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> > > Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> > >
> > > My Merc is governed to 155MPH...... of course I take it to the limit
> > > everyday
> > >
> > > 73 Bob G4UJS
> > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:uk-contest-
> > > > bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of David Honey
> > > > Sent: 24 January 2012 18:53
> > > > To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> > > > Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> > > >
> > > > On 2012-01-24 16:51, Ken Eastty wrote:
> > > > > 5. ACOM 2000, friends and contest groups use these (under-run of
> > > > > course in the UK)
> > > > >
> > > > > Under-run? Pull the other one.
> > > > >
> > > > > Contest entries from UK stations using Linears capable of running
> > > > > more than 1kW (or much less on 4m) should be disallowed.
> > > > > I notice that some operators are very reticent when it comes to
> > > > > telling what amplifier they use.
> > > > >
> > > > An amplifier that is rated at 1kw is rarely rated for high duty
> > > > cycles, and for contest use you want to be sure the amplifier can run
> > > > for an extended period without overheating. Using a 1kw amplifier at
> > > > 400w achieves that. I don't buy the argument that just because some
> > > > one has the equipment to do something illegal automatically makes them
>
> > > > guilty of using it in that manner.
> > > > It reminds me of the joke of an accused being charged with a crime and
>
> > > > then asking the judge to also charge him with rape. After all, he had
> > > > the equipment. :-) _______________________________________________
> > > > UK-Contest mailing list
> > > > UK-Contest at contesting.com
> > > > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > UK-Contest mailing list
> > > UK-Contest at contesting.com
> > > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
> > >
> > >
> > > -----
> > > No virus found in this message.
> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > > Version: 10.0.1416 / Virus Database: 2109/4763 - Release Date: 01/24/12
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
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> > > UK-Contest at contesting.com
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> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
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> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > UK-Contest mailing list
> > UK-Contest at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:16:35 +0000
> From: Ian White GM3SEK <gm3sek at ifwtech.co.uk>
> Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> Message-ID: <lI9ZSVJDgSIPFATw at ifwtech.co.uk>
> Content-Type: text/plain;charset=us-ascii;format=flowed
>
> Christopher Plummer wrote:
> >please don't run kilowatts BECAUSE YOU (think) YOU CAN, the rest of us
> >don't appreciate the sidebands and spatter.
>
> How strange to say that about RTTY contests, because RTTY is a
> constant-level mode where any "sidebands and splatter" are guaranteed
> *not* to have been generated in the amplifier!
>
> The transceiver, the amplifier, the antenna and the propagation can all
> increase the levels of "sidebands and splatter" that other people
> hear... but somehow, only one of those gets the blame.
>
> The large majority of amplifiers that require only 30-50W drive create
> no higher levels of far-out IMD than the barefoot transceiver at 100W
> (and I do mean absolute levels). Many stations are actually *less*
> noticeable elsewhere on the band when using an amplifier.
>
> Of course the main signal is louder when using an amplifier; but (and
> how often do we need to say this?) being loud is not a crime.
>
>
> --
>
> 73 from Ian GM3SEK
> http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:07:47 -0000
> From: "David" <g3yyd at btinternet.com>
> Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> To: "UK-Contest at contesting. com" <UK-Contest at contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <007c01ccdc1a$bc26edb0$3474c910$@com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>
> Ian
>
> I agree with you also about RX performance. I would not like to be running a
> FT857 in a major contest (I use one in the car) its close in performance is
> terrible makes a perfect transmission a wide one due to its inadequate
> dynamic range. Many RXs in use are of similar inadequate performance to the
> FT817/FT857/897 series in a strong signal environment. Even the FT1000MP has
> inadequate close in dynamic range and in RTTY and CW contests I used to hear
> phantom signals created by intermodulation products of multiple contest
> signals.
>
> It is for this reason that a significant number of major contesters now use
> the Elecraft K3. If you hear a wide signal on a K3 it is the TX that is the
> problem. Also the K3 PA IMD is around -40dB below PEP at 100 watts and lower
> at 40-50 watts. Most popular rigs are -30dB or worse.
>
> The cause of wide signals using FSK is inadequate filtering of the TX
> signal.
>
> 73 David
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ian White GM3SEK
> Sent: 26 January 2012 10:17
> To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
>
> Christopher Plummer wrote:
> >please don't run kilowatts BECAUSE YOU (think) YOU CAN, the rest of us
> >don't appreciate the sidebands and spatter.
>
> How strange to say that about RTTY contests, because RTTY is a
> constant-level mode where any "sidebands and splatter" are guaranteed
> *not* to have been generated in the amplifier!
>
> The transceiver, the amplifier, the antenna and the propagation can all
> increase the levels of "sidebands and splatter" that other people hear...
> but somehow, only one of those gets the blame.
>
> The large majority of amplifiers that require only 30-50W drive create no
> higher levels of far-out IMD than the barefoot transceiver at 100W (and I do
> mean absolute levels). Many stations are actually *less* noticeable
> elsewhere on the band when using an amplifier.
>
> Of course the main signal is louder when using an amplifier; but (and how
> often do we need to say this?) being loud is not a crime.
>
>
> --
>
> 73 from Ian GM3SEK
> http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
> _______________________________________________
> UK-Contest mailing list
> UK-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:27:09 +0000 (GMT)
> From: DAVID BUTLER <g4asr at btinternet.com>
> Subject: [UK-CONTEST] 50MHz UKAC and the new bandplan
> To: "uk-contest at contesting.com" <uk-contest at contesting.com>
> Message-ID:
> <1327580829.43640.YahooMailNeo at web87203.mail.ird.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>
> The sub-band 50.100-50.200MHz is now allocated for intercontinental and international usage for both CW and SSB.
> You can play contests in this segment if you want.
> ?50.100-50.130MHz is specified for intercontinental usage.?
> 50.110MHz is designated for intercontinental calling?
> 50.150MHz designated for international calling
> The 100kHz slot between 50.200-50.300MHz is for general CW and SSB usage and casual operators and contesters, particularly when making run of the mill tropo contacts, are *encouraged* to use this area to relieve congestion within the DX part of the band.?
> So you can play contests from 50.100 all the way to 50.300MHz ?or lower if you use CW.?
>
> The encouragement to use 50.200 to 50.300MHz has nothing to do with the band plan.
> Of course when the band is open via Es, Au, F2 etc your will make the most of your contest DX contacts?
> lower down the band. ??
> 73,?David G4ASR
> VHF Manager - resigned ?31/12/2011
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:38:12 -0000
> From: "Les Elliott" <g4ogb at tiscali.co.uk>
> Subject: [UK-CONTEST] N1MM UDC Files
> To: "UK-contest" <uk-contest at contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <F2CCA62222CE48FF855386D75A72532E at LesPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Hi
>
> If you have updated to the latest version check operation of any udc files you use before any planned contest as recent changes have affected most udc files so that you cannot log a contact unless ?force logging?
>
> Two ways around it;
>
> Use earlier version
>
> Using Windows Explorer or My Computer, browse to .....N1MM\UserDefinedContests
> double-click UDCEDITOR.(exe) load the file of interest, click on the parameter
> ?QsoErrorString? clear any text after the ?=? click ?Set Value for Key...? > Exit
>
> 73
> Les, G4OGB
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:20:50 +0000
> From: Don Field <don.field at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Amplifier Advice ACOM 2000's
> To: UK Contest <uk-contest at contesting.com>
> Message-ID:
> <CA+UP7LAx14GpXUx0OWnb3ni_5389PuN6RZC7=hq5oLiAg1c0zA at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Interesting comment about "inadequate close-in dynamic range" etc. for
> radios like the 817/857/897. Arguably, those radios are eminently fit for
> purpose, but are too often used for purposes for which they were never
> designed or intended. I well recall the editor of the Japanese CQ magazine,
> who I met some years ago at Visalia, commenting on how surprising it was
> that so many European amateurs insisted on using mobile radios for base
> station use. These radios were designed for the large mobile market in
> Japan - it is huge, as so many JA hams are unable to operate from home (big
> apartment blocks in cities like Tokyo). The radios therefore have high
> sensitivity but, almost by definition, will cave in when put on a home
> station antenna.
>
> Unfortunately, European dealers tend not to make this clear - they are more
> interested in shifting kit and not everyone can afford a hi-spec base
> station transceiver.
>
> The good news is that, with improved RF devices and DSP chips, even the
> cheaper, smaller radios nowadays are showing better and better performance.
>
> Don G3XTT
>
>
> On 26 January 2012 11:07, David <g3yyd at btinternet.com> wrote:
>
> > Ian
> >
> > I agree with you also about RX performance. I would not like to be running
> > a
> > FT857 in a major contest (I use one in the car) its close in performance is
> > terrible makes a perfect transmission a wide one due to its inadequate
> > dynamic range. Many RXs in use are of similar inadequate performance to the
> > FT817/FT857/897 series in a strong signal environment. Even the FT1000MP
> > has
> > inadequate close in dynamic range and in RTTY and CW contests I used to
> > hear
> > phantom signals created by intermodulation products of multiple contest
> > signals.
> >
> > It is for this reason that a significant number of major contesters now use
> > the Elecraft K3. If you hear a wide signal on a K3 it is the TX that is the
> > problem. Also the K3 PA IMD is around -40dB below PEP at 100 watts and
> > lower
> > at 40-50 watts. Most popular rigs are -30dB or worse.
> >
> > The cause of wide signals using FSK is inadequate filtering of the TX
> > signal.
> >
> > 73 David
> >
> >
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> UK-Contest mailing list
> UK-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
>
>
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