[VHFcontesting] Unique W6PO 144 Amplifier Design

Byron Tatum bjtatum1 at att.net
Tue Mar 2 11:50:43 EST 2021


Hello-    I have a question out of curiosity and learning in regards to a particular version of the W6PO design 144 Mhz amplifier. I have an amplifier chassis here that is mechanically complete in regards to the enclosure, plate line assembly, tubing resonators, socket assembly, tuning and loading probes, front panel spaced away with pair of meters, etc. One difference noted from original W6PO design is the bottom plate is brass and the two copper plate resonator tubing lines are soldered to the brass plate. In other words there are no shorting blocks for the copper resonator tubing lines. These lines apparently are the correct length to resonate on 144 Mhz is an assumption I am making. Tests are planned for resonance.   The reason I post this is that I am seeking information. I recall seeing an amplifier like this about 20 years back. I believe it was from a company out in California called "Q-Products" and was sold as a kit. I do recall looking at some information on the Q-Products amplifier, but I am foggy on the brass plate on bottom with resonator lines soldered to it in lieu of shorting blocks. Another question I have is in regards to the Charles Byers chassis kits for the W6PO -- was his chassis kit made for this brass bottom plate style or the original style using shorting blocks?   I like this design using the brass bottom plate with no shorting blocks, however the chassis appears too short (in height) to mount a blower coming off of back panel. The blower inlet is from a large screened hole in the center of the brass plate, which means the blower must hang from bottom of amplifier or this brass plate must be mounted to another chassis that has blower mounted to it.   I would appreciate any information that anyone might have on this amplifier, it has aroused in me a lot of interest. The enclosure is very nicely made, riveted together and using Pem nuts (inserts) versus self tapping sheet metal screws for covers. The output coupling probe is nicely made using 2" OD silver plated disc on adjustable N-connector assembly. The plate line assembly is silver plated however copper resonators are not plated.Thanks all,Byron W5FH   


More information about the VHFcontesting mailing list