Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
A pair of tetrodes or pentodes, grid driven in AB1 need little drive, so the 12 watts from a K2 may be sufficient for driving something like a 4CX800. You may need switched tuned inputs instead of passive grid to drive it with 12W. I think most amplifiers on the market are class AB2 (usually grounded grid), which need plenty of drive. The drawback in using tetrodes or pentodes in AB1 is the requirement of a regulated high voltage for the screen grids and the amplifier would probably need neutralizing also, especially if not operating in passive grid. Most available tetrodes are ceramic types, so a blower would be necessary too As you intend only running CW, it may be worthwhile investigating class E amplifiers which would present you with more modern obstacles to overcome :-) 73, Dave G3VGR K2 #4783 Chris Kantarjiev wrote: [warning thread drift] The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. I've been told that such things were common in the 70s. One description I was given is two stages, with a pair of 6CL6 pentodes in class A passive grids, driving a pair of surplus 4CX250Bs in AB1,a very common design. 0.1W in gives 650W out. which sort of means something to me, but will certainly start many evenings of study. If this was common, it seems that there should be articles. I haven't had much luck finding one (there's an article from 1959 that uses a single 4CX250B). So, how about it, you guys who were there then? :-) 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
It would be wise to ascertain that a kit (any kit) complies with all local regulations. Just because something is for the amateur market does not exclude it from complying with the law. David G3UNA From: G. Beat [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 2007/04/04 Wed PM 11:59:41 BST To: John Harper [EMAIL PROTECTED], Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits John - As explained on the Linear Amp UK web site -- the Ranger 811K (kit) is NOT for beginners. This kit is not recommended for the absolute beginner as a reasonable knowledge of electrics, electronics and RF technology is required. It would make an excellent project for a Radio Club, where the inexperienced could learn from the more technically able members. At the end of the exercise the Club would have gained a useful piece of equipment. - Linear Amp notice. There are NO step-by-step instructions (Elecraft or Heathkit style), but each section is packed in a plastic bag with a list of parts and accompanying photographs. Greg w9gb - Original Message - From: John Harper To: Elecraft Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 5:04 PM Subject: [Elecraft] HF amp kits Anyone here have any first-hand experience with either of these two HF amp kits? It might be fun to build something with tubes - I mean valves: http://www.linamp.co.uk/ John Harper AE5X http://www.ae5x.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com - Email sent from www.virginmedia.com/email Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software and scanned for spam ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
Hi Chris, With barefoot K2 you don't need two stages to get 600-800 watts out. For instance 4CX800 is happy grid driven with 10 watts. Unfortunately most HB PA articles now are in Russian. However I could help with the translation, if needed. Having only smaller tubes in my junk box, I am working now on a grid driven 4xEL509, delivering 400-500 watts. PA0FRI have a great web site for the amp home brewers. See http://www.xs4all.nl/~pa0fri/Lineairs/Lineairs.htm 73, Val LZ1VB The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. I've been told that such things were common in the 70s. One description I was given is two stages, with a pair of 6CL6 pentodes in class A passive grids, driving a pair of surplus 4CX250Bs in AB1,a very common design. 0.1W in gives 650W out. which sort of means something to me, but will certainly start many evenings of study. If this was common, it seems that there should be articles. I haven't had much luck finding one (there's an article from 1959 that uses a single 4CX250B). So, how about it, you guys who were there then? :-) 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
Chris, Multiple stages are not required. Any class AB1 amplifier requires no power to the grid to develop full output. However, the proper voltage swing at the grid is required. If you use a tetrode, a link coupled parallel tuned circuit in the grid will usually provide the required voltage swing. The downside of such designs is that the grid circuit must be isolated from the plate circuit and a stiff screen voltage supply (preferably regulated) is needed. Neutralization is a must and band switching can be a problem with multiple tuned circuits to switch coupled with the isolation required. Since the 'swamped grid' amplifiers and grounded grid designs are not as prone to oscillation and are relatively easy to 'tame', you will find more published designs for these type amplifiers and few for the tuned input designs. Take a look at some of the single band amplifier designs which avoid the band switching complexity and you will likely find what you are looking for. 73, Don W3FPR Chris Kantarjiev wrote: [warning thread drift] The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. I've been told that such things were common in the 70s. One description I was given is two stages, with a pair of 6CL6 pentodes in class A passive grids, driving a pair of surplus 4CX250Bs in AB1,a very common design. 0.1W in gives 650W out. which sort of means something to me, but will certainly start many evenings of study. If this was common, it seems that there should be articles. I haven't had much luck finding one (there's an article from 1959 that uses a single 4CX250B). So, how about it, you guys who were there then? :-) 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
I have a pair of 4cx250b/4x150a tubes as modulators for my 813 AM transmitter. Great tubes, you can go from 1000 volts on the plate to 2000 volts in AB1 without bias or screen voltage changes. 900 watts of audio out, the same for CW I suppose. That's at 2000 volts 500ma. They take zero driving power in AB1, just voltage, so a typical tuned grid input would work. The downside of the 4cx250b type tubes is you need a blower and the special sockets, and regulated screen voltage for low distortion on voice. Not sure if you need to regulate the voltage for CW... Many tubes take low driving power if you do the tuned grid input. Its another thing to tune, but not really hard to do, a tapped coil on a ceramic form with a link at the bottom, or separate coils of B+W coil stock switched in gets the drive for a pair of 813's down to about 15 watts for over 600 watts out in class C. My pair of 813's is not neutralized and seems to have no problems working from 1.8 to 30 mc. I set it up so it can be class c or AB2, all parameters are metered and adjustable. For those who like to look at pictures.. http://wa5bxo.shacknet.nu/N2DTS/ Picture 61, the 813 rig is the right cabinet. Brett N2DTS [warning thread drift] The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. I've been told that such things were common in the 70s. One description I was given is two stages, with a pair of 6CL6 pentodes in class A passive grids, driving a pair of surplus 4CX250Bs in AB1,a very common design. 0.1W in gives 650W out. which sort of means something to me, but will certainly start many evenings of study. If this was common, it seems that there should be articles. I haven't had much luck finding one (there's an article from 1959 that uses a single 4CX250B). So, how about it, you guys who were there then? :-) 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
Chris Kantarjiev wrote: [warning thread drift] The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. Didn't there used to be a Part 97 gain limit of 10dB for RF amps? Is it still there? I'd go check myself but I've been reading the regs trying to sort out RM11306 for comments, and my eyes are now legally crossed from all the Fed-Speak. 73 Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2007 CQP Oct 6-7 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
On Apr 5, 2007, at 9:17 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: Chris Kantarjiev wrote: [warning thread drift] The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. Didn't there used to be a Part 97 gain limit of 10dB for RF amps? Is it still there? I'd go check myself but I've been reading the regs trying to sort out RM11306 for comments, and my eyes are now legally crossed from all the Fed-Speak. The limit is 15 dB and is still in the requirements despite the recent loosening of Part 97. That should give something over 400 watts when driven by a K2. I don't recall whether the easily- modifiable rule is still there, so it may be possible to have an amp with an attenuator on the front-end (I heard that one of the Tokyo High Power amps does this, but haven't verified that). 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
The 15 db rule applies only to manufactured for sale amplifiers. It does not apply to amplifiers that an individual ham builds for him or herself, particularly when a a kit is not involved.. Section 97.317 of the rules, which is where the 15 db rule appears, applies to the certification of external RF power amplifiers that a manufacturer offers for sale. Home-made amplifiers do not require certification. They must still meet some standards, such as those involving purity of emissions (harmonics, for example) and of course must not be operated above 1500 watts PEP, but that's pretty much it. I am unsure of how the rule applies to kits, but I think they would be considered a manufactured product if all the parts needed to complete the amplifier are contained, in the kit. If, however, a kit contained only some of the parts, and could not in itself be assembled into a working amplifier without adding extra parts, then the certification rule probably would not apply. It would be perfectly legal for a ham to build a home-brew grid-driven amplifier that could take the 10 watt signal from his K2 and boost it to 1500 watts output. Such an amplifier would have (roughly) 22 db of gain. A pair of 4CX800 tubes could accomplish this, I think. Remember also that the old Johnson Thunderbolt could be operated in grid-driven mode, and it had (still has, if you can find one) similar performance, using a pair of 4-400 tubes. - Jim, KL7CC Chris Kantarjiev wrote: The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. The limit is 15 dB and is still in the requirements despite the recent loosening of Part 97. That should give something over 400 watts when driven by a K2. I don't recall whether the easily- modifiable rule is still there, so it may be possible to have an amp with an attenuator on the front-end (I heard that one of the Tokyo High Power amps does this, but haven't verified that). 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
Just working from memory here, but wasn't there also a limit that the amateur could only build one such amp a year? David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Jim Wiley wrote: The 15 db rule applies only to manufactured for sale amplifiers. It does not apply to amplifiers that an individual ham builds for him or herself, particularly when a a kit is not involved.. Section 97.317 of the rules, which is where the 15 db rule appears, applies to the certification of external RF power amplifiers that a manufacturer offers for sale. Home-made amplifiers do not require certification. They must still meet some standards, such as those involving purity of emissions (harmonics, for example) and of course must not be operated above 1500 watts PEP, but that's pretty much it. I am unsure of how the rule applies to kits, but I think they would be considered a manufactured product if all the parts needed to complete the amplifier are contained, in the kit. If, however, a kit contained only some of the parts, and could not in itself be assembled into a working amplifier without adding extra parts, then the certification rule probably would not apply. It would be perfectly legal for a ham to build a home-brew grid-driven amplifier that could take the 10 watt signal from his K2 and boost it to 1500 watts output. Such an amplifier would have (roughly) 22 db of gain. A pair of 4CX800 tubes could accomplish this, I think. Remember also that the old Johnson Thunderbolt could be operated in grid-driven mode, and it had (still has, if you can find one) similar performance, using a pair of 4-400 tubes. - Jim, KL7CC Chris Kantarjiev wrote: The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. The limit is 15 dB and is still in the requirements despite the recent loosening of Part 97. That should give something over 400 watts when driven by a K2. I don't recall whether the easily- modifiable rule is still there, so it may be possible to have an amp with an attenuator on the front-end (I heard that one of the Tokyo High Power amps does this, but haven't verified that). 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
I have been a ham for 43 plus years (12/23/63) and up to now have not heard of any such limitation. Jozef WB2MIC David Wilburn wrote: Just working from memory here, but wasn't there also a limit that the amateur could only build one such amp a year? David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Jim Wiley wrote: The 15 db rule applies only to manufactured for sale amplifiers. It does not apply to amplifiers that an individual ham builds for him or herself, particularly when a a kit is not involved.. Section 97.317 of the rules, which is where the 15 db rule appears, applies to the certification of external RF power amplifiers that a manufacturer offers for sale. Home-made amplifiers do not require certification. They must still meet some standards, such as those involving purity of emissions (harmonics, for example) and of course must not be operated above 1500 watts PEP, but that's pretty much it. I am unsure of how the rule applies to kits, but I think they would be considered a manufactured product if all the parts needed to complete the amplifier are contained, in the kit. If, however, a kit contained only some of the parts, and could not in itself be assembled into a working amplifier without adding extra parts, then the certification rule probably would not apply. It would be perfectly legal for a ham to build a home-brew grid-driven amplifier that could take the 10 watt signal from his K2 and boost it to 1500 watts output. Such an amplifier would have (roughly) 22 db of gain. A pair of 4CX800 tubes could accomplish this, I think. Remember also that the old Johnson Thunderbolt could be operated in grid-driven mode, and it had (still has, if you can find one) similar performance, using a pair of 4-400 tubes. - Jim, KL7CC Chris Kantarjiev wrote: The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. The limit is 15 dB and is still in the requirements despite the recent loosening of Part 97. That should give something over 400 watts when driven by a K2. I don't recall whether the easily- modifiable rule is still there, so it may be possible to have an amp with an attenuator on the front-end (I heard that one of the Tokyo High Power amps does this, but haven't verified that). 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
There used to be this rule: 97.315 (a): No more than 1 unit of 1 model of an external RF power amplifier capable of operation below 144 MHz may be constructed or modified during any calendar year by an amateur operator for use at a station without a grant of certification. No amplifier capable of operation below 144 MHz may be constructed or modified by an amateur operator without a grant of certification from the FCC But that's an old rule. It has been removed from Part 97 by FCC. The intent of the rule was to prevent manufacturers from getting around the gain-and-frequency regs by getting an amateur license and claiming the amateur exemption. It no longer applies. See: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/news/part97/ 73 de Jim, N2EY In a message dated 4/5/07 6:24:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have been a ham for 43 plus years (12/23/63) and up to now have not heard of any such limitation. Jozef WB2MIC David Wilburn wrote: Just working from memory here, but wasn't there also a limit that the amateur could only build one such amp a year? David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
I built an HF amplifier kit a couple of years ago. The HF Packer amplifier. It was around $125. All the parts were there and some things have to be done by the builder that normally are pre fabbed. Drilling and tapping holes, placing parts in enclosures accurately. The amplifier is fairly small and uses two low priced MOS Power FET transistors. With about 2-3 watts of drive it will produce 35-40 watts of output. Very nice filtering arrangement on the output, switchable froom 160-10 meters. Has an RF actuated changeover relay system and it is linear for SSB use. My K1 drives it easily and quite well. 73, Sandy W5TVW Google HF packer for website and details. - Original Message - From: David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 4:57 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits Just working from memory here, but wasn't there also a limit that the amateur could only build one such amp a year? David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Jim Wiley wrote: The 15 db rule applies only to manufactured for sale amplifiers. It does not apply to amplifiers that an individual ham builds for him or herself, particularly when a a kit is not involved.. Section 97.317 of the rules, which is where the 15 db rule appears, applies to the certification of external RF power amplifiers that a manufacturer offers for sale. Home-made amplifiers do not require certification. They must still meet some standards, such as those involving purity of emissions (harmonics, for example) and of course must not be operated above 1500 watts PEP, but that's pretty much it. I am unsure of how the rule applies to kits, but I think they would be considered a manufactured product if all the parts needed to complete the amplifier are contained, in the kit. If, however, a kit contained only some of the parts, and could not in itself be assembled into a working amplifier without adding extra parts, then the certification rule probably would not apply. It would be perfectly legal for a ham to build a home-brew grid-driven amplifier that could take the 10 watt signal from his K2 and boost it to 1500 watts output. Such an amplifier would have (roughly) 22 db of gain. A pair of 4CX800 tubes could accomplish this, I think. Remember also that the old Johnson Thunderbolt could be operated in grid-driven mode, and it had (still has, if you can find one) similar performance, using a pair of 4-400 tubes. - Jim, KL7CC Chris Kantarjiev wrote: The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. The limit is 15 dB and is still in the requirements despite the recent loosening of Part 97. That should give something over 400 watts when driven by a K2. I don't recall whether the easily- modifiable rule is still there, so it may be possible to have an amp with an attenuator on the front-end (I heard that one of the Tokyo High Power amps does this, but haven't verified that). 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.25/745 - Release Date: 4/3/2007 12:48 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
From the general class question pool. G1F02 (B) [97.315a] Without a grant of FCC certification, how many external RF amplifiers of a given design capable of operation below 144 MHz may you build or modify in one calendar year? A. None B. 1 C. 5 D. 10 Here is the ARRL link to the question pool. http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/el3-release-12-1-03.txt David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Jozef Hand-Boniakowski wrote: I have been a ham for 43 plus years (12/23/63) and up to now have not heard of any such limitation. Jozef WB2MIC David Wilburn wrote: Just working from memory here, but wasn't there also a limit that the amateur could only build one such amp a year? David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Jim Wiley wrote: The 15 db rule applies only to manufactured for sale amplifiers. It does not apply to amplifiers that an individual ham builds for him or herself, particularly when a a kit is not involved.. Section 97.317 of the rules, which is where the 15 db rule appears, applies to the certification of external RF power amplifiers that a manufacturer offers for sale. Home-made amplifiers do not require certification. They must still meet some standards, such as those involving purity of emissions (harmonics, for example) and of course must not be operated above 1500 watts PEP, but that's pretty much it. I am unsure of how the rule applies to kits, but I think they would be considered a manufactured product if all the parts needed to complete the amplifier are contained, in the kit. If, however, a kit contained only some of the parts, and could not in itself be assembled into a working amplifier without adding extra parts, then the certification rule probably would not apply. It would be perfectly legal for a ham to build a home-brew grid-driven amplifier that could take the 10 watt signal from his K2 and boost it to 1500 watts output. Such an amplifier would have (roughly) 22 db of gain. A pair of 4CX800 tubes could accomplish this, I think. Remember also that the old Johnson Thunderbolt could be operated in grid-driven mode, and it had (still has, if you can find one) similar performance, using a pair of 4-400 tubes. - Jim, KL7CC Chris Kantarjiev wrote: The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. The limit is 15 dB and is still in the requirements despite the recent loosening of Part 97. That should give something over 400 watts when driven by a K2. I don't recall whether the easily- modifiable rule is still there, so it may be possible to have an amp with an attenuator on the front-end (I heard that one of the Tokyo High Power amps does this, but haven't verified that). 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
Should have read to the end of the posts. Thanks for the update. I just remembered it from testing. David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 David Wilburn wrote: From the general class question pool. G1F02 (B) [97.315a] Without a grant of FCC certification, how many external RF amplifiers of a given design capable of operation below 144 MHz may you build or modify in one calendar year? A. None B. 1 C. 5 D. 10 Here is the ARRL link to the question pool. http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/el3-release-12-1-03.txt David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Jozef Hand-Boniakowski wrote: I have been a ham for 43 plus years (12/23/63) and up to now have not heard of any such limitation. Jozef WB2MIC David Wilburn wrote: Just working from memory here, but wasn't there also a limit that the amateur could only build one such amp a year? David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Jim Wiley wrote: The 15 db rule applies only to manufactured for sale amplifiers. It does not apply to amplifiers that an individual ham builds for him or herself, particularly when a a kit is not involved.. Section 97.317 of the rules, which is where the 15 db rule appears, applies to the certification of external RF power amplifiers that a manufacturer offers for sale. Home-made amplifiers do not require certification. They must still meet some standards, such as those involving purity of emissions (harmonics, for example) and of course must not be operated above 1500 watts PEP, but that's pretty much it. I am unsure of how the rule applies to kits, but I think they would be considered a manufactured product if all the parts needed to complete the amplifier are contained, in the kit. If, however, a kit contained only some of the parts, and could not in itself be assembled into a working amplifier without adding extra parts, then the certification rule probably would not apply. It would be perfectly legal for a ham to build a home-brew grid-driven amplifier that could take the 10 watt signal from his K2 and boost it to 1500 watts output. Such an amplifier would have (roughly) 22 db of gain. A pair of 4CX800 tubes could accomplish this, I think. Remember also that the old Johnson Thunderbolt could be operated in grid-driven mode, and it had (still has, if you can find one) similar performance, using a pair of 4-400 tubes. - Jim, KL7CC Chris Kantarjiev wrote: The Linear Amp kits seem to need a fair amount of drive. I've been idly thinking about a linear that would allow me to drive it with my barefoot K2 and get 600-800 watts out for CW. The limit is 15 dB and is still in the requirements despite the recent loosening of Part 97. That should give something over 400 watts when driven by a K2. I don't recall whether the easily- modifiable rule is still there, so it may be possible to have an amp with an attenuator on the front-end (I heard that one of the Tokyo High Power amps does this, but haven't verified that). 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
If someone were to ask me what I considered a modest amplifier, I'd say it was the KPA100. I look for a 10 dB difference to be worth the effort, time and cost in real communications ability. After all a 10:1 power difference is less than two S-units on most meters. To me it's hardly worth the time and effort to go after less than that, so with 100 watts at my fingertips I'd hardly consider going for much less than 1,000 watts at the next step up. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lee Buller Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 1:50 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits Not to offend the QRP purists in the group, but I think an modest amplifier kit would be spectacularif you could keep the kit down below a a grand. I looked at the one from the UK and I felt that it was pretty easy to build...especially for those of us who built amps before from scratch. AH yes, the good old days. But, there are some liabilitiesand I am no sure that a company wants to get bonded for those people who die because they did not understand the ramifications of 1500 to 2500 volts. I wonder how Heath handled that? Anyway, using a grid driven tetrode or triode would be a task to tame, but it could be done...but I would rather not. Therefore, you would have to go to the GG and that means drive. You would have to have at least 50 watts to get any kind of output. I like the ideaI would build one in a minutebut there are complications Lee - K0WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
ยง 97.315 Certification of external RF power amplifiers. (a) No more than 1 unit of 1 model of an external RF power amplifier capable of operation below 144 MHz may be constructed or modified during any calendar year by an amateur operator for use at a station without a grant of certification. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jozef Hand-Boniakowski Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 3:23 PM To: David Wilburn Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits I have been a ham for 43 plus years (12/23/63) and up to now have not heard of any such limitation. Jozef WB2MIC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] HF amp kits
John - As explained on the Linear Amp UK web site -- the Ranger 811K (kit) is NOT for beginners. This kit is not recommended for the absolute beginner as a reasonable knowledge of electrics, electronics and RF technology is required. It would make an excellent project for a Radio Club, where the inexperienced could learn from the more technically able members. At the end of the exercise the Club would have gained a useful piece of equipment. - Linear Amp notice. There are NO step-by-step instructions (Elecraft or Heathkit style), but each section is packed in a plastic bag with a list of parts and accompanying photographs. Greg w9gb - Original Message - From: John Harper To: Elecraft Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 5:04 PM Subject: [Elecraft] HF amp kits Anyone here have any first-hand experience with either of these two HF amp kits? It might be fun to build something with tubes - I mean valves: http://www.linamp.co.uk/ John Harper AE5X http://www.ae5x.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] HF amp kits
Anyone here have any first-hand experience with either of these two HF amp kits? It might be fun to build something with tubes - I mean valves: http://www.linamp.co.uk/ John Harper AE5X http://www.ae5x.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
