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Ameritron AL-80B
- Thread starter 2RT307
- Start date
I think it does fine. Don't expect much over 800 watts without really 'pushing' it, but that does me just dandy on SSB. Also had the earlier AL-80A, both are the same basic amplifier with the '80B having an ALC circuit and a few other small changes. If you have a choice run it on 240 volts instead of 120Vac. Not gobs of more power but certainly 'stiffer'.
- 'Doc
- 'Doc
I have an AL-80B. Running it on 240v, I see it hit peaks over 1kw. I don't use the alc cable but turn down the radio's drive into it to only the minimum it needs to key it and allow the audio to drive the amp. IF you set your modulation vi mic gain and processor/compressor to maintain the level at least 90% AND not over modulate by over-driving the mic, you should see similar results. You won't see this on 110v as I tried it on 110 and the max the amp would put out was maybe 800 on peaks and you had to be practically eating the mic to do it. When I switched it over to 240v, things changed and I also installed a graphite tube from RF Parts, which I think has a higher output than original tube.
Cool. I don't plan on pushing the amp, and I know the previous owner didn't either. 500 watts ought to do it for me, and I like the idea of loafing one of these instead of pushing an 811H all the time. Don't have 240 yet, but plan on installing it eventually. As usual, I've got the cart before the horse. Still working on getting General. But, I came across a deal I couldn't pass up on a real clean used one. And it's local to me, so I can pick it up. 
Thanks for the input, guys!
73,
Brett
Thanks for the input, guys!
73,
Brett
I took one in on a trade couple years back. Needed a new tube.
Installed a graphite tube in it and it works as described.
You will have to make a decision if you want the WARC bands or the regular on 10/15 meter input tuning slugs. I could not find a happy medium to where I could work 10/12 or 15/17 meters . It was one or the other for input tuning.
Other than that nice little 800 watt amplifier. It is capable of doing more but why push it runs great at 800.
Installed a graphite tube in it and it works as described.
You will have to make a decision if you want the WARC bands or the regular on 10/15 meter input tuning slugs. I could not find a happy medium to where I could work 10/12 or 15/17 meters . It was one or the other for input tuning.
Other than that nice little 800 watt amplifier. It is capable of doing more but why push it runs great at 800.
Good to know... I'll have to monitor 15/17 more to see if it will be a big deal for me or not. Definitely interested in 20 and 40. As it is, 10 meters is my sandbox for now.
73,
Brett
Thanks Greg! Local club is giving a General class over the next four weeks. I can't attend all of them, but I'm going to put in some study time and see if I can't git 'er dun.
Then hopefully I'll be able to use this thing soon.73,
Brett
Yeah Greg, I'm in an HOA and have 3 antennas up. End fed half wave, end fed random, and a delta loop. You definitely need at least ONE up!
73,
Brett
M
Mr Fix it
Guest
I had one of those amps years ago . It should come with a graphite 3-500z. I think mine came with a amperex. If I remember correctly the output was around 1200 pep. The al-80b has 10 meters the al-80a I believe does not. The al-80b has the nice lighted cross needle meters. Great amp you will love it
Brett,
Good Amp.. Best bang for your buck, I am running one now I keep the drive down to about 60 watts and see 5-600 out a little less on 10-12 but that's the nature of the beast.. DONT over drive it and will last you a LONG time.. If you can run on 220 GO FOR IT.
Stay away from the original version to many problems with them..
Also good luck in getting your general ticket you'll love HF on the other bands..
73's Bruce
PS: watch 17M band seems to be the demise of many amps if not tuned right
Good Amp.. Best bang for your buck, I am running one now I keep the drive down to about 60 watts and see 5-600 out a little less on 10-12 but that's the nature of the beast.. DONT over drive it and will last you a LONG time.. If you can run on 220 GO FOR IT.
ALL the al 80 series amps did have 10M in them snip of a wire and away you went.. I have all 3 version AL80/AL80A and the AL80B.. The B model by far the best of the bunch.
Stay away from the original version to many problems with them..
Also good luck in getting your general ticket you'll love HF on the other bands..
73's Bruce
PS: watch 17M band seems to be the demise of many amps if not tuned right
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