I have no reason to test it there. Besides, I'm driving it with an Elecraft K3 which won't transmit on 27Mhz, except in the areas that MARS uses if you have opened up the TX frequency range.
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Ameritron ALS-1300 HF Solid State Amplifier Review
- Thread starter Moleculo
- Start date
- Status
I have no reason to test it there. Besides, I'm driving it with an Elecraft K3 which won't transmit on 27Mhz, except in the areas that MARS uses if you have opened up the TX frequency range.
I lovw my ALS-600 its so easy to use along with being bullet proof with all its protection circuits. Im am diaapointed to see thios ALS-1300 failed on you maybe luck of the draw ?? Well hopefully anyways.
I loved the 1300 when you first posted the pics from Dayten ham convention but then seen the price tag and OUCH!!! I agree with Rich (DXHOUND) and it would be nice to see this atleast hit legal limit.
I was looking at the ALS-1300 lastyear and looked at what I could get in a tube amp at that price and thought geeze I can get double the power and idle at legal limit allday.
I then took into consideration the ease of use the solidstate ALS-1300 has and do agree its a completey different animal and really cant be put into a category with a tube amplifer. I would still like a 1300 like this because I do as I said love my ALS-600.
I guess in the end it boils down to what a person is looking for between monster power or closse to legal limit with ease of use and a sure fgool proof innerprotection circuit to save the unit incase of the occasionally oopsy did I do that scenario.
Ide behappy with the 1300 Im sure and if you think about it who the hell is ever going to see or hear the diffrence between 1,200 - 1,300 watts and 1,500 Im anxious to see the rest of this review with the new amplifier which Im sure will be trouble free.
I loved the 1300 when you first posted the pics from Dayten ham convention but then seen the price tag and OUCH!!! I agree with Rich (DXHOUND) and it would be nice to see this atleast hit legal limit.
I was looking at the ALS-1300 lastyear and looked at what I could get in a tube amp at that price and thought geeze I can get double the power and idle at legal limit allday.
I then took into consideration the ease of use the solidstate ALS-1300 has and do agree its a completey different animal and really cant be put into a category with a tube amplifer. I would still like a 1300 like this because I do as I said love my ALS-600.
I guess in the end it boils down to what a person is looking for between monster power or closse to legal limit with ease of use and a sure fgool proof innerprotection circuit to save the unit incase of the occasionally oopsy did I do that scenario.
Ide behappy with the 1300 Im sure and if you think about it who the hell is ever going to see or hear the diffrence between 1,200 - 1,300 watts and 1,500 Im anxious to see the rest of this review with the new amplifier which Im sure will be trouble free.
I had some time to do a bit of testing tonight and I finished the power output matrix I was working on. Admittedly, I should have started over because it's a different amp, but I wanted to just go ahead to see if I could discern much difference between the two. Basically, what I learned is that there is some difference in the power output between the two, but nothing that seems unusual.
Power was measured on CW using a Bird 43P. I set the input power using either a 50 watt or 100 watt element, checking it on each band, then switching to a 100 watt, 250 watt, 500 watt, 1000 watt, or 2500 watt element as appropriate for the amplifier output.
Here is the power output matrix. You can probably figure out where the numbers change between the old amp and new one by studying the table, but it doesn't really matter that much.
Band/Drive
|
5w
|
10w
|
25w
|
50w
|
100w
1.9 |80w|160w|460w|830w|1100w
3.9 |84w|180w|490w|850w|1050w
7.2 |75w|155w|400w|800w|1200w
14.2 |70w|150w|410w|825w|1400w
18.1 |52w|125w|370w|700w|1050w
21.2 |80w|185w|500w|900w|1250w
24.9 |80w|180w|480w|975w|1500w
28.5 |70w|140w|425w|675w|1100w
An interesting phenomenon occurred on both amplifiers while testing: The initial power output spikes and then "settles" over about 5-10 seconds. On the high power levels, the difference between key up output power and "settling" power can be as much as several hundred watts. I double checked the output power of the exciter by itself and didn't notice this behavior, so it is definitely something that the amp is producing. While this is not really a problem, it is an interesting observation.
One thing to quote from the manual:
Power was measured on CW using a Bird 43P. I set the input power using either a 50 watt or 100 watt element, checking it on each band, then switching to a 100 watt, 250 watt, 500 watt, 1000 watt, or 2500 watt element as appropriate for the amplifier output.
Here is the power output matrix. You can probably figure out where the numbers change between the old amp and new one by studying the table, but it doesn't really matter that much.
1.9 |80w|160w|460w|830w|1100w
3.9 |84w|180w|490w|850w|1050w
7.2 |75w|155w|400w|800w|1200w
14.2 |70w|150w|410w|825w|1400w
18.1 |52w|125w|370w|700w|1050w
21.2 |80w|185w|500w|900w|1250w
24.9 |80w|180w|480w|975w|1500w
28.5 |70w|140w|425w|675w|1100w
An interesting phenomenon occurred on both amplifiers while testing: The initial power output spikes and then "settles" over about 5-10 seconds. On the high power levels, the difference between key up output power and "settling" power can be as much as several hundred watts. I double checked the output power of the exciter by itself and didn't notice this behavior, so it is definitely something that the amp is producing. While this is not really a problem, it is an interesting observation.
One thing to quote from the manual:
Last edited:
Bad news (again) tonight.
While doing the power output testing into a dummy load, I observed some strange behavior. The problem was that the amp would trip off into protection mode when sending a CW tone for around 10-15 seconds on 10 and 17 meters, and also on 20 meters after about 20-30 seconds. It didn't seem to matter whether or not the drive level was 25 watts or 100 watts, it would still trip into protection. I verified the dummy load VSWR without the amplifier before and after the tests. After tripping to protection, I was able to reset it by flipping the OPERATE button to STANDBY position and then back, after which I could go back to normal operation.
I thought that perhaps the problem was an RFI problem caused by the dummy load being too near the power supply and amplifier, so I switched to external antennas. In each situation, I carefully checked the SWR presented to the amplifier and touched it up if necessary using the Ameritron ATR-30 tuner which is between the amp and the antenna. On the 10 meter inverted V antenna, I had the exact same problem: The amp tripped to protection mode after a few seconds. Next, I switched over to a Cushcraft R6000 at 42 feet to the feed point and performed the same test. On this antenna, I had no need for the tuner and tested on 28.935Mhz, where the VSWR is 1.3:1. After only a couple of seconds, the amplifier shut itself down. It now will not turn back on, exhibiting the exact same behavior as the previous amplifier: When you turn it on, the left ammeter needle quickly swings up to 25 amps, and then shuts back down without the amplifier ever turning on.
When I initially noticed the problem of the amplifier tripping into protection, I observed the PAB meter which measures the difference in power output between both PA's, and only saw a difference of about 10 watts or so. This is an important check because the manual says the the amplifier will trip into protection if there is a difference of 200 watts. Obviously, this doesn't appear to be the problem. I also checked all of the other meter measurements and noticed nothing unusual.
I'm not sure what to report to Ameritron that will help troubleshoot the problem, except that I routinely use my AL-800H at legal limit and have no problems. When the ALS-1300 was operating properly on 10, 17 and 20 meters (before it tripped protection mode), the power output was as described in the manual.
Ameritron had the first test amplifier sent to W8JI for troubleshooting...hopefully he has found something useful that will help identify the problem. Obviously the problem I experienced initially is not a fluke.
I'll update everyone as I find out more from Ameritron.
While doing the power output testing into a dummy load, I observed some strange behavior. The problem was that the amp would trip off into protection mode when sending a CW tone for around 10-15 seconds on 10 and 17 meters, and also on 20 meters after about 20-30 seconds. It didn't seem to matter whether or not the drive level was 25 watts or 100 watts, it would still trip into protection. I verified the dummy load VSWR without the amplifier before and after the tests. After tripping to protection, I was able to reset it by flipping the OPERATE button to STANDBY position and then back, after which I could go back to normal operation.
I thought that perhaps the problem was an RFI problem caused by the dummy load being too near the power supply and amplifier, so I switched to external antennas. In each situation, I carefully checked the SWR presented to the amplifier and touched it up if necessary using the Ameritron ATR-30 tuner which is between the amp and the antenna. On the 10 meter inverted V antenna, I had the exact same problem: The amp tripped to protection mode after a few seconds. Next, I switched over to a Cushcraft R6000 at 42 feet to the feed point and performed the same test. On this antenna, I had no need for the tuner and tested on 28.935Mhz, where the VSWR is 1.3:1. After only a couple of seconds, the amplifier shut itself down. It now will not turn back on, exhibiting the exact same behavior as the previous amplifier: When you turn it on, the left ammeter needle quickly swings up to 25 amps, and then shuts back down without the amplifier ever turning on.
When I initially noticed the problem of the amplifier tripping into protection, I observed the PAB meter which measures the difference in power output between both PA's, and only saw a difference of about 10 watts or so. This is an important check because the manual says the the amplifier will trip into protection if there is a difference of 200 watts. Obviously, this doesn't appear to be the problem. I also checked all of the other meter measurements and noticed nothing unusual.
I'm not sure what to report to Ameritron that will help troubleshoot the problem, except that I routinely use my AL-800H at legal limit and have no problems. When the ALS-1300 was operating properly on 10, 17 and 20 meters (before it tripped protection mode), the power output was as described in the manual.
Ameritron had the first test amplifier sent to W8JI for troubleshooting...hopefully he has found something useful that will help identify the problem. Obviously the problem I experienced initially is not a fluke.
I'll update everyone as I find out more from Ameritron.
ALS-1300 10M problem
I had the same problem, I started with 500W output on 10M and started increasing the drive. Somewhere around 800W output something went BANG and the amp went dead. Both 15A fuses on the 240V mains were blown, after replacing the fuses, I found that one 50V supply was dead. I returned the amp to Ameritron and they repaired it. They replaced the power supply board and 4 MOSFET finals.
When I got the unit back there was a note that said not to exceed 25A supply current on 15, 12 & 10M.
I now can get full power out on all bands except 10M with 25A supply current. On 10M with 25W of drive, I get 25A and only 650W output. I suspect the 10/12M filter as being the problem.
Did Ameritron ever tell you what the problem was?
I had the same problem, I started with 500W output on 10M and started increasing the drive. Somewhere around 800W output something went BANG and the amp went dead. Both 15A fuses on the 240V mains were blown, after replacing the fuses, I found that one 50V supply was dead. I returned the amp to Ameritron and they repaired it. They replaced the power supply board and 4 MOSFET finals.
When I got the unit back there was a note that said not to exceed 25A supply current on 15, 12 & 10M.
I now can get full power out on all bands except 10M with 25A supply current. On 10M with 25W of drive, I get 25A and only 650W output. I suspect the 10/12M filter as being the problem.
Did Ameritron ever tell you what the problem was?
I used to think that Ameritron put out good high quality equipment...but after 2 amps in a row that were found to be defective I am beginning to wonder just how many units has been sent out to folks with those problems
I hope they get this sorted out for you Moleculo
I hope they get this sorted out for you Moleculo
I have had good luck with my ALS-600 but then again I have the older model without the remote head hookups its a great amplifier.
I have an older AL-84 that has to be repaired but this amp was put away and unused for sometime and is now in need or part replacements.
That sucks and is scary that this 1300 is at the cost it is at and is problems!!
:thumbdown:
I have an older AL-84 that has to be repaired but this amp was put away and unused for sometime and is now in need or part replacements.
That sucks and is scary that this 1300 is at the cost it is at and is problems!!
:thumbdown:
Some new developments:
Ameritron has been working on the problems that I encountered and just shipped me a replacement amp with some design changes. I don't have a lot of details yet, but they indicated that the net effect is that the amp is drawing less current than before, meaning it is also more efficient.
I hooked up the ALS-1300 last night and have put it through a few paces, the first being the exact circumstances that made it fail before. So far, it's working fine with no failure. Stay tuned for more info as I give this thing a workout
Ameritron has been working on the problems that I encountered and just shipped me a replacement amp with some design changes. I don't have a lot of details yet, but they indicated that the net effect is that the amp is drawing less current than before, meaning it is also more efficient.
I hooked up the ALS-1300 last night and have put it through a few paces, the first being the exact circumstances that made it fail before. So far, it's working fine with no failure. Stay tuned for more info as I give this thing a workout
One thing that I like is that they are working with you, which in turn I guess is helping them "cure an issue"?
My thoughts are similar to the above mentioned with the filtering. Most amps that have 10 and 12 meter capability unfortunately can operate on 11 meter. This one specifically says DO NOT because damage will occur.
That leads me to think the "tolerance" of that filtering is so "tight", trying to prohibit 11 meter use is causing these headaches for them?
I looked at that unit at Dayton and to me the inside looks like a pair of ALS-600 stacked. I have not heard of the ALS-600 having these problems on ten meter, I believe the ALS-600 will work on 11 meter? I am not saying that is a smart or legal thing to do, just saying that "appears" to me the difference between the 600 and 1300. So maybe "opening" the filtering up like the ALS-600 may be the cure, after all, the person operating the amp has the ultimate responsibility to use it legally for their jurisdiction.
I am not the smartest knife in the chandelier and I may be way out in 4th base on that assumption.
continue on,,,,,,,,,op:op:
My thoughts are similar to the above mentioned with the filtering. Most amps that have 10 and 12 meter capability unfortunately can operate on 11 meter. This one specifically says DO NOT because damage will occur.
That leads me to think the "tolerance" of that filtering is so "tight", trying to prohibit 11 meter use is causing these headaches for them?
I looked at that unit at Dayton and to me the inside looks like a pair of ALS-600 stacked. I have not heard of the ALS-600 having these problems on ten meter, I believe the ALS-600 will work on 11 meter? I am not saying that is a smart or legal thing to do, just saying that "appears" to me the difference between the 600 and 1300. So maybe "opening" the filtering up like the ALS-600 may be the cure, after all, the person operating the amp has the ultimate responsibility to use it legally for their jurisdiction.
I am not the smartest knife in the chandelier and I may be way out in 4th base on that assumption.
continue on,,,,,,,,,
op:op:
Just remember, this amp was sent to WWDX for testing and review, so it is a great thing that Ameritron is doing here.
Eventually when the testing and review is complete and this issue gets corrected, the amp will go back to Ameritron.
I am glad to see that Ameritron is doing what is needed to get the amp running as it should.... not to many folks out there these days that would be willing to go to the extent they have to make this right....actually have a bit of faith in Ameritron after reading the updates ...
And I pretty well know that Moleculo will make sure the amp is well used and abused by the time he gets done with testing.....
The term " drive it like you stole it " is coming to mind
And I pretty well know that Moleculo will make sure the amp is well used and abused by the time he gets done with testing.....
The term " drive it like you stole it " is coming to mind
Just a quick update:
I've been testing this new amp for a few nights and have not run into any issues. I gave it quite a little workout at full power on 10 meters and could not make it fail. This test made it fail within seconds on the previous version. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they've found the design issue and fixed it.
More to follow...
I've been testing this new amp for a few nights and have not run into any issues. I gave it quite a little workout at full power on 10 meters and could not make it fail. This test made it fail within seconds on the previous version. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they've found the design issue and fixed it.
More to follow...
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