Amp build

[BammBamm]

Its getting to be that time of year that I need inside things to do. I currently run a 980 ssb into a RM 203 amp but like everyone else I want more. I could buy an amp but I think it would be fun to build my own. I have plans on a dvd and I’m thinking of a 1x 4 and hoping for maybe 350-400 Watts AM and the same or more on ssb. I have heard the amp must be tuned for frequency after build but I have no clue how to do this? I am also trying to understand baising but can’t seem to find much information. I know many will say to buy an amp but I’m looking for a project. Thanks

 

[sp5it]

After reading I have one conclusion, buy an amp. I doubt you can diy.
Mike

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Its getting to be that time of year that I need inside things to do. I currently run a 980 ssb into a RM 203 amp but like everyone else I want more. I could buy an amp but I think it would be fun to build my own. I have plans on a dvd and I’m thinking of a 1x 4 and hoping for maybe 350-400 Watts AM and the same or more on ssb. I have heard the amp must be tuned for frequency after build but I have no clue how to do this? I am also trying to understand baising but can’t seem to find much information. I know many will say to buy an amp but I’m looking for a project. Thanks

This is where I am on building an amp. Tuned in.

 

[5 X 5]

I'd say buy a kit. Only kits I found with quick search are higher frequencies. Lots of step by step videos with parts lists/links. Start ordering parts and figure out bias and tune when you get there...

 

[jon666]

by the time you buy all the parts your going to need
it would be cheaper to by one pre made

 

[Dmans]

BammBamm,
I get it.
Anybody can buy an amp, but that's not the point, is it? Maybe start with a sad old DOG of an amp, rehab it, trade it, shelve it, smash it whatever! Then move on to a full built from scratch unit.
Works wonders for the mind when it gets dark outside at 4:30 pm!

Good Luck!

73's
David

 

[Hurricane145]

by the time you buy all the parts your going to need
it would be cheaper to by one pre made

Perhaps cheaper by a long shot as well.
Chasing down decent parts can be a lot of effort and cost with shipping costs added in. There are also perhaps special tools you may need you may never use again. Nibbler tool, Dremel tool etc.
I built a small amplifier for 6 meters once with an MRF492 transistor. It was from plans in QST magazine. The biggest problem was finding a suitable heat sink but it was back in 1982 so no internet to dig through. All finished it was a fun project but not an economical one.
Probably the bigger the amp, the less economical it will be.

 

[nomadradio]

If you want a project, I recommend "KISS".

Keep it simple, simple.

An amplifier with a built-in driver will be more of a challenge. If your interest is in sideband, you'll find that the maximum power that still sounds good is a bit less than the same amplifier can deliver in AM mode.

You just can't drive them as hard and still sound good on sideband. Built-in driver designs tend to overdrive the final stage and sound crusty on SSB.

The basic building block of solid-state amplifiers is two RF transistors in a push-pull circuit. That's where I would start.

Check out Lou Franklin's "Tri Power" design.

http://www.cbcintl.com/tripower.htm

It's only a set of plans, not a kit. But it will give you a coherent and complete idea what's needed.

73

 

[Handy Andy]

Thanks Nomad - I actually had the plans a long time ago, when I had bought his Speech Processor.

The link, it's the same amp!

Good learning tool...

 

[BammBamm]

A lot of good information and answers and I thank you all. Like it was said in an answer that it’s a want...I mean anyone can buy an amp. I have thought about the expense and I have a full machine shop where I work and they also acid etch pc boards so I have that benefit. Turning an aluminum block into a heat sync and case is not an issue or is soldering or tools such as dremel tool or soldering irons. I did like the thought of buying a non working amp and trying repairs and go from there.

 

[rabbiporkchop]

Why not just buy a blown up Texas Star DX 1600 X and strip it down and rebuild it from scratch?

 

[543_Dallas]

Why not just buy a blown up Texas Star DX 1600 X and strip it down and rebuild it from scratch?

You selling yours?

 

[rabbiporkchop]

You selling yours?

Not in this lifetime.

 

[TheRealPorkchop]