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Amplifier recommendations.

Well still thinking about it. I really want to get a 1600 or (8X or mos equiv.). However I read that it wasn't really good to run a 1600 with a DX979 4 watt radio which is the main radio I will be using. So not sure now. I would also like something with power switches to turn down if desired. If the low power thing is true as I am still reading, was thinking about a 667v.
Got a little excited when seeing the ldmos boards doing 1 to 3K really cheap, then i saw the volts and I dont think I can use that as is lol. He said you can reduce the voltage with doing some things but all thats way out of my range of expertise. LOL!
 
530 said:
Well still thinking about it. I really want to get a 1600 or (8X or mos equiv.). However I read that it wasn't really good to run a 1600 with a DX979 4 watt radio which is the main radio I will be using. So not sure now. I would also like something with power switches to turn down if desired. If the low power thing is true as I am still reading, was thinking about a 667v.
Got a little excited when seeing the ldmos boards doing 1 to 3K really cheap, then i saw the volts and I dont think I can use that as is lol. He said you can reduce the voltage with doing some things but all thats way out of my range of expertise. LOL!
Click to expand...

From what I gather with my new DX500...I think your radio would be perfect for running one. I don’t think there would be any advantage in having a 667.
 
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dledinger said:
From what I gather with my new DX500...I think your radio would be perfect for running one. I don’t think there would be any advantage in having a 667.
Click to expand...
From what I read the 667v is good for one final radios which i am guessing are the 4 watt ones that you turn down to 1 watt as the 667v has a 2290 which accepts 2.5 to 4 watts max pep will give you 60 watts pep out, which to me is a little high as the 2879 data says 6 watts to 10 max pep will give you 100 watts pep out. So to me the 667v is overdriving with 60 watts pep at 2.5 radio pep because times 4 the 2879s should be no more than 40 pep max in. I am guessing that is why the 667v shows it does more because that 2290 is driving the crap out of the 2879s in the 667v. I was looking at the 500Vs but still checking how they work since it is still just 4 2879s but not sure whats up with its V. I loved my 500DX non variable.
 
I think they changed the 667, and have a different drive arrangement now, as opposed to the 2290.

Anyway, how hard you’re wanting to work the Chinese transistors is going to be the question. I’ve decided to run my mine gently, and would be happy putting a 3 watt carrier into it. I run it only SSB, and am putting about 15 PEP into it.
 
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dledinger said:
I think they changed the 667, and have a different drive arrangement now, as opposed to the 2290.

Anyway, how hard you’re wanting to work the Chinese transistors is going to be the question. I’ve decided to run my mine gently, and would be happy putting a 3 watt carrier into it. I run it only SSB, and am putting about 15 PEP into it.
Click to expand...
You said you had the 500. Is that the 500V? If so whats the V for as I see it still looks like 4 2879s only. I to don't like overdriving them which is why I am leary of that 2290, but as you said I have also seen they have a newer one but haven't read up on whats changed yet.
 
The just means it has a variable knob on the front, and yes, that’s what I have. I don’t think they’re currently making one without. I run with the “dial a watt” button off, anyway.

I’ve only had mine for a week or so. I like it, and I’m quite happy with how it sounds, but I am under no delusion that this is a well made piece of gear. It’s not.

I’ve had a couple “bugs” already.

1. The relative output meter works sometimes, and sometimes not.

2. I pressed the preamp for the first time today, nothing but relay chatter.

As far as the preamp and the meter - I’d rather they built it without both, but since they’re there, I want them to work.
 
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I do not recommend the 667.
And I don't think they use a 2290 anymore as I have heard that they now have MOSFETs in the driver stage.
I have owned 3 in the past from various trades and got rid of all of them.
The 500 is a good Amp and a single final radio will drive it just fine, but if you were looking at a sweet 16 I just don't know if you are going to be satisfied with the 500.
Unless you just talk on it and don't pay attention to the watt meter.

73
Jeff
 
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If you are using your 500 on SSB with the pre amp the SSB delay must be on.
The meter should work all the time, that's not right.
Cold solder joint maybe?
If it is new I would contact the seller.
The Texas Star amps are good for what they are if run within limits.
Yes they compromise some things, like the way the bias is designed but it is a CB amp.
73
Jeff
 
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AudioShockwav said:
If you are using your 500 on SSB with the pre amp the SSB delay must be on.
Click to expand...

Not chatter when TXing, chatter just sitting there. Amp off, preamp on = relay buzz.

I went out to video it...but no more buzz. Now it acts like an attenuator. Lol.

Anyway, pulled the cover off and the meter leads appear to have been touching the heat sink. I think that problem is solved, anyway.
 
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AudioShockwav said:
I do not recommend the 667.
And I don't think they use a 2290 anymore as I have heard that they now have MOSFETs in the driver stage.
I have owned 3 in the past from various trades and got rid of all of them.
The 500 is a good Amp and a single final radio will drive it just fine, but if you were looking at a sweet 16 I just don't know if you are going to be satisfied with the 500.
Unless you just talk on it and don't pay attention to the watt meter.

73
Jeff
Click to expand...
Would you know if I would be able to use a DX979 with the 1600 with no issues? That would be my main radio for it and when I want to get rocking i have a 6666 and a 955, but I recently read to low is not good either but that was just one old post somewhere, so far, and I really want the DX979 as my main in the vehicle.
 
530 said:
I think they are 25 watts each?
Click to expand...

There are several different data sheets on these. This sheet looks to be 60 watts.

http://pdf.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheet/fairchild/IRF520.pdf

I am surprised Texas Star would use two 520's as the driver stage in a 667. I thought they ran a single 520 mosfet as the driver. Either way they will have to add some padding to keep the drive level under control. The TS500 is a much better choice in amplifiers over a 667.
 
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9C1Driver said:
There are several different data sheets on these. This sheet looks to be 60 watts.

http://pdf.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheet/fairchild/IRF520.pdf

I am surprised Texas Star would use two 520's as the driver stage in a 667. I thought they ran a single 520 mosfet as the driver. Either way they will have to add some padding to keep the drive level under control. The TS500 is a much better choice in amplifiers over a 667.
Click to expand...
Yeah I read they put a few different things in them not sure what's in them now but I did email three different places that have them in stock so still waiting for an answer. Also still checking on the 1600 about running a low-power radio through it as I really want that DX979 to be my main radio in the vehicle however with that 1600 I could also run my anytone 6666 and my 955. But it does look like the 667v is just being over driven is why they're saying it's more watts
 
I believe that the Texas Star DX500V amplifier is the optimum choice for your Galaxy 979 radio.
The 1600 will require an ample power supply from your battery / alternator setup. And it will be a big drain on that same system when keyed .......
I have, and do use, both of these amplifiers driving with a similar radio, Galaxy 959 radio.
But my trucks are equipped with dual 180 amp alternators with dual batteries.
In another one of my trucks, I use a 959 driving a DX500V with a single battery and alternator setup. The amp output is generally about 550 watts.
I would not use a 667 for the reason of the driver in the amps are MOSFETS now-a-days.
Texas Star does not put 2290's in the driver section of the 667's anymore.
As I wrote above, I believe the optimum setup with your Galaxy 979 radio would be the Texas Star DX 500V amplifier. You would be very satisfied with the performance.
And also, you can run the DX 500V with your 5555 or your 955 radios. I currently do this every day with a Stryker SR 955 driving a Texas Star DX 500V with the am dead key set at 3~4 watts on the radio and just let the radio and amp do their thing an am and ssb.
No worries. Been doing it this way for several years.
 
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