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RM KL-400V..... Is it any good?
- Thread starter Mudfoot
- Start date
Took delivery of one of these today. Seems to work OK. Has warranty sticker, so didn't explore.
It is what it is. I like the improved improved power connector. I thought it was a Power Pole, but it's not. Just screw terminal.
It is what it is. I like the improved improved power connector. I thought it was a Power Pole, but it's not. Just screw terminal.
Not the best pics. I'll run it a little bit then break seal to show the guts. I bought it from DNJ. I got 5' of 12 guage zip cord on it.
I know a guy that had one, but he ran the snot out of it. I am sure yours will fare better. What kind of reports are you getting so far? I have had very good reports on my dinky KL-203P with my old Grant XL. What kind of power are you seeing out of it?
73,
RT307
73,
RT307
I'm driving it with my 980. I'm using an Ameritron AWM-30 meter. I estimate my AM DK is 2 watts. SSB is around 12-15 peak.
On high power, it wants to do around 175 or a tad more. On SSB, I see close to 300. I run it on position 4 and see around 125 on AM and 200ish on SSB.
Locals report clean, non distorted audio. My neighbors haven't noticed any interference. I am using an 11 meter dipole and a Gainmaster.
The fan is quiet on idle, but a lil bit noisy under load. It's tolerable though.
I was running a KL-203 before, and it works really well. I'm plan on running it in the mobile behind my PC122XL.
On high power, it wants to do around 175 or a tad more. On SSB, I see close to 300. I run it on position 4 and see around 125 on AM and 200ish on SSB.
Locals report clean, non distorted audio. My neighbors haven't noticed any interference. I am using an 11 meter dipole and a Gainmaster.
The fan is quiet on idle, but a lil bit noisy under load. It's tolerable though.
I was running a KL-203 before, and it works really well. I'm plan on running it in the mobile behind my PC122XL.
Hard for me to compare. I've only owned/used one Texas Star amp in my life. I still have it, it's an old Mod V. It's packed away and unused since 1991 when I drove my '87 Chevy Celebrity to the Outer Banks with my first wife.
I've come close to buying a 350HD a few times, but never did.
I've come close to buying a 350HD a few times, but never did.
I was just curious, I was wanting to buy a new radio but it dosent look like that is going to happen. I was thinking of just getting a little more power to put behind what I have for now. The 400 seems to fit the bill, but everywhere you read people have good things to say about the TS amps for SSB because of the way they are designed. But I'm not sure i understand it all enough to make an educated decision.
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I have the 980ssb as well with a kl200p. I have been going back and forth between the 400v and the kl503. My dead key is set at 2 watts on the 980 but I get some clipping on sideband. I've had people tell me that the 200p is not a good ssb amp but the 400v does very well. Just wondering what you think about the 400v being a good side band amp after you've talked to a few people. Thanks
I have been using a KL-503 for about two years now "base" and have never got a report of distorted audio am/ssb I have done some radio checks with local bases around 30 to 50 miles away and tried with amp on and off and everyone says the db gain is unbelievable and my audio gets crazy loud but clear as a bell I have an Malaysia built 148GTL I have turned the audio up and with a new hand held power mic with echo can't think of the name right now but they are brand new and have a selectable noise cancelling feature and cost at least 65.00. I often get asked to turn it down because I am so much louder than everyone else it causes problems in their home and they are talking with guys 5 or less miles away and I'm doin 45 miles away this loud audio really works when talking with my mobils with some times very low signals and getting over engine noise power lines etc.I get some real good wattage out of it I think mainly because my am wattage is 2 to 3 watts dk.on am I swing from 2/3 watts to about 15/16 watts with audio giving me I think a side band type of pep wattage my ssb is only a little higher doing 18 watts out the radio. I also run just barely under 15 volts into it also. I have been powering the 503 with a cheap but good filtered Mega watt 400 which is some where about 33 amps constant I have purchased a QJE 50 amp supply stating they do 48 amps constant and 52 amps surge with a adjustable voltage setting of 9 to 15 volts. I will probably crank the voltage on this one two can't wait to see any improvements in output!
