[Elecraft] OT: ICE still functioning?

[w5ov at w5ov.com]

Jim,

Just to clear up the differences and who does what, Ed Wetherhold, W3NQN
himself builds most of the individual W3NQN design bandpass filters that
Array Solutions sells.  Larry Gillespie, K7MI of "Hamation" also builds
W3NQN design filters for Array Solutions and these are primarily used in
the FilterMax units that contain 6 W3NQN design bandpass filters in a
"plug-in" configuration. Typically, these six bands are 160, 80, 40, 20,
15 and 10m and are essentially a W3NQN high-performance version of an
ICE419.

>From time to time, and to augment W3NQN's somewhat limited manufacturing
capability, K7MI will package his plug in filters as individual filters in
individual boxes - just like the W3NQN-built units. Performance-wise,
there is no difference between those that W3NQN and K7MI build - they're
the same W3NQN design. They are clearly labeled and one would know which
type one has, although again, there is no functional difference.

The W3NQN design yields from 70 to 80 db or so of out of desired band
attenuation whereas the ICE or Dunestars are both in the 30 to 35 db
range. The reason for this is because the ICE and Dunestars are both the
same basic design.

In addition to bandpass filters, W3NQN also makes Broadcast Band Filters,
AC line filters, and 2kW Low Pass filters for 160, 80, 40 and 20m.

As far as ICE goes, we did receive a call from one of a team of
individuals who were going to attempt to keep the company going a few days
after the owner passed away, but we've heard nothing since. So, the only
information available is that posted on their web page.

73,

Bob W5OV
Array Solutions




> On 4/28/2011 7:44 AM, dave wrote:
>> It appears that I.C.E. may indeed be kaput.
>   There are three designs of bandpass filters for the ham bands.  ICE,
> Dunestar, and W3NQN filters (the NQN filters are sold by Array
> Solutions). All are designed for use between the transceiver and either
> a power amp or matched antenna.
>
> Last week, there was a thread on the NCCC reflector about bandpass
> filters.There was general agreement  that while ICE filters "work," they
> are rather prone to fail at their rated 100W power levels, and everyone
> who said they owned them reported failures.  I've had two such failures
> in the two years that I've owned two of them. Quality control is also
> poor -- of four single-band filters and two 419's that I bought, all
> arrived out of alignment. They were repaired at no cost, but I had to
> pay shipping to Indianapolis, and was without them while they were being
> repaired.  My assessment is that they will fail if run at 100 watts, but
> they are less likely to fail at the 30-50W levels required to drive a
> power amp.
>
> A west coast company, Dunestar, has been making bandpass filters for at
> least a decade, and several NCCC  members have owned and used them for a
> while. All reports on Dunestar filters have been positive, and there
> were no reports of failures.
>
> http://www.dunestar.com/filters.htm
>
> Array Solutions sells bandpass filters designed by W3NQN, and described
> in a QST article quite a few years ago. It isn't clear who builds them,
> but I'd guess it's Array Solutions. They also sell switching systems for
> these filters.
>
> In terms of filtering performance, the W3NQN filters are quite superior,
> followed by Dunestar and then ICE.
>
> My two ICE 419s will be for sale as soon as I can replace them.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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