[Icom] Icom's and Amps-PW-1's etc.
Bruce Marton
[email protected]
Thu, 27 Jun 2002 11:41:11 -0400
I would like to say I run an IC 781 with a new Acom 2000A. My output power
readings will also vary quite a bit based on the wattmeter used. However,
at plus or minus 10% based on the meter, it really doesn't make any
difference at the other end. They cannot hear the difference in such little
output variations. So just go with what works the coolest with the cleanest
scope pattern and forget about the exact amount the output.
I will comment that I was looking at the PW-1 too as a possible candidate
for purchase to use with the 781, but decided the 2000A was a better value.
The cost is around the same, but the 2000A uses very inexpensive Svetlana
GU74B's (4CX800's) if the finals need changing, runs much cleaner in terms
of distortion numbers, is fully automatic with the rig (like having a cool
1.5KW transceiver), will cover all frequencies from 1.8 to 30 mhz (good for
my CAP operations on various HF freq's), is built like a commercial/military
amp-no plastic parts, will do an easy 1.5KW with about 40-50 watts of drive
and as much as 2.4kw with about 75 watts of drive (into a dummy load).
The best part of the amp is the noise, there isn't any. The fans are
quieter than my computer and really cannot be heard when sitting next to it.
Plus the amp may be remoted and the control unit will sit nicely on the
table next to the 781. If anything fails to work correctly, I can connect
to Krassy at Acom in the Boston area, and he will download the operating
parameters of the amp for diagnosis. No need to send it in to look at it!
If something needs attention, it has a 4 year warrantee.
Operation of the amp is transparent. It will remember operational
parameters for any 200 khz band segment for as many as 10 different antennas
and instantly reset for any parameter and freq. in less than a half second
by only breathing into the mike or tapping a dit on a key. It will take up
to a 3:1 antenna load at full output and higher loads with reduced output.
Who needs a tuner? The input is a flat 50 ohms across the HF spectrum. My
781 loves this amp and I run it at about 12 watts drive output most of the
time, which makes me a 500 watt transceiver.
Not to appear as a commercial for Acom, but as you can see, I am very
pleased with this unit.
I have owned and used Collins 30L-1's, 30S-1's, Drake L4B's, B&W PT 2500's,
Icom 2KL's and some other various amps. I think this is the best one out
there. Try and test one out.
73's
Bruce K1XR
----- Original Message -----
From: "WA9ALS - John" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: [Icom] Icom Pro II and PW-1 (Do I have a problem here!)
>
> > standby, and measure output power from your transceiver.] For me, it
only
> > takes about 55 watts of drive to hit 1 KW out from the PW-1... which
means
> I
> > can run my transceiver much leaner (and cleaner I hope) and still
deliver
> > max out from the amp.
>
> Same here, or maybe even a little less. I always start low and use the
> minimum drive for max power, even though the ALC should limit.
>
> > Probably the only modes where you would need to worry about 1000 versus
> 1250
> > watts is one of the solid carrier modes like RTTY or PSK -- and I never
> > operate those modes at full output anyway.
>
> Well, I just will plug the Icoms again here (preaching to the choir!) -
That
> several of us use the the PW-1 at full power in RTTY contesting - no heat,
> no problem - love it!
>
>
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>