[ICOM] RE: IC-PW1 Problem

[dave]

Adam Farson wrote:

> Hi Ken,
> 
> The Yaesu Quadra has an interesting protective feature which the PW-1
> inexplicably lacks. There is a reflectometer in the antenna selector unit,
> right at the output and just before the antenna-selection relays. If load
> VSWR > 3:1, this reflectometer detects the mismatch and forces the amplifier
> to standby.
> 
> In 2000, the 20m trap on my former vertical (Hy-Gain DX-77) went "smokorola"
> at 1kW. The output reflectometer caught it and shut down the Quadra. The
> only damage was to the trap (and to my nerves!)
TESTIMONIAL!

AS long as the IC2KL/AT500 has entered the conversation I though I would 
throw this out to the group.

I acquired my pair approximately 22 years ago from merchant marine 
captain who had purchased them in Japan.

Although I have two other amplifiers (a Harris RF-102 and a Drake L4B) 
the IC2KL/AT500 accounts for 95 per cent of both DX and contest QSO's.

I have had one failure in the IC2KL, namely the bias capacitors and 
switching transistors. Easy and inexpensive to repair. In spite of 
contest demands (I operate and contest in the three major modes - and 
have won at least regional recognition in most of them) the combination 
has never let me down.

I have also repaired these amplifier for other hams. Mostly bias 
problems due to dried out capacitors (if you have to replace them use 
105C rated caps). As of yet I never needed to replace any of the R.F. 
transistors.

After having worked on several brands of solid state amplifiers I find 
that the IC2KL is the most bullet - proof (read - I'll read the manual 
after it smokes) amplifier I have worked on or owned.

Dave, W5WP

BTW: Over 900k points in CQWW SSB. The IC2KL was the primary amplifier; 
the Drake used with the Multiplier station. Primary transceiver, 756 
ProII: Mult transceiver 756.




> 
> I have written a general article on solid-state amplifiers.
> 
> http://www.ab4oj.com/quadra/sshfamp.html
> 
> The IC-2KL was in the same power class as the Hercules II. A 2KL/AT-500 pair
> is an excellent choice for a 500W amplifier. The 2KL is also pretty well
> unbreakable.
> 
> Cheers for now, 73,
> Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ
> 
> 
> 
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