[NLRS] VHF Amplifiers

[Charlie Betz]

Rich,

I guess it depends on how much power you want and how much you want to 
spend.

I run W6PQL SSPA amplifiers on 6, 222 & 432 and an 8877 on 2M, giving me 
1kWor more on each of these bands.  I built the W6PQL amps from the 
various kits that he sells and fabricated enclosures out of aluminum 
sheet stock and aluminum angle stock.  I was able to buy the sheet stock 
cut to the required dimensions and have the tools (chop saw & drill 
press) to be able to cut the angle stock and drill everything so it cut 
be put together using machine screws.  I'd say the 6M & 222 amps cost me 
about $1,000 each and about $1200 for the 432 amp.  You can buy 
assembled amplifiers from W6PQL, but they will run about $3K each.

The nice thing with these amplifiers is they run off 50VDC, so you don't 
need to deal with the high voltage associated with tube amplifiers.  I 
found some used HP server supplies on eBay (51 V, 57 A) for about $20 
each plus shipping.  I don't know what the going price is these days.  
They require some minor exterior work ( i.e. you have to solder a power 
cord and output connections to the connectors on the supply and you have 
to short a couple pins to ground to turn them on), but they work quite 
nicely!

There are also some old Harris amplifiers out there that require some 
mods, but will give you good power on at least 6 - 222.

If you are not looking to run that kind of power, then you probably want 
to look into brick amplifiers.  I am currently running EME on 6, 222 & 
432, so the high power is quite helpful there.  I am hoping to do some 
6M EME later this year as well.

Charlie, N0AKC

On 2/3/2021 09:33 AM, Rich Westerberg wrote:
> Hi All -
>
> I'm working to get a VHF/UHF station back on the air.  I've got rigs for
> 50-144-432 and will be working to get at least two bands operational this
> spring/summer.  I want to add good, long boom yagi and amplifiers.
>
> VHF has changed since I was last on.  It appears my computer will do most
> of the operating on FT8/FT4.  I am looking to find good amplifiers.  I've
> always gone with TE Systems as the preamps are really nice.  I heard a
> comment about "not using them as the solder will melt."
>
> What's the type of amplifier I should be looking at for the VHF bands?  Let
> me know your thoughts on teh good ones and the poor amps.
>
> Thanks
> Rich N0HJZ
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