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write your own review of the Ameritron AL-1500.
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AA6VB
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 29, 2009 17:48
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Very Satisfied
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is an updated review after six weeks of use on 160, including a few contests (S&P).
I was looking for a legal limit amp I could dedicate to 160 meters that would comfortably run 1.5 KW. There are a number of amps in that category but I really did not want to buy a used amp or invest in a new Alpha 9500, Acom 2000a, or even a Commander HF-2500 due to the high cost.
Over the years I have owned two Ameritron Amps, including the AL-80A, and ALS-600S, and found each amp to be very well constructed, reliable and fairly priced.
After looking at all the options, I selected the AL-1500 although I almost bought the AL-1200 since it is nearly instant on, unlike the Al-1500 which has a three minute warm up period (seems like an eternity when the pile up is growing while you wait for the amp to warm up).
The amp arrived in perfect condition, was very well packed, and the transformer went in without a hitch. A close inspection showed the amp was very well constructed. No loose solder joints, good quality components. All electrical connections were tight and screws well fastened. The controls were firm and robust, yet the amp tunes easily.
The amp easily puts out the legal limit with 65 watts drive and will probbly do much more. The amp tunes smoothly and has worked flawlessly. Input SWR is very low on 160.
I changed the fan speed from medium to low to reduce the fan noise, since I seldom rag chew, almost never operate SSB, and never operate RTTY with this amp. The relay is fairly quiet.
I am very satisfied with the amp and think Ameritron offers an excellent value.
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N2QQF
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 8, 2009 03:26
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Good Amplifier
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have been looking for a legal limit plus amplifier for some time now. I wanted an amplifier that could deliver legal limit with minimal drive that way both my amplifier and radio would run nice and easy. I looked around and after talking with some friends that have the AL-1500 I thought it might be a better buy for the money. I decided to try the AL-1500 and I recently got my hands on one. I have had a few Ameritron amplifiers before so cosmetically they all pretty much look the same. I installed the tube and P/S and started her up. I was impressed with the power she delivered. I missed tuned for a second with minimal power and the fault protection came right on which I was happy about because 8877 are not cheap tubes, close to $900.00 for a new Eimac. Take the tube replacement into consideration for the future.
Anyhow, I delivered 5 watts to tune her up and I was getting over 400 watts out!! I deliver 40 watts a i get over legal limit (1800+) watts. Basically this amplifier loafs at legal limit and will deliver close to 2500 watts or more with full drive. I would not recommend doing this of course but it can certainly deliver the power which is nice because you have headroom. Anyhow, Good amplifier for the money and you will not be upset nor mislead with buying this amplifier.
Oh, BTW... I tested the output into a Dummy Load and not on the air like a LID!!!!
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WV4X
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 11, 2009 12:55
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Great amp, great service .
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Mine is late production and with the blower on the low setting keeps the tube cool and the shack quiet, fan mounting changed with the late models makes big difference. Factory service a real 10 of 10, save a few thousand dollars for legal limit + this is the real deal.
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KE5SMH
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 17, 2009 09:27
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One heck of a value!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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The AL-1500 is not the most refined of the legal limit amplifiers, but it is perhaps the best value.
If you are looking for an amplifier that will put out the legal limit, tune easily, and not break the bank, I would defiantly recommend the AL-1500.
When it comes to bang for your buck this amplifier is hard to beat. I got my used and it is a few years old, but well taken care of. It was shipped to me and arrived in one piece.
The assembly was very easy. I was up and running in no time after installing 240v service for the amp.
This amp has helped me to bag numerous low band DX contacts and participate better in domestic nets. I have even had a pileup or two!
The 8877 is a wonderful tube with great IMD characteristics that will last for years as long as you watch the grid current. One thing that must be considered when looking at an amp is tube replacement expense. My amp has the Eimac 3CX1500A7/8877 tube, which can be purchased for around $1100, but there is now a foreign made 8877 that can be purchased for around $550. This is great news for 8877 users.
If the amp has a downside, it is that it is a little noisy, but not too bad for what it is accomplishing.
Overall I feel the Ameritron AL-1500 is perhaps the best watt for your buck legal limit amplifier available today.
Andy
K5PO
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JUNKMAN
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 26, 2009 12:29
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Just Plain Works
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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You can spend alot more money on other brands of amps that claim to offer better this and better that but I've never had any problems with any of the Ameritron amps that I have owned. They just plain work and that's what I buy an amp for. This is my third AL-1500 and this one I bought brand new. This one does not have the Peter Dahl transformer but rather a larger one that is not branded but I was told was made by Magcap for Ameritron but I dont know for sure. I know it does make more plate voltage than all the other 1500's that I owned before. Also I have noticed that the fan in this one is much quiter probably because they are now mounting them on a plate of rubber. Also they are using an all new relay in the new ones. I ordered this one with the QSK board factory installed and it has worked flawless. No relay noise at all. I also ordered and installed myself the EBS-1 bias board and it too works great in combo with the QSK board. Very simple hookup. This will probably be the last HF amp that I will need and unless something major happens to it I'll be running it from now on. I cannot see any real reason to need anything more than the AL-1500.
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W3FW
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 13, 2009 18:18
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Best amp on the market
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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All of the wonderful reviews have already been stated about this beautiful amplifier. Why spend more? This amp does it all in a high quality style of it`s own. It will do 2500 watts into a dummy load and tunes up with absolute ease. By the numbers it is almost as fast as a no tune amp. I have owned this amp also in the past and it has always been flawless. The Eimac 8877 tube will last forever if you behave yourself. 1500 watts is plenty of power and it doesn`t even break a sweat. You can key down at 1500 watts all day and it still stays cool. The fan is also pleasantly quiet. I see no reason to spend so much more for a high priced unit. It will always hold it`s value. Spend the difference on a good antenna. Ameitron`s customer service is the best I have seen in the intire industry.
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K0CWO
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 29, 2009 12:58
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Powerhouse!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned this amp for over a year now. I use it on the lower bands just about every night. Initially I was concerned about buying an amplifier with an expensive tube like the 8877. I can highly recommend this amp to anyone. It is easy to tune, puts out legal limit without breaking a sweat, and when you goof, over-current shut off takes care of your mistake. I really like the AL-82 as well, and it may be an amplifier "best buy". The low drive requirement of the AL-1500 makes it the amplifier for me however! The grid current hardly moves at legal limit when driven with 65 watts and heavy loading. A great amplifier and the 8877 when driven within spec may outlast me!
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K9IUQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 22, 2008 04:30
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Big AL, A good Friend
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This amp is a brute. Easy to tune. Slightly noisy. Heats Shack in winter. Known as "Big AL" in my shack. I use mainly on RTTY and CW. It is a powerhouse on RTTY. This amp has changed my operating style. Easily does 1500 Watts with only 60 wts in. Big Al has made this operator VERY happy in the DX pileups... Reasonably priced.
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RUSS324
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 3, 2008 14:54
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Wow!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just recieved my new Al-1500 amp 5 days ago. Un packing and assembly was very easy. Running a new dedicated 240 Volt line to the shack was the only real work. After following the tune up instructions in the manual it was tested and on the air in no time. Seems a little easier to use and tune than my AL 811H. O. K. for 3 grand It just might seem to be easier. Made several contacts today and the amp works great. Russ K8QF
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KA1CDE
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 1, 2008 16:12
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Best Amp for the Money
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I bought this amp used, it was 11 years old, the Eimac had been recently replaced. The amp delivers 1500 watts easily. I have tuned it into a dummy load up to 2500 watts carrier. Less than 100 watts drive for that output.
The blower does have some noise, but the speed can be lowered to make it quieter,(just move a tap) the factory says this is fine for normal SSB mode.
Any questions have been expertly answered by Ameritron, by they service manager "Mike", he was very curtious and knew the amp inside and out, I would recommend doing business with Ameritron just because of the service I have received from them.
For about $3000 new, 2500 watts out put, low drive for full out put, excellent customer service, what else do you want ?
If you want to spend more money you certainly can, but if you want a work horse, fair price, service second to none, then I recommend a AL 1500 . Very pleased.
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