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You can
write your own review of the Dentron 160-10.
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W7TOP
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 3, 2009 13:31
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Great Amp for the Money
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Picked up this 160-10L from eBay, arrived with no meter reading, so I took the 4-572B tubes out and let it run for two days (good for the sprague caps). Then put the tubes back and measured the high voltage. It was putting out just fine, but no meter reading.
Traced it down to one broken meter resistor, replaced that one and this amp puts out 1KW+ with 70W drive. Made the hop to Florida on 75M w/800W SSB at 50W drive, not bad.
The original caps and diodes are working perfectly, this is a simple and well built amp. I recommend this amp to anyone who wants 1KW plus for around $600. A great value if you have some trouble shooting skills.
W7TOP
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KI6KJS
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 12, 2009 12:32
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Excellent Amplifier
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned this amplifier for a year and a helf but it has been in use for six months.
Mine came with 811 tubes that I never planned to use. After examining the options I purchased a matched quad of the 572B's and a matching plate load choke. That was the least expensive choice and they are good tubes.
On initial power up the transformer failed so I purchased a better quality transformer that was rated to supply 1.2 amps continuous at 2600 volts. Used 8 computer grade capacitors and 4 high voltage microwave diodes to complete the high voltage supply. My new transformer did not have 12 volts out so had to add another small transformer to power bias and xmit relays.
Also added a standby operate switch. Changed the tuned circuits for better performance on 40, 75 meters and all works well.
I do use a CM-U on the input for transiever matching.
Overall coast of the project was $676.00 including shipping and initial amplifier.
This amplifier will easily do legal limit on 40 and 75 meters but I mostly stay at the 5 to 6 humdred watt level for most contacts.
I've had 2 other amplifiers that where newer than this one but they did not function any better. I would recommend this amp to anyone that can work on them and wont's a less expensive route to good performance.
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W8NET
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Rating: 4/5
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Nov 2, 2008 14:57
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Basic, solid, easy to work on
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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First, there are two models (at least) of the Dentron 160-10: The 160-10L is based on 4 x 811A tubes. The 160-10M is based on 4 x 572B tubes. They are *nearly* identical, but not exact. To make it more confusing, many of the 160-10M units are labeled at 160-10L on the front, with a sticker on hte back stating the proper model. Legend has it that Dentron had many 160-10L faceplates made and used those until the stock ran out.
This is a solid amp, simple design and easy to work on. Regardless of model, the tubes are relatively cheap to get - a major bonus for an amp with good power.
If you pick up one of these for less than $400, you have a bargain - even if you have to put work into it. A couple things to MAKE SURE you do/check:
- This amp is very succepstible to parasitics. Follow good guidelines for new parasitic choke design and other parasitic alleviation procedures. This is easy and cheap to do.
- Replace the limiting resistor on the fan to raise the fan speed. The fan typically runs at about 50% of 120v rpms when this resistor is in series. During "Continuous Duty" transmission, it runs at full speed. Having it run a little faster during normal operation will increase your tube life. I replace them with a good quality 120v muffin fan - they work great.
- Check the mounting of the blocking capacitor between the bandswitch and chassis. It should be remounted more securely.
- Clean ALL the band switch and relay contacts well. These amps are all old now, and the contacts WILL have scoring, tarnish, etc.
- Re-mount hte small terminal strip (fan, relay) that is under the fan. Drill a hole in the chassis beneeth the fan as a mount. You will discover the need for this if you replace the fan!
- BRING THE AMP UP SLOWLY ON A VARIAC FOR A COUPLE DAYS WITHOUT TUBES IN IT. The original Sprague capacitors used were of the highest quality. I have NOT had to replace them yet!
- Get some NOS 1N4007 diodes and replace them on the HV board. Easy to do and a good idea.
- Replace the HV choke with one like the Ameritron HV choke for high power. It is a better design than the original, makes the leads to the dapcs MUCH shorter (less chance for parasitics), and is easy/cheap to do.
- Replace the Zener bias diode - again, cheap and easy.
For those who rated this amp poorly, you obviuously don't believe they have much value. Contact me and I will buy them from you for the low price you believe they are worth!
W8NET
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WD5FUN
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Rating: 3/5
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Dec 21, 2007 13:29
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Don't let the 0 ratings scare you away
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned a 160-10 for about 3 years and have no complaints at all. I have owned some very expensive amps in the past and certainly they were much better. But if you need the extra power and you don't want to spend a ton of money, I would recommend that you give one of these a look. You will get a lot of output for the money.
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KC0YEF
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 9, 2007 08:21
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Fine Business
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Cheap effective simple
replacements tubes under $100 for full output
cant beat this rig for under $400
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KW4N
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 13, 2005 19:28
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Very Cost Effective
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Been in the family new since 1976. Brother worked to DXCC Honor Roll with this unit. Backup tubes have not been used to date. Strong cabinet.
Only addition we made was to add an external muffin fan to aid cooling since the unit was in a semi-enclosed space. Good regulation with the voltage doubler. Not a single breakdown or parts replacement. Run exclusively on 110v without ANY problems; has 220v if you wanted it. Don't overlook this amp with the four, count them, 4, 572B's as it can be run hard with little impact.
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K8DGL
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Rating: 2/5
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Jan 18, 2003 15:56
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Below average
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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A friend of mine had one and really liked it. I had nothing but problems with mine. Replaced tubes, fan, recaped, tightened nuts and bolts and it never impressed me with power out. Flimsy construction.
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001
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 26, 2001 21:50
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Great amp!!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Had 1 year still has original Dentron tubes 110V 100W in 1800w out!!
Excellant amp no problems and it's clean!!
using on an Amtron99..
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N8KR
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Rating: 0/5
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Apr 6, 2001 21:31
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Not worth a second look
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought a 160-10L used in 1984. It had little use and the tubes were like new. Within a month, the filter caps blew - two months later, the diode stack blew - 3 more months and I had to replace the transformer. The second year I owned it I only had to replace the diode stack again. The third year saw another power supply. No dependability with this amp!
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WB0WPE
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 17, 2000 18:39
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GOOD INVESTMENT
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I got my amp. used 19780. Happy with investment,wish it had stand by, uses ext.I had let it sit for while so it started making noise. I read 572 would do that,I ran it full pwer. into dummy load burnt gas off and it wks. fine.I like it better than fl2100b because those tubes lay down.
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