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| Reviews Summary for Ameritron AL-80A |
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Reviews: 30
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Average rating: 4.9/5
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MSRP: $1399
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Description: Ameritron AL-80a 1KW Output, 160-15, 10 possible with mod.
run a single 3-500z, 850 watts CW, 1000 watts SSB.
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More info: http://
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W2DWL
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 14, 2009 12:33
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Still going strong
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Purchased this amp used with some problems, but sent it to Ameritron and had Rob give it the once over twice and bought a new tube from RF Part and have been running great ever since. I run 700 to 800 watts with 50 to 60 watts of drive.
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W2BLC
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Rating: 4/5
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Apr 8, 2009 13:52
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Fair amp for a fair price
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned the amplifier for 20 years - bought it new. It has required some reworking involving new relays three times, replaced meter lamps several times, now I use LEDs, replaced the tube only once - after 18 years of daily use.
I don't QSY a lot, so the tube has an easy life.
I think the biggest problem is the initial resolder/tighten everything down that needs to be done to nearly everything MFJ/Ameritron manufactures.
These amps do a great job and are cost effective - just understand you WILL be doing maintenance on them.
So far as power out, I get 800 Watts on SSB on 75. I rarely use it on other bands.
800 Watts is only 3 db less than the legal max allowed. You have to spend a lot of dollars to get that extra 3 db - not worth it to me.
If I was buying a medium power amp these days - I'd go for the AL-811H. Most amp for the dollar on the market - BAR NONE.
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K0CWO
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 29, 2009 12:34
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Very Pleased
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought this 15 year old amplifier used as a backup amplifier. I have been using it as my primary amp at my second QTH. It is wonderfully quiet, produces 800 watts CW and 1000 watts SSB PEP without strain on 110 volts. The original Eimac 3-500 tube works like new. Great amplifier with service available from Ameritron when needed.
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K3CN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 28, 2009 20:05
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Very fine amp
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently purchased this fine amp for use with the Kenwood TS 870. I use the Heath Shop Ampkeyer as an interface. It tunes up easily runs quiet and delivers the power I need. I run it at 1kW and it operates smoothly. I have the Taylor tube and it produces 1200 watts at 200 mils of grid current with 100 watts of drive. I then reduce drive to 90 watts and get 1Kw out. It is wired for 110v. I could not be more pleased with it and I won't be selling mine anytime soon.
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W3TUA
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 28, 2009 13:11
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Reliable Amp
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've had my AL-80A for close to 18 months now and never had a problem with it. Tunes up easily and stands up to full-effort contesting. The amp, coupled with the Heathkit Shop Ampkeyer works FB.
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N2HEP
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 29, 2008 18:31
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Great 1K Amp!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I purchased this amp new in 1991. Still going strong with the same 3-500Z! Never a problem. If I ever replaced it, it would be for more power only and probably with the AL-82.
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6Y5TR
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 9, 2008 15:28
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VERY GOOD
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I HAVE OWNED THIS AMPLIFIER FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS . I MUST SAY IT IS A JOY TO OPERATE, IT TUNES VERY EASILY AND PERFORMS VERY WELL . I ONLY RUN IT AT 500 WATTS, BUT IT WILL DO 1200 WITH 100 WATTS DRIVE. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SMALL FOOT PRINT THE AL80A IS THE WAY TO GO.
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K4GK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 31, 2008 05:11
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Keeps on ticking
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Several other amplifiers have been used in the past. I purchased the AL-80A (used) when I had a need for a good amplifier which would run well on 110 Volt AC supply. It continues to deliver near 1 KW output on all bands except 28 MHz and 24 MHz where the output is a little less. Despite operator abuse on my end, I have never experienced any problems. The amplifier can typically be purchased (used) in the $400 to $600 range at hamfest, and is possibly one of the best values in amateur radio.
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KC2FTN
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 29, 2007 22:11
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Nice Amp!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've been running my AL-80B on/off now for a couple of years and have never had a problem. I generally keep 'er throtted back to about 600 watts, and even then it's generally one call, one contact. Great pile-up buster!
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N5EPI
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 25, 2007 17:14
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Great 3-500 Amp
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I got my amp off eBay. When I got it the band switch was broke butt I was lucky. The spot it was broke I was able to super glue it back. I changed it to 120V put it in line. It is so easy to tune its silly. On 40M I can get a Kw out with no problem. I run it on 20M sending pic's on SSTV and I get 750W out all day long. It works great with PSK31 also. My ant is a MFJ G5RV knock off that is 4 feet in the air. I use a drake MN-2000 tuner. If you are looking for a starter amp this is it. 73's Tim
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