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| Reviews Summary for Alpha 8100 |
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Reviews: 17
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $4850.00
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Description: It’s an Alpha, it’s rugged, it’s manual tune and it’s full
legal limit... what else do you need to know? Ok well here’s
a little bit more. The Alpha 8100 utilizes an enhanced
version of the bombproof RF deck found in the Alpha 99. On
the 8100’s control board you’ll find a microprocessor that
allows us to calibrate the power and gain metering for each
specific band, normalize amplification performance and
increase reliability and durability. All of these functions
aggregate into a single greater benefit for the user, ease
of tuning. The 8100 comes stock with a serial port for
remote monitoring and performance data logging. The power
supply stack found in the 8100 has been designed for maximum
durability and reliability while allowing for extremely easy
voltage tap changes.
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.rfconcepts.com
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K9GS
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 15, 2012 20:12
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Outstanding Amp
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I bought my 8100 used in October 2011. In fact, the amp I bought was formerly owned by WØIW, one of the other e-ham reviewers of this amp.
This amp is a workhorse. Never a hiccup it just runs and produces power day in and day out. I've used it in several contests and never had any issues.
Very smooth tuning and easily driven by my K3. QSK is flawless.
73,
Gary K9GS
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KI6UAL
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 26, 2011 19:43
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Excellent Reliability
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I wanted to own this amp for at least 18 months before writing a review in order to not be swayed by the excitement of being a new Alpha owner. I purchased this amp used direct from Alpha. I called Alpha looking for a 8100 or a 99. Approx 1 week later they called me and asked if I would like to purchase a 8100. The amp would come with a 4 year warranty on the amp, and 2 years on the tubes. I thought that this was a great warranty, so I told Alpha to ship the amp. Amp arrived in absolutely pristine condition.
I have been very impressed with the amps performance. I have not had one single problem with this amp. I love the amp's protective circuitry. If one forgets to change the band setting when switching bands, the amp will quickly default for 4 seconds to protect the amp. This feature has worked perfectly on every occasion. The front panel is laid out very nicely, and the RF output display is very easy to read. Due to the amp's sophisticated electronic control,an ALC input is not needed, simplifying amplifier hook up. Tune up is VERY quick and easy, unlike my 2 former Ameritron amps.
There are 3 small things that I would change regarding this amp:
1. The band switch knob "white indicator line" is different than the tune and load knobs which point directly to the tune and load values. The band switch knob white line does not point directly to the band value which has caused me to not have the band switch knob set to the proper band on a few ocassions. Alpha should switch to a similar knob that they have on the tune and load knob to avoid this problem.
2.The band switch knob is very hard to turn. This switch should be redesigned to allow easier operation.
3. The HV/IP/GAIN switch is too small. Alpha should replace this switch with a larger higher quality knob.
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KI4RFS
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 12, 2011 07:58
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5+
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I originally purchased my 8100 used but in great condition. I echo the previous comments about build quality and full legal limit at approximately 35 watts out. The crux of my additional comment is that I am a MARS operator and routinely operate far outside of normal bands. I found that at times I was faulting on some of the frequencies causing the 8100 to shut down. I spoke with Molly and sent it into Alpha. While the shipping was not covered by the warranty, the modifications necessary to have it work fully for all MARS requirements was covered at no additional charge. Molly and Alpha were fantastic and my customer service experience was second to none. Would I recommend the 8100, most certainly. Would I purchase another Alpha product? Definitely! Bravo Alpha.
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W6LQP
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 25, 2011 23:57
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Top Drawer Equipment
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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When you can consistently end up #1 or #2 in any DX pileup it reminds you that a few dollars more at the onset was more than worth it. As a professional engineer, I am truly impressed with the integrity and construction of the 8100. It is a perfect match for my FT-2000D and takes only 35-40 watts to drive to legal limit. Tune and Load presets from Maggie were right on the money. While I miss my old Serial #101 Henry 2K, I will likely never own any other amp in the future besides an Alpha.
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W0IW
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 7, 2011 13:51
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Wow factor 10+++
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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All I can say is SSB/CW or even doing RTTY they ...100%...LOAF ... at legal limit with 35 watts of drive, dont matter what band, 160-10m doing RTTY contests they are doing legal limit and not even getting hot.. I had to upgrade all my ocf antenna baluns, to keep up with the 8100's...
Wow factor 10+++
Joe Leto
WØIW
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WA5ZZT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 4, 2010 16:23
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Built like a tank
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have only had this amp for about a month. It was a trade-in that I bought from Alpha. I have to say it was a pleasant experiencing buying from them and dealing with Molly. She stays on top of things and is there to help if needed.
When I first got it and took the cover off to install the transformer I couldn't believe how well built it was.
The amp tuned up just like it should and is a pleasure to use.
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N4EXA
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 26, 2010 08:50
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ROCKS!!!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Well, it is built like a tank. Contest after contest it just gives you a 1500W,no sweat. To my surprise back in 2007 I did WW RTTY contest and just to be safe I set it to 800W and it got very HOT, well I looked in manual and learned it will run hotter with 800W then 1500W. We just turn the power up and did 48 hours RTTY with no problem.
This is my second Alpha( first was 99)and I will advice anybody to invest in this great AMP.
See some pics on my web site http://www.e73m.com
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N5RN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 31, 2010 10:46
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Solid and Great support
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is my first Alpha Super power supply and exceptional build quality.
All I can say is that this amp ROCKS!!
All day long and all night long... Operation is so easy...use the factory settings and away you go...legal limit using my K3 exciter at 35-40 watts power. Clean, clear signal with enough punch to get through the first time.
I had a minor problem with the amp during the time I've had it. Support is second to none. Timely responses to email and pleasant on the phone.
Would I buy another Alpha 8100...in a heart beat.
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NJ3A
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 30, 2010 16:59
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Cool Powerhouse
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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This is my first Alpha most likely NOT my last. This amp uses the GU-74B tubes that are readily available and strong as the tank they were designed to be used in. Super power supply and exceptional build quality.
I've have a couple of amps over the past few years. One with a nice warm glow of some 3-500Z tubes, Heathkit HL-2200 and a Commander HF-2500 that used the Eimac 3CX800A7 tubes. Both were capable manual tune amps. Sure the HL-2200 needed some TLC, but it was not hard to do. The Commander HF-2500 was an excellent amp...but it wasn't an Alpha.
The Alpha 8100 amp I bought was used at the KP5 Dxpedition and has the serial number to prove it. All I can say is that this amp ROCKS!!
All day long and all night long... Operation is so easy...use the factory settings and away you go...legal limit using my IC-7000 exciter at 35-40 watts power. Clean, clear signal with enough punch to get through the first time. Matched with my M2 KT36XA and I have a real integrated package.
Would I buy another Alpha 8100...in a heart beat (it would probably be an 8410 or 9500)...especially since the new prices from Alpha/RF Concepts are within reach of most experienced hams.
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NQ2T
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 2, 2008 17:04
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very good amp
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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If you owned an ALPHA,you keep it. The 81 is my second alpha. I have some issues with the 81 with just few hours of use, it stopped txing.
I call Apha, and the problem was traced to an arcing GU74B. With the help of Apha I found two burned resistors, I replace them and the amp was back in bussines. It happended a second time, and alpha develop a mod to propect the amps just in case. They send me the parts, and I did it, my 81 is working perfect.
I consider this problem not related with the amps design, but the tubes quality.
The amps is ADN related with every other previous
alpha,the RF deck looks pretty much the same.
The 81 is classified as a MANUAL amp, but it has a Microprocessor, that I think is underused,or simply not needed for a manual amp. The main reason I believe, is a quick reaction for protection.
Too much energy have been expended just for that, and too much to pay for it.
The user manual is very good, except the squematic diagram is broken down in sections, Alpha should include a complete Squematic.
The machanical construction is not as rugged as the olds Alpha, the front plate should have trim frame around it, the wrap around cover looks cheap, not better than ameritron.
I think Alpha should go one step further and make theirs chassis as good looking and strong as the k922A. Still the A81 should last a life time. I am satisfied with my 8100, Alpha is unbeatable in reliability, clean signal and long lasting amplifiers.
NQ2T/FRANK
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