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| Reviews Summary for Ameritron |
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Reviews: 4
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Average rating: 2.8/5
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MSRP: $79
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Description: Ameritron's Step-Start Inrush Current Protector stops damaging inrush current. By starting your linear amplifier through a high power current limiting resistor and then shorting the resistor with a relay, you get a start up sequence that's easy on your tube and power supply components.
Now you can add this protection to your amplifier without complicated wiring -- you don't even have to take the cover off. Simply plug your amplifier power cord into the Ameritron Inrush Current Protector. By limiting heavy inrush current to safe low level, you'll get a longer lasting amplifier. You might avoid replacing expensive tubes and components. Avoiding just one repair job could pay for this extended protection.
Momentary high-voltage "spikes" in the ac line can also cause damage to your amplifier. The Ameritron Inrush Current Protectors have built-in varistors to absorb these spikes before they can cause damage. Works with nearly all linear amplifiers. The Ameritron ICP-240 is for 240 volt wired amplifiers. Limits current to 12 amperes during heavy draw inrush period. 20 amperes continuous operating current.
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.ameritron.com/products.php?prodid=ICP-240
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VK4CC
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Rating: 0/5
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Nov 13, 2011 19:51
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CAUTION!!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Thank you very much to those posting in this thread. I have just received two of these units and after reading the comments here I opened one up. The spring hadn't come loose, the whole relay arm was hanging by the spring and the contact on that arm was brushing one of the 240v input wires. I immediately opened the other and found that it was exactly the same. I have replaced the relay components but frankly am afraid to feed 240v into the bloody things.
I photographed the loose items before I fixed them in place and will send a report back to my supplier, whom I view with great respect (thanks Diana). She can decide whether to inform MFJ.
When deciding whether to buy these items I emailed them to inquire about the availability of the IPC-240 with plug and socket to suit Australian fittings. I was told to cut the plug off the cable and fit an Australian one. Fair enough but then I pointed out that the socket on the unit wouldn't accept the Australian plug on my amp I was told that that was the way they are and if I am not happy with that, don't bother buying one. Great customer relations.
I will try to find some adapters and work up enough courage to turn on the power. If they work as promised I will update my report in a few months. In the meantime I have learned one valuable lesson about MFJ/AMERITRON,, The QC sucks as has been pointed out before and ALWAYS OPEN THEM UP AND CHECK FOR YOURSELF.
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WB1CQW
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Rating: 2/5
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Sep 26, 2010 06:47
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time to modify design
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is a followup to a previous review of the IPC-240. In speaking with the Ameritron factory representative, he politely verified that the unit should not have a REPEATED clacking, loud enough to wake up the dead, or to hear from three rooms away, whichever comes first. I mentioned that with the huge power demand on this unit, required to handle a full kilowatt, it needs to work 100%. A failure under the right conditions could even lead to a fire. He speculated that perhaps the spring had slipped out of place in shipping. I suggested to him that if this unit has a demonstrated history of returns, then perhaps it would be in both Ameritron's and the customer's interest to discontinue production or else modifify the spring assembly to eliminate the defect. Still, there is no alternative product available, and I am awaiting my third unit to test it.
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K1FPV
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 20, 2010 14:25
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Great device, works as advertised!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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First of all, this is actually a review of 3 ICP-240's. Yes I own 3 of them! I have 3 amps in my shack and have one on each amp. In the previous review by WB1CQW, he made mention about the loud clapping sound. Well he is right! However, it isn't due to device being faulty....that noise is a fairly hefty relay that energizes when the unit is turned on.
There is a slight time delay (milliseconds) from the time the switch is turned on and the relay energizes. Power is applied to the amplifier through a resistor so that the resistor absorbs the initial inrush current. Then the relay kicks in shorting the resistor and applying full voltage to the linear.
It is nothing magical but if your amp doesn't have inrush protection, I advise buying one. The filaments on the tubes in the amp and power supply take a lot less of a beating each time the amp is turned on.
I have seen occasional quality control issues with MFJ/Ameritron products but for the most part, MFJ does make a good product. I'll continue to do business with them!
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WB7QXU
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 13, 2008 16:34
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A must for Linear Amps
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought one of these ICP-240 which is an inrush protector, to limit the high current when first switching on a Linear Amplifier. I bought it to protect my ON/OFF switches from the high inrush current. My first ICP-240 was defective and the realy was not inplace and it immediately burned up at the very instant I turned it on. I sent it back and got another replacement. So far it works well, but I will write more after I have owned for a while. It seems to be well built, I only question MFJ's quality control. It seems to be hit or miss. The design is the same used in the Ameritron Al-1500. It is a well designed unit. It will save those ON/OFF switches on older amps like Drake L-4b, which are not available at all. It will also save wear and tear on other amps power supplies.
I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 because of Qaulity control issues at MFJ. If you get one, open it up and ensure the relay is seated and working freely. The spring can fall off and the relay will not close and cause the 20ohm resistor to burn up.
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