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write your own review of the Ameritron AL-811H.
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K4HPP
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 20, 2011 09:47
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Very Good Amp
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I bought my AL811H earlier this year. I was skeptical at first, due to the many comments about MFJ quality from many users. I have experienced some quality issues with MFJ products over the past few years, but decided to give this amplifier a chance. Nobody else offers an amp that matches the power output and that uses inexpensive tubes for this price. I was not disappointed! The quality of construction is better than anticipated and after getting the bubble wrap off the tubes; I had the amp up and running in 30 minutes including doing the 10/12 meter “mod”. The tuned inputs did not have to be touched and provide less than 1.5:1 input SWR on all bands (except – of course on 30 meters). With less than 50 watts of drive from my IC7600, I get over 650 watts output on 80, 40, 20, and 15 and over 600 watts output on 17, 12, and 10 meters. I’m running it on a dedicated 120 volt, 20 amp connection. At full output, the HV is greater than 1500 VDC (as advertised). After a few weeks, I picked up four 572B tubes from RF Parts and did the swap with no problems and no retuning required. I’ve put the 811s away for “emergency” backup spares.
To fund this purchase, I sold a very clean Collins 30L1 that had new tubes and the power supply modifications. I was never able to get more than 550 watts out of this amp. The tuned inputs were so far out (I was never able to get them tuned in) that I had to use the 7600’s tuner just to get it to put out enough power to drive the thing. It took over 75 watts of drive just to get to the 550 watts – and on 10 meters, I only achieved 400 watts! It ran so hot with the little “phonograph” fan motor that you couldn’t keep your hand on the case. I guess the 30L1 was good for the sixties, but this AL811H is a better amplifier – maybe not as gutsy – but you can still buy parts and keep it running!
This amp is a 5 and I’d buy another one.
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WH7DX
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Rating: 4/5
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Dec 16, 2011 07:55
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811H
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I picked up the 811H a couple of weeks ago. I didn't want to spend $2000-4000 on a amp that does everything perfect.
I ended up paying $860 and it was packaged very well and has been doing it's job.
Tuning was easy. I just need to remember to adjust dials while switching bands.
I don't notice any noise or problems. It does click on the relay with CW that can be annoying to some, but I don't do CW - a friend does. I don't notice the clicking with phone but that might be me.
I have dipoles and a TS-570 with auto-tuner.
I get near 500W on 10M. 700W on 20M and about 800W lower.
My signal reports are about 2-4 higher. Can't beat that for $860. Now I'm putting up my Hex Beam which should add another couple points.
73 - WH7DX
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KB1VYB
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 19, 2011 13:41
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Simple and works....
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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This is a simple amp. that works just fine. I can tune it up in a matter of seconds and be back on the air. If you need to bump your signal out of the noise but don't want to spend a fortune, this is a great amp. With 45 watts of drive, I get 600 watts PEP and not even close to the maximum limits.
There are much better amps out there, but not a better value.
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KQ4ZM
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Rating: 4/5
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Sep 13, 2011 12:14
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nice amp
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have had an 811h for about 5 months.I bought it used and had a relay to stick after not being on the air for a few days.I called and got good tech
service and cured the problem.I have amp on 220 and my output varies on some bands, but runs from
750-810 watts.I was happy to see how quiet the fan runs and how cool it runs under prolonged use.
I think the amp is a good buy.5/5
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KI6GCI
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Rating: 1/5
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Aug 19, 2011 20:58
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811H not good bang for $
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My 811H put out 500 watts on 20m SSB. The tuned input was well over 2.5 from the factory. Customer service had me tune the input slug to get it down to an acceptable range <1.5 but it did not make a difference. With 65 watts drive or 80 watts drive output was the same. My 811H went back to Ameritron and came back to HRO with a note stating 600 watts key down was within operating parameters. I returned it and bought the 811 not worth the extra 250 dollars for the same output as the 3 tube 811
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VK2CRC
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Rating: 3/5
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Aug 19, 2011 17:32
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Okay amp
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've had four of these over the past few years. They've all worked okay but I've always ended up selling them after a couple of months due to the unacceptable noise levels in the shack. The vibration from the power supplies is sometimes so damn bad I had trouble reading the station I was trying to work. I've re-varnished transformers, I've mounted them on steel blocks, rubber blocks and even had aluminum cabinets built. Very little gain. The problem is with the puny power transformers which Ameritron continue to use.
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NK5G
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 5, 2011 13:31
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Works Well
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had mine for just under two years. I run it on 120VAC mainly RTTY and CW contests with no problems at all. Infact it still smells new.
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WC0L
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 27, 2011 20:25
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Good Mid Power Amp
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently bought a 1998 model 811H on Ebay for $570 from a non-ham who didn't have a clue. He advertised it as "just like new" and I fell for it. It was dirty inside and out and poorly packaged. It must have been dropped by USPS, as the bottom plate was bent and the tubes were bouncing around inside the amp (amazingly, the tubes were not broken). After a thorough clean up and fix up and after replacing the bottom plate (Ameritron had it in stock and had it on my doorstep in 4 days), this thing works great. Easy to tune and full output. After a fresh coat of flat black paint, now it really does look "just like new". I saw no parts in this amp that caused me concern. Construction is conventional. Nothing fancy, but very functional. There are lots of these available on the used market in the $600 range. Due to the simplicity of the design, there should be nothing in this amp that the average ham could not fix, assuming a little electronics/construction experience and lots of respect for the high voltage power supply.
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M5PDL
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Rating: 2/5
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Apr 11, 2011 12:46
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Great amp if it worked properly
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I brought my amp new back in November. Got it home, Unpacked it and one of the tubes was broken. Replaced the tube only to find that the amp will not produce more than 400watts on any band.
35 watts in will produce 400 watts out and thats all I can get out of it. Increasing the input to 65-70 watts still only generates 400 watts out.
Seems to me like there is something wrong somewhere.
Mines gonna have to go back to the shop I think.
If this amp was working properly Im sure I would have rated it with a 5.
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VE7REN
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 13, 2011 17:17
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excellent
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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i liked my 811 3 tuber so much, i traded it off and bought a 811h 4 tuber. beautiful...............gets the job done with 811s no problem,even cooler with the 572 taylors in it.very good for the dollar/performance factor. not bustin the bank like alpha,ten tec,etc,etc
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