There are many hams that do not have an HF amplifier and want one. And some newer Hams do not know what is available in a quality used and inexpensive HF amplifier. Some are on a fixed income; others raising a family and frankly cannot afford a new HF amplifier. Every used HF amplifier for sale sells briskly. And HF amplifiers prices have gone up about 30% in the last year. The $300 used HF amp with a tuned input is not available. I place a budget of $600 now and output of 500 to 600 watts PEP. That will not include the Ameritron AL-811 or AL-811H, as $800 is the minimum cost I have seen of late. Many AL-811H are $1K. Three years ago, I bought an AL-811 for $475. And I would guess used inexpensive HF amplifiers will be even more expensive next year.
Five HF amplifiers are available for $600 and produce 500 to 600 watts with a tuned input to support solid-state transceivers. Some will require a keying interface to handle the high keying voltage. The contenders are the Dentron GLA-1000B, Amp Supply LA-1000, Heathkit SB-200, Collins 30L-1 and Yaesu FL-2100B. (GLA-1000 does not have a tuned input). $600 is at the lower end of price, but $600 will buy one. All are tube type and use either 6LQ6, 811A or 572B tubes. Many will be sold as-is, and many will not even be owned by a Ham. These are found at estate sales. A working amplifier is a less risk than non-working, of course. I would only seek a working HF amplifier. The amplifiers are old enough that the electrolytic capacitors should be replaced. Great if you can DIY, but if not seek a local ham to assist. New replacement capacitors are usually $30. Good news is many Heathkit SB-200 have been rebuilt. Not so much on the other HF amplifiers.
Next is the condition of the tubes. Good tubes produce 500 watts PEP out in the Dentron GLA-1000B and Amp supply LA-1000 with about 80 watts drive and 600 watts on the Collins 30L-1 with 60 watts drive. And 600 watts PEP out using the Yaesu FT-2100B and Heathkit SB-200 with 70 to 80 watts drive. If the tubes are weak, you will eventually have to replace them, probably soon. I have seen new 811A tubes for as low as $35 each from China. Russian G-811 are also a viable replacement and cost about $20. The reason I say viable is I measure 600-watt PEP with the Russian tubes and no visible red plate. I think that says it all as some dislike the Russian tube and may reply to this post regarding the Russian tube. 572B tubes cost about $75. Some Shuguang exist by name of Penta, Machlett and Taylor. RF Parts was the best USA source for 811A & 572B, but out of stock on the 572B. HRO has some Taylor 572B in stock. At the moment Shuguang is not producing tubes. Psvane is the only new supplier now, but the tube history and performance are not known. As for the 6LQ6, NOS is too expensive to consider. However, the 6ME6 is the same tube in a newer build and many are $25 each with careful shopping. Some even less. Fortunately, most do not know this, thus the lower prices.
The GLA-1000B and LA-1000 use a 14lb transformer. It is somewhat light weight for 500 watts PEP output, but failures are very few. In fact, I have never heard of a failure. The 30L-1, SB-200 and Yaesu are all 19lbs transformers. More than enough for 600 watts PEP out and 700 watts PEP is ok with the SB-200 and FL-2100. The 30L-1 at 700 watts out PEP will shorten 811A tube life. How much I do not know, but info is from other Hams. Some will laugh at the sweep tube GLA-1000 and LA-1000 but included them nevertheless as they do perform. These two HF amplifiers are my last pick though. I would rather own the 30L-1, FL-2100B or SB-200. The 30L-1 is a great amp and build is the best. But the 30L-1 demands tune up in about 5 seconds or cause harm to the more fragile tubes. The 572B tubes are much more forgiving. Any used HF amplifier can have issues. Beyond old electrolytic capacitors. I read the SB-200 can have tuned input issues with frozen in place slugs or failed mica capacitors and mostly so on 15 and 10 meters. Band switch failures not common and same with transformer failures. All the forementioned parts are available for the SB-200. The FL-2100B have had some band switch failures, but not many. I am not sure if replacement band switches are available. The 30L-1 has no failures of any part I am aware of. And the GLA-1000B and LA-1000 seem to have no failures, but I guess production was way lower than the other amplifiers, thus info is not as available.
The supply of 572B and 811A is kind of sketchy. Buy a set of spares as soon as you can. If the tubes ever run out, conversion to Russian GI-7B tubes are on the internet and I guess Russian tubes will be available for a while (not G-811).
| N3EG | 2021-11-05 | |
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| Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| I bought a FL-2100F with 10 meters added (that's the F) for $350 in working condition, sorta. Had a 33 ohm resistor open - replaced that and the tubes (old ones still reasonably good) and did a Harbach upgrade along with a low voltage keying relay mod. One thing to watch out for with these amps - they may have been used with tube radios with tuned outputs, and using them with a 50 ohm only radio may require alignment of the tuned inputs. Also, don't forget the high voltage precautions when servicing, along with being careful of interlocks that might short the supply to ground! | ||
| N5XJT | 2021-10-24 | |
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| Re: Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| I purchased a used AL-80A about 14 mos. ago, brought it up on a Variac and then cleaned it up a bit. Has been working like a swiss watch ever since. 45-50 watts in results in 800 -850 watts out, runs cool and it just loafs along at that output. Say what you will this is one heckuva amp. Reply to a comment by : KE6SLS on 2021-09-21 Good information Jim. I bought an AL-80A from my friends estate. I thought it was the AL-80B but once I looked at the amp, I decided I'd offer a lower than asking amount due to it's age. That should be on all our minds is the age. As it turned out, the amp did work, but had a failing TR relay. Ameritron didn't have parts nor replacement part numbers--essentially, they divorced the AL-80A which I always feel is a poor way to do business. Being disabled, I wasn't able to work on it myself, but as you pointed out, we hams are in VERY GOOD COMPANY for people that can work on these wonderful amplifiers. My friend spent about an hour replacing the parts and then checked the rest of the amp, and during that time we had an enjoyable chat and some pizza later. The old AL-80A is my daily amp now. The 3-500 is still in good shape, though a replacement is on my "to do" list. Finally, amps do help in rough conditions. I love running barefoot and QRP, but on phone nets, an amp makes all the difference. Take your time to learn how to power them, tune them, match them (tuner), and use good feedline and baluns/ununs. It's always a pleasure to know folks can hear you. Thanks again om, 73 Jaye | ||
| KA4KOE | 2021-10-15 | |
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| Re: Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| He is heard very well at night using 3 x 811As on 75M. Reply to a comment by : N8FVJ on 2021-10-11 I seen the Ten Tec for $600, but three 811A tubes limited power to about 450 watts PEP out with long tube life. Reply to a comment by : KA4KOE on 2021-10-02 Don't know about price, but my brother has been using a Ten Tec Centaur 411, 3 x 811As, good amplifier, well built, attractive. | ||
| N8FVJ | 2021-10-11 | |
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| Re: Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| I seen the Ten Tec for $600, but three 811A tubes limited power to about 450 watts PEP out with long tube life. Reply to a comment by : KA4KOE on 2021-10-02 Don't know about price, but my brother has been using a Ten Tec Centaur 411, 3 x 811As, good amplifier, well built, attractive. | ||
| KD6VXI | 2021-10-02 | |
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| Re: Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| The AL80A ceased production in 1990/91. How long do you want Ameritron / MFJ to continue to supply parts from an amplifier they didn't design? I mean, it's kind of hard to bag on a company for not keeping on hand parts for a design that ceased production 30 years ago......? Is that fair? --Shane KD6VXI Reply to a comment by : KE6SLS on 2021-09-21 Good information Jim. I bought an AL-80A from my friends estate. I thought it was the AL-80B but once I looked at the amp, I decided I'd offer a lower than asking amount due to it's age. That should be on all our minds is the age. As it turned out, the amp did work, but had a failing TR relay. Ameritron didn't have parts nor replacement part numbers--essentially, they divorced the AL-80A which I always feel is a poor way to do business. Being disabled, I wasn't able to work on it myself, but as you pointed out, we hams are in VERY GOOD COMPANY for people that can work on these wonderful amplifiers. My friend spent about an hour replacing the parts and then checked the rest of the amp, and during that time we had an enjoyable chat and some pizza later. The old AL-80A is my daily amp now. The 3-500 is still in good shape, though a replacement is on my "to do" list. Finally, amps do help in rough conditions. I love running barefoot and QRP, but on phone nets, an amp makes all the difference. Take your time to learn how to power them, tune them, match them (tuner), and use good feedline and baluns/ununs. It's always a pleasure to know folks can hear you. Thanks again om, 73 Jaye | ||
| KD6VXI | 2021-10-02 | |
|---|---|---|
| Re: Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| The AL80A ceased production in 1990/91. How long do you want Ameritron / MFJ to continue to supply parts from an amplifier they didn't design? I mean, it's kind of hard to bag on a company for not keeping on hand parts for a design that ceased production 30 years ago......? Is that fair? --Shane KD6VXI Reply to a comment by : KE6SLS on 2021-09-21 Good information Jim. I bought an AL-80A from my friends estate. I thought it was the AL-80B but once I looked at the amp, I decided I'd offer a lower than asking amount due to it's age. That should be on all our minds is the age. As it turned out, the amp did work, but had a failing TR relay. Ameritron didn't have parts nor replacement part numbers--essentially, they divorced the AL-80A which I always feel is a poor way to do business. Being disabled, I wasn't able to work on it myself, but as you pointed out, we hams are in VERY GOOD COMPANY for people that can work on these wonderful amplifiers. My friend spent about an hour replacing the parts and then checked the rest of the amp, and during that time we had an enjoyable chat and some pizza later. The old AL-80A is my daily amp now. The 3-500 is still in good shape, though a replacement is on my "to do" list. Finally, amps do help in rough conditions. I love running barefoot and QRP, but on phone nets, an amp makes all the difference. Take your time to learn how to power them, tune them, match them (tuner), and use good feedline and baluns/ununs. It's always a pleasure to know folks can hear you. Thanks again om, 73 Jaye | ||
| KA4KOE | 2021-10-02 | |
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| Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| Don't know about price, but my brother has been using a Ten Tec Centaur 411, 3 x 811As, good amplifier, well built, attractive. | ||
| N8FVJ | 2021-09-30 | |
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| Re: Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| For the most part a minimum of 500 watts PEP out is required on 75 meter phone at night. Reply to a comment by : KE6SLS on 2021-09-21 Good information Jim. I bought an AL-80A from my friends estate. I thought it was the AL-80B but once I looked at the amp, I decided I'd offer a lower than asking amount due to it's age. That should be on all our minds is the age. As it turned out, the amp did work, but had a failing TR relay. Ameritron didn't have parts nor replacement part numbers--essentially, they divorced the AL-80A which I always feel is a poor way to do business. Being disabled, I wasn't able to work on it myself, but as you pointed out, we hams are in VERY GOOD COMPANY for people that can work on these wonderful amplifiers. My friend spent about an hour replacing the parts and then checked the rest of the amp, and during that time we had an enjoyable chat and some pizza later. The old AL-80A is my daily amp now. The 3-500 is still in good shape, though a replacement is on my "to do" list. Finally, amps do help in rough conditions. I love running barefoot and QRP, but on phone nets, an amp makes all the difference. Take your time to learn how to power them, tune them, match them (tuner), and use good feedline and baluns/ununs. It's always a pleasure to know folks can hear you. Thanks again om, 73 Jaye | ||
| NB3K | 2021-09-28 | |
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| Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| This past April, I purchased an Ameritron AL80A for 800 plus an extra 100 towards shipping, and ordered a new 3-500z tube from RF Parts for about 225, really is was 275 after shipping and insurance. I know this is more, than your budget, but to me it was way more cheaper than trying to buy a replacement tube for my AL800 which takes the 3cx800a7 tube. | ||
| VE3TMT | 2021-09-26 | |
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| Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| I've had an FL-2100B in use now for about 6 years. I replaced all the PS caps, resistors and diodes and a few other mods along the way. It's been an absolute great amplifier. The original Cetron 572B's still put out decent power. They are very easy to work on should they need servicing. It's not a legal limit amp, but it has made the difference for me getting in the log vs not on more than one occasion. I get 10x power gain with mine. 50 in, 500 out. No complaints here. | ||
| KE6SLS | 2021-09-21 | |
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| Inexpensive Used HF Amplifier 2021 | ||
| Good information Jim. I bought an AL-80A from my friends estate. I thought it was the AL-80B but once I looked at the amp, I decided I'd offer a lower than asking amount due to it's age. That should be on all our minds is the age. As it turned out, the amp did work, but had a failing TR relay. Ameritron didn't have parts nor replacement part numbers--essentially, they divorced the AL-80A which I always feel is a poor way to do business. Being disabled, I wasn't able to work on it myself, but as you pointed out, we hams are in VERY GOOD COMPANY for people that can work on these wonderful amplifiers. My friend spent about an hour replacing the parts and then checked the rest of the amp, and during that time we had an enjoyable chat and some pizza later. The old AL-80A is my daily amp now. The 3-500 is still in good shape, though a replacement is on my "to do" list. Finally, amps do help in rough conditions. I love running barefoot and QRP, but on phone nets, an amp makes all the difference. Take your time to learn how to power them, tune them, match them (tuner), and use good feedline and baluns/ununs. It's always a pleasure to know folks can hear you. Thanks again om, 73 Jaye | ||