Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Heathkit SB-1000

Category: Amplifiers: RF Power - HF & HF+6M

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Heathkit SB-1000
Reviews: 38MSRP: 799.95
Description:
160-10 meter HF Amp
Product is not in production
More Info: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeathKit_HFAmps/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00385
MW0ATK Rating: 2013-12-08
Fantastic Amplifier Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Recently bought an SB-1000 from an internet auction site as my first valve (tube) amplifier. Previous owner a licensed radio ham but only used it on 11metre CB band! Informed me the amp was fine except problems with the input filter system (high SWR all bands) and i would need to use a tuner on the input.

After setup i found input SWR very low from my FT-897 and ran fine into my home-brew Windom Antenna cut for 20metre - a problem was i overheated the off-centre fed 4:1 voltage balun testing the output during tuning (had originally made the voltage balun with too low gauge speaker wire!!)

Amp had previously been fitted with an incorrectly rated transformer but refitted with correct type for 3.2kv output voltage and a new Amperex 3-500z both fitted 2 years ago!

A minor issue was the front panel multimeter Power Output was reading off the scale after 500watts actual output, easily trimmed with the meter board variable pot (having taken proper precautions not to kill myself of course!!) rooting around inside whilst pushing 500watts on 20 metres - working through original setup as described in supplied constructors manual!!

I ordered the correct 0.10hex adjustment tool from Ameritron in case i ever need to trim the input network.

I'm a keen constructor and would love to have built this amplifier back in the day, think mine was made mid to late 1980's. I understand the design is the same as the commercial Ameriton AL-80A.
Very pleased with my first amplifier, very easy to tune and watch the valve (tube) glowing a dull red in service. Reading up at the moment how to look after the tube plate and grid currents - seems the tubes don't like to be underdriven and need the occasional blast on full power!

Very happy i noticed if i can hear a station i can now work it at the UK 400watt limit, even on a home-made Windom?!! Can't see me parting with this lovely piece of kit!
K4QM Rating: 2013-08-30
Solid Amp Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Picked up a SB-1000 last Tuesday and have been looking it over. Had to re-heat a few joints and put in the anti-corona washer Heath left out. The amp had a new tube and tunes really easy. I know this will be on my desk for quite a while.
W7KKK Rating: 2013-05-11
Very Nice Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had an AL-80A a few years back and should've never sold. But I had just put up a beam and felt I did not have a use for the amplifier any longer. I picked up a very late production kit of the Heathkit SP-1000 that was built by an experienced builder in 1996. After playing with this amp just a bit I think it is built better than the Ameritron amps it replaced.
This one has the original 3-500 Z tube in it still with full output today.
It's really hard to beat a single to platform for the power that you get out of it.
For the $650 I paid for this amp and excellent condition it made a great buy.
KM4CI Rating: 2013-03-10
ASTOUNDING AMP Time Owned: more than 12 months.
____Have owned this SB-1000 and many other amps over the years. Truly astounding performance...especially if you have 248-251 volt mains...which equates to about 3500 plate voltage...which means higher efficiency and less heat. PLEASE be advised...although these amps will easily produce 1000-1200 watts of PEP output...the tube manufacturers..as well as the tube manuals...recommend that you NOT exceed 50% greater than the plate dissipation value of the tube...plate dissipation value of the 3-500Z is 500 watts. This means for best linearity and proper operation of your amp....you should NEVER exceed 750 watts PEP output when using a single 3-500....even with graphite plates. Besides...the fella on the receiving end will NOT see the difference, on his "S" meter between 750 and 1000 watts.....AND you won't be so annoying to those operating 3kc away...when you operate your amp well within it's linearity. --jim taylor-KM4CI
K2GAV Rating: 2012-04-02
It's like a old reliable pick up truck Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My Dad built this when he retired back in the 1980's. I recently got back into ham radio and went to work on it. After a new 3-500ZG, some soldering cleanup, replacement of part of the bandswitch, installation of the Harbach soft-start kit, replacing the meter lights with white LED's, and a total refurbishment of the tank coil wiring and physical spacing, it works like new! Well, maybe better than new because the tank coil was never properly installed.
Anyway, now it easily makes a kilowatt on all bands with about 80 watts drive. I think it's ready to go for another 25 years!
DW1NPE Rating: 2012-02-10
Built like a tank Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought my Heathkit SB-1000 at E-ham last November 2011 and Received it here in Manila before Christmas... It was the best gift that I bought for myself for my hobby. Used the amp with my Kenwood TS 930S and worked well with 90 watts in and 1 KW full output power on 240V AC Power.
W4WEA Rating: 2011-09-20
Highly Recommended Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
My first HF amp ... what can I say it just performs well and its not that god awful green Heathkit is famous for. Like others, I can get a KW+ out of it when pushing it to its limits. If you get a chance to pounce on one of these at a fair price, you will not be sorry.
RUSS324 Rating: 2009-10-22
A wonderful piece of history Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just purchased a very nice SB-1000 from a local ham. I hooked it up last night to my back-up radio Kenwood TS 450S. Worked great. Tuned up easy. I looked at the past reviews of this amp prior to purchasing. I am very happy with the performance of this unit. I have ordered a new tube as the tube in it is the original. I intend tu use it a lot in the coming weeks. Russ K8QF.
W4WSW Rating: 2008-09-12
I'm Imprest.. Very Good Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Well what can I say, I get mine in a trade for one of those 811-H with no money back or anything just Amp. for Amp. and I'm telling you The Best Trade Ever in my life, this baby put 1,200 Watts key down, no arching no wierd things, It work Like a commercial one.

If true that I had to put some work in it but I don't regreated, Very nice Amplifier, If I had the chance I will buy another one...

73's de W4WSW
Luis...
W5VYY Rating: 2008-09-11
I love it Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My dad always told me: “A good antenna is more important than high power” Most of my operation is on 160 meters. I have amplifiers that will run more power, but my favorite amp is the Heathkit SB-1000. Day in and day out it puts out 1000 watts on top band. Instant on, ready to go. Put your money in your antenna and get a SB-1000. Pictures at: www.johngammon.com