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Reviews For: Heathkit SB-1000

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

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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
KB4BJM Rating: 2008-04-10
20 years and still going Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I built mine about 20 years ago and it is still in service. It's always been there for me and I think it will out live me. If you get one the best thing to know is that Ameritron will service them.
K5BJM Rating: 2008-03-02
Solid as a ROCK!!!!! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Has to be the best Amp I have ever owned! It tunes easy.It produces 1.2KW with 95 watts drive. This is a KEEPER!! If you wan't one, you will have to get it from someone else, because I am keeping mine!
TI2TL Rating: 2006-12-21
The best amp with just one 3-500Z Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Ok what can you ask more from an amp with a single 3-500Z? Absolutely nothing. This amp is great. I can push this amp to a max power of 1.2KW on a single tone (power read through my drake MN-2700). I mean this is superb. I know this is pushing the tube to the limit but tell me if it doesn't sound great?
Not to say the modulation, super, broadcasting, no distortion what so ever.
Looks well it is very nice looking if you ask me. I like the two big meters and the overall finish is good. I would recomed this amp to anyone and not just the person that is looking for a mid power amp but also to some that are looking for a superb looking very high power (in relation to the tube) power amp.
KB9BPF Rating: 2006-06-22
Solid Performer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Found an unbuilt SB-1000 on consignment at the local electronics emporium going for the same price as it had been when new years earlier. Snapped it up - figured this might be my only chance to build a Heath amp.

Researched before building to see what mods should be incorporated. Found AG6K website very informative.
- Included AG6K's softstart, electronic bias control, QSK, and parasitic suppressor mods.
- Used a pair of 7.5KV 1000pF for plate DC blocking caps for better RF current-carrying capacity and three 0.001uF 3KV ceramic disc caps in parallel at "cold" end of plate choke to reduce RF into HVPS.
- Added 50 ohm/3W glitch resistor in series with HV.
- Put back-to-back 1N5408 diodes across meters to protect them in event of glitch.
- Used #20 teflon-insulated wire in filament circuit to reduce filament voltage to spec.
- Included NFB in cathode circuit for 100W drive.
- Since I tend to use 17M much more than 15M, I modded the 15M tuned input for 17M.
- Used different plate choke, the one Ameritron sells, to avoid resonance issues on 17M.

After several years of moderately light use I've never had any issues with it at all.
KI9A Rating: 2006-02-12
bulletproof Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used this amp since 1989, with around 60,000 QSO's on it, with 90% of them contest Q's. Still original tube, but replaced the band switch & transformer. Not bad at all considering the heavy use!

73-Chuck KI9A
PA5COR Rating: 2006-01-07
GOOD Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Got one here, had the softstart installed, some minor repairs and maintenance done.
Original tube still 800+ watts on 10 metres.

Will get an spare tube, that will do for the next umpteen years of fun.

Normally use it sparingly, and if used, just 500 watts or so, no need to overdo things here.

Like the look of it between the FT-100, and the FT-847.

Tuning is easy, had no problems here after the few mods were done.
Good value for the money if you can get one in good shape for an decent price.

73,

Cor
KB5SCK Rating: 2005-07-28
very happy Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
i bought mine used about 6 months ago...easy 900 watts on 80 meters...i paid $500 and it came with all documentation and even an extra tube..after i had it for about 2 months, i fired it up one night and it did not come on, i checked the fuses and they were blown, after inspection i found the transformer was shorted...i checked prices on transformers and they were really high...i then saw an add on the ameritron website that said they repaired the heathkit sb 100's..i boxed it up and shipped it to them for an estimate...they were real good, the upgraded the transformer, up graded the plate choke and even replaced some burned out meter bulbs for less than what i could buy a transformer for anywhere else...i am very happy with this amplifier, easy to tune and a real work horse...i know i had some problems but that could happen with any amp and it is nice to know that parts and service if needed are readily available through ameritron
N6EA Rating: 2005-04-15
Solid Workhorse Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This single 3-500 amp is just a jewel. I bought my SB-1000 used, although it looked brand new, for 600.00. I have since replaced it with a TenTec Centurion but cannot imagine selling it. If you need a simple, well built 160-10 meter amp, try and find one of these sleepers. You really can't go wrong...
WA8EBM Rating: 2004-03-03
Good Solid Amp Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Got mine used several years ago. After cleaning up the original builders cold solder joints that caused lots of problems such as vaporized bandswitch contacts and blown chokes it works great. First of all the bandswitch had 5 vaporized/damaged contacts. The current price for a new 3 wafer bandswitch from Ameritron is $73.77 plus shipping. My fix was to carefully drill out the rivets from the switch fingers that were damaged and replace them with contacts from another similar bandswitch (defunct switch from of all things a MFJ antenna tuner). I fastened them in place with 3-48 hardware which just fits in the rivet holes (bought it at ACE hardware).
Some loctite or or dab of solder on the threads keeps the nut tightly in place. Works great and saved lots of cash.
Next there was a loud buzz/rattle coming from the amp. I thought it was the transformer, shoved in wooden shims between windings and laminations but nothing helped. I then found out that the problem was coming from the AC interlock relay mounted on the back panel of the amp. I tightened it up and cleared up that problem. The last thing I did was buy a new muffin fan from Ameritron (the one they used in the AL-80A). Quieted things way down from the original Heath fan.
I am now totally satisfied with the amp and it works flawlessly.
DL1GLH Rating: 2004-01-20
UFB Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using this amp for 7 years.
No problems at all.