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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
G0NGG Rating: 2003-12-07
!0 /10 Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using this amp now for 5 years . I am still waiting for some thing to go wrong...........
Boring really it just goes on and on and on...........

If you are looking for a copy of the manual try


www.g0ngg.co.uk

It's a shame to waste it.......


Bob

N4OGW Rating: 2003-05-09
good medium-power amp Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I built mine from the kit several years ago. Since then I haven't had any problems with it. No modifications to original design, and I haven't had any problems with bandswitch arcing others claim. Things I like about it:

-small size
-has 160m
-can run off of 120V circuit
AB5Q Rating: 2002-10-27
Reliable Amplifier Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Built the amplifier in 1990, made a few modifications and have never had a problem with the amplifier since. At first I had problems with parasitic oscillations and multiple bandswitch failure (common amp problem regardless of manufacturer). If someone is considering purchase of a used unit, I recommend that the buyer carefully inspect the band switch for arced or vaporized contacts.

Recommended Modifications:

First, replace the cheap plastic cooling fan a more robust unit. I purchased an all metal, ball bearing unit from Ameritron. Fan used in the AL80-A is a much quieter unit and provides adequate flow for the 3-500Z (I'm at 5000 ft and have not had any problems). Second, install Rick Measure's parasitic suppression kit replacing the OEM parasitic choke.

I also converted a second SB-1000 to 50 MHz monoband. Used the power supply, chassis, and metering circuit but redesigned the entire RF section. Amp is a VERY stable kW 50 MHz amplifier. For those who are looking for a lower cost project amp for 6m, the SB-1000 is a great candidate.
K4JJL Rating: 2002-07-18
Solid as a Rock! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I picked this up at a hamfest for $400. Got it home and put it on the air immediately to compare it with my AL-811A. Simply no comparison. Very easy to tune. 75 in gives me 900+ from my Yaesu FT-920. First contact was on 80M and QSO lasted for 4 hours. No burps, arcs, or oddities like my AL-811A. Fan kept it very cool. Every once and a while the relay chatters (age?), but I just unkey and rekey like nothing happened. Wish Heathkit was still around to keep putting out quality stuff like this.
KE4EKW Rating: 2002-07-01
A solid performer. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This was my first amp (which I still own along with several other amps), purchased new 8 years ago. It still puts out the same power from the original Eimac 3-500Z and has been flawless. The SB-1000 is basically a kit built Ameritron AL-80, and performs as well as it's commercial built unit. I also own the much improved Ameritron AL-80B(performance is about equal, however, several newer circuit protection, front panel ALC adjustment and better metering features make for a much improved amp. Even being of an older vintage, it is still a solid performing amp.
Chris Rating: 2002-03-25
A great amp and you build it yourself! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought and built my amp and I love it!

The vernier drive controls are great and the size isn't bad. I can easily get out around 1200 watts key down with no harm to the tubes (on CW). My tube got broke when I moved by the Allied Van Line movers (actually broke the plate off internally to the tube). I now have chinese tube in it and hope it will hold up. Nothing competes with a true Eimac tube.

I get excellent power out on 160-10, plus 12 and 17. Could load it for 30 if I wanted to. Onoy gripe(s) ?

1. Fan is kinda noisey.
2. Relay is loud.

Other then that, for the $600 or so I bought it for, I plan on keeping it a long, long, long time.

PS: Ameritron made the kits for Heath (AL-80), to Heaths requirements. I actually like it much better then the Ameritron.
K3VO Rating: 2000-11-22
Great Amp Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had mine for about 8 years. It loafs at 400 watts out with 40 watts of drive. Works well on 12 and 17 meters.
This a very heavy amp and buckled my desk.
Suggest you run it on 220v.

Quality of components is top notch. Should live for ever.
K3VO
N3ELM Rating: 2000-11-18
A workhorse Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this as a kit just as Heathkit was closing them out (paid $635 new). It went together perfectly and operated just like the book said (even better) with the first AC & RF applied. The design is clean and simple. The power out is more than the specs say. I have used it for about 8 years with the original 3-500Z tube with no loss of performance. This is one piece of equipment anyone can repair themselves (if that time ever comes). The design was sold to Ameritron as the model AL-80.