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Reviews For: AD5X QSK Relay Conversion Kit for Ameritron ALS-600 and ALS-500

Category: Electronic Component Suppliers

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Review Summary For : AD5X QSK Relay Conversion Kit for Ameritron ALS-600 and ALS-500
Reviews: 6MSRP: 18.50
Description:
This kit, along with two relays purchased elsewhere, convert
the stock T/R relay in Ameritron Amps that is prone to early
failure. This upgrade also enhances the amplifier's
performance in digital modes.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.ad5x.com/articles.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0065
AC2SV Rating: 2018-11-19
Excellent mod Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I'm not a CW operator, but I have had issues with the stock open relay going out of alignment and not closing properly.

The AD5X mod kit was easy to install thanks to the detailed instructions. It was very convenient that Phil also includes the necessary wire and even the shrink tubing.

Now the amp is much quieter without the old relay flapping around and I'll never have to open the amp to fiddle with it again.
W4TZB Rating: 2018-01-27
Very Worthwhile Mod Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Amazingly quiet compared with original open-frame relay and switching speed practically eliminates any potential problem with hot-switching.
I use with very short delay semi-QSK which I prefer for the quietness during transmission.
I highly recommend the mod for anyone using the ALS-600 on CW and recommend it for the improved quietness for any mode.
WK2X Rating: 2016-01-25
Why is this not standard?? Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I ordered my amp a week ago, and have already used it to work to ATNO DXCC entities, bringing me up to 280. After installing this kit, not only does the amplifier work flawlessly in QSK mode, but it is also 100% quieter in all modes. These little Omron relays are blazing fast and silent. What an incredible difference!

Phil, AD5X was very fast to respond to all of my questions, even the silly ones. The PCB is assembled well, and the instructions are spot on.

I would recommend this upgrade to anyone that has one of these amplifiers. I have to wonder why Ameritron doesn't just install this sort of thing standard and get rid of that noisy, slow power relay.
KA0CSL Rating: 2015-10-05
Very Good Upgrade Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My ALS-500M was having issues with the receive due to relay issues. I installed this upgrade modification and the amp works flawless. Very good design with hermetically sealed relays and easy to follow instructions. You have to get the kit from AD5X for 38 bucks and then the Omron relays from mouser. This item is worth its weight in gold.
K6VHP Rating: 2015-07-04
awesome upgrade Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Great upgrade at a great price. Easy install with easy to follow instructions and pix (on his website). I recently bought an older '600, and almost immediately had issues with the RX side of the original relay being flaky. (noisy/loud as well). Found the better solution! Much faster and quieter .
NG0Z Rating: 2014-07-03
Should be Standard Equipment on the ALS-600 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I will never buy another Ameritron Amplifier based on the reviews of the ALS-600 and my experience with the Amp.

After only a few weeks, the storied T/R relay failure started happening in my amp.

Instead of the hassle of packing up the amp and sending it back under warranty, which would have been a temporary fix at best, I ordered the AD5X upgrade kit and had Gary Grivna at Electronix install it along with the two Mouser relays AD5X recommends to complete the upgrade.

Now the amp works like it should have in the first place - it's quieter and it keys up flawlessly.

Why Ameritron doesn't spend the extra $30 bucks in parts (and that is retail!) to make their amps worthy of the price is beyond me. American Made used to mean something. Not at Ameritron/MFJ apparently.

In the mean time I'm glad there is a quick and easy way to make this amplifier perform like it should.

I emailed AD5X and he responded quickly and answered all of my questions. The kit arrived quickly in the mail.

I would recommend anyone with an Ameritron Amp with the cheap relay in it perform this upgrade even if yours isn't acting up.

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