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Reviews For: Linear Amp UK Gemini 4/6m amplifier

Category: Amplifiers: RF Power - 6M/VHF/UHF+

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Review Summary For : Linear Amp UK Gemini 4/6m amplifier
Reviews: 2MSRP: £849
Description:
DUAL BAND Operation on 50Mhz and 70MHz
Solid state design
300W output (270W on 50MHz)
Freescale MRFE6VP6300H LDMOS
Integral 50V Linear Power supply
Drive requirements 2.5/10/25W (specified at purchase)
Advanced cooling for MGM operation
Full protection for overdrive/swr/temperature
N Type connectors on input and output
All aluminium chassis
Compact dimensions - just 270w x 300d x 120h mm
Weighs just 10Kg
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.thedxshop.com/linear-amp-uk-linear-amplifiers/linear-amp-vhf-uhf-amplifiers/linear-amp-gemini-4-50mhz-70mhz-300w-solid-state-linear-amplifier.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0024.5
G4AON Rating: 2019-07-01
Slow relays, but OK Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
In the UK, the power limit on 4m is 160W, these mains powered amplifiers are ideal for this power level. They are less useful as a 6m amp where the limit is 400W.

There are a few minor issues, the output relay, while being a high specification one is also slow from a CW operating perspective. The relay is specified as “20mS”, as delivered the amp control board was set at 35mS. It is quite tricky to adjust the timing control due to the mounting location of the board. Speaking with The DX Shop (who assemble these), it became apparent they don’t adjust the control board settings!

Another minor irritation is the lack of a carry handle and side feet. As many users take their amplifiers out to hill top locations, the addition of a handle and side feet would be useful. There is an optional large plastic handle available, but it’s not as neat as the typical transceiver “strap” handle.

Using an analogue meter isn’t too good an idea, LED bar-graph metering showing peak output and SWR would be significantly better.

Compared to my Elecraft KPA500 amp, and it’s silent QSK diode change over and LED peak metering, this amp is poor. However, there are few 4m amps around and this amp does work reliably and without fuss. I drive it with a HA1YA transverter.
GW0GEI Rating: 2017-08-03
Update review 3 years later Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Just a quick update on this amp - I owned it for three years from 2014 until 2017. I used it weekly on mainly the 4m band but occasionally on 6m too with my flex 6300 sdr. I upgraded my 4m transverter to a Kuhne hig spec one and drove the amp to legal limit here (160w at the antenna) including full duty meteor scatter work in wsjt modes. It never let me down from day one until last month when I sold it on to another ham for not much less than I paid for it! Hold their value very well and only reason for sale is to buy the new bigger brother 1.2kw version, to give me the full 400w at the antenna on 6m. Cannot praise this amp enough for its quiet and efficient reliable service. I don't write many reviews of equip but this one deserves a review.