| N3AIU |
Rating:  |
2022-11-23 | |
| I'm sick and tired of this $%^&* amplifier |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Backstory: I've been a ham for more than 48 years. I've used a number of linear amplifiers in the past. I wanted to try a no-tune solid state that also handled 6 meters.
I bought my ALS-1306 about 18 months ago. I didn't buy the band switching cable because at my second QTH I have a IC-7300 with only one DIN connector that's used for digital modes. Two days later the band switch fails. The rep told me that I needed the band switching cable, implying that the amplifier wouldn't work without it. If that were the case, why is there a band switch on the front panel? He really insulted my intelligence. I returned the unit. Because of COVID, I didn't get it back for almost 6 weeks.
I babied the unit for the next few months, just running a few hundred watts CW/SSB and 150 watts FT8. Then it completely went dead. No power surge, no high SWR, no overheating. Everything appeared normal. I sent it back to the factory and got it back two weeks later.
I babied it even more over the next few months, running just 100 watts FT8. It died again exactly the same way. I sent it back to the factory and got it back two weeks later.
A few months later (today) the band switching failed yet again. I have a band switching cable because I'm now using the amplifier with my IC-7600 so I can still use the amp, but as far as I'm concerned it's broken again. BTW, one end of the cable is gawdawful VGA-like connector. Who the hell uses those anymore? It's a PITA to connect and disconnect.
It appears that I'm stuck with a lemon. Even if I get the band switch repaired (and assuming that the amp doesn't go belly up again), I could never in good conscience sell it because I don't want it to fail for someone else.
Given the shipping and repair costs, I'm almost at the break even point for buying an Alpha with tubes and without 6 meters.
73,
Nick N3AIU |
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| KG5JJ |
Rating:     |
2022-05-29 | |
| Good, with a 6-Meter Caveat |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I was skeptical about the included switching supply.
I have noticed no drifting or stationary birdies, hash, or other RFI issues anywhere I have operated the amp. This comes with a caveat; I haven't made a day of it looking for issues from D.C. to light. Out of sight, out of mind.
I'm running the amp on a dedicated 240 VAC source, and the voltage drop is a mere 2 VAC measured at the outlet at full amp output. The voltage drop of both 50 volt D.C. supply busses is only 1 volt.
The amp does exactly as advertised, with ease, on all bands except 6 meters.
Input VSWR on all HF bands is 1.3:1.0 or less.
On 6-Meters it is 1.7:1.0, causing the foldback function on my Icom IC-7300 to attack at reduced power, then over 1.5-2.0 seconds ramps up to achieve nominal power.
I have to use the internal tuner on the Icom to achieve a workable VSWR the radio sees to mitigate this. I've inserted different length coaxial jumpers to get the impedance bump closer to 50 ohms, but the available lengths I had to experiment with didn't do much. UGH!
It doesn't stop there, however:
When all is normal with the 7300, using its internal tuner to correct input VSWR and giving instant full output on 6-Meters, the amp, when the drive is applied, will achieve its power (I run 500-600 maximum typically when needed for data modes' DX) instantly, and then sags 100-125 watts less in a few seconds. This anomaly is not present on any HF bands.
This sag is bothersome, as it only occurs on 6 meters with the 7300 power nominal and not sagging in tandem with the amp.
Power output is steady out of the radios (I have used my TS-2000 on 6 with the amp as well, and the anomaly is reproduced).
This sagging occurs no matter the input power to the amp on 6 meters or its output power. It is prevalent to a lesser degree as the drive and output power are reduced.
Once the power output sags to stabilization, it stays there, with no thermal runaway indicated, or excessive heating noted, and curiously, no change in input VSWR as the sagging occurs. Both heat sink temperatures taken with an infrared thermometer are close as well.
The PAB multimeter shows 10 on 6 meters and a perfect 0 on all other bands. The dual ammeters show a 1-ampere differential between both supplies and perfect on all other bands.
This is not a demonstrably bad balance issue when operating 6 meters but the power sag anomaly is still there, always in the back of one's mind if a result of the input VSWR or balance issue or entirely something else.
Seamless integration of 6-Meters into the ALS-1300, making it the ALS-1306, should have been a stroll in the park.
Instead, on my amp, 6-Meters appears to be the dysfunctional addition to the family with a somewhat rebellious operation compared to all bands on HF.
Seriously, I'd give this amp a 5-star review if I felt the 6-Meter band operated as the others.
The 6-Meter anomaly occurs on a dummy load as well. No pointy finger can be shaken at RF in the shack issues. My beam VSWR is 1.1:1.0, and my other 6-meter tube amp works fine.
I am taking a wait-and-see attitude until something breaks or I decide to troubleshoot the issue in my lab.
A service manual available for this amp would be a welcome addition for those of us with no qualms about digging in the dirt (seriously, no pun intended here) for issues and correcting them.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention an issue that crosses all manufacturers and products, this one no exception, at a now inflated $4,000 price tag:
The front panel power/standby switches. What in the name of all things good possesses manufacturers to cut corners and quality to the point that imminent failure is guaranteed?
If the laughable power switch on this amp is not "snapped" with authority and aplomb, either on or off, you are greeted with a not so subtle 'POP' as the contacts arc, destroying its switch surfaces a bit at a time. Lazy or slow switch operation need not apply. Again, a four-thousand-dollar piece of gear sporting these cheap switches is a HUGE disappointment.
This is what happens when bean counters are allowed to make decisions solely based on profitability. They all need to turn in their Business Administration degrees and go back to school to obtain at least a BSEE to see how the real world works.
-73- de KG5JJ |
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| N6EB |
Rating:      |
2021-09-07 | |
| I like the ease of operation of the 1306 |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
This is a very good amplifier. I use this amp with a FTDX-3000 on CW, FT-4, FT-8 and SSB. I also use it with a MFJ-998 on a 240ft wire and a MFJ-998RT on a 43 ft. vertical on 160 thru 10.
When I first received the amplifier from HRO the power supply blew (ball of fire) after aprox 2 hrs. run time. Ameritron was very good to deal with and had me a new powersupply shipped fedx with a return lable for old ps. within 3 days.
New powersupply lasted just a few hours and same thing happened. Blew with loud bang, smoke etc. same as first powersupply. I called Ameritron and they said they were having a problem with the new powersupply and if I wanted they would send me one of the old design powersupplies and said I would have no more trouble. Again received new ps in 2-3 days. It has been a few weeks now and supply is running great. The new design power supply is the same size as the amplifier aprox 18 inches deep. The old supply is only aprox 9 1/2 inches deep. The old supply runs cool however the new one did also. I feel much better with the old design supply.
I could not have had better customer service than I did from the people at Ameritron. They went out of their way to solve my problem.
People complain about the fan noise. I do not have that problem. My fans are quiet. My fan in my AL-80A was much louder. The fan in my SEC1235M powersupply for the FTDX3k is what I call loud.
This amp follows my 3k perfectly. I give this a 5 rating and I give the staff at Ameritron customer service a 5++. HRO in Plano, Texas was very helpful also. Yes it is expensive but a great amp. I am glad I purchased it and I would do it all over. 73 N6EB Dick Wetumka, Oklahoma. |
|
| KO1C |
Rating:   |
2021-05-08 | |
| Problems |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Update as of 3/18/2012:
I changed to 20 meters, I forgot to switch the amp from 17 meters. My antenna is resonant on both bands.
Instead of automatically faulting out as it has in the past, it blew the finals. Ouch!
I bought a tube amp, this will be the backup when it comes back from being repaired.
It should have faulted instead of blowing the finals. VERY disappointed!
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|
| KA5DOB |
Rating:      |
2020-08-31 | |
| 1500 Easy Watts from my 1306 |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
This is a update report September 1, 2020
I have owned mine now for two years. I'm still amazed at how easy it reaches 1500 watts for DX when needed. Even now I get 1800 watts a few times testing into my cantenna dummy load. When it was new, I added a ALC cable between the radio and amp then set the ALC knob on 6 so the Amp would limit it to 1200 rated watts while using a signal from the Ameritron Tuning Pulser.
I enjoy just turning it on or off it being a no-tuning solid state amplifier.
A great feature is the, Auto-Band-feature. Simply set the Function knob to REM (remote) and with the interconnect cable supplied between your radio and the Amp. It will then match the bands automatically as you change them on your radio. Using 115 volts it ok at 500 watts. 1200 to 1500 watts you need a 240 outlet. Mine came with a 240 plug but i'm not sure if all include that.
This is becoming a very popular solid state amplifier due to it's reasonable cost and high watts which includes 6-meters. I have talked to many 1306 owners in the last few weeks on 20 meters enjoying this amp.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by KA5DOB on 2018-06-15
I'm really liking this new solid state amp. It includes a interconnect cord to my radio's Comm port. This allows the radios band selection to match automatically in the amplifier. If the amp sees a problem it cuts the power back on the exciter using this same interconnect cable. I found the 1306 tends to hit 1500 a little to easy and can go to 1700 to 1800 watts while testing into a dummy load. I added a ALC cable from the radio to the amp and set the amps peak to 1200 watts limit which it's designed for.
The twin 50 volt 50 amp switching power supply is separate from the amp itself which makes it easy to move around if needed. I measured the amps exhaust temp and it runs around 100 degrees when i'm using the amp. It cools to 95 when the other ham is talking due to it's large heat-sinks. It's very quite when sitting on the floor here in my shack. |
|
| KN6EWL |
Rating:     |
2020-04-23 | |
| Reasonably priced solid state amplifier |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Like others, a bit of skepticism came with considering this amplifier due to quality concerns. Reading reviews of other amplifiers in the same class showed having about the same rate of issues. Some, but not enough to say this amplifier or others have major quality concerns. After running this amplifier for a few months any concerns I've had were put to rest.
I was looking for a solid state amplifier in the sub $3500 range, 1000+ watts continuous, HF+6m, and without an internal antenna tuner. I'm sure the internal tuner is desirable for most, but at the moment I don't feel the need to part with my AT2K. With exception of the ALS-1306 not being advertised to run 1000 watts continuous, it fit the bill. My choices were narrowed down to the Acom A1200S and the ALS-1306. The decision was made when the local HRO received an ALS-1306 in stock. Being able to buy the amplifier locally was a big plus, if any immediate issue were to arise.
Using the amplifier with an IC-7300 using the DB-13D interface cable for band following and ALC. When on the 12m and 17m bands the amplifier won't follow, instead the amplifier will go to 15m for the 17m band and 10m for the 12m band. This is a known quirk and has no effect on operation. The input circuit is the same for 15-17m bands and 10-12m bands.
When it comes to operation and setting up some of the features, The manual could use some work. When setting power output on the amplifier the manual says to set the ALC knob fully clockwise, but it doesn't describe the function or how to set the ALC knob beyond that. There is a description of adjusting the internal ALC gain, but that's an entirely different setting altogether. The manual is also vauge in the description of the PAB mode on the meter. I had to google other ALS-1306 users to find out what this does and how to use it.
I'm guessing I set my power level to the desired output and dial the ALC knob back until the ALC lamp just illuminates. It would be nice if the manual confirmed this is the proper procedure or not. Re-reading the manual prior to writing this review, there is a small blurb that the PAB is read in watts on the rightmost reading of the right arc on the multimeter. Again, covering this measurement in a little more detail would be nice.
I want this amplifier to last and not give any issues. I figured the best way to do this is not rely entirely on the internal safeties. I looked up the spec sheets for the MRF-150 power FETs used in this amplifier to understand what they're rated to do. 150w per device is the maximum output per FET, with 8 in this amplifier that makes for a combined output of 1200 watts. While other users have reported the amplifier is capable of exceeding that output (and it likely is since voltage drop of the power supply is minimal) it's exceeding the components rated value. Again, something I don't want to do if I want this amp to last. Given there are 8 FETs to make the final output power, there is likely going to be some imbalance between each FET, even if it's minuscule. I figured if I could operate this amplifier at 1000 watts continuous for digital modes, that gives me a 17% buffer to account for such imbalances and not exceed the maximum ratings of the FET's. At the time of this writing, I haven't seen a published continuous output rating for this amp.
With the band conditions being pretty poor lately, I've been wanting a bit of power to be able to reach out to DX contacts on FT8. This amplifier has no issue running 1000 watts for hours on end with 15 seconds on / 15 seconds off. I've used WSPR to test propagation from my station running 500w for two minute long transmissions without issue. Never have run the amplifier warm enough for the fan speed to increase in either of these modes. Reading the ARRL review, I would agree that 750 watts continuous would be a fair rating for this amplifier. At 1000 watts output, combiner balance is indicated at zero (ideal). At 1000 watts, combiner balance increases as frequency increases, to about 10 watts on 10 meters. Operating the amplifier for some time in continuous power modes doesn't show an increase in imbalance as noted on earlier models.
A note about the fans. The amplifier is specified to have variable speed fans. While I've never had the fan speed increase, the fans are a bit noisy at their lowest speed. Not enough to be a huge complaint, but when the shack goes dead quiet after turning the amplifier off it makes you realize they aren't *that* quiet either.
The biggest issue I've had with this amplifier is the multimeter. I tune the antenna on the AT2K prior to bringing the amplifier online (The operate / standby switch on the amp is a GREAT feature!). Being a solid state amplifier, I want the SWR as absolutely low as possible. I noticed a considerable indifference between the AT2K meter and the forward / reflected power on the amplifier. I didn't know which meter to trust more. I ended up purchasing an LP-100A meter to settle the question once and for all. Come to find the forward power meter on the amp read a bit low, for an indicated 1000w output on the amp, the measured output power was 1136 watts. Dialing the SWR to 1.0:1 on the LP-100A shows 1.2:1 SWR on the AT2K and 1.1:1 on the amp display. The margin of error increases significantly on the 6m band where loading the amplifier into a Bird dummy load will show 2:1 SWR where the LP-100A shows 1.2:1. I load and tune the amp with the LP-100A now and find the forward and reflected power meters on the amp to be relatively inaccurate. This goes with the AT2K meter as well.
Other than the manual can use a bit of a revision and the multimeter margin of error unacceptable levels on certain bands, I've been very satisfied with the amplifier. It does 1000 watts on short cycle digital modes without issue for hours on end, hasn't had any issues that prevents the amplifier from operating. For the cost (less than $3,000 at the time of purchase) I think this is a great amplifier. I'm satisfied enough that I wanted to give it a five star rating, but the inaccuracy of the power meter is a considerable issue. However, that considered, I'd recommend this amplifier in conjunction with a good SWR/Power meter to make sure what you see on the amplifier is what's actually happening. |
|
| K6TLA |
Rating:      |
2019-07-08 | |
| Excellent |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
After several weeks of operation I continue to give this a 5 rating. In future versions a built-in auto tuner would be nice. My IC-2KL and AT-500 automatically change bands with my 756 Pro 3 and a short carrier is all thats required for the tuner to find it's optimal settings when changing bands and frequencies. All of this in one package would be an excellent addition for Ameritron. Perhaps in a future version. For now the ALS-1306 remains a good performing and excellent value on 160-6.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by K6TLA on 2019-06-26
I've lusted after the ALS-1306 for a while but couldn't justify the price. One became available recently at an extremely attractive price so I pounced on it. After several days of operation I can say that it is everything it is described to be. Lots of honest power and foolproof operation with good protective features. I wanted it mainly for 6 meter operation where I've previously been stuck with 100 watts. Of course it delivers on the HF bands 160-10 equally well. I'm running it on 120 volts and it has no problem with the lower input voltage. So far so good, this amplifier is a winner. |
|
| WA4DOU |
Rating:      |
2019-01-16 | |
| Very Good Amplifier |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I've had my ALS-1306 for about 1.5 years, without a hint of failure. It's my understanding that it's 2 RF sections from the ALS-606, with a combiner, and I assume the same is true for the ALS-1300 and ALS-600, as well. Although rated at 1200 watts PEP output, with no mention of a CW rating, it stands to reason that the 1306/1300 amps should only be rated at 1000 watts on CW, as the smaller amps are rated at 500 watts, on CW. Since I operate CW almost exclusively, I tend to run this amp mostly in the 500-900 watt range, and never over 1 KW. I've read one or more reviews that reported users measuring power outputs up to as much as 1700 watts output, I would strongly advise against trying to exceed the rating of 1200 on voice peaks, and getting an accurate watt-meter, as this sort of conduct invites failure. Having owned the ALS-600 for several years previously, without any hint of failure, I'm quite happy with Ameritron in general and this ALS-1306 in particular. |
|
| KK4LB |
Rating:     |
2019-01-11 | |
| Broken revisited |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| Had to send unit back 2 times. Was the power supply problem. They paid the freight, but fairly long waits both times. Now that it's back and running, it is the best thing since ice cream. |
|
| KI7SJC |
Rating:  |
2018-11-15 | |
| FAILED AGAIN |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
SECOND FAILURE. 1ST WAS MOSFET PWR OUTPUT TRANSISTOR. REPAIR WAS REPLACEMENT. NO CHANGES. NO EXCUSE. 40W INPUT FROM ICOMM 7300 TO HEXBEAM AT 1kw.
NOW, SWR 1:1, RG733 TO HEXBEAM 20m SINGLE BAND, 1 KW OUT. "PA" LIGHT COMES ON, SHUTS EVERYTHING OFF TO RESET AND REPEAT IF PWR OVER 20 WATTS RTTY. WAS WORKING FINE EVERY DAY FOR MONTHS IN SAME OP MODE ON 20M.
PWR SUPPLY OK.
THIS SECOND FAILURE IN LESS THAN 3 MONTHS SINCE FIRST FAILURE AND 5 MONTHS SINCE MISTAKE BUYING THIS THING. $2800--ASKING FOER REFUND. |
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