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Reviews For: Linear Amp Gemini 2 1.2kw

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

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Review Summary For : Linear Amp Gemini 2 1.2kw
Reviews: 5MSRP: 1,899 sterling inc of tax
Description:
The all new Gemini 2-1.2K is a solid state 1200W CW output Linear Amplifier for 144-148Mhz.
The Gemini 2-1.2K has been designed from the start with high duty cycle usage in mind. The core of the amplifier is dominated by a 7.5Kg aluminium heatsink cooled by three temperature controlled fans. In testing we have left it sat on the bench at 1kW output continuously for 30 minutes plus without reaching thermal cutout temperatures so it is ideal for dedicated EME / MS / FSK / JT mode users and contesters.
The Integral Power Supply units will accept 100-260V Mains Input so the unit can be used worldwide without any modifications.
Specifications are:
Max output 1200W 144-148Mhz
P1dB 1000W output
Spurious outputs <60dB wrt 1000W
Input R/L >15dB
Drive levels 2.5-20W specified at purchase
Built in sequencer and Bias T feed for masthead preamplifiers
Protection for Overdrive/SWR/Over Temperature
RX Insertion Loss <0.25dB
Overall efficiency at 1kW output >70%.
RF output meter
RF Device 1 x BLF188XR LDMOS **
Power requirements 100-260V 50-60Hz
Dimensions 315mm wide x 180mm high x 360mm deep
Weight 14,5Kg
Made in the UK.
The Gemini 2-1200 is really quiet in operation. Changeover relays are quiet. Fans only run when they need to and are controlled by our own PIC fan controller giving stepless speed control proportional to temperature.
Product is in production
More Info: http://https://www.thedxshop.com/linear-amp-uk-linear-amplifiers/linear-amp-vhf-uhf-amplifiers/gemini-2-1-2k-1200w-144mhz-solid-state-linear-amplifier.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
1555
M0AFJ Rating: 2022-11-17
Fine Amplifier Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Been running this amplifier for nearly a year now, it’s been 100% since day one. I’ve used it in contests, MS, CW SSB and FT8 without any problems. Has an inbuilt sequencer and 12V supply for preamp switching, very handy
And it’s much cheaper than the competitors..

Update, now it’s 6th year with me without a hiccup, SSB/CW/FT8., it just keeps on going, really makes DX working easy.
G4TRA Rating: 2022-05-07
Great product, superb service Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The Gemini 2 1.2Kw now uses the ceramic 65V ART1K6FH LDMOS devise, hence a cool 1400w is now available from this quality UK designed and built amplifier which has been in use in my shack for 6 months now following a six months waiting time.

Running UK legal limit the amplifier is very quiet and never breaks from fan speed 1 indicating that the thermal management is well designed and robust for modes such as digital EME.

Whilst the power meter could do with a little damping, the integrated sequencer works fine with my TS790E and SSB200 LNA and the customised Pinet rack handles not only look good but make it easier moving the unit onto the shelf.

However the provided “user instructions” are limited and there's no circuit diagram which is a shame, but this is made up by excellent support and service from Roger at the DX Shop should you need it.

Highly recommended.
VK2DVM Rating: 2021-07-19
Very impressive Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After a long 6 month wait my Gemini 2 1.2 finally arrived, but it was definitely worth the wait. Mine is the latest version with the 65V LDMOS and is capable of 1400W pep, so it really coasts along at the VK legal pwr limit. The internal fan is almost silent in the shack and rarely breaks out of level 1 even on a long transmission. Although no negatives in performance it would be nice if there was metering for reflected power as well as forward, and secondly, if using an external masthead preamp it would be nice to see more sophisticated sequencing. I had to build a cct to hold my Icom's ALC line at the -5V for 100mS after keydown in order to use digital mode capability. As it stands the Gemini 2 can only sequence if using a footswitch or routed PTT from a microphone. Also, the preamp output doesn't operate in standby mode, so if you only want to run 'barefoot' you'll also be without the preamp. Hopefully these minor inconveniences will be addressed in future model updates.
M0CVX Rating: 2019-05-05
Solid no-fuss QRO for 2m Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Unpacking the amplifier you just know you've bought a quality item. Switch it on, and your initial impressions are confirmed.
Excellent quality and finish, no-fuss 1kw if you want it (here it will run data at 500w to stay within UK licence limit at antenna).
Roger is a great guy to deal with...yep, you get to talk to the chap that hand-builds your amp to order.
So impressed I now want the 6m version.
GW0GEI Rating: 2017-08-03
First user review Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Following my very positive experience with the smaller 4/6m version of this solid state amplifier, I pre ordered one of the first production models of the new high power 2m versions earlier this year. The amp was delivered on time and well packaged, and is the same quality and quiet product as its smaller version. I am initially driving it with an ft817nd and specified 5w drive power on ordering, so I can drive it with 0.5w on low power (giving around 200w) or 2.5w on medium power from the radio, yielding me legal limit 400w effortlessly at the antenna. Into a dummy load the max drive of 5w from the radio is getting 1.2kw+ out from a measured 4.7w of drive on both ssb and cw. Lovely constructed amp and it can also deliver voltage to a masthead pre amp with a switch on the front panel. Another great amp from Linear Amp which is proving to be very useful in getting people to turn their beams out here to the west coast of uk:-)