| AD0AR |
Rating:  |
2019-11-19 | |
| Best universal amp, but getting old |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I own and serviced a couple of these. They are getting old, relays wearing out, mechanical internal connections getting oxidized. If buying used, expect to have some malfunctions.
If unit has serial number sticker on the outside on the front panel, this usually means it is a newer variant as the older ones have the serial sticker in the inside.
The newer ones usually produce more power on 20M and up where the older ones typically rolled off their full power spec (under 400W) on the higher frequencies.
Excellent execution of a universal HF power amp if used for voice/ mobile application.
I recommend getting a Harrison Labs Fluxcap 100 amp boost regulator to keep the amp input voltage at 14.7v, therefore the output will stay more linear and at full power.
If using for base/data modes, i.e. MARS/CAP, I highly recommend using cooling fans as even though the heatsink is big, high duty cycle modes will heat it up quickly.
As an option, I suggest modifying unit with an external band decoder and key line as the auto band select/ auto key feature typically chops off the first syllable or two for at least a 25ms delay.
Not recommended for QSK CW because of the relays involved but semi break in ok.
I'm using a Mean Well UHP-1000-12 fanless power supply turned up to 14.8v to power the amp on 120v without a problem. The newer SG-500 with Toshiba 2sc2290 transistors easily achieves 500w+ on ALL bands. Max output observed was 700W PEP using a Telepost LP-700 graphical power meter. Linearity perfect with a higher input voltage (duh) and 3rd order IMD also observed on the Telepost is better than -32db @ rated 500W on all bands. |
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| KM6WSI |
Rating: |
2019-01-09 | |
| Plug & Play |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| Had this amp for 10 yrs sitting on a shelf (mobile set up that never materialized). Decided to put it to use a few weeks ago w/my IC7300 as a base unit. Simple connection... powered by a DLS-90, RF in/out cables and 20w puts out 500w. I run loops, doublet antennas w/600 ohm ladder line so I tune a lot and once the LDG is done clicking the amp just goes. |
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| KF5PEL |
Rating: |
2016-12-15 | |
| Easy to use workhorse |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| I have an SG-500 operational in a mobile installation with a dedicated battery for the amplifier. Like other reviewers I bought the amplifier used had it shipped directly to SGC for a health check. Thankfully no issues with the amplifier. It's been in operation for about a year and is trouble free. Feed it with a solid 14vdc 90amp source and load it with a resonate antenna then you're working the world. I cant see how one could destroy the finals with the automatic projection on the amplifier. |
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| GW4PJQ |
Rating: |
2016-08-16 | |
| Good but |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I haven't found this amp nearly as marvellous as most have. To be honest I wonder if it is the same product. It is.
I use the amp remotely and nearly every time I use it I have to go to the room where it is to find out what it has objected to to stop it keying up. High VSWR is a common reason despite the antenna's 1.5:1 vswr. Over current, not picking up the PTT ground or when it has it locks up either in tx or rx.
Has anyone else had these issues? |
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| WA0LSS |
Rating: |
2013-06-26 | |
| GREAT Mobile Amp |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| Now in my third year of use; bought one on Ebay and sent it for testing and upgrades to SGC. They replaced a few parts and tuned it up, tested it, and returned it for exactly what the quoted. I have $1000 invested (purchase and service) and it's never missed a beat with daily use. It's the best, most flexible, most reliable amp I've ever used. I work /MM every day and it runs off the boat's batteries giving us the best reports of any boat on the east coast... I'd recommend this to anyone. |
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| KB6HRT |
Rating: |
2013-01-09 | |
| Still works GREAT! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Been using my SG500 on 75m for almost 3 years now and its is still working GREAT have changed my primary radio to a FT5000D and driving the CUBE with 35 watts on 75 meters most mornings when needed! Used a new bad MFJ 998 auto tuner upon installation, sent the AUTO TUNER back to MFJ for repairs and the SG 500
to SGC for repairs, received it back in about 2 weeks repaired
no charge. SGC tech called me and told me unit was as new an it it was putting out 700+ watts under test! Got the MFJ 993 back about the 2 weeks later with a new meter but not install correctly and no explanation of what was wrong with the tuner. Brought an LDG-1000Pro all has been well since.............KB6HRT
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Earlier 5-star review posted by KB6HRT on 2010-04-15
I have had the SCG-500 for two weeks and it works GREAT, using it as a Base Amplifier for HF It requires 40+ amps for SSB work and I have two 35amp power supply in parallel for the job. I use an Palstar AT2K tuner ahead of the SCG-500 amplifier and with 45 watts drive from my ICOM 756PRO3 I see 500+ watts pep on the power meter of the AT2K meter, I rag chewer and like the fact the the whole bottom on the SGC-500 is a heat sink and there is no fan noise to contend with, I don't need head phones for the weak signals. There is some relay noise on transmit, but thats to be expected, I also have an ICOM PW1 which is a good amplifier, but there is some fan noise with it, it has 4 fans that come on as the temperature rises, At my station where the coaxes come into the shack it is very close to where I have my ICOM 756PRO3 and the PW1, the SGC-500 is a great addition to my little shack..............KB6HRT |
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| N4NOO |
Rating: |
2012-10-11 | |
| Mixed bag |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I loved the amp until a little over a year ago. It failed. I shipped it back to SGC and asked for an estimate cost for repairs. A few weeks later I received a call from them telling me it was "unrepairable". I said "What?" and after questioning her a lot more, I discovered that it wasn't that it was so damaged it couldn't be repaired, it was that they didn't have the parts any longer. To my surprise, they were changing the "final" transistor they were going to use and hadn't found the new one yet. So whenever they finish the selection process, my amp "may" be repairable. Just called and they still don't have a circuit ready! Even I'm not that slow! Not what I expected when I bought this amp. It had great reviews and a solid repair history in their reviews. This was a very expensive amp for 500 watts and now it is a very expensive lump of metal taking up space in my basement. No what I bargained for!!! Color me very disappointed!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by N4NOO on 2009-02-23
I use this with an Icom 7000 and a Hi-Q 6/160 RT/MC-3-H antenna in my Suburban and it makes a world of difference. The most common reply is "That's the best sounding mobile I have ever heard". If you want that extra bump, this is a great amp. It has been perfect from the first time on the air. No problems at all. Try it, you'll like it! |
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| KC8HXO |
Rating: |
2012-07-15 | |
| Still a beast! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Just saw my review of 6-1/2 years ago, and thought I might give an update. She is still in line at the home station. Still running off battery power. Still cranking out over 500W on every band with 50W drive. Has NEVER given one moment's trouble in this time. I cannot recommend it highly enough, although it appears to be out of production, at least temporarily. I think the jump from 50W to 500+W is just the ticket. Easy on the rig, and enough "fire" to make a difference when the going gets rough. Hope she never dies..... as I would like someone else to use her after I am SK!!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by KC8HXO on 2006-03-08
I think it performs exactly AS ADVERTISED. (Many of the things people have "marked it down" for in their review are explained in the manual.) It runs a cool 500W+ all day here on any band you would like. Put it along the MFJ ALS-XXX amps, and you will know which one is built to last. Enough said. |
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| KM7Y |
Rating: |
2010-09-19 | |
| Great for Mobile Operation! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I ordered my SG-500 direct from SGC. It took 6 weeks just as they said. But it is well worth the wait, and mine had a date code the unit had just been made and was certainly factory fresh! Made in the good old USA you can bet it makes you proud that the good stuff can still be made here. My combination is an IC-7K, HiQ 4/80 antenna and SG-500 in between. I installed the unit in the back of my SUV. All wiring is 4 gauge. I added a 100Ah Suriken battery next to the amp. Pay attention to all connectors. I found some at Frye's Electronics and Mobile One. When cutting the 4 gauge I recommend tinning the end of the cable. My connectors have an allen screw that makes the fitting tight. If not tinned the screw will just dig into the cable and come loose. I did have to call Terry at SGC technical. On start up I had a small issue. He was able to quickly tell me the 13 pin connector inside was probably loose. Yep when I took off the top to do the Export mod, I left the connector unplugged. Well that did not take long and now up and running. I made at least 20 contacts today including Croatia. Not bad from Houston, Tx.and broke through several USA pile=ups.
This amp is very well built and my contact with SGC was great. They know their stuff and build a great amp. I also got the fan kit and it is worth the money> The remote control box is a nice add.
Pics available upon request.
73,
George N5QF |
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| K0BG |
Rating: |
2010-06-12 | |
| Just the best money can buy! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I own three of these amps. The one currently in my mobile, has over 1,000 hours of trouble free service (there's an hour meter attached in case you're interested). Here'a a few tips for getting the most out of one.
Set the Filter to automatic, and forget about it. This way, you'll never transmit into the wrong filter.
Use PTT. The input current is about 2 ma, and can be directly keyed by any transceiverI know of. No interface needed.
Set up thusly, the first time transmit on any band, takes about 600 ms. After that, less than 100 ms.
There is an input attenuator. If the drive power gets over about 70 watts, the attenuator will kick in. You'll know if it does, and the return to full receive takes about 500 ms after key up. Just back off the drive until it doesn't. If you have a stiff supply connected (second battery, whatever), it will do an honest 550 watts out. And, if you have the fan kit, it's rated 100% duty cycle, even in CW!
You don't need the remote control they sell, and building what you need to control it, takes about an hour.
If you use one as a base amp, and have two of their AC power supplies paralleled (they're made to do this), it will do an honest 650 PEP.
If you need more information, e-mail me.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com |
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