Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: 60dbm.com 50W QRP Amplifier

Category: Amplifiers: RF Power - HF & HF+6M

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : 60dbm.com 50W QRP Amplifier
Reviews: 1MSRP: $245.00 USD
Description:
This is custom designed HF + 50MHz solid state ham radio amplifier with LPF onboard, 4 x RD16HHF1 based, intended for field or mobile operations or as driver for LDMOS amplifier. This amplifier produced from high quality ORIGINAL parts, such as Mitsubishi transistors and AMIDON cores. PA PCB mounted on metal heatsink for good heat dissipation. PA has 2.5 dB flatness of frequency response and PA can operate 24x7x365 in any digital modes without extra cooling. Specifications Nominal power supply – 13.5v Nominal current is – 7A Maximum current is – 10A Idle current is – 0.8A Input frequency 1.8, 3.5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 24, 28, 50 MHz Input and output impedance is 50 Ohm Input SWR – better than 1.5 for all bands Nominal input power is 34dBm (2.5W) Maximum input power is 37dBm (5W) Nominal output power 47dBm (50W CW) Maximum output power is 48.5dBm (65W CW) Measured IMD3 perfomance is -32dB for nominal power External PTT signal – GND active Band switching – manual, by pressing a button Case size 187x120x80 mm
Product is in production
More Info: https://www.60dbm.com/product/50-w-hf-50mhz-power-amplifier-ft-817-icom-703-icom-705-elecraft-kx3/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
1414
VE3TMT Rating: 2023-01-04
Nice little amplifier Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After downsizing to a Flex 1500 I was looking for a small solid state amp to help boost the Flex's 5W signal. In addition to provide a healthy 50W output, I could use this amp to drive my Yaesu FL-2100B.

The amp arrived well packaged from the Ukraine without any damage. Delivery took just over a month, not bad considering it was shipped just before Christmas.

First think I noticed when unpacking the amp was the thin power cable. No way is this going to pass the 10A required for 50W output. When I got the amp home, I remove the cover to inspect the interior. The amp is put together very nicely. I removed the supplied cable from the amp and soldered in some 14AWG power leads. These were much more substantial than the original. The supplied cable was only about 6" long, too short in my opinion to reach your power supply, unless the amp was sitting right on top of it.

Amplifier keying is provided through a rear panel mounted RCA jack. This keying method worked flawlessly. On the front of the amp is the power/band switch button. There is no automatic band switching with this unit. A long press turns the amp on, and then short presses step you through the bands. Another long press turns the amplifier off.

I went through each band as Paul had previously told me there will be different drive levels required, depending on the band to get full output. I found this to be true, varying anywhere from 15% to 50% from the flex to hit 50W on the output meter.

I made a few contacts at the 50W level with no reports of distortion or artifacts. I then lowered the output to 25W and run this into the Yaesu, achieving about 250W out. Again no issues reported with any of the stations I contacted.

This is a nice little amp that could easily be put into service in POTA or other portable operations. It gives a little umph to your QRP signal and I could definitely notice the success rate of my calls when going from 5W to 50W.

I think this little amp is a winner.