Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Yaesu FL2500

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 : Yaesu FL2500
Reviews: 4MSRP: 1,499.00
Description:
HF Amplifier, 160-10 MX
Product is not in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0043.8
N8FVJ Rating: 2020-06-02
Better than other Sweep Tube Amps Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The FL-2500 is a good amplifier. It does not have tuned input, but most HF radios have a built-in antenna tuner. The match is usually better than 2 to 1.

This amp uses 5 6KD6 tubes, thus makes more power vs the four sweep tube Ameritron, Dentron and Amp Supply amplifiers that typically produce 500-600 watts PEP out on 75 meters. The Yaesu FT-2500 produces 800 watts PEP output on 75 meters.

Only issue is replacement tubes are expensive. Ameritron model 811H 811A tube amps make same power with $120 worth of replacement tubes.

Update May 2020:
the unreliable Chinese 811A tubes now cost the same as NOS 6KD6. The NOS 6KD6 are reliable, the Chinese 811A are not. I would rather own the FL-2500 vs the Ameritron AL-811H.
AK4NJ Rating: 2011-11-21
Built like a tank Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Bought mine on Ebay about a year ago. I never push it harder then a Kilowatt, and it does that without a whimper. Its not an Alpha, but on the other hand it didn't cost me $6000. The op on the other end doesn't know what I'm using, just that I have a powerful, clean signal. That's all that I ask of an amplifier. She has a small desktop footprint, built like a tank, for the reasonable price I paid for it, I think I made a wise purchase.
ZL3AG Rating: 2011-07-04
Great Old Workhorse Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I picked one of these up in1990. I am still running the same tubes that were in it then. Toshiba 6KD6s.
Two years ago I revamped the power supply with new 6A diodes and new electrolytics replacing the three 100uF units with 330uF units.
I have a good supply of NOS 6KD6's but so far have had no need to deploy.
Power out capability, PEP tested to a dummy load.
160mx 800W
80mx 900W
40mx 850W
20mx 850W
15mx 800W
10mx 750W
Power gain +13dB.
I did the mods.dk mod of placing a 10 ohm resistor in each tube's cathode. I think that is why the tubes have lasted so well.I have a tuning chart to preset the plate and loading capacitors for 100kHz increments across the bands. I do not then need to strain the tubes with a tuneup process at each QSY.
PA7JS Rating: 2002-12-27
Good old worker Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have the ft-2500 the good old linear for about 7 years now and its working perfectly but you must be very carefully with tuning , do it in a low power and only a vew seconds then it will working quit allright for you i.ll stil enjoy the oldtimer with the 6KD6 tubes in it
28 Mhz about 300 watts
80 mtr about 900 watts
160 about 800 watts
And all real power output ,
73,s Jack PA7JS