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Reviews For: Ameritron AL-1500

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

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Review Summary For : Ameritron AL-1500
Reviews: 75MSRP: 2845
Description:
3CX1500/8877 Tube Type Linear Amplifier
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.ameritron.com/products.php?prodid=AL-1500
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
25754.8
K0SF Rating: 2014-01-03
Solid full power HF amplifier Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The Ameritron AL-1500 is a solid amplifier. It is able to provide 1.5 KW output on all bands. It reminds me of the Heathkit SB-220 in the sense that it is a good value, especially if purchased used.

There are a few issues with the AL-1500 that the user should check. I purchased a used and abused AL-1500 at low cost. I have since repaired it and brought it back to full electrical function. These issues may apply to your amplifier. In order of importance:

1.) 8877 warm-up circuit: My 8877 warm-up had accelerated to 140 seconds, well short of the 180 seconds recommended by Eimac or Taylor. My issue was a defective C9, 100 uF cap on the timer/overload board. I replaced the cap. Possibly related, my 8877 had low gain and I replaced it. I am unsure whether the under-spec warm-up time contributed to the poor tube condition or not, but I assume most users won't want to chance it.

2.) Welded-stuck contacts on RLY3: Except for T2's internal resistance, my HV transformer had no in-rush protection. I had two leaky diodes on the rectifier I needed to replace, I believe as a consequence of a lack of in-rush protection. Check and replace RLY3 if needed.

3.) Arced bandswitch contact. The AL-1500 (AL-1200, AL-82) bandswitch wipers use minimal material. I would prefer that these are heavier stock. The issue is that if the contact is poor (like one of mine), the contact will arc, and then melt away some of the material. Keep the contacts clean, and make sure they wipe properly as the bandswitch is turned. I have spoken to other hams that vigilently monitor the condition of their AL-82/1200/1500 bandswitches.

I prefer the QRO HF-2500DX or HF-3KDX because the workmanship is better, but the Ameritron AL-1500 is a solid performer.

Perhaps an advantage of the AL-1500 over the QRO is that it is very easy to take apart and clean, or prepare for shipping. If you move your amplifier frequently, you'll like this feature.
KC5WS Rating: 2013-11-03
Does the job well! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought used at a hamfest some years ago. It showed some fire / heat damage to the cover around the air inlet near transformer. Capacitor bank probably blew up sometime or another, but was replaced with full operation. I paid $1800, so I expected some wear / tear. I am a electronics technician, so I don't mind working on my amps. I have only had, one equalizing resistor open on the capacitor bank and one capacitor breakdown. I replaced the capacitor bank and it's power output is phenomenal,I love it! Ameritron / MFJ is ok in my experience and own several Ham products.
KE4COL Rating: 2013-10-09
Powerful and clean Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I almost didn't buy this amp because I had read so many times how hard they were to tune up. Don't believe it. Dip the plate, tune the the grid add a little extra load and increase power and repeat. Just like all the other amps I have owned. After a few days of operation you will be tuning the amp like you have had it all your life. I have owned a Kenwood TL-922 and an Ameritron AL-80A. Both of these were great amps, but NO WHERE NEAR the power of the AL-1500. One reason I went with the AL-1500 was the cooling system. Same as the AL-1200 and AL-82. I can run 1kw and the amp is just loafing, as well as running cool and under no stress at all. I have a Taylor and an Eimac tube. I can't tell any difference between the two. I have no problems with TVI, it seems to be a "cleaner" amp than the AL-80A. I do recommend adding the Bias Shutoff Board, its easy to install and will let the amp run much cooler as well as extending the tube life.
In conclusion, for the money you will not buy a better amp with this much power.
VA2AM Rating: 2013-09-16
Close to top line amplifier and not an option from Ameritron Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This will depend with what we want to compare its price visits top line we get what we pay for.To be fair cw & ssb at 1500 watts will do a fair job for many years at low swr. Now if we wanted to get closer to commercial level and top of the line I decided to improve each section and I wished Ameritron would offer HD version and the total cost is not that much like $200 maximum.
I modified each section, 500 v HV capacitor because they were at 100% duty and known for failing after few years at least there are 2x MOV ,,,, improved 80-160m filtering at filament and HV choke, safety cathode fuse in the event of a shorted grill cathode, blower speed switch, added PS fan, increased the HV diode gap with HV neutralisation resistor as heat dissipation, 24v PS, vacuum relays with key-in line with Ig safety limit, double HV input wiring size transformer & filament secondary, now HV drops <300 volts at 2 kw key down with a better IMD, filament soft start, capacitor RF filter for the bias zener, chimney to prevent hot air door knob capacitance shift, sealed blower fan air leak at 4x tube box corners, insulation material to reduce fan noise.
The RF section is well built at the exception of no chimney..!, band selector and load capacitor a little limited but seen it will monitor your Ig then it is impossible to flash over or arcing them if you did a mistake like the wrong antenna or high SWR. I fabricated a front cover dial reference plate 0-180 degrees as reference.
Again my goal was to increase the safety and tube life and a better heat dissipation only recommended for RTTY contest at 1.5kw limitation and long transmission. Now my radio and amplifier get a better -38 to -41 db IMD on all bands. Good cooling is the way to go.
If this was your first +1.5kw without smoking the parts, I agree for +4.5 score and 4.0 against HD version found on the market.
I am satisfy with my AL-1500 modifications similar to Marconi BH-30 commercial amplifier with almost similar HD circuit and head room.
former_N4WN Rating: 2013-08-02
A great Amp for the price Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I purchased this amp after experience with less than full legal limit amps. I have owned several amps that boasted of full legal but fell short. This amp will carry full legal limit and then some.
It will coast at 1500 watts with 55 watts out of the exciter. If you crank it up to 100 watts you can see 2500 watts on a Power Master II. The fan speed has four settings that are changed very easily internally to obtain the desired cooling for your type of operating. It does take approximately 2.5 minutes to warm up the tube before transmitting; a small inconvenience for the performance of this amp. I was worried about the tuning but it is no trouble. I tune in 20 watt increments. If you do mess up, the safety feature will turn the amp off. It will not damage any components. (I have only had to this happen once when I had switched antennas to receive and forgot.)
Ameritron service is superior. You can talk to a live person on the phone that will talk you through issues. You can make an appointment (if you live close enough to drive) and they will repair while you wait.
It may be the last amp I purchase.
AE7KZ Rating: 2012-09-07
AE7KZ Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is a very good amp for those wanting something that will provide key down 1500w output with 50w or less drive on most bands without breaking the bank. I bought this amp used with the Peter Dahl transformer, genuine Eimac tube, and brand new high voltage section for $2000 shipped.

I have not had a single issue with the amplifier despite nearly always running 1500w on SSB and many digital modes. This amp does require that you be more careful than most while tuning up, as the maximum grid current is VERY easy to exceed if you aren't watching what you are doing. Like others have said, it is not a "tune for max smoke" amplifier... it is a carefully tune for what you need amplifier.

That being said, max smoke into a dummy load tunes easily to nearly 2500w output with 100w drive. The amount of overhead this amp provides is really nice to have. I have never felt like I am pushing the amp hard at 1500w out, and I don't have to run my base rig hard to get legal limit either.

The bottom line is that this is probably the best bang for the buck available in a legal limit HF amplifier. It is extremely robust, doesn't break a sweat when running legal limit, and if you are careful with your tuning, the tube should last a lifetime. If I were going to buy another manual tune legal limit amplifier without spending a small fortune, this would still be my first choice. I have absolutely no buyers remorse after nearly two years of ownership.
KB3RSB Rating: 2012-03-06
good amp kb3rsb Time Owned: more than 12 months.
i have had several ameritrons power out is 1500 + sent in for check up going on four weeks have not heard from ameritron ! i know they are busy, but warenty work should come first. good tech support.good bang for the money !paid for 2 year warrenty glad i did.
K8ZPO Rating: 2011-11-23
Great Value Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This was my 1st leagle limit amp and the only thing I had to change is how I tune up. I have to go slower and watch Grid current. Do that and you can pretty much run your radio and amp at 1/2 power and do the limit.
KE4WI Rating: 2011-08-17
Well satisfied with new AL-1500 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I researched a lot of amplifiers for cost vs performance before buying the AL-1500. I have owned several near legal limit amplifiers in the past and have always been disappointed with the lack of output power at 100 watts in. For me, I get get full legal limit out with less than 60 watts of drive in. This keeps the Solid State tranceiver cool even on RTTY. I am very satisfied with this Amplifier. It is no light weight though. It comes in three boxes and assembly is required. No problem if you follow the instructions.
NE5C Rating: 2010-11-06
Fine Amplifier Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I purchased my AL-1500 used, and this model has the older Peter Dahl Transformer.
I've owned Amps...I've Sold Amps...Yet I'd like to say here that so far, I am well pleased with the Ameritron AL-1500.
I had a old power supply Capacitor that Spewed, shortly after I purchased the amp. Yet, with a call to Ameritron, a simple chat with Tech support, I had the whole new power supply Board and bank of Capacitors received just a few days.
I installed the new Board, Fired this puppy up, and the Amp has been a "pure pleasure" to operate.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the Amplifier and with Ameritron and my experience with their Customer Support system.