| KA0G |
Rating:      |
2006-12-25 | |
| Rugged and Powerful! |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
After not having an amp since I last used an old L4-B years ago, all I can say is WOW! One needs to be very careful to avoid exceding legal power. This amp features the Eimac (not the el-cheapo Rusky variant) 3CPX800 - nor the lower voltage rated 3CX800. If you look carefully at the 3CX800 specs, you will notice that the 3CX is only rated at 2250 volts - something lost on most manufacturers. The 3CPX800 is rated at 3+ KV and is a more expensive tube. Despite my being clumsy with tuning this amp at first, and an antenna that changed SWR, the amp is fully protected. This is a no frills very rugged amp that should last until my estate sells it. I mean the amp and tubes both. And I am talking of 20 more years. Highly recommended. I cannot think of a finer amp.
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| N9TGR |
Rating:      |
2006-10-31 | |
| workhorse |
Time Owned: N.A. |
| I have been running the 2500 for about four years and it has proved to be a real workhorse,no issues or problems of any kind,I also own a henry and an alpha but havent turned them on in years. |
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| NT4I |
Rating:      |
2006-10-19 | |
| The Standard by which all others are judged! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I own several of these beauties and it as good as it gets. Well built - second to none quality, tunes smooth, easily makes legal output power, reasonably quiet, SOLID American made, runs cool. I could go on and on but why bother as you got the message. Pat Stein is knowledgeable, very easy to work with and always available when I called, GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! And he delivered the amplifier as promised. Why buy brand X Y & Z when you can have the best for less. To bad I can't rate it higher than a 5!
Thanks and catch you down the wire, Vince NT4I.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by NT4I on 1999-12-22
This evaluation is on a new amplifier model by Command Technologies “ COMMANDER HF-2500 HP” (HP = High Performance) .Let me start by telling you that I have been a licensed ham for 32 years. Over this span, I have had just about every amplifier manufactured or know to man. OK here’s the story:
I received the amp via UPS from Command Technologies as promised, no excuses, no delays, period. I received two box’s, the amplifier in one box and the plate transformer in the other. Both items were packed well and double boxed. Inside of the amplifier where the transformed was to be mounted was an additional box with two Eimac 3CPX800A7 tubes, date coded 9943. This indicated that the tubes were made in the 43 week of 1999, hence brand new fresh tubes. Also included was the warranty information from Eimac. I installed the tubes into their sockets and also the plate transformer. The plate transformer is held in place by 4, ¼-20 studs that the transformer slid over and the matching nuts. There was one molex type plug that snapped together with it’s mate and two high voltage wires that connected to an insulated block. The entire process took less than 15 minutes! I installed my AC primary plug and I was warming the amp up. Interconnections were straight forth and I was mated with my Yaesu FT-1000MP in about another 5 minutes.
This new HP model is essentially the same as my original HF-2500 that I bought (and still use regularly) from Command technologies back in 1983, EXCEPT: The tubes in the new HP model are 3CPX800A7’s (pulse rated) not the standard 3CX800A7’s . The pulse rated tube allows a higher plate voltage to be used in the amplifier. The P tube is noticeable taller, looks about ¼” or so than the standard tube. The HP transformer is larger and heavier that the standard hypersil used in the straight HF-2500. The rest of the power supply is also heaver. The HP model uses the same full wave bridge rectifier that is used in their HF-2500E (Export model) that uses 3 tubes! I also ordered my HP model with full break-in QSK which I’ll talk about later. It also appears that a change was made in the cooling system over the other Commander models that I have here in the shack. (I have every model made except the 3 holer) For one, it’s quieter and second the holes are smaller and placed differently.
OK now the good stuff, I first fired up 40 meters. With about 30 watts of drive the amp delivered 1,500 watts out into my dummy load. I was reading the power via a Coxial Dynamics watt meter with the 2,500 watt slug. I just had to see what a little more drive would do. I advanced the drive slightly and the output jumped to 2,000. OK, I went just a little more just up to the 2,500 watt output mark.. I switched to SSB and talked to myself for about 5 minutes till the dummy load heated up. The amp naturally got warm, but not as hot as you would suspect. I want to make it perfectly clear, I never exceeded the tube ratings at any time! In fact I never got that close to their maximum ratings. What this means is that at 1,500 watts out this amp will go forever, RTTY, SSTV, etc. PERIOD!
I went to the CW mode as I am an avid CW operator, and I’ll tell you, this is one of the smoothest amps I have used.
The manual is clear, concise, accurate and complete. There is nothing left to ponder about with this manual. It’s all there and than some.
Bottom line, forget about Ameritrons, Alpha’s, Ten-Tec’s, Henry’s and the others, BUY THIS AMP! COMMANDER HF-2500HP!!!!
The BIG question PRICE: Surprisingly, it’s not much more than the standard HF-2500, I expected to pay more but never expected to get so much amp!
PS: Pat Stien is a friendly knowledgeable ham who happens to build a hellava an amp. If anyone has any questions on something I forgot, call me and I’ll fill you in. Vince NT4I 804.779.0487
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| G0UIH |
Rating:      |
2006-05-10 | |
| Top Class Equipment |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Having owned a TL922 for quite a few years, I decided the time had come for a change of HF Amp.
Also the 3-500's were passed their best.
I'd looked over the winter period on Eham.net at the reviews from users of many models and manufacturers.
My new criteria was an amp that was rugged,reliable and dependable - and
that would last many years.
After carefull consideration the choice was made to go for the Commander HF-2500 from
Command Technologies in Ohio USA. Following my initial correspondences with Pat N8BRA,the
unit was ordered and duly delivered by International Airfreight (DHL).
Two boxes were included in the delivery, 1 for the transformer and one for the Amp.
Everything had arrived complete, with no damage (always a nice start!)
The first thing to notice is what a superb job of packing Pat had done, with triple packed
containers and spacers.
Following unpacking I duly went through the very well lay'd out instruction manual.
I noticed that the 3 wires forming the AC power cable were Black,White and Green.
As a UK customer this threw me for a second as we're used to Brown, Blue and Green.
After a little homework online, the conversion was the Black "Live", White was "Neutral"
and the Green was "Earth"
I unscrewed both top and bottom covers in order to locate where the transformer was going to sit.
(Nice touch using "Allen" screw head cover bolts and synthetic spacers to prevent case damage.)
The transformer is fairly heavy, so took a little care when placing it into position, but
this was completed without any problems and the unit duly bolted into its housing area
with 4 heavy duty bolts, vibration washers and nuts.
Next was to slot the new 3CX800A7 tubes into position. Lining them up proved a little
on the fiddly side as the tube covers the socket wholly when positioning.
I did not want to bend any of the pins, but after a few attempts is was apparent when the pins
were ready to slot in. I then placed the anode chokes in position and tighted them up.
What is very noticeable about this amp is the superb build quality and layout of the internals.
Everything looked first class and was nicely assembled.
After replacing both covers I was ready for the first "Power Up".When switching on, both front panel lamps burst into life and the unit seemed ok.
First impression was how quiet it was. My old TL922 was much noisier than this.
After a 3 minute warm up period the green "Ready" LED was showing, so time to fire up
and see what happened. At first the unit seem to trip out quite easily.
So a quick email to Pat at CT confirmed that the error was on my side.This type of amp requires you
to retune after any change of output power from your radio.(I'd tuned at 1500w then reduced the radio drive from 40w to 15w- this did not work) - So with 40w of drive and a re-tune the unit was much happier and output was approaching 1500w.Pat was very quick in responding to my query and
communications/dealings were 1st class.
Well, after 1 weeks' use the amp is litterally ticking over. In the UK we're limited to 400w (hi!) so with a 10w drive from my radio the Commander just ticks along all day and the panel meters bearly move.
This should last for years - which is why I bought it.
Have I made the correct purchase? - well so far, without doubt, the right decision.
Only time will tell, will post an update in the future.
Vry 73 Steve G0UIH/VK2IAY/3D2FI
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| NE5C |
Rating:      |
2006-03-28 | |
| "AWESOME" |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I've used every kind of Amp ever made, from Alpha, Henry and on down the line. My Commander HF2500 is absolutely the finest Amp I have ever had the "PLEASURE" to operate. And you know HONESTLY these days when everything out there is about PROFIT, of Sales? It is very satisfying to own a product that has the "QUALITY" of the HEAVY DUTY COMPONENTS built into it as the Commander Amplifier Line. How simple does it get? You can spend years searching...Or Get a Commander and later...Will it to your Heirs (HI HI) God Bless you and 73's DE N5JFJ |
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| N1RWD |
Rating:      |
2005-05-19 | |
| The New and inprove Commander |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Hi there the name here is Robert after selling my first Commander HF 2500 amp. I just like alot of hams ended up regretting i sold the amp in the first place and felt bad after that. I was in the hunt for another one but was not succesfull getting my hands on a good use one. So i ended up buying a NEW one from Pat Commander Technologies and was very happy i made that choice. Let me start by saying is that Pat was always friendly each time i called him up with a question or to check up on how far the amp needed to go and he was always avilable to speak with me about it each time. Now that is trust service comunication
and where can you find this latly. After receiving
my New Commander amp boy was i happy and started to put the ceramic metal triodes and the Hypersil
power transformer. Now here are some of the details changes and inprovements i notice.
1- The EIMAC PULSE RATED 3CPX800A7 are use in the COMMANDER 2500 Not the old 3cx800a7.
2-The fan blower has two speed now high and low
my first Commander just had one speed.
3-The grid current meter on the front panel is now 0-200 not like the old Commander 0-100.
4-Facing the amp in front of you on the right hand side where the transformer is at the factory
air pot holes are no longer drilled there.
5-Knobs have been change to a bigger black with silver chrome in front of the amp select band,tune
load and VP-IP switchs.
6-The transmit and power LCD lights are cystal clear now but turn green when ready and red when you are keyed up.
7- The numbers 2500 in the front panel are black now instead of RED.
8- It is more easyer to tune up then my old Commander amp wothout flicking the tune and load grid.
9- 2750 on my plate voltage meter not the standerd
2600v.
10- Still built like a tank excellent craftman- ship quality parts Puts out 2500 watts on my bird meter and 3000 watts on PEP.
The Commander amp is back and with the NEW MAGNUM 2500 soon to come watch out it might just blow your socks off.
Please check the new website from COMMAND TECHNOLGIES it is looking nice and it was about time thank you much Pat you are the champ of the amps and i love my New Commander 2500 73's. |
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| N4JBK |
Rating:      |
2004-08-22 | |
| Tough as they get |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| This is the 2500hp version, it was delivered as promised. The amp went together easily and is built like a tank. This thing idles at 1500 watts and will put 3500 watts into my coaxial dynamics meter anytime I ask it to. The relay and the fan are a little loud ( I dont know why a kilovac or jennings relay isnt an option). I like the amp so well I bought its six meter brother to keep it company. |
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| W7DUD |
Rating:      |
2003-12-22 | |
| 6 years, and still going strong |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Back about 6 years, having previously unpacked 2 new brand X amplifiers, and finding one not put together all the way, and both inoperable, I gave Command Technology a call. The best thing I have done, for my Amateur Radio experience, was when I answered "Yes", when Pat asked me if I wanted him to build an HF2500, for me.
It arrived on schedule. I unpacked it, installed the massive transformer, plugged in the tubes, and fired it up.
With 18 to 20 watts of drive, I easily got 1500 watts out. I usually operate at 1000 watts, with about 18 watts of drive, grid current at 38ma (total for 2 tubes), and about 650ma of plate current.
This amp can go 1200 watts all day and night, without complaining. 6 years, and still going strong.
Too bad I spent the same amount on the other 2 no-good amps. I am eying one of them, to use the transformer and power supply, to build a nice Tesla Coil.
My advice is: Buy a good amp the first time! It is a lot cheaper, in the long run. |
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| N7KJ |
Rating:      |
2003-01-30 | |
| Super Amplifier |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I am the proud owner of a HF-2500HP for over a year now. I wanted to wait for a little while,and use this amp until I write my comments. Well, there not much I could say that hasn't been said here before. To sum it up, this amp with it's
3CPX800A7 tubes is the best of its kind I have ever used, and I've had a few. It is easy to tune, and very little drive gets you legal limit +. I usually drive it with about 18 watt on 75 meters, and it produces about 1500 watt PEP. On other band I rarely use more that about 8 to 12 watt drive to get about 1KW PEP out. I get unsolicited reports on my excellent audio.
I can only recommend this amplifier to anyone undecided out there. If you are looking for a super quality amp, made in the good old US of A with Eimac tubes (instead of Russian tubes), this is the one. If you need any more info, feel free to drop me an e-mail N7KJ@arrl.net .
73 de Scott N7KJ
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| K8RA |
Rating:      |
2003-01-26 | |
| Great Amplifier |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have built many amplifiers over the past 40 years. None have worked any better than this one. For a commercial amplifier, I recommend this one without hesitation. I runs great on every band and loafs at 1500 watts output.
A+++
K8RA |
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