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Reviews For: TE Systems 0552G 50 Mhz 375 watts linear amplifier

Category: Amplifiers: RF Power - 6M/VHF/UHF+

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Review Summary For : TE Systems 0552G 50 Mhz 375 watts linear amplifier
Reviews: 16MSRP: 500
Description:
Frequency: 50-54Mhz (tuned for 2 Mhz bandwidth) Input power: 10-25 watts; Output power: >375 watts; Amp. Ratio: 15 (25watt in 375 watt out); Class operation: AB linear;
Rx preamp gain: >15db; Rx preamp NF : <0.6db; Power: 13.8v 55A
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00164.6
KI4KVS Rating: 2006-10-05
Works as advertised Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I, also, bought directly from TE Systems. The amp arrived on a Friday, and it was being shipped back the following Monday. I understand "infant mortality" in solid state devices, so I wasn't too upset. It took two months (THAT did make me upset) for the amp to be returned (no charge for the work) - a relay was bad. Since this review is about the amplifier, and not TE Systems' "service", I'll just say that calls were not made, as promised, nor were emails sent, as promised.

The amplifier, itself, works as advertised. If you put a good drive signal into it, you'll get a good signal out of it. If your drive is over modulated, or has any problems, the amplifier does what it's supposed to do, and passes them along - at a much more noticeable level!

Good product, made by what appears to be a good, but very understaffed, company. I've owned it for over three months, but have only been using it for one.
W5WVO Rating: 2006-05-27
Truly excellent amplifier Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I bought my 0552G directly from TE Systems, as their few distributors seem to be usually out of stock of this highly sought-after unit. Delivery was quick, and the packing for shipment was way into overkill mode. It took five minutes to completely unpackage it! Impressive.

I found the manual to be fairly comprehensive (though being a tech writer, I have pretty persnickety standards for such things). I was able to get it hooked up and working without any glitches.

Performance results have been outstanding. Though TE Systems conservatively rates the unit for 25W of drive (producing 375W output), I found through testing that it will easily produce 450W output with a totally clean signal. Heavy-duty use at this level isn't recommended, but with an outboard muffin fan, it should handle it. I run mine at 400W (27W drive) and it never overheats, no external fan required.

The built-in receive preamp isn't needed in my situation because my external noise floor is way above the internal noise generated in my receive chain. I simply leave it turned off. If you live in an exceptionally quiet place (don't I wish I did!), the preamp would probably be more useful.

Most people who own this amplifier power it with an Astron RS-70M analog power supply, and I'm no exception. This power supply is reviewed separately and is also highly recommended.

I highly recommend this amplifier to anyone.
N3JBH Rating: 2006-03-29
simply wonderful Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Very nice amplifier. Well constructed with excellent manual.
And it includes the accessory plug and crimp on wire connectors. Nothing extra to ever buy.
As far as shipping they packed this amp for war. They sure don't skimp on that. Delivery time was about a week. And I am very happy with them. I will do business with Te systems again. Jeff n3jbh
AD5TH Rating: 2006-01-30
Solid as a ROCK Performance Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Just as stout as my other TE amp (1452G) and runs at full tilt 400W+m with no complaints.
Photos of inside and out as well as 0552G owner's manual with schematic, parts list, test procedure etc at this link
http://www.ad5th.com/0552g.html
K4LRX Rating: 2004-02-18
Good Performer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used this unit on six meter SSB for the last five years,and it is a solid performer.T.E. had originally suggested 75 watts of drive for this model. Later, this was updated to 25 watts of drive for it to produce 400 watts. As a result of this suggestion the 552 runs forever with out overheating and shutting down as it did with 75 watts of drive.

The amplifier reflects professional workmanship, but the company is a little slow on response time for replacement parts.

Only real draw back for this amplifier is you must have a heavy duty power supply to handle it. I use the Astron 70 amp supply; with full power output of 400 watts you are pulling close to 50 amperes! Additionally make sure you are using a 10 to 12 gauge wire going from the amp to the power supply.

The T/R relay is a little slow and caused the FET on the Preamp of my T.E. two meter amp to short. You may have the same problem with the six meter amp as well,but if your unit does not come with the preamp,then no problem.

I checked my unit on a Tectronix 492 Spectrum Analyzer and found it emitted a very clean signal.

I would certainly suggest the 552 six meter amp and the 1454G two meter amp to other hams as a well constructed and reliable addition to your ham shack!

VR2XMC Rating: 2003-03-17
A solid performer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I ordered two amplifiers to Hong Kong about 3 years ago. I had to wait 3 months before I got them because TE Systems placed priority on government orders first.

While my amplifier has been used only a few times, my colleague's one has been used all day long. As far as I am aware, my colleague's amplifier is still under perfect good working condition. The amplifier runs hours after hours and can still give solid output at 375 watts at least.

The amplifier consists of matched quad transistors for the PA. The RX amplifier is using a commercial grade GasFET. Craftman ship of the amplifier is excellent. It is a solid performer. I shall recommend it to any 6 metre operators who need power lower than 500 watts.

You may wish to ask why I have used the amplifier so few times. Shortly after I bought this amplifier, I got an ICOM ICPW-1 at a very good price. Clearly, I would prefer using PW-1 with my ICOM rigs. Nevertheless, it is unfair to compare this amplifier with PW-1 because they are in different classes.