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Reviews For: Ameritron AL-80A

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

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Review Summary For : Ameritron AL-80A
Reviews: 56MSRP: 1399
Description:
Ameritron AL-80a 1KW Output, 160-15, 10 possible with mod.
run a single 3-500z, 850 watts CW, 1000 watts SSB.
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00564.9
KG4HUP Rating: 2006-10-23
nice 1KW amp Time Owned: more than 12 months.
i have had this amp for over 6 years an I have never had any problem! I normally run it at 600 to 700 watts but it will reach 1KW with my 100 watt rigs ic751A an ic746. Just took it apart the other day to give it a good cleaning an the 3-500 eimac looks just like it did the day I got it.One wheat light was out on the power meter an I replaced all four. Total repair in 6 years $1.50. I hope my new AL1200 can do that. 73's Tom Fisher KG4HUP
SSB Rating: 2006-10-14
Best deal around Time Owned: more than 12 months.
For the money this amp is a good value. I would rather have an amp with one 3-500Z than 2 or more other tubes like 572, 811, or even worst an old sweep tube amp. The "A" version of this series is in my opinion a better looking amp than that cross needle "B" model. Running this amp at Ameritron's recommendation is above the specs for this tube. Run 1kw output at your own risk. I never had any problem with this amp even though I use my solid state amp more. For the money, this amp is hard to beat.

Alex..
K7RFI Rating: 2006-08-13
Great Amp!!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned this amp for over 5 years. Works great. easy to tune!!over 1 kw out. built like a tank!!
K6SDW Rating: 2006-07-27
SOLID Time Owned: more than 12 months.
DAMN good amp and very forgiving -- good thing, I've inadverently abused it (too much wine, I think....) once too often and it keeps on chugging!! Well, like the time I tried loading it up to the wrong antenna....what antenna was that? It just kept putting out power and not too much complaining, did get hot!!

Anyways, always great reports when using the amp and not a problem with it.......

73....ed
W4VD Rating: 2006-07-27
great amp! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
While I don't care much for MFJ products, the Ameritron amps are an exception, while living in YS1, I picked up a used AL80A on a trip to the States with the internal QSK5 board factory installed. It interfaced beautifully with my Yaesu FT890 and was a completely silent amp, just as pleasing on SSB as QSK CW, it performed beautifully under very poor voltage conditions, I ran it in many contests and of course in hour after hour of handing out YS to other hams all over the world, a very solid piece of gear.

The only thing I didn't agree with was 1000w claimed output on a single 3-500Z continuously, that is running it a little hard IMO, I ran mine around 700-800 watts and it never failed me. It was still as stout as the day I got it when I sold it, it's probably still running down there today.
If you want an amp in this power class, this is one you should consider, there are others that cost less, but the 3-500Z's are built like tanks (provided you put the proper fil E on them) and will outlive many pairs of 811's and 572B's.
Bill
N1FCJ Rating: 2006-01-06
Great bang for the buck! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought mine used and it needed a few minor repairs. I repaired everything and I am VERY impressed with this amp. I get GREAT audio reports and it puts out what it claims. The instructions for tuning were a bit odd but I just built a push button switch into a headphone plug, which I plug into the keyer jack of the radio. I switch to CW, put the rig in TX, press the button and the keyer generates a string of dits to tune by. Tunes the amp with no stress and keeps the dummy load cool too. A great amp that can be found for cheap money used. By the way, I tried it on 120V & 240V. Didn't notice a difference but both were 20A dedicated lines.

Joe N1FCJ
N1WL Rating: 2005-12-10
Runs and works fine Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had my Al-80A for about 4 years. I bought it second hand with a new tube and it performed flawlessly ever since. I always get good signal reports with it and have not experienced any problems or issues. I think it is a good bang for the buck if you can find a good used one.
VE3NYZ Rating: 2005-11-22
Excellent Amplifier Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
An excellent amplifier that delivers high power, quietly, effeciently with no sparking or arcing.
I would definetly recommend this amplifier to anyone who wants an economical amp that will run from a wall outlet.
VY0PW Rating: 2005-11-19
nice rig Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Bought it used and did not have much trouble with it. Burned one rectifier once most likely due to poor power in(portable location in VK8).

Was a little noisy (humming) when converted from 120V to 220 but fine again when I came back to VE land and changed to 120V again.

Simple rig but gives you the power you need and easy to operate. The tube is a real gem and tough.Quiet fan.

Will use mine it until it falls apart.

Great basic amplifier, highly recommened.

73
Peter
VY0PW
ex VE8PW
ex VK8PW
ex F0BAU
N7WR Rating: 2005-09-07
Very Good Amp Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Picked up a used but very clean AL 80 A. Also have an AL 80 B I actually like the appearance of the A better and it puts out about 200 watts more (comparing them using the same watt meter) than the B model on 160, 80 and 40. Both have new tubes, same manufacturer.

For the money a very good amp on the used market if you can find one in good shape