| KE0EYJ |
Rating:      |
2019-08-01 | |
| High Quality Amp. Tragedy they are no longer made |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I made a Youtube video of my HL-1.2KFX, when I first bought it 2 years ago. I will caution you that I didn't quite know how to run it properly with my Icom 7300, at the time, to get proper power output. I eventually kicked-up the 220v settings a bit, to make up for my house only being about 212v, or some such. That made a difference.
I have since owned it 2 years, and amped 3 different radios. This amp is amazing. The one thing I did do right in the video, was to show the inside of the amp, and the quality built inside. I also have the entire manual set to video, so you can see that in there, too.
I especially like how it has a limiting adjustment in the back. I have used this to make sure my radios, which can sometimes overshoot, do not cause the amp to trip. I have read that tube amps have no issues with this, but Solid State amps do. I agree, but this THP amp totally corrects that issue if you set the dial in the back to keep the peaks under control.
This is the only amp I have owned, and all of the protection circuitry has certainly been needed, and useful. It's a beautiful machine. I have read there is a guy in Washington (I believe) who will still fix these. I hope mine never dies. If I replace it, it will only be because I am concerned about getting it fixed. The size, shape, and performance of this unit is really special. I just love it. |
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| K6TT |
Rating:      |
2014-10-10 | |
| Fantastic! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Given that these amps are no longer produced, now is the time to grab one if you need/want one. I purchased two of the HL-1.2Kfx's within the last month for a very reasonable price. Having previously owning the 1.5, I will knew the built quality and ease of use. But these 1.2s are so much lighter and more compact, frankly with 750W, it's all the power I need. Also the ability to run with 110VAC <15A draw and still get full power out is down right awesome!
I paired the amps with a couple of Kenwood 590s's for the most recent CQP and was just so happy with the auto tuning. Just set the band and you are done! With about 65-70W drive I was seeing full power out. It couldn't be easier.
As for this model, I find the build quality to be extremely high. The ease of use, and performance are excellent. If you have an opportunity to pick one (or two) up, I'd go for it!
(the only thing it's missing is 6M)
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| K7QXG |
Rating:    |
2013-03-10 | |
| Started great;Ended very bad. |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
A bundle of power in a small package that proved very effective, especially in RTTY contests, for a period of 3 1/2 years. Then massive failure during routine operation. Repaired by skilled engineer, Shipping and repair came to $475. About 90 days later, another failure. Sent it to THP authorized repair center in VA (I live in Oregon). Estimate to replace final Mosfets again: $745. Does not include return shipping. I asked them to return it as is and it now will be a very expensive door stop. When it was working it was terrific, but it requires repairs beyond the ability of most amateurs (I tried and two other highly skilled technicians also tried without success). I now regret that I did not buy the Ameritron AL-811H. In fact, I could have bought four AL-811Hs for what I paid for this amp and the first repair cost.
Lesson learned: Don't buy it unless you can repair it yourself. |
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| N0YXE |
Rating:      |
2011-10-19 | |
| WHAT A BARGAIN! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I hav a broken angle and had an operation on my foot. Taking pain pills galore and just reviewed my HL-1.2Kfx amp and sent it to the HL-1.5 review section! So Sorry.
This amp fits perfectly on my desk. No additional power supply supply needed. Running 110 volts. Perfect operation and very simple. This amp should last a long time and give you years of total enjoyment. 750 watts is amazing, especially here in the Midwest with a 10' vertical dipole and East coast pileups. I BREAK THROUGH EVERY TIME! Usually with only 500 watts! Go to my QRZ.COM web site and see it on my desk. If you want to know anything more, write to me: Terry, N0YXE
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| KE5OQV |
Rating:      |
2011-06-10 | |
| Excellent linear amp |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
I use this linear amplifier in conjunction with a Kenwood TS-570D(G) transceiver. The antenna is a Mosley 33A Mini beam.
I received the Tokyo amp from Array Solutions checked out and ready to go. After reading the manual, I hooked up the interconnecting cables and powered up the station. Running 85w from the exciter, the power out averaged 550 watts into the antenna with a SWR equal to ~1.2.
After several hundred QSOs and busting through many pileups, I have nothing but praise for the Tokyo amp. The amp is very quiet even after several hours of use. Fan noise is almost nonexistent. The meter provides monitoring of all the important data needed. It's nice and compact, matching up well with the Kenwood transceiver.
The amp is not cheap but in this world, you get what you pay for. In the case of the Tokyo 1.2 Kfx, you get an excellent product. |
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| KH6DC |
Rating:      |
2011-04-30 | |
| Excellent Amp |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
Well, had this linear for almost a year and it's amazing and haven't let me down yet. In busting pileups, I use this linear at full out put of 750W and a few contester tricks people taught me which results in the contact. I'm, please with the small footprint though the fan is loud - a small price to pay for the clean power output. No need to tune like my tube amp. RTTY at 100% duty cycle, no problem. SSB, piece of cake. Get one, you'll won't be dissappointed.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by KH6DC on 2010-07-16
After 16 years using an Ameritron Al811 tube amp, I bought a Tokyo Hy-Power HL1.2KFx since good quality tubes are getting harder to find. Plugging it in and connecting it to my Icom 7600 and Palstar AT-Auto tuner, this linear is a breeze to use with no tuning required. Opening the cover, the attention to detail is excellent. From the meticulously wound torroids to the perfect connections and soldering job. No solder balls or screws rolling around on the bottom of the case. I saw a friend's Ameritron ALS1300 and the poor attention to detail is a shame with sloppy connections and cold solder joints. He sent it back to HRO and bought a Tokyo Hy-Power HL1.1KFX 600W linear. 750 watts out on SSB and linear runs cool and quiet on 220VAC. Great job THP, awesome!!! |
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| NN3RP |
Rating:      |
2011-01-13 | |
| Small, quiet, perfect! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I got mine off EBay about a month ago. It is practically as new. I had to play with the 220 voltage pots as the default was not giving the proper current for it. But after several tests, I found the right spots.
I placed a call into Array Solutions and their tech support person is superb! This guy had just return from a trip and had a cough and he still talked to me and gave me great support. I needed help with the ALC settings which was delineated by this fellow. I think that I contacted AS twice one day after the other and the same person provided helpful hints in the usage of this jewel.
I love this thing. It is very quiet when key up. It comprehends those who make mistakes at the operating station too (who doesn't). The fan noise is not too altered.
I decided to bid on this unit after reading about it here on EHam reviews. It replaced what used to be my Alpha 374 (1.4KW) which I sold after purchasing Tokyo. I really don't miss the 1.4KW and I am very happy with the 700W set up of the Tokyo.
Besides the above, I can now stay late night doing contesting and the XYL does not complain about high fan noise, and clicks / clacks anymore!
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| W0DXX |
Rating:      |
2010-12-31 | |
| Nice job THP |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| Owned the 1.2 Kfx for about 10 months now and have to say these amps are well built and well thought out. I rarley have to use an amp on HF but when I do the reports are always Q5! If it has a flaw it does trip super fast if over driven, SWR etc and the only fault I see is that, if it trips you have to shut it off then back on to reset it. A quick reset button whould be better than the on, off and then back on again but if they didn't do that I would never have anything to complain about! Again THP, nice job and keep up the quality products. |
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| WD4ELG |
Rating:      |
2010-12-26 | |
| My first amp, very happy |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This is my first venture into QRO levels above 100 watts in my 33 years as a ham. I have been researching for about 5 years, talked with a bunch of hams who owned just aboute every model from Alpha to Ten Tec to Ameritron to Acom to THP, and to the legacy amps of yester-year.
What I wanted was a no-tune amp that would work on 120V in my upstairs ham shack, and needed it to be simple to use and have some protective measures.
Wow, I hit the jackpot. Bought through Array Solutions (thanks Bob, who spent an hour on the phone helping me define my requirements!). I was not unfamiliar with the high price tag for this unit, and it was not lightly that I made the purchase, but I knew I could get refund from Array Solutions if not happy.
Well, I could not be happier. The thing is idiot-proof with plenty of protections (I have needed several so far, as I am not that good at multi-tasking and sometimes pick the wrong antenna on the switch or forget to change the band on the amp my first night at 0200 local!)
Operation could not be simpler. Instructions easy, oh and Array Solutions has their own supplemental manual with recommendations for maximizing the life of the amp while getting the most out of it.
Why did I break down and shell out $2.5K for this thing? In 33 years, I have worked almost 280 countries with 100 watts and wires/modest wire yagis. I cannot improve my antenna farm beyond what it is now. My Elmer always said invest in the antennas until you cannot improve them, and THEN you can get an amplifier. As hams, we are required to use the minimum power necessary to achieve communications. Well, guess what? I missed out on BS7H. I was unable to work VU4. I have tried for years to work BY, 9V1, 9M2, 9M6, XV, XW, P2. I CAN hear them, but they never hear me (except for a single BY in 2008). And with Spratly coming in 2011, it's time to go to the next level if I am going to break the DXCC 300 count. So it was finally time to get an amplifier. And I wanted to focus on using it and not worrying about it. For the price, that's what I got. Power it up and it's just there and it works. Period. Built-in safeguards. Simple as flipping a switch. And I don't need 2KW on SSB or 1 KW on CW. 600-700 watts will get the job done. |
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| KD8MJR |
Rating:      |
2010-07-27 | |
| Fantastic Attention to Detail |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
I waited for more than 6 months before writing a review because I wanted to have all the Facts before saying anything.
Out of the Box:
This Amp is like the finest made Mercedes Benz! Every Detail both Internal and External is top notch, Right out of the box I was marveling at how gorgeous the Amp is, the fit and finish are perfect, the paint work, the Knobs the meter, all top notch stuff.
Then when I opened it up I was mystified how every part is installed with precision and detail. Solder joints are perfect, PC boards are perfect, parts placement looks like something NASA would do, everything is setout to be as compact as possible yet get the best air flow! I noticed no extra jumper wires, all proper connectors used; all parts look like they are hand picked to be the best. In a word, this Amp is Amazing.
Operation:
After seeing the quality of the build you start to have no doubts that this Amp will be a performer and the 1.2KFX does not disappoint! It’s operation is simple and clean.
The Fault protection picks up on everything; and so fast that it made my Relay driven Amp/Tuner bypass useless because before the tuner bypass Relay could fly the THP had detected a high SWR and it faults before the relay could even click. So in a nutshell all you have read about THP’s ability to handle user mistakes and possible bad connections is true, this Amp protected itself from every mistake that I have made in the last 8 months and that list, is fairly long.
The Fan:
The Fan on the 1.2KFX has two speeds, the normal speed is a little loud but nothing that is overbearing, the second Fan speed is much louder but the Truth is I had the Amp for 6 months before I realized it had two speeds. During normal SSB work, even after 2 hours of QSO at full power the unit is barely warm, it’s only when I finally did a QSO in FM mode for about 10 minutes that the Fan went into high gear! I was shocked when it did as I had no idea it had two speeds! After about 2 minutes the Fan went back to low speed and I have never heard it Rev up again, and that’s with over 1000 contacts since owning the Amp.
Reports:
All the reports I have gotten have been very positive. The IMD etc seem to be fine and
The Amp seems to add no distortion to my signal.
Output:
I own an LP-100A digital Vector Meter, now if you know what that is I need not explain further what kind of Accuracy this Meter produces, for others lets just say that this Meter is the closest thing you can buy that comes up to a Few thousand dollar HP calibration Meter.
The 1.2KFX Loafs at 750 Watts, it can peak at 1000 Watts but I don’t recommend it.
For those who will Balk at that, keep in Mind the 1.2KFX uses the Same PA board as the 1.5KFX. and the four SD2922 MOS FETS in this PA board could do 1200 Watts, so the 1.2kfx is really limited by it’s power supply, which when connected to a proper 220V
line can do some Amazing things. I don’t recommend you drive your Amp to these levels, as it may shorten its life, but I can tell you that the 1.2kfx does have a very conservative power rating.
Conclusion:
If you have the money and you want the absolute best then consider any THP Amp as a worthy investment. They say you get what you pay for! In the Case of the 1.2kfx you’re possibly getting a bit more than what you’re paying for
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