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Reviews For: ICOM 2K

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

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Review Summary For : ICOM 2K
Reviews: 44MSRP: 1,300 (used)
Description:
Icom 2 KL HF Amp 10-160/ AT500 Tunner
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.icomamerica.com/amateur/index2.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00445
K5VOA Rating: 2001-12-20
Good value, solid performance Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I picked up an IC-2KL on ebay and have really enjoyed it. The 10 meter mod kit is still available at Icom and is simple to install. Word of caution - I had a bad capacitor in the mod kit, evidenced by the overheating of a circuit trace during transmissions. Easy to identify and replace. The many built-in protections make it hard to hurt this amp. I considered an Ameritron ALS-600 when shopping for a solid-state amp, but a look at the insides of that amp compared to the used Icom IC-2KL made the decision easy. The 2KL is built with precision and typical Icom fit and finish. The interface with my 756 Pro is automatic and hands-free. A big selling point with me is always fan-noise. The 2KL fan has yet to run during SSB transmission. The heat-tube radiator keeps the amp very cool only rarely needing the fan to kick-in. Other amps need constant fan blowing. I know the finals are expensive, but I don't expect to ever replace them, this amp is so well protected. Keep in mind that for full power out, the 2KL likes to see a very low SWR. I use a manual tuner. Used prices for an excellent condition 2KL are often lower than new, less quality construction solid-state amps.
KG4LRU Rating: 2001-08-16
Bullet Pruf Amp Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Icoms 2 Kl Amp when Teamed up with their matching AT - 500 Auto Tuner this unbeatable combo ,will work with most Icom Rigs with ACC jack via molex Most have the 10 meter upgrade also you must have the factory power supply ,Unit has cooling fan runs very little unless your very long winded,500 watts max on side band. I have been using this unit for 4 months its always have been enough power have alway gotten great signal reports! Compared to my L4 Drake a very compact amp that I belive under priced on the used market I payed 1000 for the amp with power supply and 325, AT-500 matching Tuner, I have seen them sell as low as 800. and as high as 1500 for one with all the boxes and like new ( used cond ). Very simple use flip it on and talk you can control output from Transciver . Service History on these amps our excellent they never Brake! If you find one buy it! They our a great bargain ! Phil KG4LRU
N.A. Rating: 2000-03-14
The Icom IC-2KL - a real little workhorse. Time Owned: unknown months.
I purchased an Icom IC-2KL amplifier and AT-500 autotuner in mid-1989, and ran it for ten years with various Icom transceivers. The amplifier-tuner combination operated flawlessly, and never gave a bit of trouble. Automatic band selection and tuning, synchronised to the transceiver, made rapid band and frequency changes very easy.

The IC-2KL delivered 500W on all bands with a 120V mains supply, and the power gain ranged from approx. 12 dB on 80m to 8.5 dB on 10m. Typical drive power for 500W output was 50 to 60W. IP3 was better than -30 dB relative to peak 2-tone on all bands. Slightly better linearity could probably be achieved with 220V mains.

The only concern I would have is the high price of the 2SC2652 bipolar power transistors; they are discontinued, and a matched pair costs $175. (The IC-2KL uses two matched pairs.) However, the Motorola MRF448 is an acceptable replacement device, and is less expensive.

Notwithstanding all of this, I would not be overly concerned about the longevity of the devices. They are rated at 200W output each with Vcc = 40V , and the IC-2KL provides excellent protection. If the amplifier is driven to 500W max. output, with ALC, the transistors will not normally fail. The ALC line must always be connected, to ensure proper operation of the protection circuits.

International and European versions come equipped for all bands 160 - 10m, including the WARC bands. US versions require a modification to activate 10/12m (Icom sells a mod kit for about $50).

A used IC-2KL/AT-500 pair trades at $1200 to $1300 in the used market. If you can find one in clean, working condition in this price range, go for it!
SM5USK Rating: 2000-03-11
What is your opinion? Time Owned: unknown months.
Just want to know if this amp.is good? Please write your opinion!

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Earlier 5-star review posted by SM5USK on 2000-03-11

Just want to know if this amp.is good? Please write your opinion!