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Reviews For: King Conversions 6 meter amps

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

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Review Summary For : King Conversions 6 meter amps
Reviews: 80MSRP:
Description:
HF amplifier conversion to 6M
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.kingconversions.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00805
KM5FL Rating: 2009-03-18
You can't go wrong Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have known Lou Parascondola, W1QJ of King Conversions for several years. Lou is in the business of converting selected HF amplifiers to mono band 6 meter units. A few months ago, I was in contact with Lou and we were discussing my SB-220 that I was in the process of converting to 6 meters. I had it working but it wasn’t making full power. He offered some suggestions for changes to cure the problem areas. I made those changes and the amp came to life. Lou really knows his stuff.

Lou’s SB-220/221 conversions retain the classic Heathkit appearance with new custom control labeling and logo. The band switch is no longer needed and is replaced with a tuned input control, allowing the exciter to reach the required drive power without encountering power foldback.

Coax connections, and Antenna Relay connections are in their original locations. Hook-up and operation is straightforward, and easy to accomplish. When the amp arrives, one only has to place the amplifier in line and proceed according to the instructions provided by Lou. Tune up is easily accomplished and the results will be quite satisfying. The pair of 3-500Zs easily produce 1400 watts with less than 100 watts total drive. The power is produced without complaint from the amp. No “glitches”, arcs, or sparks will be encountered with the amplifier.

If you are looking for an alternative to the high priced new offerings of the “big factory” manufacturers, I suggest you look into acquiring a converted amplifier from King Conversions.

Nick KM5FL
W1LBY Rating: 2009-02-28
Excellent Workmanship and Customer Service - W1LBY Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned the SB-220 6 meter conversion amp for a couple of years now and I'm just getting to write a review.
This was a very well done Conversion both inside and out , it has great features like the low key so it can be keyed by the newer rigs.
The tuned input is also a very big plus not to mention the addition of a standby switch and the instant on and 1200+ watts out of the 3-500z tubes makes this an outstanding amplifier.
All this and a beautifully silk screened front panel to top it off.
But to me the most important part is knowing I can contact Lou 2+ years after having bought the amp and still have him help me with any problems that may arise.
Customer service is what really makes a King Conversion amplifier a great value.
KK5O Rating: 2009-01-24
really nice Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
the amp lou built up for me works great and works everytime. lou is a honest guy . i had one tube damaged in shipping and he took care of it with the shipping insurer. lou thanks . it is a lot of crap to mess with all that stuff but i really appreciate it.
so dont be afraid to deal with lou and buy one of his amps. it does exactly what he told me it will do and that is all you can ask. when is the last time you went to a store and bought something that did what they told you it would???
KA2LIM Rating: 2009-01-24
Excellent Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Had an LK-450 converted. All componets used were of excellent quality, "heavy duty". Workmanship is top-rate. Communication is excellent, turn-around time was very quick. All questions are answered straight forward. Put it to work during the VHF contests, It loaf's along at 800+ out with more to spare if needed. Tube stay's cool with fan speed on low. Lou also does repair work on HF amps. Useing this service, you will not be disappointed.
WW2DX Rating: 2009-01-07
Professional, meticulous and fair. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Those are the three words that first come to mind when I first dealt with Lou at King Conversions. I actually had two amps that needed work, an Ameritron AL80A and a SB220 that I wanted converted to 6M. First of all, Lou already had pretty solid ideas what was up with the 80A even before he saw it, this only comes from experience and the SB220 conversion was "just another day at the office" for Lou. Both amps came back in perfect working condition and I can't say how happy I am with them! Lou's work and craftsmanship is second to none and turn around time was faster then I expected. I rarely write reviews unless I am impressed (which is rare) and this time I had to express my satisfaction with Lou's reputation and workmanship. Life is just so much easier when you are dealing with people who know what they are doing and more importantly they love what they do, there is a passion and this shows in Lou's work. If you have that extra amp laying on the floor collecting dust and want to get ready for the cycle 24 and DX on 6m then send Lou some mail and get those amps on the air!

73 GL DX
Lee
WW2DX.com
W5PR Rating: 2008-10-16
Great Use for a SB-220! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is the best thing you can do with a SB-220. I love mine. First outing was a first place USA finish in CQWW VHF single band 6 meters!

Chuck W5PR
K3OO Rating: 2008-10-16
FANTASTIC 5+ Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I recently had King Conversions convert my SB-220 to 6 meters.

The King Conversions 6 meter amplifier is professionally done.The amplifier is rock stable and very easy to tune.

The 6 meter conversion puts out more power on 6 meters then it ever originally did on any band 80-10m

The quality of the work is first rate.

The best part of the entire King Conversions process was working with Lou. Lou is a man of his word. I had a great experience in my conversations with Lou. Lou did every thing he promised in a timely manner
GREAT JOB LOU...
73,
Rick K3OO
W2RM Rating: 2008-09-20
OUTSTANDING - W2RM Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I can't say enough about the conversion, but, I must say it's the BEST on the market today. I had been converting SB-200's and SB-220's for years but when I talked to Lou over the phone (about 6 times) I didn't hesitate to send him my SB-220. He has put every mod in it that has ever been thought of, and it works perfectly !!!
He is quick, concise, and keeps you informed as to the progress of the unit. It is the perfect finish to a great amplifier especially if you are a 6 meter nut. I can say without a doubt if you want the best conversion out there, with the best bang for your buck today, get in touch with Lou, You won't regret it. I hold a 6 meter WAS so I know a little about it. 73's Ray W2RM
K7WIA Rating: 2008-09-03
WOW Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My first contact with Lou was when he was looking for some help locating a part for a Swan amplifier. I contacted Lou with some info about the Swan amplifier part. While I was talking with him about amplifiers in general, I told him of the trouble and frustration I was having on my conversion of a Heathkit SB221 to 6 meters using the April 2008 article from QST.

Lou offered to help and asked for digital photos to look over what I had already done. (It was 100% completed, but not working right) For only to be recognized for his design and to help spread the word of his amp conversions he gave me the changes and adjustments that needed to be made, to which I agreed.

Lou walked me through the construction changes and the final circuit tweaking.

After I was completed with his conversion changes, all I can say is WOW! my amp now puts out 1500 Watts with no strain, this is more than it ever put out on the HF bands.

While talking to Lou on the phone I realized that here is a person with values that are hard to find these days, the only thing he wanted in return was passing the word around of his conversions.

Lou has spent may hours perfecting his design, and for any one wanting to run QRO on 6 meters, don't waste your time with the other designs or others saying they can do the conversions..

I am extremely happy with Lou's help and the amp now sets proudly on my desk.

For the biggest bang for the buck, give Lou a call.

For a Friend I will never forget...Thanks Lou

Ed K7WIA CN87

K2WO Rating: 2008-08-26
A+++++ THE BEST! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have known Lou for over 13 years and he is THE Best! He is an avid amplifier builder and his 6 Meter conversions are an absolute work of art. The conversion has been well thought out by Lou. He truly knows what he is doing and best of all, he can be trusted! Don't hesitate using Lou for your 6 Meter conversion, he knows what he is doing, does it for a reasonable price and stands behind his work