Thanks for the update and your use with the amplifier. I believe I will take the plunge. I live in a canyon and need more than QRP output to get of? the hills on certain bands.I currently? use a Mirage 2m amp for 2m ssb (2.5w in - 25w out)and would like to work 6m but with 5w my local contacts write and tell me they can barely hear me.
I have an IC 751a which is 100w but no 6m, VHF/UHF output. Did not want other? devices sitting on the table such as transverters and decided the 817 with two small amps (2m and a Neptune) would not take up too much space and still be portable. Ideally a 857 or 897 would be perfect but that would be an added expense.?
Here are some specs on the amplifier which details some of the components:
Neptune Amplifier – 50w Amplifier
This amplifier works very well, easily producing 50 watts with a drive around 2 watts. It requires no special interfacing only a cable connected between the amp and radio.
Details:
The HF +50MHz amplifier is custom designed, called NEPTUNE, with LPF (low pass filters), 4x RD16HHF1 transistor based, intended for field or mobile operations or as driver for higher power amplifiers. The amplifier produced from high quality ORIGINAL parts, such as Mitsubishi transistors and AMIDON cores. PA PCB mounted on metal heat-sink for good heat dissipation. PA has 2.5 dB flatness of frequency response and PA can operate 24x7x365 in any digital modes without extra cooling.
Nominal power supply – 13.5v
Nominal current is – 7A
Maximum current is – 10A
Idle current is – 0.8A
Input frequency 1.8, 3.5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 24, 28, 50 MHz
Input and output impedance is 50 Ohm
Input SWR – better than 1.5 for all bands
Nominal input power is 34dBm (2.5W)
Maximum input power is 37dBm (5W)
Nominal output power 47dBm (50W CW)
Maximum output power is 48.5dBm (65W CW)
Measured IMD3 performance is -32dB for nominal power
External PTT signal – GND active
Band switching – manual, by pressing a button
Case size 187x120x80 mm
– Cable included for connect Amplifier to Radio
Thanks to all who have made suggestions and recommendations.
73
