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I just unpacked a new LA-1K. Plugged it in, turned it on, and am shocked at the loud twin whirring noise made by the internal fans.? Wish I had known before making the purchase.? An Acom 600S I own is literally whisper quiet. Even a Quadra VL-1000 makes less noise than this amp.???
Are loud fans in the LA-1K normal?
Jim AB4D? ?
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I can barely hear mine.
NO0T Paul Sobon
1700 Bassett Street, #1904
Denver, CO 80202
303-601-5773 cell
On Sun, Dec 8, 2019, 4:39 PM James Jones < ab4d63@...> wrote: I just unpacked a new LA-1K. Plugged it in, turned it on, and am shocked at the loud twin whirring noise made by the internal fans.? Wish I had known before making the purchase.? An Acom 600S I own is literally whisper quiet. Even a Quadra VL-1000 makes less noise than this amp.???
Are loud fans in the LA-1K normal?
Jim AB4D? ?
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My LA-1K is very quiet, fans don't make any noise.
Paul VA7PIO
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Are you guys talking at idle when you first turn it on or during operation? ? My fans scream.? As the time starts to climb it sounds like a blow dryer on low. ? 73, Rich Kd0zv ? ? ?
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Hi Rich
With 1 KW out on 6 meters I think the second fan doesn't kick in until the internal temp hits 60 degrees C.? Keeps the amp running cool on FT8 or MSK144.??
The initial first fan is pretty quiet and the second fan is not that bad.??
I run my whole station remote at my daughter's place and she says she doesn't notice any noise when running.
73
Paul Paul Sobon
1700 Bassett Street, #1904
Denver, CO 80202
303-601-5773 cell
On Sun, Dec 8, 2019, 5:28 PM Rich McCabe < r.mccabe@...> wrote: Are you guys talking at idle when you first turn it on or during operation? ? My fans scream.? As the time starts to climb it sounds like a blow dryer on low. ? 73, Rich Kd0zv ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Piovesan
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2019 6:24 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ? My LA-1K is very quiet, fans don't make any noise.
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Thanks for response.? CW contesting at 700ish watts my fan is screaming pretty good. Same with 400 watt digital. ? Rich ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2019 6:40 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ? Hi Rich With 1 KW out on 6 meters I think the second fan doesn't kick in until the internal temp hits 60 degrees C.? Keeps the amp running cool on FT8 or MSK144.?? The initial first fan is pretty quiet and the second fan is not that bad.?? I run my whole station remote at my daughter's place and she says she doesn't notice any noise when running. Paul ? Paul Sobon
1700 Bassett Street, #1904
Denver, CO 80202
303-601-5773 cell ? On Sun, Dec 8, 2019, 5:28 PM Rich McCabe <r.mccabe@...> wrote: Are you guys talking at idle when you first turn it on or during operation? ? My fans scream.? As the time starts to climb it sounds like a blow dryer on low. ? 73, Rich Kd0zv ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Piovesan
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2019 6:24 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ? My LA-1K is very quiet, fans don't make any noise.
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That's very odd.? I have two of them and find the noise very subdued.?? I'm wondering if one of your fans have a bad bearing... or problems with the software that is defaulting it to high speed??? I'd load, or re-load the latest firmware and see if the fans quiet down.?? They're not even noticeable until they switch to high speed at around 65 or 70 degrees C. Dennis
On 12/8/2019 at 4:39 PM, "James Jones" <ab4d63@...> wrote: I just unpacked a new LA-1K. Plugged it in, turned it on, and am shocked at the loud twin whirring noise made by the internal fans.? Wish I had known before making the purchase.? An Acom 600S I own is literally whisper quiet. Even a Quadra VL-1000 makes less noise than this amp.???
Are loud fans in the LA-1K normal?
Jim AB4D? ?
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Thanks to all those that responded.
The one I received is the same as Rich, start up is a louder than expected, the speed slows a bit after 15 seconds or so, but it's still rather objectionable. I've owned a bunch of amps...Alpha 9500 and 8410, Yaesu Quadra, Acom 600S, OM Power 4000A, Collins 30S1, Drake L-4B, and many more.? I would rate the LA-1K about second for blowing noise, but the loudest for mechanical fan noise.? ?The 600S and the L-4B no doubt are the most quiet amps I have owned.? ?It's not so much the blowing noise produced by the LA-1K, rather it is a loud whirring/whine that I find objectionable.
Jim, AB4D ? ?
From: "Rich McCabe" <r.mccabe@...> To: [email protected]Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2019 7:28:40 PM Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise
Are you guys talking at idle when you first turn it on or during operation? ? My fans scream.? As the time starts to climb it sounds like a blow dryer on low. ? 73, Rich Kd0zv ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Piovesan
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2019 6:24 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ? My LA-1K is very quiet, fans don't make any noise.
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Perhaps, I might have a bad fan. It's making quite a bit of whirring noise.? I took a few measurements. The ambient room noise is 33dba, three feet away from the amp, the noise is 46.8dba, and close to the amp peaked at 58.3dba.?
I'll contact Palstar tomorrow to see what they suggest.??
Jim, AB4D
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Please let us know what you find out, I think I have a very similar issue you have. ? Bernd – KB7AK ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of James Jones
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2019 6:58 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ? Perhaps, I might have a bad fan. It's making quite a bit of whirring noise.? I took a few measurements. The ambient room noise is 33dba, three feet away from the amp, the noise is 46.8dba, and close to the amp peaked at 58.3dba.?
I'll contact Palstar tomorrow to see what they suggest.??
Jim, AB4D
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Mine is pretty noisy, as stated by the original poster. When the internal temp hits about 50 degrees, then the second fan kick in and then it’s like a hair dryer. ? 73, ? Bernd – KB7AK ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dennis via Groups.Io
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2019 5:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ? That's very odd.? I have two of them and find the noise very subdued.?? I'm wondering if one of your fans have a bad bearing... or problems with the software that is defaulting it to high speed??? I'd load, or re-load the latest firmware and see if the fans quiet down.?? They're not even noticeable until they switch to high speed at around 65 or 70 degrees C.
On 12/8/2019 at 4:39 PM, "James Jones" <ab4d63@...> wrote:
I just unpacked a new LA-1K. Plugged it in, turned it on, and am shocked at the loud twin whirring noise made by the internal fans.? Wish I had known before making the purchase.? An Acom 600S I own is literally whisper quiet. Even a Quadra VL-1000 makes less noise than this amp.???
Are loud fans in the LA-1K normal?
Jim AB4D? ?
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Definitely audible hear as soon as I power on, let alone under use. ? Dave N3IL ? ? ? I can barely hear mine. NO0T Paul Sobon
1700 Bassett Street, #1904
Denver, CO 80202
303-601-5773 cell ?
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On Sun, Dec 8, 2019, 4:39 PM James Jones < ab4d63@...> wrote: I just unpacked a new LA-1K. Plugged it in, turned it on, and am shocked at the loud twin whirring noise made by the internal fans.? Wish I had known before making the purchase.? An Acom 600S I own is literally whisper quiet. Even a Quadra VL-1000 makes less noise than this amp.???
Are loud fans in the LA-1K normal?
Jim AB4D? ?
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Could someone please define objectionable fan noise?? I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but after 40 plus years on the air and after installing muffin fans on the?top of my old school tube rigs, the LA-1K is not objectionable at all, I'll admit I can hear it when it kicks? into high gear, even when wearing headphones, but it certainly isn't loud enough to trip my vox that the?mic is? within 18 inches of the amp.? Sometimes I think we're so hyper-critical of our new equipment that we're looking? for any imperfection we can find, because we now own it. Just?like I heard after returning to amateur radio after a 15 year absence. that the noise and band crowding was terrible
but I remember when all we had to use back in the day was a notch filter or the shift function on the rig.? I'm certainly?happy with most everything available to us today.? Not everything but most.
73 Mike, KR9G
??
On Sun, Dec 8, 2019 at 8:18 PM Dennis via Groups.Io <pegasus9000= [email protected]> wrote: That's very odd.? I have two of them and find the noise very subdued.?? I'm wondering if one of your fans have a bad bearing... or problems with the software that is defaulting it to high speed??? I'd load, or re-load the latest firmware and see if the fans quiet down.?? They're not even noticeable until they switch to high speed at around 65 or 70 degrees C. Dennis
On 12/8/2019 at 4:39 PM, "James Jones" <ab4d63@...> wrote:I just unpacked a new LA-1K. Plugged it in, turned it on, and am shocked at the loud twin whirring noise made by the internal fans.? Wish I had known before making the purchase.? An Acom 600S I own is literally whisper quiet. Even a Quadra VL-1000 makes less noise than this amp.???
Are loud fans in the LA-1K normal?
Jim AB4D? ?
|
Mike, ? Do you operate CW or digital?? I looked at your QRZ pic and did not see a key. ? On SSB I really don’t noticed the fan much. But I am not long winded usually. ? Rich ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Hobart Poyser
Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019 10:30 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ? Could someone please define objectionable fan noise?? I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but after 40 plus years on the air and after installing muffin fans on the?top of my old school tube rigs, the LA-1K is not objectionable at all, I'll admit I can hear it when it kicks? into high gear, even when wearing headphones, but it certainly isn't loud enough to trip my vox that the?mic is? within 18 inches of the amp.? Sometimes I think we're so hyper-critical of our new equipment that we're looking? for any imperfection we can find, because we now own it. Just?like I heard after returning to amateur radio after a 15 year absence. that the noise and band crowding was terrible
but I remember when all we had to use back in the day was a notch filter or the shift function on the rig.? I'm certainly?happy with most everything available to us today.? Not everything ? On Sun, Dec 8, 2019 at 8:18 PM Dennis via Groups.Io <pegasus9000=[email protected]> wrote: That's very odd.? I have two of them and find the noise very subdued.?? I'm wondering if one of your fans have a bad bearing... or problems with the software that is defaulting it to high speed??? I'd load, or re-load the latest firmware and see if the fans quiet down.?? They're not even noticeable until they switch to high speed at around 65 or 70 degrees C.
On 12/8/2019 at 4:39 PM, "James Jones" <ab4d63@...> wrote:
I just unpacked a new LA-1K. Plugged it in, turned it on, and am shocked at the loud twin whirring noise made by the internal fans.? Wish I had known before making the purchase.? An Acom 600S I own is literally whisper quiet. Even a Quadra VL-1000 makes less noise than this amp.???
Are loud fans in the LA-1K normal?
Jim AB4D? ?
|
Mike,
My definition of objectionable fan noise, would be noise emanating from the device that is distracting and competes with the audio coming from the transceiver, because that is the situation. I don't wear headphones to operate, never have, never will.? No need, I have a dedicated room to operate.
Only one other amplifier I owned was loud in that regard, and that is the 4KW OM Power 4000A, understandably trying to cool a pair of large tetrodes requires a lot of air flow? However, that was just air blowing through the cabinet and socket.?
The other dozen of amplifiers I've owned, do not make as much noise.? It's not just air moving, it's a mechanical whirring noise.? Anyone ever own an 1000D? The squirrel cage blower in that transceiver made a similar noise but much more muted.? I kept the 1000D for 16 years, it was not objectionable.? ?
When I power on the LA-1K, both fans run continuously, they never slow down or shut off.? I've had it on for two minutes total time, I can't stand the noise.? I've sent Palstar a message about the issue.? We'll see what develops.
Jim AB4D? ?
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Rich, I'd love to do CW and digital (do a little of digital), I have? peripheral?neuropathy in my hands and feet and have no fine motor skills in my hands and have been reduced to a hunt and peck one finger typist?after being a court reporter for years, very frustrating.
But the LA-1K that sits on top of the HF-Auto tuner is a keeper. But I've had no issues that I'm seeing in the threads.
73 and thanks Rich for the response.
Mike KR9G
On Mon, Dec 9, 2019 at 11:54 AM Rich McCabe < r.mccabe@...> wrote: Mike, ? Do you operate CW or digital?? I looked at your QRZ pic and did not see a key. ? On SSB I really don’t noticed the fan much. But I am not long winded usually. ? Rich ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Hobart Poyser
Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019 10:30 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ? Could someone please define objectionable fan noise?? I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but after 40 plus years on the air and after installing muffin fans on the?top of my old school tube rigs, the LA-1K is not objectionable at all, I'll admit I can hear it when it kicks? into high gear, even when wearing headphones, but it certainly isn't loud enough to trip my vox that the?mic is? within 18 inches of the amp.? Sometimes I think we're so hyper-critical of our new equipment that we're looking? for any imperfection we can find, because we now own it. Just?like I heard after returning to amateur radio after a 15 year absence. that the noise and band crowding was terrible
but I remember when all we had to use back in the day was a notch filter or the shift function on the rig.? I'm certainly?happy with most everything available to us today.? Not everything ? On Sun, Dec 8, 2019 at 8:18 PM Dennis via Groups.Io <pegasus9000=[email protected]> wrote: That's very odd.? I have two of them and find the noise very subdued.?? I'm wondering if one of your fans have a bad bearing... or problems with the software that is defaulting it to high speed??? I'd load, or re-load the latest firmware and see if the fans quiet down.?? They're not even noticeable until they switch to high speed at around 65 or 70 degrees C.
On 12/8/2019 at 4:39 PM, "James Jones" <ab4d63@...> wrote:
I just unpacked a new LA-1K. Plugged it in, turned it on, and am shocked at the loud twin whirring noise made by the internal fans.? Wish I had known before making the purchase.? An Acom 600S I own is literally whisper quiet. Even a Quadra VL-1000 makes less noise than this amp.???
Are loud fans in the LA-1K normal?
Jim AB4D? ?
|
Jim it doesn't sound like the fans are running correctly.? On SSB the two fans shouldn't both be running at the same time. With FT8 running for about an hour the second fan might kick in for few minutes.?
Also another factor I watch is my SWR.? If it gets higher maybe like 2:1 or 2.5:1 my finals will dissipate more heat.
Just couple of my thoughts.? ?In meantime ask Mark your questions at Palstar. They are pretty nice in responding.?
73 Paul? NO0T Paul Sobon
1700 Bassett Street, #1904
Denver, CO 80202
303-601-5773 cell
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Jim, I would say that definition is as good as I've heard and thank you. I just don't have the problem you've described.? I'd be yelling at Palstar also.? Not all of us have the same operating environments . I run much of my operations after 10PM so try to be polite to those watching TV or sleeping which my wife being the entire "those", hi hi. The operations center is a converted bedroom next to our master? bedroom.? I've been "blessed" with two other amps so I don't have your experience so I guess I'll admit to much less of it to be more? conversant in amplifier knowledge,? My LA-1K is certainly a keeper. A 1K which you can squeeze 1100 out of, in a 27lb package is a major improvement in the world of amps.
73 Jim and thanks for your response, much appreciated.
Mike KR9G
On Mon, Dec 9, 2019 at 12:21 PM James Jones < ab4d63@...> wrote: Mike,
My definition of objectionable fan noise, would be noise emanating from the device that is distracting and competes with the audio coming from the transceiver, because that is the situation. I don't wear headphones to operate, never have, never will.? No need, I have a dedicated room to operate.
Only one other amplifier I owned was loud in that regard, and that is the 4KW OM Power 4000A, understandably trying to cool a pair of large tetrodes requires a lot of air flow? However, that was just air blowing through the cabinet and socket.?
The other dozen of amplifiers I've owned, do not make as much noise.? It's not just air moving, it's a mechanical whirring noise.? Anyone ever own an 1000D? The squirrel cage blower in that transceiver made a similar noise but much more muted.? I kept the 1000D for 16 years, it was not objectionable.? ?
When I power on the LA-1K, both fans run continuously, they never slow down or shut off.? I've had it on for two minutes total time, I can't stand the noise.? I've sent Palstar a message about the issue.? We'll see what develops.
Jim AB4D? ?
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“When I power on the LA-1K, both fans run continuously, they never slow down or shut off.? I've had it on for two minutes total time, I can't stand the noise.? I've sent Palstar a message about the issue.? We'll see what develops.
Jim AB4D? ?“
? That does not seem normal. My amp is pretty quiet until I work it. The fan steps up in two stages. It does warm up pretty quick but cools down quick as well. Hard to judge sound level from video, but this is best I have. ? Rich Kd0zv
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Rich McCabe via Groups.Io Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019 12:00 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [la1k] Fan Noise ?
“When I power on the LA-1K, both fans run continuously, they never slow down or shut off.? I've had it on for two minutes total time, I can't stand the noise.? I've sent Palstar a message about the issue.? We'll see what develops.
Jim AB4D? ?“
? That does not seem normal. My amp is pretty quiet until I work it. The fan steps up in two stages. It does warm up pretty quick but cools down quick as well. Hard to judge sound level from video, but this is best I have. ? Rich Kd0zv
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Paul
Paul Piovesan