I Need a ham radio elmer!

Question

i have a kenwood ts130s and a ameritron al811h amp. i need to know exactly what to do to get this set up operational. i have no meters no scopes no dummy loads. mmm and does ne 1 know about the 100 watt kenwood, i mean is there a way to adjust the power settings? i see no way to do so and dont see ne thing in the manual about it. help please??

Answer 1

Hiya.

As the 130S is a solid state final radio this is quite easy to drop the power down.

In SSB modes reduce the mic gain , and in AM or CW drop the drive control , or on that radio it is the 'car' (carrier) k**b.

Regarding the amp , you will need to study the manual well to ensure that you aren't over driving the front section of the amp with too high a TX power form the radio.

It may be good to go with 100W input into it , but some amps requite a lower power input -- CHECK IT OUT to be sure on this one.

Get it wrong and you will smoke the front of the amp and likely the finals of the radio.

Connecting the units up is straight forward , the manuals will show this in enough detail.

If you don't have a manual for the amp get one. , as this will show in detail the process of adjusting the load and plate controls.

Most amps sense when the rig goes to TX and switches accordingly , but some require external switching , but thats not too common now days and once again , the manuals will tell you that.

Keep an eye on the amps meters and make sure they are within spec when operating.

In time and practice you will become more familiar with the settings for the various bands and it will become second nature.

You will be required to change band switch on the amp and likely the plate and load controls each time you change band on the radio.

Remember that with such an amp you are playing with serious power , so treat it with respect or it will burn you , one way or another.

Thats about as fine an explanation of the process without seeing the manuals in front of myself here.

For more information please feel free to email me.

Regards

gregW:-)  OH2FFY

Answer 2

Get a dummy load!!!!!!!!!

I say this in all respect for your newbie status.  I was once a 14-year-old kid with a brand new general class ticket and didn't know a 6146 from a turkey baster.

You do not want to be throwing one KW carriers around on our crowded frequencies while you learn to tune your amplifier.  You will make enemies, believe me.  Run your exciter/amp to a dummy load and practice till the plates get red.  Just don't do it on the air.

Good luck.