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Message |
    
1861
Intermediate Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 209
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 28, 2005 - 2:28 pm: | 
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I am fixing to order a 250 or 350 from Copper . I have been told there is an issue with high swr running these amps . Anyone who uses them please give input . If there is a swr problem with YEXAS STAR , is it just on certain models .Don,t want to purchase a known problem. Will be using it on Base . |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 823
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 28, 2005 - 10:19 pm: |
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there is an issue with high SWR's with ANY amp! high SWR's & transistors DON'T mix! if you have NO problems before the amp is in line, the only problem afterwards could POSSIBLY be jumper length. with 667's & smaller i have NEVER had that problem arise. ever.
never had a problem with a texas star amp 1861. it is the brand amp i've installed the most over the years.
buy your texas star & have fun with it. get the 350, at least. (make sure you pick the right amp for the radio you plan to use it with, radio's wattage & the mode you plan to use it on the most!too many times a customer has not heeded my advice & ended up with a problem).
heck, get the 667! |
Snowfire
Member
Username: Snowfire
Post Number: 91
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 3:03 pm: |
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Texas Star is a great amp you will really like it. Go with at least the 350 like Patzerozero said. I'v got the 500V and it perform's great wouldn't traid it for nothin.
Cef 294 |
1861
Intermediate Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 211
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 5:20 pm: |
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The reason I asked , I have a PALOMAR 250 E;ITE THAT i HAVE ALWAYS HAD SWR PROBLEMS WHEN RUNNING . I RUN OTHER AMPS , AND HAVE OCCASIONALL HAD SMALL ISSUES THAT WERE EASY TO WORK OUT . I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT TEXAS STARS HAVE WORSE PROBLEMS WITH SWR THAN MOST OTHER AMPS . THAT IS MY CONCERN , AND WAS WONDERING IF THIS IS TRUE , IF SO IF IT IS WITH JUST PARTICULAR MODELS , OR IF MAYBE THE PEOPLE I HEARD IT FROM JUST DON,T LIKE TEXAS STAR ? |
1861
Intermediate Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 212
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 5:41 pm: |
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ABOUT HOW MANY WATTS PEP , SHOULD YOU REALISTICALLY EXPECT FROM THE 350 ? |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 839
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 11:25 pm: |
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2 2sc2879 transistors @ 120 watts each, so pep should be about 250 watts or so, AM/SSB, dead key around 80-120, with 4 watts AM/12 watts SSB drive.
the 250 has 2-2290's, about 60 dead key 160 or so pep. both great for AM or SSB. if it's going mobile, go for the biggest the alternator can handle, you won't have to upgrade as soon & you can run it on low power & still have a bit extra on tap. 400 has 4-2290's & does double the 250, 500 & 667 have 4-2879's & do double the 350, just a tad more from the 667.
COPPER:please send my commission check to...just kidding |
Wolverine
Intermediate Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 356
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 6:03 am: |
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I have a Red devil 350 HD amp made by palomar that tends to run very hot, and has a funky input and output SWR, reminicent of the old commander amps of the 80's. Texas Stars are built a tad better. Like patzerozero said, check your jumper lengths.
Wolverine. |
1861
Intermediate Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 222
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 11:53 am: |
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Well , I am getting ready to order the TS 250 ,, ( all my power supply will handle ) one thing bothers me . If the TS 250 only puts out 160 watts , would it be worth the extra 80 bucks over the kl 300p , since it will put out the same ? I really like the 203 & 200p I have , but thought the ts 250 would do about 50 or 60 watts more than 300p . |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 864
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 1:36 pm: |
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that's all you're gonna get from the dx250, 1861. you really need to double the wattage to see a noticeable difference. what are you seeing with the 203 & 200p-about 75-100 watts or so? what size power supply you running? if a 40 amp or bigger, you may wanna go with the dx350 & turn down drive a bit if need be. i think the kl300p will do roughly the same as the dx250. my choice would be texas star over kl, based on performance, reliability & having used 'em for 20 years. |
1861
Intermediate Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 230
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 1:04 pm: |
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Well , I went ahead and ordered the TS 250 , due here tomorrow . If it isn,t enough to serve my purpose , I will say ( you told me so ) Right now I think it will be about what I need , if not ,I can always use it for a driver later . Bsides , I still have my maverick 250 if I need more power . |
Hotwire
Intermediate Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 443
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 10:56 am: |
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Hey Patszerozero, I have the Pyramid model PS 52KX power supply. A 52 amp unit. I'm ready to order my Texas Star amp here soon. What model amp would you reccomend that would work good for 52 amps. Dont want to crank everything to its limits just a T S amp that will be happy with 52 amps. Thanks and 73 |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1079
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 5:05 pm: |
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the dx400, 4 x 2sc2290, about 100 dead key & 300 swing, give or take, should draw around 40 amps, depending on input. that would be the 'definite'. a dx500, 4 x 2sc2879, about 130 dead key 450 swing, give or take, will probably draw close to 48 amps. again depending on drive. you could always go with the dx500, & keep the radio carrier & swing backed down to where the PS is happiest. then you'll have the 'bigger' amp, incase you ever get a bigger PS or decide to put it in a mobile. dx667 is a 500 with a driver transistor, 2290, probably not much more output, but more current draw.
competition amps, like dave & xforce can draw DOUBLE that with same transistor complement due to MUCH HIGHER swing capabilities. |
Hotwire
Intermediate Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 445
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 9:25 am: |
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Hey thanks for such an early reply. Wondering though....the 2 pill I use when on SSB watching the amp meter it will have peaks up to 40 amps or more. Does this sound correct? Sometimes even causing the relay to click really fast which to me I think its starving the amp. As long as I keep the mic gain down its ok. AM does not have this problem with a max draw of about 20 amps. |
Bigbob
Senior Member
Username: Bigbob
Post Number: 2061
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 9:41 pm: |
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I think you answered your own question,I usually drive mine with mike gain set for 15 to 16 watts ssb and my 4 pill draws only 34 amps peak crack the pot wide open and 42 is the peak,38 avg.so yes you could be overdriving your amp and sucking your supply dry,so far I haven't been able to overdrive mine,but if I open the ssb power,maybe then,but I wont.You need to know the continuous amps it's capable of,most supplies are labeled like amps they show the peak output not the continuous and usually say if your amp draws 35 amps avg. you could possibly hit peaks of 70,so 40 for yours sounds normal.Bigbob |
Hotwire
Intermediate Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 448
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 10:41 am: |
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Ok Bigbob, continuos amps, I understand.meter has a red area and the when the needle gets really thats when the amp has failure. So you are right, 40 amps is about all it can dish out. So what about one of those big capacitors that are 1 farad, used for auto stereo amps. Can they be used on a power supply and for a RF linear for that matter.? I'm thinking they are for just peaks like when the big bass hits in the big woofers guys have taking all the trunk space up. |
Hotwire
Intermediate Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 449
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 10:42 am: |
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Sorry about the typos. Have kid in vicinity! |
Bigbob
Senior Member
Username: Bigbob
Post Number: 2064
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 22, 2005 - 6:01 am: |
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You need a volt meter too if voltage drops more than .6 volts you would need 2 or more and they are not cheap,I have one and am not sure as to it's effectiveness.My homebrew supply was being drawn down 1.5 volts the cap just made it take a second or 2 longer I added 4 more power transistors to supply and the problem went away and I gained 200 watts from my amp,it was starving for power.Now my voltage fluctuates .1 volt.Some where in here I will post the schematic to my power supply,it uses a huge transformer(from a 60 amp batt charger)lots of filter caps a 317t regulator and as many pnp power transistors as you can afford.I have no doubt that I could make a 300 amp supply out of this,as for now 70 is all I need. |
Twowatt
Junior Member
Username: Twowatt
Post Number: 47
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 12:55 am: |
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hey bigbob,
just curious, how many pnp pass transistors did u have before u added the extra 4?
thanks. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1093
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 5:38 pm: |
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hotwire, you MIGHT NOT have this problem if amp was mobile off a well fed battery, or even a much larger AC power supply, but TRY to lower input from radio(by turning down mic gain) & check where output from amp falls off. you MAY find 2 pill swinging 165+ & drawing 38+ amps(TOO MUCH i think) when being driven by 18 or 20 watts from radio. BUT, if you turn down drive from radio to 12, amp MAY still do 150+ yet only draw 20 amps. my ar3500 swings 160+ & only draws 20 on SSB, about 18 on AM. dx250 draws the same with 148, draws a bit more with delta force, but gets same output. dx350 draws 25 on SSB, but a bit MORE on AM...could be due to radio... |
Bigbob
Senior Member
Username: Bigbob
Post Number: 2078
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 7:41 pm: |
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Twowatt,5 then added 4,they are cheap mj2955s,150 watts,15 amps.Bigbob |
Hotwire
Intermediate Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 459
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 3:24 am: |
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Yeah patsoo your right. The 4800 has been swinging well over 30 watts even when I turn mic gain down way low it still gets in high 20s. Turn the mic gain down so low then I get poor audio and still am getting high peaks of wattage. Its going to damage my little 2 pill so I removed it and have now cleared a spot for the TX 500 or maybe a 450. What do you think? Will a Texas Star 500 or 450 be happy with a 30 watt or so swing? If not a texas star what other amps may suit my needs? I need a good amp with SSB and AM capability that I dont have to worry about my 4800 overdriving anymore! Thanks for your help man, I really appreciate the knowledge! So I'm barefoot for now. hotwire |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1102
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 11:30 am: |
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texas star dx500 will handle the 30 watt swing NO PROBLEM. keep dead key LOW enough to see about 125-150 watts from amp(should do it with 2 or 3 watts). swing should be 400-500 watts.
xforce (class 'c'-will work fine AM/SSB, just REQUEST SSB delay)400 is equal to dx500, maybe 200 dead key & up to 800 swing & will handle up to 15+ dead key(or whatever it takes to get 200 from amp) & FULL swing your connex is capable of. xforce x400 is equal to texas star dx667, radio key ONLY at 3 watts or whatever it takes to get 200 from amp, & max 35 watts swing should see 800+ from amp. again class 'c', fine on AM/SSB, request SSB delay. or magnaforce 600, class 'b', designed for SSB use, but works fine AM as well, is a 4 x 2879 like dx500, & will take up to 15 watts or whatever it takes to get 200 key from amp & all of your connex's swing to get about 800.
davemade are EXACTLY the same as xforce, getting SSB delay installed is...possible. remember, davemade & xforce will pull CONSIDERABLY more in the way of amps from your power source, so if it's base-power supply needs to be in 100 amp range, in a mobile, it needs AT LEAST 75 amp alternator-and NO ACCESSORIES ON! price difference from texas star is PRACTICALLY NOTHING! |
Hotwire
Intermediate Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 460
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 9:33 am: |
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Right on! Thanks Patszerozero. DX 500 it is. I'll keep you posted. |
Hotwire
Intermediate Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 499
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - 11:55 am: |
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Well I finally saved some dough and order 2 TS 500 Vs from Copper. Lowest price I could find. One for me and One for dear ol dad. So while I wait for them to get here I need to go shopping for hookup supplys. Anyone know what gauge hookup wire I should use? Patzerozero?? Do they make a fan for this unit? Maybe a small CPU fan somehow. |
Bc910
Advanced Member
Username: Bc910
Post Number: 600
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 12:00 am: |
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I would go with 8 guage personally.
I always use a computer fan you know the (what is it like) 2.5 inch ones
BC |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 501
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 10:10 am: |
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Yeah cool! I have a few laying around here somewhere. Hey I went to Tractor Supply yesterday and found 6 and 4 gauge welding wire. Double insulated and fairly cheap 1.35 a foot for 6 and 189 a foot for 4 gauge. 4 is definatly overkill but I think I'm gonna get some 6. I do have some 8 gauge stereo amp wire but after inspecting the qaulity of the weld wire its much better and for the money spent I'm not going to slack off in any area. May as well go all out.
Hey Bc??? What do you think about this? You know my Connex I use as a base? Well I run it on a Pyramid 12 amp supply. This supply gets really warm after some hours even when I dont talk and just have the radio on all day. Heres my question. I installed a 12 volt CPU fan on the rear heat sink of the power supply. The fan and the radio are both run off the power supply. Do you think the fan running off the same supply as the radio could cause any issues ? say like an audio interference in the transmit of the radio? I'm really just wondering if what I have done is really a good ideal or if I just go about it another way. The cpu fan is hooked straight to the supply on the same studs as the radio. 73 my friend |
Bc910
Advanced Member
Username: Bc910
Post Number: 603
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 6:45 pm: |
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I don't see why... the only problem I have ever had was from the actual audio from the fan as back ground noise.
BTW remember that the quality of the wire is not just insulation and size, also the quality of materials and workmanship. There is 1 gauge wire out there almost as flexible as speaker wire! That's the good stuff! For some reason it seems oppisate of coax, Pat talks about that space shuttle stuff that is almost un bendible and "GREAT!" but for my power wires I want them soft and flexible.
Just an oppinion.
BC |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 504
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 11:24 am: |
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You make a good point Bc. So I was out yesterday and found a great deal on some audio amplifier power wire 8 gauge. Decided to go with it instead because of the qaulity material its made of. |
47nc
New member
Username: 47nc
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 2:29 pm: |
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I have a TS 667V in my truck driving it with a HR-2510 never had any SWR issues. Waiting for my other RS-70M to come in so i can try out this DX-1200 Hotplate i have here  . |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1319
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 7:44 pm: |
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hey! good to talk to ya hotwire!
anyway, 8 guage for a dx500? MAYBE, if you're only a couple feet from power source. i'd prefer AT LEAST 6 or 4 even. mobile 8 pill & 16 pill used 2/0 & 3/0 welding wire. no voltage drop/no heat problems.
only problems i've encountered with fans run off AC power source is TOO MUCH DRAW! (i use BIG/high cfm fans) 10amp supply & S9 caused supply to 'flutter'. now run fans to all radios off a separate 12 amp supply. |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 523
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 9:09 am: |
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Pat00? Do you know the gauge power wire that is on the rear of the TS 500v? I have some 4 gauge around here just in case. Was going to use it for antenna ground but now I'll wait. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1343
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 1:56 pm: |
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it used to be 8 guage, it may be 10 now but i'm not sure. either way, you don't mount the amp in the engine compartment on top of the battery do you? NO, most run it 15' or more away. solder quick disconnects to it & put #6 or #4 to it. in a base with power supply several feet away, i'd still put AT LEAST #6 on it. #4 would be fine!
i changed my dx1600 to #2 right out of the amp. my 8 pill davemade has #4 right out of the amp, my davemade 5 pill has #6 right out of the amp, quick disconnects & 12 more feet of #6. no heat, no voltage drop. the 2-8 pills had battery bank right next to them, 2/0 ran to alternator. |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 530
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 03, 2005 - 2:24 pm: |
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OK! Anyone who is in the market and is considering purchasing a Texas Star DX 500 V...DO IT!!! It took one day for Copper to get it here. Did not know but it is a DX500v. Thought DX was discontinued. Anyway it has Dial-a-watt,rec amp and ssb delay also a place for CW key in the rear. I'm using my Connex 4800. I can turn miic gain all the way up, Heck I can turn evrything all the way up and still clean clean audio! Puts out using Dial-a watt from 100 to 250 deadkey to swinging over 500 watts. Amp stays cool too. Audio reports are like man you sound like your sitting right here next to me at at 10 miles away. No distotion no garble. SWR 1.1. on all channels. Amp just says give me more! I highly recomend this amp to all who need to fill that power craving. Still have yet to work skip so hopefully the nets it will be rolling. Hey Patzerozero! Thanks for all the advice! Hotwire is readin the mail. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1376
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 03, 2005 - 7:03 pm: |
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 |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 535
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 04, 2005 - 12:25 pm: |
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Now I'm ready to really upgrade the mobile!!!!! I had a Texas Star V MOD when I was a kid and it really did great so 2 Texas Stars with no trouble. I'm going for another TS.
OK currently i am running a cheapy Galaxy 225 amp. It has 2 sd1446's in it. My 100 amp alternator and stock size battery has no trouble at all. Now I'm thinking about the TS350,sc2879 X 2.What do ya think Patzerozero? I'm going to get a new batery before winter so I will upgrade to more CCA. Gettin one of the batterys with side and top posts just to make things neater. I really do not want to by another new bigger alternater , run 2 batterys or add any caps. With just my 100 amp alternator and the biggest battery I can fit in there what would you say is the max watts I can run safely and efficiently. Do not want to smoke my charging system! |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1387
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 04, 2005 - 2:16 pm: |
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if you want texas star, i'd choose between dx 400v, dx500v or dx667v. the dx350 won't show much increase over the galaxy. maybe 80 key & 250 swing.
400 & 667 will take up to 4 watts key & 15 watts swing. 400 will get you 80 key & 350 swing. 667 will get 150-200 key & 500swing.
500 will take up to 8 watts key & up to 35 watts swing & get you 150 key & 450 swing.
all #'s are rough estimates depending on the alignment of the sun, moon & russian space station
if you don't stop at the local hangout at night, with lights, air conditioner & thumpin' stereo cranked, & try to key mic with amp on, you'll be fine. when i key at traffic lights, my volts drop-FAST. so i either try not to key when stopped, or when i park on beach, i'm revving 1500rpms+.
a nice optima battery mounted right next to amp with #2 or bigger running to main battery underhood is not such a bad thing |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 544
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 3:31 pm: |
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Ok Pat00, time to go to the drawing board. thanks |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1403
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 6:04 pm: |
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it's only money |
Bigbob
Senior Member
Username: Bigbob
Post Number: 2182
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 7:14 pm: |
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With a 100 amp alt. and a 1000 cca battery,2 gauge wire to battery AND alt. don't want to melt that puny 8 g.alt wire,and a 400 would be about max without crimping your style,but remember,if you draw down the battery much below 12 volts you will fry your alternator,then your amp,good luck,lol.Bigbob P.S. Leece/neville,Leece/neville,Leece/neville,YEEHAAW. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1408
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 8:56 pm: |
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that's why you keep revving the engine. ALWAYS change the charge wire. i suggested the 2nd battery, but, the 667 will be fine...400 would be about MINIMUM to show any increase over dual 1446 galaxy amp. see my post above yours, bigbob |
Deliz2
Junior Member
Username: Deliz2
Post Number: 12
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2005 - 4:52 pm: |
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HEY BIG BOB DID YOU EVER BUST THE POWER GAIN FROM "SWING"? I'M OLD FASHON IN MY DAY IT WAS THE RAW POWER THAT COUNTED. I THINK THE "SWING POWER GAIN" SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING MY WIFE WOULD COME UP WITH. BUT THATS JUST ME AND I'M RED NECK HECK. |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1080
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 23, 2005 - 12:01 am: |
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Pat, I thought the Texas Star 500V would
deadkey more than 150 watts with 4 2Sc2879's.
The KL 500 deadkeys around 225 watts in high
power with 4 SD1446's.
Just wondering how you came up with the 150 watts
dead-key for the TS 500V????
Educate me, so, i understand... Thanks |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 2105
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 23, 2005 - 4:09 pm: |
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well......120 watt transistors, & using 1:4 key to swing, that's 30 watts times 4 transistors = 120 watts. there IS room for play, so even at 1:3, that's 40 watts times 4 transistors = 160 watts. you can always TRY for more dead key-til the transistors go POOF & may even be able to get it to key 300 or 400 watts-ONCE. of course, there would be little if any swing with that much carrier-even before it blows up.
using that theory, the kl500 with 4-1446's @ 90 watts each(or 70 per some specs) would key about 90 watts (or 70) & swing 280 (or 360).
that is for OPTIMUM performance/longevity. kl & TS amps are NOT built/designed to swing HARD like the custom-built ones, but there are ALWAYS some variables involved, meter inaccuracy, input from radio-dead key & swing, so those output #'s are NOT set in stone. i will GUARANTEE you, that a kl500 in a 'stock' car, even with a 'well-worked', say cobra 148, is capable of REALISTICALLY & SAFELY keying 150-200 & swinging maybe 400 watts. drastically higher #'s, particularly swing, are not 'real', but harmonics & other non-usable energy.
i had, sold & it is STILL working, nearly 20 years later, a dx667v(same as dx500) that i KEYED at 300 watts for YEARS...it ONLY swung MAYBE 500 on a good day, it had 4 fans on it & was WELL COOKED on the inside & would occasionally require a cool down period, so ANYTHING is possible. but, i've also seen a dx667v DIE on maybe a dozen or so keys with a president jackson out of the box-7 watts key & maybe 15+ swing.
the davemade i use right now is also keyed up with 50% more drive then recommended & 50% more dead key from amp then recommended, as well. it is raised up off the floor of my truck, with 2 fans underneath, as well as the stock fan that can suck a pice of paper across the floor of my truck it is so powerful, & my grant XL gets warmer then the amp! that is a combination of cooling & LOW swr's.
the key to how much dead key i use is really 'lack of fear of blowing it up'. yeah, hundreds of bucks for the amp is a lot of money, but IF it died, a few transistors & a couple resistors is, well...a learned lesson that next time back it down a COUPLE watts, & maybe THAT is the max!
dead key watts & swing watts are kinda like horsepower & torque. if you're geared correctly, either one can win the race. ...if the motor doesn't blow up. if it does, build it stronger next time (or back it down a bit!) |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 724
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Friday, December 23, 2005 - 7:08 pm: |
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Was on the radio the other day and a guy was trying to set his radio and amp right. He was loud but a bit distorted. I asked what setup he used. Galaxy 33 driving Texas Star V Mod driving Texas Star DX400. I stated my opinion that a V Mod was not made to drive the TS400 and he would soon have amp poof trouble. When he turned off the 400 he sounded just as loud with it off but no signal strength change, Anyway the guy insisted that I was wrong and that you could drive anything into anything. So, has anyone ever drove a V Mod into a DX400 and still have the setup today? Just wondering because it was working....just sounded like crap |
Bc910
Advanced Member
Username: Bc910
Post Number: 656
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 23, 2005 - 8:14 pm: |
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Hot,
YOU ARE RIGHT!!!!
Plus he is probably over driving the Vmod!
BC |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1083
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 23, 2005 - 8:25 pm: |
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Pat,
I can't decide on whether to purchase a KL
500 amp or Texas Star 500V amp. I've had
good luck with KL amps. What do you guys suggest???
JIM/PA/CEF 375 |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 725
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2005 - 2:43 pm: |
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Yeah Bc I knew I was but I hate to sound like a know it all even when I know I'm right. Actually I believe that the DX400 was already done gone poofed! No doubt the V Mod was over driven. Some people just refuse to be open minded enough to learn from others.
Hey Road Warrior I never owned a KL but a few Texas Stars. I have a Texas Star DX500v and I have been totally pleased with this amp by far! Nothing about it has disappointed me one bit. I'm super loud with no distortion. I drive somewhere around 30 to 40 watts into it, 2 watt DK with mic gain around 2 o clock. Using the variable dial a watt I can DK from 80 to 180 watts and swing from 200 to 500 plus watts. With the dial watt off it will DK 200 and swing to 700 plus by my meter of course. Your meter may differ. The 500 is just an awsome piece of gear no doubt. You will not be disapointed with buying one! TRUST ME! I have talked to many members on the net and all send piles of flowers, SSB and AM mode. For long QSO's be sure to blow some cool air on the bottom heat sinks. It would be nice if the heat sinks was on top though. I use mine as a base amp with 52 amp supply. So I mounted it on the bottom of my radio shelf to get plenty cooling air flow. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 2109
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2005 - 3:05 pm: |
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though i am a firm believer & user of custom built amps, i LOVE texas star. i have used them since early 80's & NEVER had any trouble that i did not initiate! maybe a bit pricier then others such as kl, palomar etc, BUT i find them to be better built, & provide more real wattage & less in the way of harmonics & trash. 4x2879 SHOULD get you around 500 watts PEP, AND the dx500 does just that! no tons of extra watts due to harmonics, & it is NOT built for tons of swing like the customs, it is built to be a GOOD CB amp. |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 823
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 12:45 pm: |
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Yes, to all newcomers or any considering an amp, Texas Star run cool, sounds loud, clear, and fit well into your antenna system provided it is good in the first place. No significant rises in swr even on high. Put a clean signal in and get a clean signal out. Love mine.
mikefromms |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1088
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 7:33 pm: |
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Ok, my next and final question...LOL
When you purchase a Texas Star Amp, does
it have to be converted to work on
27mhz???
JIM/PA/CEF 375 |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 2126
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 9:14 pm: |
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the new ones....yes, but get it here & .... |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 739
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 7:54 pm: |
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Road Warrior....I ordered my Texas Star from Copper.Lets just say it works great with my Connex and I use it each Sunday on the nets. I would never open it up and void my warranty!
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Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1090
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 9:15 pm: |
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OK, thanks
I have a 60 amp power supply.
Is this enough to run a T.S. 500V???
Thanks and will have no more questions..LOL |
Kb9ryi
Junior Member
Username: Kb9ryi
Post Number: 25
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 10:00 pm: |
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I use a Texas Star DX-250HDV that I use in the van. I have used it with several different radios.
With a HR2510 I would get around 225-240 watts.
(with the variable output set at 12:00)
With a PC-122XL around 180-200 watts.
(with the variable output set at full open)
With a Magnum 257 around 230-250 watts.
(with the variable output set at 12:00)
Set this way it sounds LOUD and CLEAR with no distortion.
I am using a 6ft Silverload antenna on the van.
I am very happy with the Texas Star DX-250HDV, BUT if I had it to do again I probably would get the 350. You can always turn it down but when you are already wide open thats all there is.
I dont know how much power can be run with the new computerized cars. On a base it depends I guess on how much you bother the TV's next door.
Anyway have fun with it.
73 for now and God Bless, John
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Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1093
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 10:43 am: |
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Gotcha your drift there Hotwire:
Anyone: Will my 60 amp tripp-lite power
supply run a Texas Star 500V ???
Thanks
JIM/PA/CEF 375 |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 827
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 12:09 pm: |
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Hello Road Warrior, your 60 amp should handle the Texas Star all the way on am. On ssb you may run into a problem on high setting, but who needs that much power on ssb?
mikefromms |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 743
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 2:44 pm: |
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Road warrior, 60 amps should work ok. I use the Pyramid 52 amp for my 500. I belieive I get 47 constant amps and 52 peak amps. Using AM mode I have no problem but if I really crank the TS500 it really works my power supply. On SSB mode I MUST use the dial a watt and back it down a little because my power supply will trip out. So be sure to get the 500 with the variable. AM you will have no problem but SSB demands a lot of amps. 60 amps just may be enough to feed the 500 on SSB. I suppose it depends on how much drive you put into also. It will work but be careful and just go easy at first and see what you got to work with. You will soon find the perfect setting on the variable.
CEF491 |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1096
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 6:35 pm: |
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I have a large Deep Cycle Marine Battery
and a trickle charger also.
In the past before i had my 60 amp supply
i ran amps off the battery. I place the battery
in the basement and run heavy wires down
through the upper floor where my radios located.
JIM/PA/CEF 375 |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 752
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 9:27 pm: |
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Hey I did that when I was a kid. Used a 12 volt car battery and 10 amp charger to power a V Mod! Worked great!Being a kid and not knowing the dangers of a car battery was GREAT! No explosions. The time I dropped a crescent wrench across the positive and negative poles was kinda interesting. Never knew you could melt a wrench so easy! No laughing please! I could of got hurt! |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 855
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 2:30 pm: |
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Thinking about getting a DX350 or DX400 for the mobile. New battery and 100 amp alternator is what I have to power it. I have 8 feet of 8 gauge wire to my current amp now, 2x1446.
I'm sure what I have now would be good for the 350 but I was wondering about the 400.
Anybody run the DX400 in there mobile? What type of mobile and Battery\alternator? How do you have it setup? wire gauge? amp draw? volt drops? any problems encountered? I would be greatful for any and all suggestions! 73 brothers! |
Moonraker
Intermediate Member
Username: Moonraker
Post Number: 146
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 8:13 pm: |
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With only 8 feet of 8 guage, you should be fine with either amp. The 100 amp alternator should be more than enough. Does Snap On's warranty cover "electrical" damage?  |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 2362
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 11:13 am: |
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alternator-wise, you could go dx500 or 667. 8 guage might not cut it full power. or it might. if you went bigger, start it off low & watch for voltage drop & feel for heat on cable.
mf350 or 400 will get ya more PEP then TS 350 or 400...
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Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 860
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 12:57 pm: |
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Patzerozero, NO WAY!! You think I can go DX500? Oh man DX500 in the car! Almost INSANE!!! Don't care for the 667 because of the 2290. I would smoke it! If I did go DX500 I will definatly upgrade to 6 gauge power wire. With the variable I can go easy like you said, good ideal! Hey thanks brother, new you would chime in soon! Catch ya in DX land soon! |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 2375
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 2:18 pm: |
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100 amp alt is ok, MAY need a 2nd battery-but may not. a deep cycle right NEXT to the amp is great. definitely go 6 guage if possible. should be able run full power no problem then.
don't vary the amp down. run at full, vary the radio down instead. mic gain down for less PEP/swing. |
Wolverine
Advanced Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 600
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 4:58 am: |
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You da man, Patzerozero. |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 867
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 7:58 am: |
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A deep cycle right next to the amp? Or just a regular battery? Let me see if I understand.....
Run a positive and negative cable from battery one under the hood to battery two next to amp, In parallel of course. Then attach amp to battery two? Patzerozero? You really suggest a deep cycle? MMMM Maybe I should get a Leece Neville upgrade. Its only money.....as Pat says. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 2387
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 7:42 pm: |
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BIG cable from battery 1 to alt, like #2 or bigger. BIGGER cable from battery 1 to battery 2, like 'DOUBLE ZERO' (, then AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE #2 or '00' from battery2 to amp. ALL grounds as big as possible, '00' if possible. then you should be GOOD!
you wanna keep VOLTS up as long as possible, 2 or more batteries allow that, there is less voltage drop(or at least not as much, as quickly) with the 2nd battery at the amp. of course, too many batteries & too small of an alternator put too much strain on the alt. 100 amp alt, dual batteries & a dx500/667 is not going to draw so much as too work the alt to its death. GO FOR IT!!!
leece-neville isn't neccessary for 4 pill, 8 maybe, but you'd still be revving the motor to get 165 amps or more to power everything. big chevy truck...just add 2nd alt l-n or any decent size-it WILL fit- & go to town, 8 pill, or low output out of 16 pill |
Hotwire
Advanced Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 874
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 - 7:49 am: |
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Good deal Pat, thanks. |
Ak3383
Junior Member
Username: Ak3383
Post Number: 30
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 8:38 pm: |
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I have a kl-500 and a Texas Star DX400 variable wattage. I use them at home powered by a Tripplite 50 which gives a solid constant 40+ amp output. I test the amps side by side (one at a time of course) and I get almost the same output with both amps. Driven with my TRC-458 on AM it deadkeys 6 and swings to 10-11.
Both amps will dead key 325 and swing to 400 with the kl-500 and about 420 with the DX 400. That was checked with 3 different watt meters. A new version radshack (which I really like and they are closing several stores near me and I can get a new meter for $14.00) also a SCP meter and a Drake W-4. All 3 meters are within 10 watts of each other at 400 watt output.
KL-500 great amp with a couple 4X4-inch fans on top and the DX 400 variable is a great amp as well. Both amps raise my swr just a pinch. Nothing at all to be concerned about. All that fed into a star-duster 25-year old antenna.
AK-3383 Central Indiana LSB ch.38 |
Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 340
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 - 1:51 pm: |
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I know these post are old, but I find it interesting that the Texas Star site rates the TX 400 at 40 amp "max" and the TX 500 as needing 45 amp "max" but people here typically say that their units use 60 & 70 amps. I am a licensed ham and understand amps/watts but don't understand why TS rates them at 40 and 45 respectably but I hear all this 60 70, amps stuff
do elaborate please |
Jafo
New member
Username: Jafo
Post Number: 3
Registered: 5-2010
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2010 - 10:42 pm: |
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Any great amp ( TS-500 DX ) repair men here? |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 2778
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - 1:14 am: |
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Hello Sitm, Its probably when used on SSB and we were looking for those top numbers on AM is when a 70 amp source is recommended. My DX500 runs just fine at 50 amps on AM, produces the advertised numbers. When used on ssb I notice the amp seems to be hungry for just a little bit more, this is because of the higher power output of ssb in my radio. Myself I just reduce the mic gain by a whole lot since all the loud and proud audio is unnecessary on ssb and all is well.
Kenny
CEF491
Reading the mail around Indianapolis Indiana!
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Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 361
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - 11:47 am: |
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Interesting, I have a power supply that is producing 40 constant and 45 surge. My lights dim when used on ssb, so I am ordering a VS 70-M this week, that should cure it hopefully. |
Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 364
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 5:03 pm: |
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Ok, problem cured. |
Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 389
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - 2:55 pm: |
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I have my 667 on a pyramid 86 and it seems to be happy with it. I use a Cobra 148 and a Uniden Washington on it and I see very good numbers and no lights dimming.
I have an Astron 70 on the TS 500 and it seems to be running properly with a Ranger 2950 DX running it. I do not see lights diming on it either.
When I initially purchased these two amps I did underestimate the amps needed and had to make the purchases of the two power supplies, got a little cashy. My radio/amp/power supply purchases are probably done for a decade or so. |
Scooby_doobie
New member
Username: Scooby_doobie
Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2011
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2011 - 10:17 pm: |
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What about the DX-1600? what do you guys think, because im thinking about getting one. |
