| Author |
Message |
    
Bert
Member
Username: Bert
Post Number: 57
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 2:08 pm: | 
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I'm ordering this amp for use with my Magnum S9 and Lincoln, looking forward to it. It sounds like it will be a good combination with these radios.
Question is, what could I expect using this amp with my little Texas Ranger TR696FD1 or Uniden Grant LT? Ranger and the Grant have been peaked just a little. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 10268
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 7:48 pm: |
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Bert,
From the Texas Star Website:
Output Power with 4 watts input ~ 250 Watts
Approx. Power Output with 20 watts input/ Approx. Max Current ~ 500W/45A
TEXAS STAR SPECIFICATIONSCLICK HERE!
Hope this help's,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2 |
Bert
Member
Username: Bert
Post Number: 58
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 7:59 pm: |
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Yes it does help Lon. Thanks! I've saved those specs.
73
bert |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 2969
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 3:17 pm: |
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real life, bert, set the RADIO so the amp keys up at around 150 watts or so-no matter what radio. PEP with the S9 & lincoln should be 400-550, give or take, with less swing input from the others, 400-450. big range, yes, but that is how the dx500 is built-to take 'high' input, you still get roughly the same output. |
Bert
Member
Username: Bert
Post Number: 59
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 5:24 pm: |
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Thanks Pat.
I've printed these replies off for quick reference.
'Much appreciated :} |
Ak3383
Junior Member
Username: Ak3383
Post Number: 36
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:52 am: |
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Dx500 well built amp. I have a DX400 and run it with a 5-watt DK and swing to 8-11 AM and close to 20 watts SSB with gives me a AM 150-watt DK and swing to 250 and SSB it will go every bit of 400. I have a fan on it that is wired into the power push button. So far it has been working well with this combo for almost 5-years.
Hope the 500 works well for ya.
AK3383 Lsb Ch. 38 IN |
Bert
Member
Username: Bert
Post Number: 64
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
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AK3383:
Thanks for the reply.
This is all good advice.
Bert |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1453
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 1:26 pm: |
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Bert, I drive my DX 500V with a 148 GTL. 2watt dead key and 8watt swing RMS drives the amp 120 watt dead key and swings 480 watt plus. On SSB the amp totally rocks with 500 plus! Work to get your dead key 1 fourth the watts of your swing and that amp will dominate and sound AWESOME!73 |
Bootymonster
New member
Username: Bootymonster
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 7:29 pm: |
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Ak3383...........have you tried backing your radio DK down to 1 1/2 - 2 watts ? gettting maybe 100 DK on the amp AM and seeing what it swings up to ? |
Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 19
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 10:54 pm: |
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I think the DX 500V is a better match for my "stock" alternator, thanks for the warnings before I melted my ride guys haha. On the Texas Star WebSite it says that 20 WATTS input will give you 500 WATTS output, is the 20W their talking about dead key or swing? I assume swing?
So going from what HotWire said I should have my radio 5 watts dead key and 20 watts swing, did I get that right? |
Romstar
Junior Member
Username: Romstar
Post Number: 42
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:53 am: |
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Splbass,
Amplifiers are a pain.
To get that thing tuned right, you should have a good watt meter that will handle the output load. In your case, you want something that can handle 1000 watts. I'm kind of partial to Dosy for hobby use. Not as many can afford a Bird meter.
You should start out with a dead key of 1.5 - 2 watts, and work up from there. No more than 5 watt dead key. The DK is for switching, and then your swing will drive the amp. With a good amp, you shouldn't need too much.
I know I am whipping the horse here, but if you didn't get an SWR meter, spring for the extra bucks, and get a Dosy test center. It's quality enough to do what you are going to need, and it actually lasts.
Romstar |
Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 22
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 2:04 pm: |
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OK cool I'll be sure to order one. I assumed I didn't need an SWR meter cause my radio has one built in. Do you know if the 2970dx displays how many watts its transmitting cause I know you can change the output power, the reason I ask is I haven't got it in the mail yet. Even if it does I'm sure I'm still better of with a real watt meter/swr, thanks man
p.s. I'm about to order the DX500v right now so I don't have to be a "mud duck" this time |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 679
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 4:49 pm: |
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depends on what radio ya drive with it.ive
personally seen people blow up the 500 with a
2970 just too much radio.imho a 2950 would be a
alot better match
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 13334
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 5:09 pm: |
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Splbass17,
The below information direct from the TEXAS STAR website should be helpful in the operation/use of the Texas Star EX-DX500 V
DX ~ 500V
Output Power with 4 watts input
250
Approx. Power Output with 20 watts input/ Approx. Max Current
500W/45A
Transistors
4-2SC2879
Class
AB1
Power Levels
variable
Relative Output RF Meter
YES
10dB RF Preamp
YES
SSB Delay
Switched
Hope this help's,
Lon ~ Tech808 ~ N9CEF
CEF#808 ~ CEF HAM#33 ~ CVC#002
10-10 #61493 ~ 10-10 VP#2688
Tech808@copperelectronics.com
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Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 23
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 5:37 pm: |
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Dale, as long as I don't run my radio wide open in the dx500 I'll be good to go right?
I was planning on getting a Dosy test center and my the wattage output on my radio can be turned down so I was thinking I'll be good to go as long as I don't swing more than 20 watts into it.
I appriciate the concern though man |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 682
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:16 pm: |
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i dont thinl the pep will go that low.the dk will
however but im thinking the pep will overdrive it.ive personally seen it happen on more then
1 coccasion.and ive been in cbs since the early 1990s.another thing when running a amp swrs should be no more than 1.2 or less.and even if ya can get the radio that low youll have probaly the power knob all the way down and mic gain almopsdt all the way down.lasd too see ya getting a watt meter though if ya do this youll definately need it.it may work for ya but i wont reccomend it
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 24
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 11:27 pm: |
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Dale, is there any amp out there that can take my radio's power and still be used with my 70 amp alternator?
I wish I could run the sweet 16 but the amp draw is gonna my stock alternator! |
Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 25
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 11:29 pm: |
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Isn't there a switch on the back of the radio to turn off the built in amp? I though I read that somewhere |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 687
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 8:22 pm: |
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no theres no switch to turn off built-in amp
the rf power knob varies it for you.your stock
altenator is only 70amps?-i was figuring maybe around 125.i looked at what tech808 posted
i couldnt find the amp draw but going just on
memory thinking it drew around 80-10o amps.no
there are no other amps well there is but there
gonna draw just as much as the texasstar if not more.and some dont even work on ssb.tell ya what
if ya havent ordered the amp yet try just the radio.for a while they get out quite well
by themseveles.the reason why the 1600 needs 100
watt drive is cause of its output.to my best of
knowledge there isnt a 500 watt that needs 100
watts to drive it
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 13342
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 8:27 pm: |
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Dale,
As I posted above:
Approx. Power Output with 20 watts input/ Approx. Max Current
500W/45A
Lon ~ Tech808 ~ N9CEF
CEF#808 ~ CEF HAM#33 ~ CVC#002
10-10 #61493 ~ 10-10 VP#2688
Tech808@copperelectronics.com
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Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 690
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 8:30 pm: |
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opps i was meaning the amp draw on the 1600
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 27
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:38 pm: |
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Well I think my alternator is 70 amps. Its a 2001 Nissan Xterra and I searched all over the place and all I could find was replacment alternators for my xterra rated at 70amps so thats where I drew my conclusion from.
Maybe I'll just go with the original amp I wanted and get the DX 1600 and keep it turned down, that way it wont push my alternator to hard plus it will take my radios output with no problem. Or maybe the DX 1200 is a better choice because it takes the same to drive it (100 watts) and I won't run as much of a risk killing my alternator if I wanna turn it up abit.
I think my experience in custom car stereo installations will help me out, I was told before that the amps used for RF output are totally different than stereo amps, but I should be able to make a safe and pretty install still. Plus I should be able to get the settings just right for my vehile.
But no I didn't order the amp yet thanks for the advise or I would have, I had my credit card in my hand when I read your message haha. My radio still hasn't arrived so I'm gonna play with it for a while "barefoot" but as soon as my friend installs his amp he'll be steping all over me then I'm gonna need some juice to come back and compete with him! |
Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 28
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 4:48 pm: |
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Yea I'll try it out "bare foot" for a litle bit but I want the best so I think I'll end up getting the biggest amp my truck can handle |
Snowfire
Intermediate Member
Username: Snowfire
Post Number: 158
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 7:44 pm: |
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My mag 9 and my tx Str 500 on high smoked an antenna. had it checked at radio shop and he told me close 600watts, reall close to what my dosy meters read when i checked it. Very good combo I'm pleased with my set up.
Kent Kerr
Cef 294
Snowfire
Union Valley, Ok
MID-SOUTH CEF NET CONTROL
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 3567
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 2:41 pm: |
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Splbass17, you can't 'turn down' the DX 1200 or 1600. they were made to only run 'full power', for hardcore DXers, & those who 'need' power. to 'turn down' an amp, you're best to 'turn down' the radio. (i don't know why they put 'variables' on some amps, the pots don't have much of a lifespan when you turn THEM down).
the DX500 will handle about 40 watts PEP input, and less then 10 watts carrier, or whatever it takes to get about 100-125 watts dead key out of the AMP. the DX1600 will handle about 150 watts PEP input & about 30 watts carrier, or whatever it takes to get about 200 carrier out of the amp.
i smoked (literally) 2 different astatic 3k linear load antennas with far less then 3000 watts. watch those ratings! |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 699
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 12:53 am: |
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wow pat i didnt know the dx500 would handle
40watts swing.your absolutely correct the
1200,1600 cant be turned down at all.
hey spybaas what mode are ya gonna use cause
on ssb the 2970 will tune down to 40watts easy
but am will be your main problem with the carrier/swing thing.what ya think pat i think
it could work but ONLY on sbb
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 3573
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 9:12 am: |
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yup, dale, dx500 has 4-2sc2879's, no driver, & each 2879 will handle around 10 watts PEP input (in the TS design). |
Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 29
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 2:57 pm: |
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I would be using mainly SSB but I was hoping to have an amp that works well on all freqs, if thats at all possible. Thanks for the heads up about the DX1200 and 1600 I just assumed you could turn them down. I'm kinda nervous about getting the DX500 now that I know my radio might and probably wil smoke it.
I think I'll just go all out and risk my alternator and get the DX 1600,according to the specs the 1200 and 1600 have the same AMP draw so why not just get the 1600!
I already have 0 gauge wiring run through out my Xterra with a real nice circut breaker installed at my battery from previous car stereo systems so its all ready to be wired up I just have to order from Copper. Am I crazy for getting the 1600, or would you guys say screw it and go for it?! |
Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 30
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 3:18 pm: |
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I was justing thinking where I saw an amp that has 6- 2sc2879'S with no driver. It was the X Force 600 HD, that seems to be perfect because its exactly between the DX500 (4-2sc2879's) and the DX1600 (8 2sc2879's).
The 600hd should be safe with my 2970dx because it has 2 more 2sc2879's than the dx500 that I would just barley be able to run without smoking it right? Or is x force a totally diffrent beast?
p.s. I know to get the B biasing for SSB use! |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 3580
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 5:20 pm: |
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the x force is a totally different beast. you need to have them re-bias it 'B', for a few extra bucks. it WILL draw every bit as much current, IF NOT MORE then the dx1600. your 70 amp alternator is NOT going to like ANYTHING as big as the 1600 or the x600. you CAN use the dx500 with the rci2970 if you turn the power output way down & back the mic gain down so it doesn't swing more then 40 watts. this is why research needs to be done before any purchases are made. you would be better off using the 2970 alone, or getting a different radio. |
Splbass17
Junior Member
Username: Splbass17
Post Number: 31
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 6:10 pm: |
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Thats what I was afraid to hear Patzerozero haha. I never knew how tricky this would be! I'm gonna double check to make sure its only a 70 amp alternator in my Xterra and then print out all the specs on all the models on every brand of amps I can find. I have done a fair amount of research but I'm gonna go all out and hopefully I'll figure something out. |
Test_bot
Junior Member
Username: Test_bot
Post Number: 20
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 7:26 pm: |
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Check your alternator Fuse value, or main fuse hooked to the alternator lead, My truck has a 170Amp alternator per the window sticker but only has a 140Amp main fuse.... |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 713
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 9:44 pm: |
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spybass pat is correct try the radio alone
it may satifly you by itself
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Redbeard
New member
Username: Redbeard
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Friday, December 14, 2007 - 9:40 pm: |
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i am having the same problem. i want the sweet 1600 but i think the 500 or 667v is a better choice. the money does not not matter. the differance between the 3 amps is only 3 or 4 hundred dollars. i like the idea of driving the 1600 less powerful radio, but i am not sure how that would actully work. tonite is the first i have posted, and monday i am ordering the linear. i hope some one can tell me what is the right one to buy |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 4058
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, December 15, 2007 - 3:45 pm: |
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i answered your other post, but failed to mention that i don't think copper sells the dx1600v i mentioned. if you prefer to buy here, your choices are narrowed a bit. the 1600 will need a dx250v to handle the galaxy 99's power, and get full output. both of which are available here. the 500/667v are exactly the same 500 watt amp with the 667 having a built in driver for use with 4 watt radios. probably making the 500 a better choice for use with the galaxy 99.
if you don't know, doubling your output power just 1 time will get you roughly a 3 db gain, or approximately 1/2 of an S-unit on somebody's receiver. no matter what watts you are using as a comparison, double them and that's all the increase you see-1 watt to 2 watts, 500 to 1000 or 1 million to 2 million, you get 1/2 S-unit. DX from the mobile on SSB with the 500/667 will be fairly easy much of the time-if that gets no return calls, it's doubtful the 1600 will either, but if they barely hear you on the 500/667, the 1600 should make it a bit better. 500/667 on AM will get the same results, but noisy skip channels like AM 6, 11, & 26 may be difficult much of the time.
hope these 2 posts help some. |
Dutchman
Junior Member
Username: Dutchman
Post Number: 23
Registered: 1-2008
| | Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 7:22 pm: |
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I am looking for a reviews on the TSDX1000V FOR A 2517, 2995, cOBRA 2000 V. With a TS mod vplus . With these combos. what would be the best way to run these together.
CEF-971
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