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Message |
    
Mudduck
New member
Username: Mudduck
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 12:05 am: | 
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I am undecided between the KL-203 and the KL-200P.
Consider these two rigs, the Magnum 257 which will swing to about 20 watts on AM and 30 watts PEP on sideband and the Yaesu FT-817 that does 5 watts PEP on sideband.
Yeah, sure I can look at the specs for the amps, but, what is the reality?
Which can take a higher drive? Which performs best with a lower drive? What should I drive these amps with? Key? Swing? PEP?
Which amp has greater output? What is the output of the amps? Key? Swing? PEP?
Is the preamp on the KL-200P really useful and effective or does it really just amplify the noise?
And considering the two very different radios, which amp is the more versatile? Are either of these amps any good on say 20 meters? The preamp? Are harmonics a problem?
How much current do these amp draw?
Excuse me for so many questions, but despite the 203/200P comparisons elsewhere in the forum, none of these seem to hit the mark.
73 |
Peddler
Junior Member
Username: Peddler
Post Number: 97
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 9:30 pm: |
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Try this;
http://www.rmitaly.com/gruppi.asp?gr=1&cat=3&lingua='' |
Mudduck
New member
Username: Mudduck
Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 6:30 am: |
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Thanx Peddler for the input and URL.
I'm already fimiliar with the site and have looked at their amps many times.
But, for example, many of the radios we talk about here are RATED at 4 watts output. Now, we know that simply is not the REALITY - as many of these rigs can be turned up to 15, 20 and even 30 watts from a little 4 watt radio.
So my question is - What is the REALITY of the KL203 and KL200P amps? - power in, power out, pre amp, etc.....
While the KL203 appears to be the popular and perhaps the best choice for my Mag 257, the KL200P may be best for the FT-817 because of the lower output. But numbers don't always tell the truth. I'm trying to find the smallest amp with the most power that will make both radios (and me) happy.
73 |
Peddler
Member
Username: Peddler
Post Number: 98
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 9:52 am: |
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Any of the radios (all of mine) need to be set dead key 2 to 3 watts. As far as the realality of an amp output, you need to use common sense and look at what the transistors are rated at. They are all overated and uswally refder to PEP and not a true dead key rating.
Try this;
http://www.rfparts.com/transistorspecs.html
Good luck on your choice. |
Rob5mike
Member
Username: Rob5mike
Post Number: 80
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 3:41 pm: |
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Mudduck! I don't know about the KL203 but I do use the KL200P hooked to a TR396F and I will say it is an awsome little box.A friend of mine uses one with a 29LTD and he loves it too! The preamp does bring the noise level up but it also brings the weak signals in,yes its useable.As far as how many amps does it draw? We both use them in big trucks and slipseat everytime out and the amp and radio is all wired to plug into the cig lighter and it works great(I think they draw 7 amps).I don't know how it would work on the Mag257 but I would think it would be fine with about a 2 watt deadkey and I have no idea about the FT-817.
Mike |
Mudduck
New member
Username: Mudduck
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 7:21 am: |
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Thanx Mike -
How much do you swing into the amp on AM and SSB and how much do you get out of it?
73 |
Rob5mike
Member
Username: Rob5mike
Post Number: 81
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 11:43 am: |
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I have not used it for SSB,TR396F is AM only,the radio deadkeys 2 watts and swings about 18 or 20 watts.With the amp on it deadkeys 20 watts and swings about 110 watts.Like I said it is an awesome little amp and you can't beat the price($60.30 shipped)and coppers wasted no time getting it to me(ordered it wed.morning and was talking on it thurs.evening)Maybe Tech671 will get in hear and tell about its SSB performance,he is the one who helped me make up my mind to get this amp.
Mike |
Pointman
Member
Username: Pointman
Post Number: 73
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 12:10 am: |
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She will swing in the 200 Watt range on SSB.
I recommend 1 Watt dead key if possible. For my 203 more than that just adds heat, no added performance that you would notice.
Consider adding a external fan. You can pick them up cheap at Radio Shack and wire it up and run it to the cig lighter.
Don't overdrive it, keep it cool, you have a great little amp there.
73's
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