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Sinker
Junior Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 47
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 10:00 am: | 
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Just ordered a Texas Ranger 696F Base Station from Copper and am having the tunning and peak done to it. I have not yet received this so unsure what the out put will be. Also just found out there is no power / RF adjustment (Dial-A-Watt) (can I add one).
So I am looking for a perfect amp to go with this unit. Looking for a base amp, 110v, solid state (no tubes).
I know I can't compete with the locals who can key up and make everybody disappear from the radio but would like to have some extra punch when needed and to help maybe with DX. Not interested in competition or competing with the locals just want something that will match up well and last a long time that won't cost me an arm and a leg.
I heard that sometimes a larger amp will not even make a difference or to make a 1 S Unit difference you must almost double the amp. I do not understand all this so was hoping you all could let me know what I should look at and consider.
Much Appreciated - Thanks... |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1426
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 5:16 pm: |
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haven't looked at how you're making out with base/antenna/previous possible problems, but assuming antenna & radio combination are 'IT', i think you will get more then satisfactory results on SSB if you get into the '2 pill' range. the 150 watt mobiles(rci 2970/2995base, 95t, 6900ftb, ar3500, etc) all do well with 2-2sc2290 transistors & an honest 150+ watts PEP on SSB, & with a base antenna, AM should see some decent results as well. (talk most of my base dx with my icom ic735 at 25 watts AM & 65PEP SSB with a maco v5/8 antenna-a get GOOD results.) MONEY MONEY MONEY. that's all it is. you have to decide how much you are able to spend. the boomer/palomar 300/500 with built in power supplies can get you about 175w out of the 300 & 350w out of the 500. the added cost of a 70 amp power supply would allow you to run up to a 5 pill mobile amp. or you could go xforce base amp. a costly but effective alternative($450-700 for 2 pill to 5 pill. with the 5 pill-you WILL get out!)
the 696 will work fine with 2, 1x2, 4, 1x4, & 2 x 4 amps. straight 2 or 4 will get the bigger dead key on AM increases, the 1x & 2x versions will get more PEP. the AC power supply really tacks on the bucks. price will be the deciding factor.
double your watts 2 times for approx 1 S-unit increase. that is ALL OVER this forum!!! (your texas ranger 696 is 4 watts, with a 2x2sc2290 150 watt amp will show roughly 2+ S-unit increase. a 2x2sc2879 will be CLOSE to 3 S-units).
without GOOD grounding, GOOD coax, & GOOD tvi filter, your neighbors will learn to HATE you. that is why i DO NOT run an amp at the base, but let my mobile run wild |
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