Copper Talk » Ask The Tech » Radio's Mobile » Archived Messages » Magnum S-9 as a base radio « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eddy1104
Junior Member
Username: Eddy1104

Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 3:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Would the Magnum S-9 with an amp work well as a base radio or would it be wiser to just invest in a true base radio

Thanks
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Carolinagold
Member
Username: Carolinagold

Post Number: 58
Registered: 12-2002


Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 5:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

it should work great as a base and even better with an amp
cuz those magnum's are some talking machine's
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Vanillagorilla
Intermediate Member
Username: Vanillagorilla

Post Number: 157
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 6:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


Depends what you wanna do with it...I like to rotate radios a lot. The 4 in question are:

Galaxy Pluto
Grant XL
Cobra 148 GTL
And
S9S9S9S9S9S9S9S9S9S9S9S9S9:-)

All three of these radios fit the same DX size bracket and take the same power plug.
I also like my radios to take up less desk space..more room for other crapola..:-)

For the record,as far as a mobile as a base goes...I use any one of the above radios for a base when not in my Jeep. I use a Rat Shack 25amp supply that will run ANY one of those radios as well as my Palomar 225 on "HI" if needed (160w?). Everything is supplied with 10 gauge wire only as long as is needed.
Only the 10 meter radios tax the 25a supply with the heat on when using SSB. Usually don't need power with SSB anyways. :-)

So..YES..the S9 makes an AWESOME bas unit!


Hank '905
CEF 559
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wally38
Junior Member
Username: Wally38

Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 6:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I've brought mine in from my truck and hooked it up to a 12 v battery and had alot of fun with it. But I already have a 2995 so I use that.
I think it would do just fine. Did for me.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 1346
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 6:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

the S9 would make an AWESOME base radio. you'd have AWESOME receive, AWESOME transmit, the ability to leave the stock mic as well as a power mic hooked up at all times, what more could you want? i think i've mentioned a few hundred times that a magnum base radio based on the S9 would be an excellent thought!
as for an amp, you will NEED a big one! you could use a texas star dx500 with a BIG power supply. or check out 1 of the custom builders for an AC powered 4 or straight 6 pill, or maybe a klv1000p.
my mouth's watering already
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eddy1104
Junior Member
Username: Eddy1104

Post Number: 15
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 8:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks guys, ill use the S9 for my base station and use an imax 2000 for the antenna.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 6874
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 11:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eddy1104,

Sounds like a WINNING COMBINATION to me.

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eddy1104
Junior Member
Username: Eddy1104

Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 12:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Could a tube type base amplifier that is for household use (operates on 110 volts) be used for the S9 in a household.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms

Post Number: 735
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 10:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eddy1104, that s-9 and Imax 2000 will blow smoke. I have a Magnum Omega force S-45 on an Imax 2000 and I talk everywhere my neighbor talks with 300 watts added to his station. I can't answer the question about the tube amp, but I'm kind of in the same boat you are now researching for an amp that will take the top gun modulator and power of these high powered magnums. My search is pointing strongly towards the Texas Star 500 variable. I think it will leave room to spare. I hear the pre-amp are the best in the world and with the quiet recievers on these Magnums, you will hear a lot of signal and not just added noise.

mikefromms
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dd18
Junior Member
Username: Dd18

Post Number: 41
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 11:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have S-9 with DX1600 in the house and it puts out about 850W PEP to a beam and is seriously loud. 4 small fans continuously run on the amp and it has yet to get warm, let alone hot. Same radio driving the KLV1000/P gets about 475W PEP. (DX500V gets up to around 400W PEP)
Only work SSB around 27555....
Mic gain on S-9 set on 50% for local contacts and 75-80% for DX and it rocks into Europe every day.
Very penetrating audio for DX with mic that came with it and a fine set of ears for receive.
Nice sound on receive. Better than any base set up I have tried to date.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dd18
Junior Member
Username: Dd18

Post Number: 42
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 11:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mike
The preamp in the DX500v is a waste of time.
Overloads the receiver totally. I can not use it and never have.
S-9 don't need it anyway.
Preamp on klv is a bit better cos adjustable but they bring up the noise and usually cover up the signal you want to hear.
Gasfets in a proper preamp at the mast or better coax is the only way to go.
just my Humble opinion !
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 6887
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 2:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dd18,

What amp are you using for a Pre- Driver on the DX1600 and KLV1000P?

The S-9 just does not have the power to drive either one of them with the factory suggested input power for both amps.

The KLV1000P NEEDS at least 75 watts of drive and does not come close to operating at 100% with 75 watts and the DX1600 calls for 100 watts of input drive.

While the S-9 is a Great Radio it is just not that great of a radio to drive those amps without adding another amp as a pre-driver.

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Chainsawiowa
Junior Member
Username: Chainsawiowa

Post Number: 49
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 5:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It doesn't get any better paired with my Texas Star "SWEET SIXTEEN" !!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Chainsawiowa
Member
Username: Chainsawiowa

Post Number: 51
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 5:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I disagree the S-9 runs great with a DX-1600, You can talk on it all day long around 900 Watts. Draws under 90 Amps also.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eddy1104
Junior Member
Username: Eddy1104

Post Number: 17
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 9:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So the S9 doesnt have the power to drive big amps due to the fact that the bigger amps need anywhere from 75 to 100 initial watts to have them reach their peak PEP which the S9 cannot reach these wattage levels. If I were to use the S9 with the Texas Star dx 1600 I would need two amps, one for the pre-amp and then the dx 1600 right?. Now naturally smaller amps need less initial wattage to drive them to their maximum PEP, if I am looking into using the S9 as a base should I look into getting a smaller amp (and what would be a good wattage to use), use two amps one small one large, or look into getting a base radio that can drive these bigger amps without pre-amps?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 6898
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 10:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eddy1104,

If you run the S-9 with the Texas Star 500 the person on the other end would not even notice 1 S-unit difference in signal between the two amps and you would save a BUNCH of money for other toys.

Below is a post I made awhile back from Sam Lewis Owner of Magnum International on runing an amplifier with any of the Magnum Radios with the Top Gun Modulator which also includes the Magnum S-9.

Copper Talk » Manufacturers Questions » RF Limited » OMEGAFORCE S-45 and MAGNUM S-3 OWNERs TIPS! « Previous Next »


Author Message


Tech808
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 6:47 pm:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Following tips are Direct from Sam Lewis at RF Limited and Designed to give you 100% use of your Radio's when using an Amplifier with them.

Owner's of the NEW OMEGA FORCE S-45 and the MAGNUM S-3 Radio's, and other Radio's that will be using the TOP GUN BOARD, need to read the Following Owner's Tip's.

TIP #1

AMPLIFIER USE with the NEW TOP GUN BOARD!

NOTICE!

These Radio's were NOT designed to be used with 2 Pill Amplifiers!

These New Radio's with the NEW TOP GUN BOARD'S are designed to be used with an AMPLIFIER that has at Least 4-2879's or more, that need's NO Driver / Exciter Stage.

The Ideal Amplifier for use with the Omega Force S-45 or Magnum S-3 is the Texas Star 500 with 4- 2SC2879's. With NO DRIVER / EXCITER Stage.

These Radio's with the TOP GUN BOARD were designed to eliminate the need or use of a Driver / Exciter.

For use with other Amplifier's that Use a Driver/Exciter such as the Texas Star 667 that uses 1-SC2290 driving 4-2SC2879's you need to READ the following instructions.

Be Very careful that the Power to the Driver / Exciter is set to NO more than 4 watts and NO More than 12 watts PEP.

Otherwise you will have too much Gain going into the Driver.

It is highly recommended that you have a Professional Set these adjustments for you.

These Tip’s are to help you achieve Top Performance and help you to avoid any problem's that may arise.

As Sam continues to inform me of additional Tip's / Trick's on the RF Limited Product's, I will be posting them for the Owner's of these New radio's.

Hope this helps,


Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eddy1104
Junior Member
Username: Eddy1104

Post Number: 18
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 10:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks Lon
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 1354
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 9:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

$300+ for the texas star & MINIMUM $300+ for power supply to get max output. or same cost for klv1000p, ability to run S9 @ full power & get decent output, run HF rig & get klv's FULL output 10 & 11 meters, ability to run 150 watt radio(such as 95t, 2970, 3500, etc), or other radio & 100 watt amp(dx100, mod plus, mod v, amarillo, etc)-which a 20 amp supply you probably already have would run nicely....
there is a legitimate argument both ways
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dd18
Junior Member
Username: Dd18

Post Number: 43
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 9:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Guys. I run the S-9 barefoot into the DX1600 (and the same when I tried it with the KLV1000/p for comparison)
The figures Are what I got. Both amps can put out a lot with more drive for sure but the 850 from the DX1600 is solid clean and plenty. The amp runs cool power supply(s) run cool and neighbours don't complain. I don't think running the amp at max (whatever that is on SSB) will add an appreciable amount at the other end. To get 1 more 'S' point I need 6db which is 4 x present out put or 3.4kw...
I want this amp to last forever and continue to sound good. I am happy. I think it is a match made in heaven!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Chainsawiowa
Member
Username: Chainsawiowa

Post Number: 52
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 6:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dd18 You Are Correct Sir !! Long LIVE the Honeymoon !! I can talk all day with the same setup and its clean and does not bother neighbors and can still KEY DOWN !! on AM and plain cut peoples LIPS OFF everytime !! 73's Another great setup is the Kenwood TS-50 with the 1600 !
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dd18
Junior Member
Username: Dd18

Post Number: 45
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Thursday, September 01, 2005 - 11:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yup. You gotta try it to see it I guess....but tell me while we are on the subject ....just what amp could you possibly put between the S-9 and the DX1600 safely? The S-9 is hard to turn down and Mr Sam lewis himself says you gotta use a 4 pill amp so I don't see too many options out there that fit this criteria. In the car I use the DX500 and that works like a champ too.
The main thrust of my original post was to mention that if you have an S-9 and you want to buy a big Amp to go with it the DX1600 and Dx500 are way ahead of the KLV1000/p. I think the KLV1000 amp would be overloaded by the S-9 but I don't have one to try. BTW I ran a DX350 with the 257 and it really screamed. 375W PEP. Unfortunately I didn't keep it cool enough and fried it when I upped the voltage to 15. The DX350 at 13.8v and a big fan could also work on SSB. Main thing was it stayed clean. The KLV500 did not sound as good and didn't put out as much on SSB as the DX350 when driven with the magnum 257 with 30W or so.
This is just how these amps worked for me with the 257. I am sure others have had different experiences.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Thehobo
Junior Member
Username: Thehobo

Post Number: 19
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 1:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

dd18, at one time i used a 2 pill (2879s), with my s9 and they did a good job?? just watch your swrs with that kind of a drive??
also, 2 pill base, (2879s), will handle the s9, and the base amps are 110 volt and b bias for ssb.. just my nickles worth!! oh yes, dont need no change?

thehobo
274150 am
monitor ch.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Caledonia
New member
Username: Caledonia

Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 8:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"The KLV1000P NEEDS at least 75 watts of drive and does not come close to operating at 100% with 75 watts and the DX1600 calls for 100 watts of input drive. "


Not true. It does not need 75 watts to work. I have a different philosophy for running my amps--I NEVER drive them to 100 percent. If I want 500 watts, I get an amp that would do 1000 watts at full drive, and I operate it at much less than that. They stay cooler, run cleaner, and last longer that way. It is misleading to say that an amp NEEDS to be driven to 100 percent of it's capability. If that's how you like to run yours, fine, but that's not what everyone wants to do. To each their own, there is more than one way to skin a cat, different does not mean wrong.

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action: