I think Ray is not the only one to suggest obtaining used VHF amps.
I owned one of the "brown" B1016, which is the older version, and it
didn't output 80w anymore but did a good job at about 65w. The
preamps in these VHF amps were never low-noise preamps but extra gain
did help some of the older VHF radios which also did not have
low-noise front ends. They were designed with mobile operation in
mind where local noise is sometimes high or there is lots of adjacent
high level signals which drive sensitive preamps into overload.
But if you are on a budget the used amplifier market is a good source
for a VHF amp (but there is more risk of getting a "bum" unit,
also). I've a pretty good record acquiring used amps. Most of the
"bums" were from my local flea market and not from e-bay or from e-mail lists.
I currently have two RFC 2-30 which make very nice 25-30w companion
for the KX3 (small) and are linear for SSB. I have a RFC 2-317
30w-in/170w 2m amp in my home station. Also have Mirage A1015G 6m
150w linear. A few more on my repair shelf which I will get around
to fixing someday (probably to sell). I was given an old MOT 60w FM
amp which drives very nice with 1w from my KX3 for use on repeaters
and simplex FM.
I recently bought a PR6-10 for my K3 from a ham upgrading to the
KVX3B and it works very nice (I copied 6m-eme signals with it). I
also have a ARR P50VDG preamp which I will install on my 6m tower for
serious eme work. I have low-noise preamps on 222, 432, 900, 1296,
and 2400 MHz so do not rely on internal preamps in my transmit amplifiers.
73, Ed - KL7UW
-------
From: Ray W2RS via Elecraft <
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To:
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Subject: [Elecraft] 2-meter amp
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I'm using an old (pre-MFJ) Mirage B1016. 10W in = 160W out. The receive
preamp leaves a bit to be desired but a modern RF-switched low noise preamp
ahead of it solves that problem.. It's not full QSK but very few people
need that on 2m anyway.
A low cost option to consider.
73 Ray W2RS
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
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