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Andy38 Profile
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Registered: 08-2010
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RM/KL400 AMP


says it covers 3-30mhz, and 400watts O/P ,what do we think people? Any thoughts?
23/Feb/2011, 9:54 pm Link to this post Send Email to Andy38   Send PM to Andy38
 
andybristol Profile
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Registered: 11-2010
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Re: RM/KL400 AMP


See my thread in the other "other" section.

Basically, works well - but i needed to modify it to make it work as i needed. Like all of them, dont run it hard.

I run mine with 5w or so giving me 50W peak on setting 1 up to about 200W on setting 6. All reports perfectly clean. Its only got 2 transistors so its never going to do 400W. I think the KL500 has 4 of them, but is really hungry on the amps.

If I drive it harder, all sorts of crazy stuff happens (like it turning on the bathroom ventilation fan!).

As for the mods. I've disabled the RF detection and control the whole thing with an external relay box.

The other thing to watch for is weak RX in the seconds after you stop transmitting. I initially misread this as a spike upsetting the AGC, not so - problem is in the amp. I've heard other reports of the same. I get around this by switching two seperate parts of the circuit with relays.

Pain in the ass obviously, but now it runs sweet and i dont need the SSB setting any more.

Andy 26FB400
24/Feb/2011, 12:07 am Link to this post Send Email to andybristol   Send PM to andybristol Blog
 
andybristol Profile
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Registered: 11-2010
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Re: RM/KL400 AMP


Oh, and thats only on 11m - cant speak for other bands....
24/Feb/2011, 12:08 am Link to this post Send Email to andybristol   Send PM to andybristol Blog
 
yamanx1 Profile
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Registered: 09-2007
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Re: RM/KL400 AMP


I have buggered up three of these. Not much good at working away from 11m whatever it says, it will but be very cautious. NEVER overdrive it, it will knacker in seconds. SWR needs to be good and check it between radio and amp as well as you may find a busted radio as well. Make sure you have a decent DC supply, if using it mobile you may need the engine running as 12v is not enough 13v is better. Otherwise a good amp emoticon

---

By all means think yourself big, but never think others small.... R.F.Scott
24/Feb/2011, 1:22 pm Link to this post Send Email to yamanx1   Send PM to yamanx1
 
Andy38 Profile
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Registered: 08-2010
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Re: RM/KL400 AMP


A!!! RIGHT THEN, so best to look at another make/model? for similar? or less price? dont really wont to chance a 2nd hand 1 even for HF although prob 17/10m's main usage,not below! thanks both,
24/Feb/2011, 7:23 pm Link to this post Send Email to Andy38   Send PM to Andy38
 
andybristol Profile
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Registered: 11-2010
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Re: RM/KL400 AMP


Despite a bit of electronic knowledge i dont have a lot of experience of using amps, and only on 11m.

But, its fairly clear to me that even based on my narrow requirements this one fell short (and, lets face it - 11m is the primary market for these). Crucially, the fading back in of the RX was seriously annoying (and observed on multiple transceivers)

I'm sure its a case of you get what you pay for. If I was you I'd not get a KL400 and await recommendations from others working on the bands you've mentioned.
24/Feb/2011, 10:58 pm Link to this post Send Email to andybristol   Send PM to andybristol Blog
 


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