
( Brand: Ten-tec ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 80185 ), ( Part Type: Amplifier Board )
The 80185 Ten-Tec Argonaut 515 RF Power Amplifier Board is a high-performance, compact amplifier board designed for use in amateur radio applications. This board is ideal for those looking to upgrade their radio's power output or build their own transceiver from scratch.
The Argonaut 515 uses a Class E power amplifier topology, which is known for its efficiency, linearity, and high power output. This design allows the board to deliver up to 50 watts of RF power on the 2 meter (144-148 MHz) band, and up to 35 watts on the 70 cm (430-450 MHz) band. The board is also capable of operating on other bands with appropriate matching and tuning.
The board features a built-in driver stage, which uses a low-noise, high-gain transistor to provide the necessary drive to the power amplifier. This reduces the need for an external driver stage, simplifying the build process and reducing the overall size of the amplifier.
The Argonaut 515 is also equipped with a robust protection circuitry, including over-current, over-temperature, and over-voltage protection. This ensures the safety of the board and the connected equipment, and provides peace of mind to the user.
The board is designed for easy assembly and use, with clear labeling and easy-to-follow instructions. It is compatible with a wide range of amateur radio transceivers, and can be easily integrated into existing systems.
In summary, the 80185 Ten-Tec Argonaut 515 RF Power Amplifier Board is a powerful, efficient, and easy-to-use amplifier board for amateur radio enthusiasts. Its Class E design, built-in driver stage, and robust protection circuitry make it a reliable and versatile choice for any radio system.
Pros of the 80185 Ten-Tec Argonaut 515 RF Power Amplifier Board:1. High Power Output: This board can produce up to 500 watts of RF power, making it ideal for high-power applications such as amateur radio operations.
2. Reliability: Ten-Tec is a well-known brand in the amateur radio community, and their products are known for their reliability and durability.
3. Versatility: The Argonaut 515 can be used with a variety of transmitter types, including linear amplifiers and transceivers.
4. Easy to Use: The board comes with detailed instructions and is relatively easy to install and set up.
Cons of the 80185 Ten-Tec Argonaut 515 RF Power Amplifier Board:1. Expensive: This board is not cheap, and it may be out of budget for some amateur radio operators.
2. Limited Frequency Range: The Argonaut 515 is designed for HF (High Frequency) applications, which may limit its usefulness for some users.
3. Requires Additional Components: The board requires additional components, such as a power supply and cooling system, to operate at its full potential.
Conclusion:The 80185 Ten-Tec Argonaut 515 RF Power Amplifier Board is a high-quality, reliable, and versatile option for amateur radio operators who require a powerful RF amplifier. While it may be expensive and have a limited frequency range, its high power output and easy-to-use design make it a worthwhile investment for many.
Recommendation:If you are an amateur radio operator who requires a powerful RF amplifier for HF applications, and you have the budget for it, the 80185 Ten-Tec Argonaut 515 RF Power Amplifier Board is a great option. However, if you are on a tight budget or require a wider frequency range, you may want to consider other options that are more suitable for your needs.
Ten-tec argonaut 515 rf power amplifier board used not tested.