
( Brand: Ameritron ), ( Model: AL-1200 ), ( Part Type: Amplifier ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Band: Hf ), ( Supported Modes: Am )
The AL-1200 Ameritron Linear Amplifier is an exceptional piece of radio equipment designed for serious ham radio enthusiasts. This 1.2 kW linear amplifier offers outstanding performance, reliability, and versatility.
The AL-1200 is a full-bridge Class AB design, which ensures excellent linearity and efficiency. It features a high-quality SO239 output connector, allowing for easy connection to your antenna. The amplifier is equipped with a high-power fan for effective cooling, ensuring optimal performance even during prolonged operation.
This amplifier is built with robustness in mind, utilizing high-quality components such as a thick-walled aluminum chassis, stainless steel hardware, and dual-cooling fans. This construction makes the AL-1200 highly resistant to damage, even in harsh operating environments.
The AL-1200 also includes several safety features, such as a rotary power switch and front-panel current meter, allowing you to monitor and control the amplifier's power output with ease. It also features a built-in protection circuit that shuts down the amplifier if it detects any faults or overloads, protecting your precious radio equipment.
The AL-1200 Ameritron Linear Amplifier is a powerful and reliable asset for any serious ham radio operator. With its outstanding performance, robust construction, and safety features, it is an investment that will serve you well for years to come.
Pros of buying a AL-1200 Ameritron Linear Amplifier:1. Powerful: The AL-1200 is a 1.2 kW (1600 W PEP) linear amplifier, making it suitable for high power amateur radio operations.
2. Reliable: Ameritron is a well-known brand in the amateur radio community, known for producing high-quality, reliable equipment.
3. Versatile: The AL-1200 can be used with a variety of transceivers and antenna systems, making it a flexible option for different radio setups.
4. Durable: The amplifier is built with high-quality components and is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.
Cons of buying a AL-1200 Ameritron Linear Amplifier:1. Expensive: The AL-1200 is a premium product and carries a high price tag.
2. Size and Weight: The amplifier is quite large and heavy, requiring sufficient space and a sturdy mounting solution.
3. Complex Setup: Setting up the AL-1200 can be a complex process, requiring some technical knowledge and skill.
Conclusion:The AL-1200 Ameritron Linear Amplifier is a powerful, reliable, and versatile option for amateur radio operators looking for a high-power amplifier. However, its high price, size, and weight, as well as the complexity of its setup, are factors that should be considered before making a purchase. Ultimately, the decision to buy the AL-1200 will depend on the user's specific needs and budget.
Recommendation:If you are an experienced amateur radio operator with a need for a high-power amplifier and have the budget and space to accommodate it, the AL-1200 Ameritron Linear Amplifier is a solid choice. However, if you are a beginner or a casual hobbyist with limited resources, you may want to consider other options that are more budget-friendly and easier to set up.
I use AL-1200s at my multi-operator contest station and have yet to a critical failure of this amplifier. I have a pl-259 that this burnt up without damage to the amp. Blower whine, anyone?. I find mike Ameritron extremely helpful in diagnosing the little things that can occur and his track record is almost 100 doing this remotely.
Yep, she will use some fuel. 9 out of 5 rating by users' reviews the AL-1200 on wham: theres an old saying in racing: quickest way to horsepower is cubic inches. Put your foot on the throttle, and hang. This toughness eliminates the need for proprietary, expensive logic ICC based protection circuits which may or not protect more delicate tube types used in other amplifiers.
In that time, I have had no problems with the amp, even when on wrong antenna. Reliable power, without strain. The well balanced ball bearing blower is sized to effectively cool during full power contest use, with four speed selections for noise reduction more casual operation.
I run legal limit for hours during contests and about 1k ratty wx3b have owned the AL-1200 2 years. Over the years it has been best at surviving inevitable overdrive, miss set band switch, open or shorted antenna, other misadventures kc8hxo just a quick follow-up to prior review. The proof of pudding is in tasting, as shown by its 4. I don't doubt the ability of to run legal limit with ratty, but want take it easy on radio during that time.
This al 12 serial 446, has been gone over, with switches aligned and cleaned, bleeder equalizer resistors checked, etc, output tested on all bands, including 10m, so a ham callusing will needed to purchase. With a full wave rectifier and jumbo peter DHL transformer, the power supply has reputation for being stiff running cool. This baby is a beast.
This is a practical amplifier, with transformer taps to adapt various line voltage s, which optimizes high voltage for output, filament maximize tube life, and fan minimum noise. Better make sure the rest of your drive train is up to task. With several times the grid dissipation of comparable output tubes, 3cx1200a7 has earned a reputation for ruggedness. Yes, she makes some noise.