Linear Latest

As advertised I received the linear (ETO Alpha 76PA) last Friday, in the late afternoon. It was not until Sunday I actually got time to put the transformer back in the case and connect the amp to the radio and foot pedal (in order to key the amp). There is still one outstanding question as to the use (or not) of the ALC jack. There are arguments on both sides, such as not driving your rig at 100w, while providing higher PEP and making your voice sound better on SSB. The differing opinion came from N4UQ who worked on it, saying its “old school technology” and not needed.

Armed with that information I did not connect the ALC cable and was able to have a QSO with John, KX5JT in Louisiana. With the Yaesu FT-1000MP at a full 100w, the amp was putting out about 1.6 kW (1600 watts). I was an easy “armchair copy” on 20M as the sun was setting on the West Coast. I still did not truly tune the amp based on my rig, but used the settings provided, which were included as a baseline and fairly close to what the manual states.

It will still take some time to get comfortable using the amp because damn….it is a lot of power! I have already ran into one issue. The same day I had the QSO with John, I turn around to find the XYL standing in the shack doorway saying she can hear me on her computer headset. Doh! Since then I have used ferrite on her computer and headset, hopefully this will squelch the problem. No complaints from the neighbors, but I am sure those will come to.

I was unable to get to the HOA meeting this past week, but will send an e-mail off to the manager and let her know of changes to my station and the increased possibility of interference complaints. I know some will argue against this move, but I have found the board of directors and manager of the association to be very open and honest and thankful I provide them updates on any changes. I feel keeping this line of communications open only helps to keep them happy and allow me to pursue the hobby I love and most importantly let me keep the vertical erected.

Now if I could only convince the wife of a small (35′ tilt over tower) tower in the backyard with a 3-element beam. Hahah….yeah right. It won’t happen. But I am working on getting a 33′ mast in order to run the Alpha Delta DX-EE in an inverted vee. Hopefully this height will increase the signals and possibly provide a better receiving capability.