RF Kit Amplifier Build
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2024
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Building the B26 RF-2K+ HF Amplifier from RF-Kit.de Showing both the Assembly and Set Up steps.
Join the Group here: b26-pa.groups.io/g/main
I like the Beckman DVM, got my first one back in the 1970's and i still use them. Good job on the build.
Thanks. Yes, I bought my Beckman DVM in 1990 in Munich, Germany. Still going strong. Still accurate too (tested using a DVM calibrator). 73 de W4EEY
@@W4EEY I have a Circuitmate DM25L made by Beckman. Apparently it belonged to Continental Airlines at one point. It has an inspection record sticker on the back that states it was last inspected 5/2/95 by inspector LT 45209. I bought it in a second-hand store in Mesa Az. for 4 dollars. My only regret is they had 2 of them and i only bought the 1. It has served me very well over the years and is still reading spot-on.
Thank you. Nice option for the future.
Thanks for this, it was not so clear what needed to be done.
Thank you! I love this!
You are very welcome. 73 de W4EEY
Fascinating Amp, Delicious!
I like mine. Highly recommended. 73 de W4EEY
This is absolutely amazing! Beautifully designed.
Designed by Reinhard Forcher in Germany. You can contact him at: info@rf-kit.de It is a very beautiful and functional HF amplifier. I like it a lot. 73 de W4EEY
You didnt let the smoke out. Congrats.
SB-220 for HF back in the day, and I still have them in my shack today. No, I didn't have to chase the parts down, but I built them both, and I know how to fix them. I've built several VHF amps, and one 70cm amp of the 200 W class, they were fun and simple to build from scratch. Used them all in Ham and Navy MARS for many years. Thanks for the look at the future!
DE W4FJF/NNN0QAA/ NNNOGAA THREE.
The B26 RF-2K+ was a kit too. The boards came fully populated. You just need to add a Raspberry Pi computer, three fans and make the RF Interconnections. See the website at rf-kit.de/ If you built an SB-220 you could build this kit too. And the price is right. Come to the Dayton Hamvention in May. I'll be at the RF-Kit booth with another amplifier that I built. Hope to see you. 73 de W4EEY
You have SB-220's???
very cool! 😍
Yeah 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
It is a wonder to scratch build your own equipment. I wish that I had the patience to do this. But, I did build my SB-200 and converted it for 6 meters, and my
More info about the kit is here: rf-kit.de/ 73 de W4EEY
Amazing Work❤❤
Thanks! 73 de W4EEY
Wow I’m amazed. I’m new I’ve been listening to my baofeung uv5r HT and changing frequency’s to find Different bands and chatter. I just think you are so smart and would love for you to take me under your wing and teach me. I’m in Indiana. I come from a medical back ground EMT my wife is a NP and I love to shoot survival and I’m really interested in HAM and different set ups. Thank you 🙏🏻 so mich for the videos
Hey Zach - Where in Indiana? We need to find you a local Ham Radio Club. There you will find Old Timers like me that can take you under their wing. Speaking of Old Timers, please check out my website w4eey.com and the Short Stories there. Joe and the Old Timer discuss various Ham Radio topics. 73 de W4EEY
Thanking You for RF amplifier kit. 73. De VU2VIZ MohiddinBasha Syed.
Very nice, and well presented. I would have more confidence in the long term durability of this expensive hardware if it did not use the raspberry pi and aerdweeno for control. What happens when The flash memory starts failing? The touch screen LCD panel is uneccessary. Some people might find it difficult to read. A realtime program coded bare metal on a 16 or 32 bit processor, with high reliability flash memory, and failsafe discrete protection circuitry would give me more confidence.
What would you think about submerging the LPF into a dedicated enclosure or part of the case with transformer oil - to increase efficiency?
I don't think it is needed. The filter efficiency and match is good as it sits. I doubt you could ever hear the difference in real world application. 73 de W4EEY
great job terrific 73 from kb2uew
Thanks! 73 de W4EEY
This is a beautiful piece of tech. With a price tag of $5,000 (nearly $8K in Australia) I think the Chinese will unfortunately drive them out of business in the not too distant future.
So awesome I want one ahhhhhh only 4500$ doohhhhhhh
Gary who programmed the computer/ Pi? Also where did this kit come from?
Dear EL - The amplifier kit came from these folks: rf-kit.de/ Note that the amp I built is no longer available. Instead there is a newer version, the Model S. The first batch of these amps has been sent now to the USA from Germany. The amps are available in the U.S. exclusively from DX Engineering: www.dxengineering.com/parts/rfk-rf2k-s-kt
The Raspberry Pi and Arduino programming is by a gentleman in Germany. I don't know his full name and callsign (just his first name: Knut).
73 de W4EEY
excelent equipment congratulations LU6QAP 73DX
I believe that’s just the transfer from euros to dollars I don’t think that include shipping I was just going off how you said €3000 I did the transfer on it and it came out to that price like I said I just want to be in your presence for a couple months so I can learn the lingo I am brand new to the ham radio hobby and I’ve watched your videos for the beginners not all of them but I try to watch some as I can I have two little ones
3,436$ is a really nice long range rifle set up
Thanks for the price update. Is that for an Amp with Antenna Tuner? Does that include shipping? Does that factor in the cost of Dollars to Euros transfer? It is still the most cost effective legal limit LDMOS amplifier available anywhere.
01:43 that doesn't tune the antenna, it matches the impedance to 50ohms - but in no way makes the antenna resonant... people often confuse this. the antenna will still remain un-resonant, but the circuit will see 50ohms.
You are correct. An antenna tuner (whether built in to a radio or amplifier or external to both) does not change the feed line to antenna matching. What it does do is make the transmitter happy - thinking it is driving a pure 50 ohm resistive load. 73 de W4EEY
This AMP requires 240 Volt to power up!? Can it work with 110?
It uses a switching power supply (multi voltage input) so it will work on 110VAC - but with a limitation of 800 watts output. 73 de W4EEY
What transistors did you use? BLF188XR?
The RF-Kit.de amplifier (RF 2K+) that I purchased back in June 2017 uses the BLF188 LDMOS Output devices. The current units use the BLF189 from Ampleon (I believe this is a correct link for info: www.rfmw.com/Products/Detail/BLF189XRAU-Ampleon/600481/)
It looks great!!! What is the price?
Around $ 3,000 with the antenna tuner, and $2,500 without (includes shipping to the USA). The amp is priced in Euros, so to get an accurate price send an email to Reinhard in Germany. Reinhard@rf-kit.de or info@rf-kit.de 73 de W4EEY
How much is the cost to build this and does the kit come with everything one needs to build this amp and how many watts drive is needed. I would like to talk to you about one.
Thank You
Ken Pooler - K1ZYM
This amp is no longer available from RF-Kit.de. There is a new model the 2K-S which is redesigned and uses PIN diode switching for transmit-receive. The kit is available in the USA from DX Engineering:
www.dxengineering.com/parts/rfk-rf2k-s-kt
Download the instructions from RF-Kit. I think you could build it yourself (maybe with a friends help):
rf-kit.de/index.php/docu
and view the description:
rf-kit.de/
73 de W4EEY
Pep or rms?
What is so expensive in this amplifier?
Wow,complicated!
Haha well you got me my extra ticket. Why not making an amp lol
You should mention the cost and the degree of difficulty to build and align at the beginning of the video. Next, describe the characteristics and features of the amplifier, such as solid state or tube design, output power, full break-in ability or not, noise level of the T/R relays and fans, high continuous duty cycle power output, SWR limitations, frequency range coverage, ability to remotely control, and the electric power circuit needed. All those topics could have been covered in the first 3 to 4 minutes of the video. Maybe you could answer those questions in the comments.
Dave KY0L
Hi Dave - My recommendation for folks seeking this info is to start with the RF-Kit website (rf-kit.de/) and then join the RF-Kit Group (b26-pa.groups.io/g/main). A wealth of info between the two sites.
I have a new RF-Kit S Amplifier on Order (the latest version) and I will use your checklist when I shoot a video about it - and contrast it with the original amplifier. So stay tuned! Thanks for writing es 73 de W4EEY
Where can I get the kit and all of the components?
No longer available (this model). But the newer version can be ordered from DX Engineering in the United States. Link: www.dxengineering.com/parts/rfk-rf2k-s-kt 73 de W4EEY
A longer antenna would give you more range. Unfortunately, how to go with her. But the amp is nice. SQ4FXU Poland.
Yes, a better antenna gives gain on both receive and transmit. Improving your antenna gives the best result. But more power helps in the pile ups! 73 de W4EEY
Too bad these are no longer available
hi beautiful construction maby a bit to complicated 4 som hams
Thanks for writing! This version of the amp is no longer available but it was a fun project. 73 de W4EEY
What would you charge to build one?
I no longer build the amplifiers for others (I built three plus my own). You might go to the B-26 Group here: b26-pa.groups.io/g/main and post an inquiry. I'm sure you could find someone to help out. 73 de W4EEY
May i know what is the total cost of this amplifier thanks 73s from A61bn
An Amplifier with the antenna tuner is around Euros 3,000.00. Send an email to Reinhard@rf-kit.de to get a current price including shipping to your QTH. 73 de W4EEY
Mohammed Buti 3,436$ dollars
Very Nice Job. Wa2gzw
Price? Not listed on their website or sold on ebay.
This version of the amplifier is no longer available. Would need to find a ham selling one. The new version is here: www.dxengineering.com/parts/rfk-rf2k-s-kt but it is not yet available. 73 de W4EEY
we started a drinking game, wed take a shot every time you blink. So far were still sober...
Super glue does wonders! 73 de W4EEY
@@W4EEY haha!! We sat here and were like wait he hasnt blinked yet! I love the sense of humor and your knowledge! Its great when the magic smoke stays in! Its tough to put it back hah!
Very cool de yi1hxh
Glad you liked it! 73 de W4EEY
Is this RF kit amplifier still available ?
No, sorry. The Silver 2K+ is no longer available. But there is a new model, the 2K-S. In the USA it is available from DX Engineering exclusively as an assembled amplifier:
www.dxengineering.com/parts/rfk-rf2k-s
RF-Kit.de is having the same issue as other manufacturers. Electronic component availability. They can't get the parts they need at the moment - so the DX Engineering webpage shows "Not Available". But it will be. Price for the new assembled version is around $5,000. 73 de W4EEY
Does it work for CB 11 meter band😁
Nope.
It will work on the 11m band if you know what you are doing. However for warranty purposes id suggest against it.
Wow. This man will make a military satellite soon .
Well, if I can do it - you can do it too! Best regards - Gary
Meh, Ill stick to my High voltage vacuum tube RF amps, more funner!🤓👍
Let me guess this looks like it’s in $5k range.
The version shown in the video is no longer available. But a newer version is (assembled only) from Island Amplifiers.
islandamplifier.com/product-category/rf-kit-products/
Price? $ 4.990.00 You guessed it! 73 de W4EEY
❤👏👏👏👏PU5WCZ BRASIL PARANÁ JACAREZINHO
Thanks! 73 de W4EEY
I'm looking for an amp that is CHEAPER than the OTHERS
Generally your best value for money would be a tube type amplifier. But if you want to Contest like me, retuning every time you change frequency is a pain.
The RF-Kit amplifier in this video is no longer available. A newer version (RF2K-S) is available assembled at Island Amplifier for $5490:
islandamplifier.com/product/rf-kit/
You might look at the Mercury Amplifier (the model IIIS). It is $2799 plus shipping.
www.km3km.com/mercuryiiis-fully-assembled/
No antenna tuner and rated at only 1200 Watts. A 5 Star rating at E-Ham though:
www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14403
Palstar has the LA-1K amplifier. A friend of mine has one and he loves it:
www.palstar.com/en/la1k/
73 de W4EEY
That's not a Amplifier it's a computer on steroids .... lol
Actually two computers :-)
@@W4EEY I wish I had just 1/2 of your knowledge on this stuff. I am still trying to rebuild and upgrade a Drake L7 power supply. But these electrolytic capacitors now days really stink. I am in the process of building a whole new voltage doubler circuit for it. This new transformer is bigger 240v in and 1850v out into the voltage doubler circuit. Waiting on some new 18 diodes @1000v 6 amp each. Have a good day 73's W4DRA
Lost interest when I didn't see the output tubes in the parts list.
Too much hocus-pocus with the raspberry pi and the arduino (why arduino of all things?).That's why i prefer tube linears!!
The computers used in Solid State amps are a necessity. The solid state output devices (whether transistors or LDMOS pallets) are susceptible to damage if over driven or if the output bandpass filter is incorrectly selected. Tubes are generally more forgiving in this regard.
The RF-Kit Amplifier uses an off the shelf Raspberry Pi as the User and Communications interface and the Arduino as the machine control for the filters and antenna tuner as well as for protection against over drive or high SWR. I think it is a very clever and cost effective way to do it. The key is the software written by Knut, DF9QA. The software updates and revisions over the past year have added improved functionality. I hope for more to come.
I operate my station remotely. I need a computer controlled amplifier to make this possible. The RF-Kit B26 RF-2K+ meets my needs. Of course YMMV! 73 de W4EEY
This unit is too expensive and too complicated. Arduino and all gizmos are not necessery. People needs some power that is affordable. Some people just need like 200W or 500W.