Any thaughts on microset HF amp ?

[M0PKV]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting an HF amp to go with my FT-817 for when I go on holiday so it has to be small, light and portable. it looks as if the microset HF amp fits the bill and it's cheep to, but there are no reviews about it. Has anyone got one, is it OK.

I'd welcome any input

M0PKV

Peter

[AG3Y]

I tried to find Microset(tm) amplifiers on the internet, and came up with a bunch of VHF/UHF amps, and a couple of wideband HF amplifiers.

My first impression was that the HF "bricks" are very similar to the infamous amplifiers that some CBers use to boost their power illegally in and around the class "D" 27 Mhz band. I have not been convinced that this is not the case, even though an old manufacturer ( ? ) Waters and Stanton ( is that the same Waters that made notch filters for Collins gear ? ) are the producers of these amps.

My main question would be, why do you feel you NEED an amplifier for a holiday trip ? Many of us have run QRP with great success and satisfaction. In fact, the joy of making a contact with a few watts of power is much greater IMHO than the much more routine method of running medium power to do the same job.

Try QRP , use the rig barefoot, and relish the contacts that you have made with minimalistic equipment ( if indeed, one can call an 817 "minimalistic"! )

Just my take on it! 73, Jim

[KC9JIQ]

Anyone know of a American seller of Microset products?

What is Microsets quality in the VHF amplifiers, compared to MFJ's Mirage amps?

How are Microsets power supplies? eham reviews look VERY good, just need to find a supplier here in the states'.

[edit] He probably wants a amplifer to make up for a poor performing antenna.

[M0PKV]

Hi, Thanks for replying to my question, I'm looking for an amp because I'd like to be able to contact friends at home and that means long distance DX with a poor or portable antenna which is not always easy when conditions are not that good, and as for a supplier in the USA I'm sorry but I have no idea there are a number of dealers in the UK that stock them and are easily located on the internet.

Peter
M0PKV

[AG3Y]

That seems to be a legit reason to have one, Peter! It can be rough to contact a friend or family with any degree of regularity under some conditions.

I have a friend in Huntsville, Al. When we actually DO hear each other, it is a reason to celebrate! And the strangest thing of all is that I regularly hear other stations from close to his QTH, and he regularly hears this neck of the woods OK !

Good luck in your query.

As for getting rigs etc, from the internet. That would seem to be an excellent option. There are many legit stores out there selling equipment through a "virtual" storefront.

73, Jim