| Author |
Message |
    
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 20
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 9:14 am: | 
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Hi, I am thinking of getting a klv amp from copper, Just wanted to ask if that would be a good choice to use with a stock Uniden Grant XL?
Did`nt decide which one yet, Does it matter?
Do I need to modify the Grant or just hook everything up?
Thanks For all the good info,
airplane1 |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2628
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 9:24 am: |
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Airplane1,
The KLV amps would work well with your Uniden Grant radio.
There is a wide choice to chhose from. The KLV-300P would be a good Mid Range amp, but the KLV 40 & 60 or any other's would work as well.
The only suggestion I would make is to turn your power on the radio down to 2 or 3 watts dead key as the KLV's are Low Drive Amps and you should have No problems.
Let us know what you choose.
Lon
Tech808 |
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 11:36 am: |
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Thanks Lon,
I am setting up a base, Will my pyramid 46kx 42amp constant power supply power both Grant and the klv 300P or do you think I should just get a klv 350 base amp?
How do I turn the power down to work with the amp?
Do I use the meter on the radio or hook something up to adjust it?
I have alot of questions dont I?
Thanks,
airplane1 |
Alsworld
Advanced Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 819
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 6:46 am: |
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Airplane1,
that Pyramid power supply you own will easily push a KL 400, and maybe even a 500 if you don't run it wide open. The 500 may push it to the max but easily the 300 or 400 without problems. Plenty of power in that power supply for amp and radio.
Turning down the power to lower your deadkey to around 2 watts is easy. Lon can give you the exact pot. Yes you can use the internal meter as a general guide, or an external power meter (better choice). Once you know which pot to turn inside your radio, you will have it (usually) upside down with the bottom cover off and deadkey your radio watching the meter. Turn the pot until it goes down to what you want then you are all done. Yes, more can be done but that is a start.
Ideally, with your amp inline and on, you want to be able to deadkey 1/4 of your PEP (Peak Envelope Power, or max power). Meaning (as an example only), deadkey 25 watts, but swing to 100 watts on AM when modulating (talking). It's actually not hard at all but you would need an external power meter to tune the radio and the amp for optimum use together.
Pick your amp and we'll help you setup the radio. I would suggest the KL 400 mobile. Seperate independant pre-amp, and six power levels.
Alsworld |
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 22
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 8:27 am: |
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Thanks Alsworld,
I will do what you said, I also wanted to know if I should get the Grant peaked and tuned? I did`nt get it done by the company I bought it from.
I just got the radio couple days ago and hooked it up to my power supply and the only antenna I have so far, It`s a small magnet mount that I stuck on my file cabinet just till I get my tower and antenna.
This is the first time I had SSB and it was alsome, Believe me or not I heard a person From what I think was France on 38 USB, Then someone from Canada, This is so COOL!
I used the radios SWR meter to check it and the best I get is 2.5-3, Is that ok for infrequent talking?
Is the antenna ok on the file cabinet for now?
Thanks again to every one answering all my questions,
airplane1 |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2637
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 8:27 am: |
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Alsworld is right on with suggesting the KL-400 as it is a very nice amplifier with the 6 Position Power Dial.
http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodW90-KL400+
MODULATION: ADJUST ~ VR-12
AM POWER: ADJUST ~ VR-10 / Set your Dead Key Power at(2 or 2 1/2 to 3 watts)
SSB POWER: ADJUST ~ VR-11
Hope this help's.
Lon
Tech808
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2639
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 8:45 am: |
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Airplane1,
A 2.5 to 3 is a High SWR that you really do not want to use with a radio for any extended time.
You want to try and get your SWR as low as you can around a 1.1 thru 1.5 if possible.
Using your mobile mag mount with it on a file cabinet is really not a good idea but you can use it for short keydowns until you get your antenna up outside.
Personally I would suggest that you use it as little as possible with the High SWR you have now and do not hook and amp up to it until you get your outside antenna up.
Lon
Tech808 |
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 23
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 8:59 am: |
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Lon,
So I should adjust VR-11 and VR-10 So my meter says around 2W and then VR-12, Do I adjust VR-12 Till meter shows around 2W also?
Sorry I`m not clear on that one, I understand Am and SSB dead key adjustment but why the modulation?
Thanks, airplane1 |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2642
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 12:25 pm: |
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On VR-12 (Modulation) I generally open it all the way Open then back it off about 1/4 and you can still hit 100% modulation witout distortation.
Or if you have a Modulation Meter set it at 90%
Adjust VR-10 to about 2 or 2 1/2 watts Dead Key
Check and see what your SSB is and if needed back it down with VR-11.
Let me know how things go.
Lon
Tech808 |
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 24
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 1:08 pm: |
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Thanks Lon,
Now I understand what to do, One more question, Do I loosen the alen screw and make the antenna smaller or bigger to get the swrs lower on the magnet mount antenna on my fileing cabinet?
Now you have me a little scared, I dont want to scew up my CB.
I realy like all the info on this forum, I`m slowly getting there, I`m going to order the amp as soon as I make up my mind(next week)Then all I need is coax,antenna and to either try to build a tower 25-30 feet or buy one, Not sure what to do yet.
Thanks again Lon and Alsworld for all your help,
airplane1
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Dindin
Intermediate Member
Username: Dindin
Post Number: 162
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 5:19 pm: |
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Airplane1,if your swr is higher on ch 1 than on ch 40 then you need to lenghten the antenna;conversly if it is higher on ch 40 than on ch 1 then the antenna needs to be shortened.small rule of thumb you can file away in the back of your mind. |
Highlander
Advanced Member
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 531
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 6:04 pm: |
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I would suggest either the Kl-203, KL400 mobile, or the KLV-350 Base. The KLV-350 is a cool little base amp. |
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 25
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 8:51 pm: |
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Hi, My swrs are lower (about 2) on 19 and higher (about 3) on 40 and on 1. May be i`m not doing it right but I`m following the instructions that came with radio.
Maybe I just need to wait till I get the tower and antenna.
but it would be nice to talk till then.
airplane1
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Dindin
Intermediate Member
Username: Dindin
Post Number: 166
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 10:14 pm: |
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Airplane1,hi again.never thought to ask about the antenna itself.if its a better antenna(wilson,k-40,etc)you should be able to get the swr alot lower than that.if its one of those real short antennas like Kraco,GE,Cobra packed with their rescue type radios then they are mostly junk.its also possible it was made for cellphone use in which case you wont be able to tune it down to 11 meter.most of those were between 17 and 22 inches tall.best use I've found for them was on a scanner.why not try throwing a dipole together this weekend?here are a couple links ;
http://www.angelfire.com/mb/amandx/dipole.html
http://members.fortunecity.com/xe1bef/dipoles-antennas.htm |
Alsworld
Advanced Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 821
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 1:27 am: |
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Airplane1,
your SWR problem is soley based on where you have your antenna. Setting it on a file cabinet in a room is fine for listening, but transmitting will burn up that radio. That antenna is designed for being on top of a vehicle where it is grounded. Although it sticks to the file cabinet, it is not grounded and won't be. SWR's will remain high no matter what you do if you leave it there.
A base antenna can be done with much less $$$ than buying a tower (although if you have the money, go for it). The antenna is 75% of your system, as in the most important 75%. Shop wisely and check out the subscribers preview here.
A suggestion, work on an antenna first then Amp. |
Ca346
Advanced Member
Username: Ca346
Post Number: 821
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 9:43 am: |
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You could buy a $23 COPPER MACO 91 antenna matcher if you keep the power below 300 Watts. |
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 26
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 10:40 am: |
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Alsworld Thanks,
I do have an antenna picked out,Maco V 5/8, I`m going to order it from copper next week.
As for a tower I`m going to try to build one from plans, a self standing that the parts will be about $100.00.
I dont think thats to bad a price for a tilting 35 foot tower. It looks pretty simple.
Thanks for the advice.
airplane |
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 27
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 11:10 am: |
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Hi again, Is it possible to groud the antenna on the fileing cabinet?
airplane1 |
Nomeancity
Member
Username: Nomeancity
Post Number: 52
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 5:00 am: |
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You will have a better ground if you Make sure your files are sorted alphabetically hehe |
Airplane1
Junior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 28
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 9:26 am: |
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Hi Nomeancity,
Did sort my files alphabetically and my swrs went down to 1-1.5, now I can talk! Thanks for the advice!
hahaha! |
Cuddlebear
Intermediate Member
Username: Cuddlebear
Post Number: 182
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 5:56 pm: |
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Airplane1
Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 59
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 07, 2004 - 7:34 pm: |
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Well I got the kl500 mobile that Alsworld said Might work with my power supply if I dont run it wide open, I was going to get the KL400 but wanted to have more power.
If my power supply cant handle it I`ll get a bigger one.
I also ordered some Davis bury flex coax and all I need is to get my tower up, It seems to be going slow getting everything together but it will be worth it.
Thanks everyone for the help, Soon I hope to make contact with members.
airplane1 |
Airplane1
Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 76
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 8:55 am: |
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Hey Lon,
earlyer on this topic you said to let you know how it going setting up my radio for amp. Well, I got a meter for mod.,rf and swr and did adjust VR10 till the meter showed 2.5 watts. Now when I set radio to SSB the meter dont do anything but twitch for a split second. I set the am power ok but how do I know what SSB out put is, Or do you think it will be ok to drive my kl-500 mobile?
I dont want to over drive my amp on SSB, The paper that came with the amp says input on SSB is 2-30 watts, Do you think my uniden grant xl will be within that range?
I want to use it on the CEFs today so I hope you can answer this befor noon EST.
Thanks, Roger
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Alsworld
Advanced Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 853
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 2:42 pm: |
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Airplane1,
your radio is doing what it is supposed to. AM has a carrier that you see (and set) when you dead key. There is no carrier like that on SSB. The needle will not move until you begin talking.
To see what it's putting out on SSB, watch your meter and give a big Auuuuuddddddiiiiiiiiooooo into your microphone. Where the meter peaks at is the max watts you are putting out.
Seriously doubt you will reach near 30 watts with the Grant so you should be in great shape to hook up the KLV and get on the airwaves.
Alsworld |
Airplane1
Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 78
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 7:52 pm: |
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Thanks Alsworld,
I undestand now.
I hooked it all up befor I got your post and it seemed to work, Did`nt burn anything up and amp did`nt get to hot.
I think the CB gets hotter than my amp.
But it all seems to work cause I made CEF contact today.
airplane1 |
Alsworld
Advanced Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 855
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 10:42 pm: |
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You have a great setup there. I think Uniden Grant's are outstanding CB radios, some of the best out there (my opinion, but shared by many).
That KL 500 will do you awesome, especially on SSB. One reason I like those amps so much is because I am an SSB junkie and they sound so good on the airwaves. Of course, AM is fantastic as well.
Keep the drive low and don't let them get too hot and they will last a long time.
We will keep an ear out for you on the airwaves for sure.
Alsworld |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 3250
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 9:25 am: |
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Airplane1,
Sorry but CEF Net days are hectic around here.
It was a pleasure making contact with you on the CEF Net and you should have No Problems with your setup.
You sounded Loud & Clear = GREAT. 
Lon
Tech808 |
Yankee
Intermediate Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 197
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 11:46 am: |
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Alsworld and you other gentlemen, my Uniden Grant XL dead keys 4 watts and swings 8 watts on AM. On Sideband it swings 18 watts. That is all I dare drive into my Palomar TX-250,and Lon CEF-808 tells me I'm loud and proud into his station.
73, Carl CEF-357 |
Airplane1
Intermediate Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 138
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 4:09 pm: |
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I tried to adjust my vr12 and it has no efect on the mod. meter, how far can i turn the vr12 without brakeing it?
What could i be doing wrong?
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Airplane1
Intermediate Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 139
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 4:37 pm: |
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All I get is 70% modulation no matter what i do with vr12, is there a way to make the grant xl adjustable on the out side of radio to get more modulation or less when i want or can something be done inside to get like 90%?
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Airplane1
Intermediate Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 140
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 5:43 pm: |
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How hot does an amp get? i mean my amp on low power gets very hot but i can keep my had on it as long as i want.
i am doing alot of talking today, more than i have since i got my radio.(lots of DXing for me today)
should i get a fan or is that normal?
i have the kl500 mobile.
SWRs at 1.1 across the band and 2.5 watts dead key AM and about 14 watts swing on SSB.
thanks, roger
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Alsworld
Advanced Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 870
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 10:28 pm: |
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Are you checking modulation with the amp on by any chance? For some reason, with an amp on, I had a hard time adjusting modulation, but could adjust it just fine with the amp off. I scratch my head, but on-air reports are great so I leave things alone.
Heat will eventually get the best of your amp. Fans are good, just watch how long you transmit. Being able to keep your hand on it is good, but give it some time between transmiting so the transistors don't get so hot. Heat is normal mind you, so a fan really does help. Just keep your tranmissions short and the amp will last you a long time.
Nothing wrong with 70% modulation, especially with the amp running.
Yankee, sorry my friend, I must have missed your post. You have some nice looking equipment for sure. If Lon says you are getting out well, then there you have it! Look forward to talking with you on the air when conditions are nice to us again.
Alsworld |
Airplane1
Intermediate Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 143
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 12:09 pm: |
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Yes Alsworld i take my amp out of the setup all together and run the radio to my meter then to a dummy load and still it does not adjust. but if you say 70% is ok i`ll let it go, i did get good reports from other operators though. just thought I could set the modulation high then use the rf gain to control it.
I
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Rcode
New member
Username: Rcode
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:10 am: |
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Hi Guys, just got a KL-60 for my truck and installed it. I noticed that my reception would vary like I had a bad coax or antenna or something. I started jiggling the connector at the amp and it came in loud then low when I did this. I figured it must be coax connector until I simply touched the fins on the amp or touched the PL259 connector and it did the same thing. Does this mean its not grounded properly?? Do these have a history of having bad grounds?? Any info would help. |
Dmh
Junior Member
Username: Dmh
Post Number: 18
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 8:26 am: |
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Radial tire noise on a big rig !!! Any ideas besides turning RF gain down until I can only hear drivers within 40' of my antenna ?? |
