Copper Talk » Ask The Tech » Amplifiers » To build or to buy; that is the question « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious

Post Number: 1379
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

im looking to add a 2 pill amp to the base station, and i think i want to get a mobile, and a power supply, and put them in one case together, for a custom look, and i can add fans, and whatever else i want.

so, ive been looking at building the amp myself since CB City has plans and a PC board for one.
im curious if anyone here has ever built one of these before, and what you thought of it.

if i choose to buy the amp, i want one with the tuned input and output circuits like the CBC kit has.
can anyone recommend a mobile 2 pill amp that has this feature?
or at least a known "clean" amp?

thanks for any and all input,
matt
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious

Post Number: 1384
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 11:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

wow, i guess either no one is reading the thread, or there ARE NO "clean" 2 pill amps around.

the texas star 250HD looks like a good solid design, but no input and output tuning networks, unless i missed something on the schem.

also, i really think i want to build the power supply myself, and i already know the circuit im going to use. (very simple, but well filtered and regulated)
the problem is, i cant find anywhere to buy the high current transformer i need.
ideally, i would use a 120v primary, with a 20VAC secondary, with 40 amps. (35 min.)

anyone know of a source for these, other than RF parts co.?
want to buy one new, not used.

im thinking i can build this project for aabout 200-250.
i know this is about the same price as the 2 pill boomer amp, but im hoping that the amp i build will be superior in design, and therefore, superior in output as it pertains to harmonics, stability, duty cycle, etc.

plus i can customize the power supply to put out the exact voltage that i want. (im thinking of running the pills at 16 to 18 volts, depending on what they like).

i hope someone out there is interested or experienced at this stuff, and can lead me in the right direction.
the net is not proving helpful in my searches.
thanks,
matt
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wildrat
Advanced Member
Username: Wildrat

Post Number: 848
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 7:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

RF Parts also has a board, plans, parts etc for a two pill. I got a couple of boards. They are well printed and thick. I am going to build them, but my ultimate plan is to build something a little larger, which is in the works already. The 2879's just get pricey when you need a few.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Coyote
Advanced Member
Username: Coyote

Post Number: 723
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 8:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Kid, have you tried Mouser Electronics? They have quite a few transformers.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Georgeodjungle
Member
Username: Georgeodjungle

Post Number: 54
Registered: 1-2006
Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 1:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

if you build it you'ld have a lil better under standing on how they work...

& more fun than plug & play.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious

Post Number: 1385
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 2:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yeah, i looked all through mousers catalog.

they have some up to 30 amps, but only at 5vac.
bummer.

with all the companies selling big power supplies, i know that there has got to be a distributor somewhere here in the U.S.
is this another one of those radio conspiracies?

wildrat,
thanks for the info, i will look at their catalog.

too bad they dont have a transformer that meets my needs.
they have one that is close, but i would have to find another circuit design to make it work.
i really want to use the one i already found, as its quite straight forward, and looks easy to breadboard.
here's a link to the design i want to use:
http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/supply2.htm,http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/supply2.htm
i too want to use 2SC2879's. i think they have a great DB gain figure.
the reason im only going with a 2 pill is because it gives the greatest S unit increase for the money.
if i were to build a 4 pill, i would only gain 1/2 an S unit.
not worth it to me.
i guess the next amp i build will have to be 2.5K!
THAT will be a project. (and a new credit card!)

keep the posts coming, and thanks for taking an interest.
matt

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action: