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Hooking up an Amplifier

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Jan 11th 2016, 00:57
w7igc Joined: Mar 22nd 2012, 20:31 Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0	Hello, I am green as the day is old on using Amplifiers! Can someone Please help me... I have: Yaesu FT-897D rig AT-897 Tuner Connected to my laptop for my AC Log. What is new: Ameritron AL-811 Amplifier ARB-704 Relay Box PNP-8M cable What I need to know: How to hook it all up so that the Laptop is still connected. Also, if I should get another Tuner. Any help would be Greatly Appreciated! Eric
Jan 11th 2016, 10:53
W1VT Super Moderator Joined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00 Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0	https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FT897/info The Yahoo group is usually the best place to find out specific information on hooking up equipment. This group has nearly 10,000 members! Zack W1VT
Jan 11th 2016, 14:32
WA0CBW Joined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00 Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0	Since that tuner is designed specifically for your radio the manual for the tuner should provide the necessary information for connecting it to your radio. There should be no changes for your computer. BB
Jan 11th 2016, 17:55
aa6e Joined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00 Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0	Your tuner is probably not rated for the AL-811's output power level, so you might need a new tuner. That's if you really need a tuner at all. If your antenna(s) are matched well enough (SWR < 2:1 or so), you shouldn't need it. 73 Martin AA6E
Jan 15th 2016, 15:37
KM3F Joined: Mar 6th 2008, 13:50 Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0	First, you don't need the 704 box. The radio will key the amplifier directly with a cable connection. Second, if your tuner is rated for the radio and is less than 500 watts rating, it won't take the output of the amplifier at it's full rated output. Place the tuner between the amplifier and antenna. Adjust in for low SWR, then it's ready for the amplifier power. Learn how to tune the amplifier quickly on low drive first, then reset at full power. Do not adjust at low drive then run full drive without peak tuning at full power. Also running low power thinking you save the tubes actually make them run harder with more dissipation. Good luck.