Adding a smal Amp - advice please

[gadget...@gmail.com]

I have never connected an amp to the Hermes Lite but I will soon be adding a small 50W amp that is RF sensing with no PTT connection.

Is there anything I need to change in the Thetis software to enable this amp but also to make sure there is no chance of damage to the HL2?
I have a companion board fitted for CW which is my main mode of operation but also dabbling a bit with VarAc.

Any other hints or tips?

Thanks,

Alan

[Dalton Williams]

I too am looking for a small amplifier. In my case I have an Acom 600s which needs only 20 watts drive for full output.  Finding a 5 in 20 out amp would be perfect and prevent over driving the Acom.

All suggestions are welcome!

Dalton Williams

DeFever 41 MV Easy Living

20 Years & 34,800 Miles on the water

Amateur Radio W5EIM

Capital Yacht Club Member

MTOA Member 

AGLCA Member

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[Mike Lewis]

The HL2 has an External PTT connection on the EXTTR RCA jack on the back panel.  It would work better than RF sensing and is easy to use.  It grounds for TX, open for RX.

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[Heath Petty]

I have used/are using the following amps with my HL2:

1. Juma PA-100D The one I have is a bit older version than the one they sell now. It works great, does auto bandswitch, and has safeguards. I use a simple RCA to 3.5 stereo cable to PTT the amp directly from the HL2 to the amp.

2. RM Italy HLA150 Another hamfest find. Max power out is around 60W. This does auto bad switching and has RF sense, but I dont use RF sense because it sucks. I also PTT this amp directly from the HL2

3. MX-P50M I get about 30W out on this. It has bad harmonics on WARC bands (especially 17m), so I only use it on the contest bands. It gets warm when running digital mode. I PTT this amp directly as well.

4. xiegu XPA125B - I sold this one. I had the hardest time not over driving it. I could also PTT this directly from the HL2.

I have also heard good things about the 60dbm.com amps out of the Ukraine. The micro PA50 pro has also been recommended, but I'm not sure how it does on harmonics. The hardock 50 is also a very solid choice.

-Heath

[Ron Lewkowicz]

Micro PA50 was generally given good reviews so I bought one.  It has many, many problems and I would advise against it. 60dbm amps I'm now hearing reports of problems with TX cutting out on SSB due to not always picking up the frequency when auto sensing.  They have a manual band switching model which shouldn't have this issue.  I have an RM Italy HLA-305 which so far I'm quite happy with but this model cranks out too much power for your needs. I think in general if you are going to use Thetis you may find you'll need input attenuation to get the power down low enough. piHPSDR can reduce the power out from HL2 to as low as 100mW.

[Jim KD4YLQ]

I bought and quickly returned the Micro PA50 - it's just not built for digital modes (all I seem to use these days). Considered the RM Italy line, but there were way too many bad reviews so nix on that one at full price - if it was really cheap and used, maybe. The Juma PA100D is the one I'll be ordering soon. My buddy Klint VK6KLI has been using his on digital modes and is very happy with it. High build quality, great design and features,  + excellent support. The Hard Rock 50 (and it's bigger brother) sound like solid amps with good support and have many fans, so it's probably a good choice also.

Jim 

[Scott Massey]

Hi Ron,

I am curious… what are the many, many problems you’ve experienced with the Micro PA50+?

Thanks, Scott KE8KYP

[Ron Lewkowicz]

Micro PA50

First thing I didn't like was the incredibly loud fan that doesn't really move any air that ends up causing you to have to stop after  every FT8 pile up and let the unit cool.  Second problem is it misreads SWR way too high on some bands rendering them unusable. Third problem is  poor LPF filters on some bands resulting in those bands being unusable. Another problem was oscillation on SSB. Certain words held a fraction too long would make the power out spike and trip protection. Frustrating as hell while trying to do a QSO as one of the problem words was the last letter of my call.   Last problem was too much power gain on 80m and a protection circuit that inevitably was too slow to shut down to protect the transistors resulting in blown finals.   Overall, IMHO total waste of time. The only fixes to the amp have been firmware updates that disable the problem bands.

After chatting with a number of other users I finally decided to try the RM Italy HLA-305V.  Available directly from DX Engineering.  So far it has been a joy in comparison.  The fans are barely audible.  I can run FT8 pileups all day and it stays cool.  The only audible noise from the amp is the clunk of what sounds to be an industrial sized relay for TX.    The HL2 cannot over drive this amp so no problems hitting power protection ever.  Auto band selection works well and manual is also an option. PTT connection from HL2 works flawlessly. With this amp on I get out very well now. I turn it on, I talk, people hear me.  No alarms beeping or power tripping. Time will tell but I hope to get many years of good service with it. 

The other amp options mentioned have many good reviews but are not as easy to purchase in Canada. They are also lower output I believe. For the original posters  needs probably all put out too much at Thetis lowest setting.

If the HL2 is the only radio used with the amp now I'd sell it and use the cash to buy a VK-AMP.   3-5W in 1000W out.  

[John Cooper]

I use the Xeigu XPA-125 with mine.   Works great.    With the i/o board you can load firmware onto the pico and wire up a cable to key the amp and also provide automatic band switching.   I don't have any issues over driving it as you can set limits to the transmit output per band in Thetis.   I mostly run it in the 80 to 90 watt range even when running FT8.     It is really nice not  to worry about making sure the amp is on the right band.    Pico firmware works great with Thetis, SDR Console, and Quisk.  

You can view more about it in this thread https://groups.google.com/g/hermes-lite/c/yD7bFNAgULw

Good luck and 73, John KC8ZKI

[Walter Fey]

I use a MX-P50M together with my Hermes Light. The output is between 40 and 50 W on all bands. The band switching of the MX-P50M is done by the I/O board inside of the Hermes Light.

https://www.qrz.com/db/DL8FCL

73, Walter DL8FCL

[John Cooper]

I also have an MX-P50M.   Nice little amp.   I was not aware that the band could be switched externally.    I am curious Walter as to the details of your band switching.   

John, KC8ZKI

[Seven Axe]

I was thinking about buying one of these 60dbm 50w amps auto switching. But now I am a bit worried. Where did you get this information ? 

Not many other affordable options.   

[Ronald Meier]

Very happy with my Elecraft KXPAT100. Dual use with IC-705.

Op maandag 29 april 2024 om 21:09:06 UTC+2 schreef Seven Axe:

[Ron Lewkowicz]

In  regards to the 60dbm amps there have been a number of posts recently on the Facebook Hermes Lite 2 group.  Look for posts by Heiko Amft.   He has a mod for the amps. https://github.com/dl1bz/NepControl50W.git.  Only auto band switching amps appear to have an issue. Apparently the guy behind the amps is aware and also working on a fix. So perhaps just wait a bit.  I was rather surprised to read this as I've always read good reviews about the 60dbm amps. So, take this all for what its worth I guess.  I don't have one so can't confirm the issue. 

[Chris C]

The facebook group has had some people having issues with Thetis and absence of carrier or something causes it to fail-safe and not choose band.

Its being fixed in next version of thetis according to the guy behind 60dbm, he's been working closely with the dev.

You can also email/ask to make yours manual via a firmware change at purchase.

Also people say using vox on thetis helps too..

[Seven Axe]

Thanks for the feedback. 

I might be less of an issue since it can be fixed with a software patch.  And the hardware seems to be very well made with quality components. 

I don't have a facebook account but I found the posts on the author's blog about the issue. 

Doing my research on a first small amp to buy. I actually don't have an HL yet but will order one soon. 

And shortly after the 50 w amp. 

[Seven Axe]

Seems to be a choice the developer of the amp made to protect the amp under those circumstances. 

But I am less worried if a fix is in the making. 

It would nice to have the choice of manual and automatic band switching (in the same amp). 

I see people comment as well on other amps about auto band and choosing manual switching. e.g. the RMA amps.

60dbm has a manual version as well but I'd like an auto if possible. 

I'll email him (60dbm)  about the issue, before I decide.

[Seven Axe]

A very good amp. Well at least I hear nothing but praise about Elecraft products. And for their great support as well. 

I know a guy who has the 500w version. 

[Robert Muir]

I am presently awaiting delivery of 60dbm 100w Neptune amp. After reading the posts on Facebook I emailed Paul and decided switch  to manual band selection for the time being at least. 
 

Don't know how long for delivery but I will report back when i get on air 

Robert (ei3grb) 

[wj.sz...@gmail.com]

Hi,  I have positive experience using the  MX-P50M  for a long time with heavy digital emissions. It has built-in low-pass filters and the level of harmonics in the higher bands is fairly well attenuated.

73, Joe LB1HI

[Mike Serino]

I ALSO AM EXPECTING A 60DBM 100 auto tune any day now. Is there a fix or procedure that will allow me to use it on the Hermes lite. It is too late to cancel the order.

Mike S

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[Robert Muir]

Hi Mike , If you have issues , Paul can log in tremotely and flash the firmware I think, I wouldn't be the best for setting up links etc, so asked to him to change before shipping. Maybe in the future I will get help and ask him  to change back to auto.

Robert 

[Jürgen Weißmann (7ii)]

My PA arrived today. I have no problems whatever with the PA from Ukraine.

73 de df7ii

[Seven Axe]

The problem is described here.

https://hamradio.bzsax.de/2024/04/19/amplifier-neptune-50w-und-100w/

I think he uses Thetis.

I suppose this is not a single standalone case ? 

The author of the blog describes in another article a solution (which requires adding components). 

I understand that the firmware is closed source. But I wonder whether it would be possible to apply the patches ourselves (when they become available). Or whether we could switch from manual to auto by applying a patch ourselves (delivered by 60dbm). 

That would make it easier for me at least. 

[Scott Massey]

Hi Mike,

I’ve ordered various products from 60dbm.  Before Russia decided to invade, shipping would be about 7-10 days.  Now, it’s 2-3 weeks.  These guys are pretty awesome and I’ll bet they sort out the auto feature soon.

Cheers, Scott KE8KYP 

iPad transmission

On Apr 30, 2024, at 21:54, Mike Serino <mse...@mindspring.com> wrote:



To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/003e01da9b38%243bc26380%24b3472a80%24%40mindspring.com.

[Duncan Clark]

I don't suppose that changing the two tone frequencies in Thetis would then allow that linear to find the correct band ? 

There was a problem reported a long time ago on the Apache community with possibly a particular Alpha Lab linear that got confused about auto-band detection. Changing the two tone test frequencies down to 70 and 190Hz or so solved the issue and still allows Pure Signal to setup an autocorrect properly. In Thetis, tones are set in Setup, Test.

Duncan

[Jaroslav Škarvada]

I have also very positive experience with MX-P50M. I am using it for
cca. 2+ years now, local and remote, mostly quite heavy duty FT-8 (50%
RX / 50% TX, long time operation). It requires external fan for such a
operation. With external fan it's cold, without fan it gets very hot
very quickly. I am driving it cca. 3 W from HL2, it's usually cca. 45 W
out. Also with not very good portable antenna with SWR nearly 2.0 I have
cca. 35 W out on 10m FT8. No problem with the amp even under such
conditions. I added remote bands switching. I also use relay for
local/remote power on/off, because due to the amp design, its electronic
is always powered on, even if the amp power switch is off (it just
doesn't amplify in such case), so you need to disconnect the amp from
the power source to be safe either manually or by a relay or mod the
power switch. For the price, I am very satisfied

73! Jaroslav, OK2JRQ

wj.sz...@gmail.com napsal(a):

> /really/ cheap and used, maybe. The Juma PA100D

> 60dbm.com <http://60dbm.com> amps out of

> the Ukraine. The micro PA50 pro has also
> been recommended, but I'm not sure how
> it does on harmonics. The hardock 50 is
> also a very solid choice.
>
> -Heath
>
> On Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at
> 2:25:43 AM UTC-7 gadget...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> I have never connected an amp to the
> Hermes Lite but I will soon be
> adding a small 50W amp that is RF
> sensing with no PTT connection.
>
> Is there anything I need to change
> in the Thetis software to enable
> this amp but also to make sure there
> is no chance of damage to the HL2?
> I have a companion board fitted for
> CW which is my main mode of
> operation but also dabbling a bit
> with VarAc.
>
> Any other hints or tips?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Alan
>

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> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
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> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/6148d67e-5cd3-4f04-932d-2d4ac52b1bd2n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.

[Robert Muir]

"We just released a new firmware that fixes several annoying things that some users have reported.

- Automatic band switching completely redesigned and tested on HL2/Thetis in all (CW SSB FT8) modes for several days.

- You can now switch between fully automatic and manual operation.

- All settings are now saved when the power is turned off and automatically restored when the power is back on.

I'm ready to send a new firmware and I'm also ready to remotely flash a new firmware to those who need it. Send me a message with your order number through my web store Contact Form

73!

de UU0JR

Kyiv, Ukraine"

[Seven Axe]

Thanks for reporting back to us.

That is excellent news. And for me it takes away the doubts. 

[Robert Muir]

Still waiting delivery of my amp here, due to the Irish Customs system (all vat paid over a week now)

First reports of the "fix" are promising with 100% success 

Folks should give Paul a break and a bit of free space to sort the issues instead of posting unhelpful remarks (not on this group but elswhere) 

[Hisami Dejima]

Hi John,

I am interested in your method.
Can ATU also be controlled automatically or by the TUNE button on the Thetis?

my XPA-125B is sleeping in a box that was returned after repair.
the reason for the failure was that ACC Pin 1 was not NC but +12V :-<

73, Hisami 7L4IOU

2024年4月26日金曜日 8:26:01 UTC+9 John Cooper:

[Martin S.]

I am now also considering buying a power amplifier for the hl2. There is a 100 watt power amplifier from 60dbm for 250€. It's without an enclosure but I want to operate it remotely. Has anyone used this power amplifier? 
https://www.60dbm.com/product/100w-hf-50mhz-rf-power-amplifier-rd100hhf1-based-13-5v/

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Martin,

You will need low pass filters for the bands you operate and I’m not sure if the hl2  can key this directly.

Also you would use the hl2 low power sma connector with about 15db attenuation going into the amp.

Might be more automatic for remote use just getting the cased version with auto switched low pass filters.

I run one of those and it works fine.

KV4TT- Mike

[Ron Lewkowicz]

For the HL2 from 60dbm I expect that you'll find this......

https://www.60dbm.com/product/100-watt-hf-6m-power-amplifier-for-yaesu-ft-817-icom-ic-703-705-elecraft-kx3-automatic-band-switching/

or the 50W version to be a better fit.