QRO Trolley powered by RF-KIT amplifier (Top: RF2KS / Bottom:RF2K+)
Since I have been using the RF-KIT RF2K+ amplifier for over a year, I can honestly say that I am a big fan. As mentioned in my commentary on this website (see TAB: Amplifier) I am quite biased when it comes to LDMOS amps. The RF-KIT amplifier is an SDA (Software Designed Amplifier), which means that there are continuous improvements to achieve the best possible solutions, integrations of different devices and control(s), as well as the main improvements in the ergonomics of the operator.
After Reinhard (DH3NAB) mentioned that they were developing the new RF2K-S version, I didn’t hesitate for a second and ordered this new beast. When using solid state devices like these, you want a reliable machine that won’t let you down in the heat of battle. As we have already experienced with the previous Plus(+) version, this S version is comparable when it comes to being very quiet as you don’t hear the fans even when the temperature rises to 60c+. And believe me, after owning an ACOM 2000, OM POWER 2000A+ and several SPE amps. These RF-KIT amplifiers are the quietest 1.5KW+ amplifiers currently on the market. (yes, quieter than the elecraft KPA-1500 or even the Flex Power genius)
Another very important topic is IMD products. We all know that using LDMOS amplifiers can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to IMD. After using various SPE ampliiers(1.3K-FA V1/1.5K-FA V1/1.5K-FA V2) over the past decade, we’ve seen some issues, which of course isn’t strange when you think running 1.5 kw continiously with a single 1k80 LDMOS pushing it to its limits. Therefore, the RF-KIT Amplifier Pallet Board is designed with 2x BLF 189 XRB (previously the RF2K+ had the BLF 188) giving it a plenty of headroom up to 150Mhz. Of course the amp is designed not to push the limits, but will give you an easy 1.5kw+ on each HF band (i.e. 17m easy 2kw in Dummy load). So by letting the “heart” of the amp do an easy 1.5kw+, you will never use more than 45% of its total capacity.
As already mentioned RF-KIT is a SDA and even when they are having the new S version into production, they will not forget about their previous models like the Plus (+) version.
Q2 of this year they will come with a complete new Control board making the Plus (+) version compatible with the new Software as seen within the S version. So you can imagine we are looking forward in upgrading the RF2K+ …
If you would like to know more about RF-kit amplifier please visit the website RF-Kit – Home (rf-kit.de) or even better yet, join the RF-KIT Groups.IO main@b26-pa.groups.io | Home (just sign up) where you will find all relevant and most recent (techninal) information.
73 Roberto PB5X
