HF Projects

30-35W HF Packer Amp Version 4

The HF Packer-Amp V4 is now available for a wide range of skill levels. We offer options to provide fabricated cables, a LPF coil set plus an installed set of inductors and transformers for the amp.  The options reduce the complexity and skill level for the project.

 HF PACKER AMP Version 4 front view

For the latest manual, join the group and retreive from the Files Section for the HF Packer Amp V4.

Eham Review



Construction Manual

Thank you for your continued support.

73 K5OOR - Virgil

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Recent Builder Comments:

Hello virgil,
Just to let you know how the amp is working. Been on 40 meters cw for half hour. Nothing but good reports(589)on a very clean signal. Also worked some dx on 20
meters (ja). Nice report for 30 watts. 569.... After giving my info along with the rig (ft-817 and the ground mounted vertical along with the amp at 30 w. )
Lots of questions about the amp etc.

Great piece of gear virgil

don....w2xb

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Hello All,

My V4 is up and running and doing a GREAT job! I had a QSO's on 20 meters last evening, both CW and SSB, and the reports are great. Clean signal and a wonderful improvement in signal strength.

On the dummy load I did notice that on 160, 80 and 40 the full 2.5 watts was a bit too much drive for the amp. Lowering the drive to 2 watts brought everything into line (overall current would get up above the measurements that Virgil made..as well as the output power). But this makes sense ... allowing for compnent tolerences and possibly my QRP wattmeter isn't as accurate as I thought.

I am using an IC-703 which has a setting for maximum power out. I did find that with the rig set at a max power out of 2.5 watts the output was a bit higher than 2.5 watts. So, be aware. It would be easy to over drive. The output readings on the '703's meter are relative.

After long transmissions the heat sink got barely warm.

I'm a happy camper! Good job Virgil.

Rick
AA4W
Crescent City, FL

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Hello Group,
Just had a 20 min qso on psk (20 meters). Had no heating problems with the amp.Running cool. Used it on ssb/cw/digital and the amp is working great! Now have to wait for a cw contest and really put it thru its paces...

Don...w2xb

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Hello Steve,

I just have the heat sink. I operate CW 99% of the time so I didn't think I needed it.

After the testing phase, I did do several key-down tests just to see what the temps might be and to also see what happens with the total current. I was glad to see that the heat sink will handle more than you would think.

So, the next big test will be in the next contest. I did have a couple of 10 to 15 minute QSO's at 20 + WPM and the heat sink did fine. It got warm (not hot)... but that's what heat sinks are supposed to do.

Once I have used the amp for a while I may make a change in mine. There may be times when I want to operate SSB but to change the timing you have to open the case and remove the "Chicklet" from the SSB/CW pins. Since I don't have plans to use the RCA jack for remote keying I may replace it with a small SPST switch and use the switch to change timing modes. A no-holes change. I'd just remove the wire going to the RCA jack and put a bit of shrink sleeving on it.

As I told Virgil, I'm very happy with the amplifier. It was a fun build. And a quality piece.

And since the amp was my Christmas gift to myself I will give Virgil credit for me having a merry Christmas!

Regards,

Rick
AA4W

Features at a Glance

The HF Packer-Amp V4 provides full coverage of the HF bands from 160 – 10M with an average 30-35W RF output from a wide range build option RF input (0.8 - 5W)

• Easier to build new low pass filter. Improved performance.
• Greater access. Two circuit boards with full access to parts.
• Tightly bonded 20 ga steel case.
• Improved operation with PTT and COR circuitry. PTT Jack standard.
• Excellent SSB Modulation
• Low profile heat sink.
• Optional heat sink / fan module with fan control.
• Power Pole DC Input Jack and Power Switch
• Black paint and white silk screened Case
• May be configured for 5W, 2.5W or 1W Input by choice of installed pi-resistive network in the amp input stage.
• 12dB gain at 160M and 9dB gain at 10M

 Brochure

Rear View, HFPA V4

Order

Fabricated Cable Set Option 

Cables are always a pain since you usually don't have the proper tools. This option takes care of that for you and greatly reduces the skill level for the project. We graduate first-time builders with our excellent support to help you have a positive building experience.

HF Packer Amp LPF Coil Set Option

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Programmable Maximum RF Input Option

More Info

This option allows you to set the maximum power input to 1W, 2.5W or 5W by the placement of a jumper at J3 (CTL).  This module is installed in the case and requires no holes added to the case.