For what it is worth there is a mod for AL-80B's to get rid of the "dynamic
bias circuit used to cut off the idle
current and reduce heat"

There was an apparent problem with the dynamic bias circuit introducing SSB
distortion. See URL:

http://ham.shineline.it/i3fue/mods-a-d/al80b.txt
Proceed at your own risk. Caveat Modifcatious !!
Remember most mods posted on the web are conjured up by Amateurs !!!

I bought my AL-80B used and it has this mod -- left it alone -- been
pouring out the Watts w/o a problem for 2 years now.

AL-80's were (still are ?) an Ameritron Design as far as I know. Affiliated
with MFJ somewhere along the line.
======================

Good tips...all of these. By the way, this is the worst schematic I have
ever seen on any piece of electronic equipment.
I take it that the 80A was built by another company which was bought by
MFJ.
I'm beginning to think we should convert this amp to an 80A even if the
active bias ckt is not the culprit here.

Thanks,
Snip