On 20 Sep 2006 04:28:52 -0700, "Telstar Electronics"
wrote:

+++Steveo wrote:
+++ Are FET's the most economical transistors, or are are there other choices
+++ for a 10 meter portable amp? The high drive would make it a bit more legal
+++ too, wouldn't it? (dunno, just curious)
+++
+++FETs like the MRF173 (or similar) have certain advantages. They also
+++have several disadvantages... one is cost! Franks proposed design
+++already looks to have a hefty price tag as described.
+++
+++www.telstar-electronics.com
**********

Prefer FETs even with their cost. They suffer less from thermal
runaway as bipolar designes do. Bias network is easier to design.

Major disadvantage to FETS are the inputs are very static sensitive.
SO some means of ESD protection is needed that wont h inder RF
performance.

james