Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

I have finally had enough of waiting forever for the FCC to get rid of
their kill-a-fly-with-a-sledgehammer approach to HF amp regulation, so
that I can get an amp for legal use with my FT-817.

Have any of you had any problems getting a Tokyo Hy-Power QRP amplifier
past the border watchdogs and into the USA?

I try to be law-abiding but I'm tired of the FCC's inability to enforce
the rules against the few, so they penalize everybody. I'd just like to
get a reasonable power level out of the FT-817, for times when 5W isn't
enough, and for legal use on legal ham bands with my legal Extra-class
license.

Thanks...

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

"C. J. Clegg" wrote in message
...

I have finally had enough of waiting forever for the FCC to get rid of
their kill-a-fly-with-a-sledgehammer approach to HF amp regulation, so
that I can get an amp for legal use with my FT-817.

Have any of you had any problems getting a Tokyo Hy-Power QRP amplifier
past the border watchdogs and into the USA?

I try to be law-abiding but I'm tired of the FCC's inability to enforce
the rules against the few, so they penalize everybody. I'd just like to
get a reasonable power level out of the FT-817, for times when 5W isn't
enough, and for legal use on legal ham bands with my legal Extra-class
license.

Thanks...


The big issue is that unless you have the technical skills for repair (Extra
Class amateur and the GROL no longer have that meaning) -- you have to send
the Tokyo-HyPower ampfliers back to Japan for repair / service.
I have seen at least 5 units over past 2 years that the poor OM, complains
he does not have the $$ to send it back to Japan for repair --
so he begs me for a few $$ to take it or repair it or scrap it for parts so
he can then buy an MFJ or something else -- he can fix himself for get fixed
in USA.

Comments have been made by Tokyo HyPower earlier this year that they will
have a US distributor in near future.
FCC's recent Report and Order (R&O) in WT Docket 04-140 seems to move in
this same direction (HF amp regulation relaxation) -
BUT not for "dirty" RF amplifiers (such as the RM Italy products and Palomar
clones on eBay).

BTW, the HF Projects group has been building 50 watt "shoes" for the QRP
transceivers for a few years --
and now has the HF SuperPacker Pro 100W Amplifier 7x5.5x3 inch, 3 lb
footprint
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hfprojects/

Why don;t you "get on the US build band wagon" of building your own
amplifier (with your fellow US amateurs in a group) --
then you can actually repair that amplifier -- when you have a problem --
and save some $$$ and time
serial number 2 was just finished by a builder on October 2nd.
http://www.hfprojects.com/hfprojects/

gb

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

"C. J. Clegg" wrote in message
...

I have finally had enough of waiting forever for the FCC to get rid of
their kill-a-fly-with-a-sledgehammer approach to HF amp regulation, so
that I can get an amp for legal use with my FT-817.

Have any of you had any problems getting a Tokyo Hy-Power QRP amplifier
past the border watchdogs and into the USA?

I try to be law-abiding but I'm tired of the FCC's inability to enforce
the rules against the few, so they penalize everybody. I'd just like to
get a reasonable power level out of the FT-817, for times when 5W isn't
enough, and for legal use on legal ham bands with my legal Extra-class
license.

Thanks...


Better yet, here is the actual posting from the serial number 2 builder:

I was a co-author on the original HF SuperPacker article in Dec 2005 QST
(along with Jonathan, WA3WDK). Jonathan and I consulted with Virgil as he
designed the SuperPacker Pro. I worked on one of the prototypes and did some
debugging of serial number 1.

Thus, it is not a surprise that I was able to successfully build the
SuperPacker Pro. On the other hand, this project required no debugging. It
worked for me the first time I powered it up.

I am happy to answer any questions about the build. If you post to this
group also send me a copy by email. Find my email address on QRZ.com.

I hope everyone who builds the SuperPacker Pro has as much fun as I did. For
sure, you will have a great little 100 watt (13 db gain) amp!

Andy Mitz WA3LTJ

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

Try buying a rig with 50 or more watts output. that's the USA law!

C. J. Clegg wrote:

I have finally had enough of waiting forever for the FCC to get rid of
their kill-a-fly-with-a-sledgehammer approach to HF amp regulation, so
that I can get an amp for legal use with my FT-817.

Have any of you had any problems getting a Tokyo Hy-Power QRP amplifier
past the border watchdogs and into the USA?

I try to be law-abiding but I'm tired of the FCC's inability to enforce
the rules against the few, so they penalize everybody. I'd just like to
get a reasonable power level out of the FT-817, for times when 5W isn't
enough, and for legal use on legal ham bands with my legal Extra-class
license.

Thanks...

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

HRO is now carying the new Tokyo Hight Power HL-1.5k fx and will be able to
deliver the end of November

1. www.hamradio.com

--

73,Charlie-AD5TH
www.ad5th.com


"C. J. Clegg" wrote in message
...

I have finally had enough of waiting forever for the FCC to get rid of
their kill-a-fly-with-a-sledgehammer approach to HF amp regulation, so
that I can get an amp for legal use with my FT-817.

Have any of you had any problems getting a Tokyo Hy-Power QRP amplifier
past the border watchdogs and into the USA?

I try to be law-abiding but I'm tired of the FCC's inability to enforce
the rules against the few, so they penalize everybody. I'd just like to
get a reasonable power level out of the FT-817, for times when 5W isn't
enough, and for legal use on legal ham bands with my legal Extra-class
license.

Thanks...

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

"Charlie" wrote in message
...
HRO is now carrying the new Tokyo HyPower HL-1.5k and will be able to
deliver the end of November and begin support.

1. www.hamradio.com
--
73,Charlie-AD5TH
www.ad5th.com


Charlie -

Thanks for the HRO link - I did not see that they have "pre-announced" this
change on their web site.

Based on the dates on their web site the sales/support will likely coincide
with Tokyo HyPower being granted a FCC certification under Part 2 equipment
authorization standards.

FCC R&O WT Docket 04-140 ("Omnibus" Amateur Radio proceeding), adopted on
October 4, 2006 and released on October 10, 2006
http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulat...4-140/faq.html
Q. What were the changes eliminating certain restrictions on equipment
manufacturers?

A. Simply put, the guidelines on external RF amplifiers were clarified. They
must still be granted a certification under Part 2 equipment authorization
standards and may not be easily modifiable to non-amateur service use. They
can not exhibit the ability to amplify in the 26 - 28 MHz frequency range.
The FCC also decided not to include a definition of kits as they apply to RF
amplifiers.

Changes to the 75 / 80 meter band are receiving the most "on-air" comments
!!
New band chart -- as listed in FCC R&O, subject to clarification (typos in
FCC R&O -- noted by many observers !!! ).
http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulat...nds3_color.pdf


w9gb

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

On a related note I emailed THP for a quote on the new HL-500V 500W solid
satate 2M amp I was considering.
They want $2300 + $250 shipping..a little pricey for this country boy so I
ordered a TE 1454 from Burghardt instead and Astron RS70M for a total of
around $780

--

73,Charlie-AD5TH
www.ad5th.com


"w9gb" wrote in message
. ..
"Charlie" wrote in message
...
HRO is now carrying the new Tokyo HyPower HL-1.5k and will be able to
deliver the end of November and begin support.

1. www.hamradio.com
--
73,Charlie-AD5TH
www.ad5th.com


Charlie -

Thanks for the HRO link - I did not see that they have "pre-announced"
this change on their web site.

Based on the dates on their web site the sales/support will likely
coincide with Tokyo HyPower being granted a FCC certification under Part 2
equipment authorization standards.

FCC R&O WT Docket 04-140 ("Omnibus" Amateur Radio proceeding), adopted on
October 4, 2006 and released on October 10, 2006
http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulat...4-140/faq.html
Q. What were the changes eliminating certain restrictions on equipment
manufacturers?

A. Simply put, the guidelines on external RF amplifiers were clarified.
They must still be granted a certification under Part 2 equipment
authorization standards and may not be easily modifiable to non-amateur
service use. They can not exhibit the ability to amplify in the 26 - 28
MHz frequency range. The FCC also decided not to include a definition of
kits as they apply to RF amplifiers.

Changes to the 75 / 80 meter band are receiving the most "on-air" comments
!!
New band chart -- as listed in FCC R&O, subject to clarification (typos in
FCC R&O -- noted by many observers !!! ).
http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulat...nds3_color.pdf


w9gb

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

"C. J. Clegg" wrote in message
...

I have finally had enough of waiting forever for the FCC to get rid of
their kill-a-fly-with-a-sledgehammer approach to HF amp regulation, so
that I can get an amp for legal use with my FT-817.

Have any of you had any problems getting a Tokyo Hy-Power QRP amplifier
past the border watchdogs and into the USA?

I try to be law-abiding but I'm tired of the FCC's inability to enforce
the rules against the few, so they penalize everybody. I'd just like to
get a reasonable power level out of the FT-817, for times when 5W isn't
enough, and for legal use on legal ham bands with my legal Extra-class
license.

Thanks...


FT-817 web pages:

KA7OEI
http://www.ussc.com/~turner/ft817pg.shtml

Bob Wolpert, K6XX
http://www.k6xx.com/ft817/ft817.html

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 16:46:47 -0500, Charlie wrote:

HRO is now carying the new Tokyo Hight Power HL-1.5k fx and will be able to
deliver the end of November

Good afternoon, Charlie.

Yeah, I saw that. Nice amp. Unfortunately way overkill for the FT-817,
and anyway I need something that can run from 13.8 volts.

HRO still won't be carrying the THP low-drive amps, until the FCC wakes up
and realizes what a dumb rule that is...

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 15:24:56 -0400, Dave wrote:

Try buying a rig with 50 or more watts output. that's the USA law!

Thanks, I don't know why I didn't think of that. sigh

The rig is what it is, and the law is stupid and serves no purpose.

But, thanks for the advice... :-)

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 10:17:58 -0500, w9gb wrote:

The big issue is that unless you have the technical skills for repair (Extra
Class amateur and the GROL no longer have that meaning)

Yeah, that's unfortunately true.

I have the skills and knowledge, may be rather short on the tools and test
equipment and time, and perhaps the manual dexterity these days... :-(

Anyway, THP seems to have a pretty good reputation and I'm willing to take
my chances...

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

On Sun, 29 Oct 2006 21:17:27 -0500, "C. J. Clegg"
wrote:

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 10:17:58 -0500, w9gb wrote:

The big issue is that unless you have the technical skills for repair (Extra
Class amateur and the GROL no longer have that meaning)

Yeah, that's unfortunately true.

I have the skills and knowledge, may be rather short on the tools and test
equipment and time, and perhaps the manual dexterity these days... :-(

Anyway, THP seems to have a pretty good reputation and I'm willing to take
my chances...


Another alternative is a Ten Tec amp they last produced in the 1970s
for qrp rigs.

bob
k5qwg

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

On the surface these amps look like one hell of a buy. It will be
interesting to get some reports, and see a service plan. For the
purpose of marketing in this country, I would think they should change
the name to something more generic......like Yeawood or Kenesu.

Win.

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

HRO still won't be carrying the THP low-drive amps, until the FCC wakes up
and realizes what a dumb rule that is...

From a practical standpoint, what does it matter how much power an
ilegal operator is running? I mean if these yokals are already out of
their band (I presume the FCC is concerned about the freebanders) what
does it matter if they are running 25 watt transceivers or kw amps?
It's 16 db difference, who cares? The real concern ought to be that
they are operating on frequencies that are not assigned for them. If
them operating there is a problem, why not go after them and put them
off the air. In fact (I amaze myself with my insight sometimes !)
wouldn't it be easier to locate them if they were running some power?
Wouldn't it make direction finding easier?

Rick K2XT

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

"C. J. Clegg" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 16:46:47 -0500, Charlie wrote:

HRO is now carying the new Tokyo Hight Power HL-1.5k fx and will be able
to
deliver the end of November

Good afternoon, Charlie.

Yeah, I saw that. Nice amp. Unfortunately way overkill for the FT-817,
and anyway I need something that can run from 13.8 volts.

A 25W to 50W amp is quite easy to build using the CCI Motorola designs. Then
you can taylor it to your needs- built in auto or manual tuner, QSK
switching etc.

Dale W4OP

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

HRO still won't be carrying the THP low-drive amps, until the FCC wakes up
and realizes what a dumb rule that is...

From a practical standpoint, what does it matter how much power an
ilegal operator is running? I mean if these yokals are already out of
their band (I presume the FCC is concerned about the freebanders) what
does it matter if they are running 25 watt transceivers or kw amps?
It's 16 db difference, who cares?

A bootlegger operating with 25 watts is likely to interfere with
legitimate licensed operators of the band in question.

A bootlegger operating with a kilowatt "linear" amplifier is likely to
interfere with legitimate licensed operators of the band in question,
and with users of bands which are harmonically related to the band in
question (a lot of the cheap "linear" amps are anything but linear,
and splatter quite badly), and with TV and radio reception for a
significant distance around the transmission site (fundamental
overload affecting the wide-open RF front end circuitry), and with
people listening to stereo and using the telephone (rectification
breakthrough).

The number of people who are adversely affected by the unlicensed
operation goes up quite sharply once an outboard amplifier is added
to the equation.

The real concern ought to be that
they are operating on frequencies that are not assigned for them. If
them operating there is a problem, why not go after them and put them
off the air. In fact (I amaze myself with my insight sometimes !)
wouldn't it be easier to locate them if they were running some power?
Wouldn't it make direction finding easier?

You do have a point there, at least for base-station operation.
Unfortunately, it's rather more difficult to take advantage of the
"louder is easier to locate" issue when the illegal operator is
mobile... and it's my impression that a lot of the illegally-
high-powered CB and freeband operators are mobile.

Also, the "locate them and shut them down" approach assumes that
resources are available to actually locate the illegal operators. The
FCC seems to have largely abandoned (or, at least, seriously scaled
back) its own field-enforcement efforts, over the past couple of
decades... if I recall correctly this dates back as far as the Carter
administration. The FCC now seems to be depending largely on the ham
community to report suspected cases of freeband/unlicensed-10-meter
operation.

I suspect that the FCC is trying to deal with the problem at an
"earlier" stage of the chain... stopping production and sale of the
amplifiers, rather than trying to track down individual users.
They don't seem to be particularly active/effective even at that,
though, considering the ease with which one can locate numerous
companies making/selling such amps (and easily-modifiable
freeband-capable radios).

--
Dave Platt AE6EO
Hosting the Jade Warrior home page: http://www.radagast.org/jade-warrior
I do _not_ wish to receive unsolicited commercial email, and I will
boycott any company which has the gall to send me such ads!

Importing Tokyo HyPower HF Amps to USA
 

"Win" wrote in message
...
On the surface these amps look like one hell of a buy. It will be
interesting to get some reports, and see a service plan. For the
purpose of marketing in this country, I would think they should change
the name to something more generic......like Yeawood or Kenesu.

Win.

I think they wanted Microsoft -- but that name was taken !

gb