I am currently using a Drake L-4B and am very happy with its reliability and
compact dimensions (the PS is packaged separately and sits on the floor in
back of the equipment table). However, the L-4B was not designed to operate
on 160, 17, and 12 meters.

I have run across two companies with almost identical equipment - QRO
Technologies and Command Technologies. I have been told that the companies
at one time were one and the same. Anyway, both companies make similar
amplifiers
QRO HF-2500DX http://www.qrotec.com/index1.html

Command HF-2500 http://www.command1.com/hf2500.asp

The outside dimensions and weights are slightly different. Does anyone have
any comments on these two amplifiers? I am especially interested in quality
of components and construction along with ruggedness. Factory support is
also an important factor. Finally, I have noticed that QRO Technologies must
have sold so much equipment prior to Xmas that they have gone South until
1-Apr-07. See http://www.qrotec.com/

Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.

John, N9JG

Since my original posting I have learned that the Commander HF-2500 uses
Eimac 3CX800A7 triodes, whereas the QRO HF-2500DX uses Svetlana
4CX800A/GU746 tetrodes. Some sources have stated that the IMD figures for
the Eimac triode in a grounded-grid configuration are better than the
Svetlana GU746 tetrode in grounded cathode grid-driven mode.

"John, N9JG" wrote in message
t...
Since my original posting I have learned that the Commander HF-2500 uses
Eimac 3CX800A7 triodes, whereas the QRO HF-2500DX uses Svetlana
4CX800A/GU746 tetrodes. Some sources have stated that the IMD figures for
the Eimac triode in a grounded-grid configuration are better than the
Svetlana GU746 tetrode in grounded cathode grid-driven mode.



John,

IF I remember the old web sites both companies had a few years ago --
shortly after the split --
one took the TRIODE route (Commander) the other (QRO) the TETRODE route.

The rest is amateur radio history!

gb

I have owned a QRO HF-2500DX since 1997. I have never owned a
Command, but know many who do.

The QRO uses Russian GU74b/4cx800a tetrodes, whereas the Command uses
3cx800a7 triodes. The Russian tetrodes are Russian mil spec, and have
been in good supply at extremely low prices over the last 5-10 years
(though they seem to have gone up a bit lately) whereas the Command's
triodes are still pretty pricey. My impression is that the money
saved on the tubes has gone into a more robust power supply and band
switch in the QRO.

If I had it to do all over again, I would again go QRO.

Ray K1XV

How do you prevent getting a hernia when you lift the amplifier onto the
shelf above the desk?

X-rated Vermonter wrote in message
...
I have owned a QRO HF-2500DX since 1997. I have never owned a
Command, but know many who do.

The QRO uses Russian GU74b/4cx800a tetrodes, whereas the Command uses
3cx800a7 triodes. The Russian tetrodes are Russian mil spec, and have
been in good supply at extremely low prices over the last 5-10 years
(though they seem to have gone up a bit lately) whereas the Command's
triodes are still pretty pricey. My impression is that the money
saved on the tubes has gone into a more robust power supply and band
switch in the QRO.

If I had it to do all over again, I would again go QRO.

Ray K1XV

On Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:32:47 GMT, "John, N9JG"
wrote:

How do you prevent getting a hernia when you lift the amplifier onto the
shelf above the desk?

+++++++
It stays on the desk. If you want a lot of transformer, the result is
a lot of weight. I might add that, while the tune up process is a
little different, this amplifier has highly repeatable tune settings,
so you just keep a little cheat sheet to tell you the tune and load
positions for each band.

Seriously, thank you for your comments. I am not sure how soon I will move
on getting an amplifier like this, but right now the HF-2000DX is at the top
of my list. This amplifier got very good reviews in eHam.net.

X-rated Vermonter wrote in message
...
On Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:32:47 GMT, "John, N9JG"
wrote:

How do you prevent getting a hernia when you lift the amplifier onto the
shelf above the desk?

+++++++
It stays on the desk. If you want a lot of transformer, the result is
a lot of weight. I might add that, while the tune up process is a
little different, this amplifier has highly repeatable tune settings,
so you just keep a little cheat sheet to tell you the tune and load
positions for each band.

Jhon ,

Did you take a look to Acom-amps ??

I had the Acom 1000 and now the Acom 2000 with a lot of joy.
I made some nice pics of both amps and you can see them on my webpage :
http://www.pa3hgt.nl



--
Met vriendelijke groeten,

Hans Pluijgers

callsign : PA3HGT
http://www.pa3hgt.nl



Seriously, thank you for your comments. I am not sure how
soon I will move on getting an amplifier like this, but
right now the HF-2000DX is at the top of my list. This
amplifier got very good reviews in eHam.net.
X-rated Vermonter wrote in message
...
On Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:32:47 GMT, "John, N9JG"
wrote:

How do you prevent getting a hernia when you lift the
amplifier onto the shelf above the desk?

+++++++
It stays on the desk. If you want a lot of transformer,
the result is a lot of weight. I might add that, while
the tune up process is a little different, this
amplifier has highly repeatable tune settings, so you
just keep a little cheat sheet to tell you the tune and
load positions for each band.