Star Electronics Products HF-200 ???

Hi all,
I recently picked up this Star Electronics Products HF-200 burner cheap, but had never heard of the brand and a google search provided nothing... is it just a cheap copy of a KL203 ? Or is it from a time pre-internet ? Any input appreciated.
73,
Mark.

Hi Mark,

You guessed it...Chinese generic. Pretty much the same as the BJ200, KL203, etc. etc.

All the best,
Victor

Hi Victor,

Do you know if the input powers will be the same as a KL for example ? Was only about 30 quid so not the end of the world if i blow it it up haha,

Cheers,

Mark.

Hi Mark,

At best guess without knowing the circuit specifics I'd say maximum input range would be 0.5 - 10W, with a nominal range of 3 - 5W input as they were originally designed for standard CB output, (4W legal). The problems only start when you hook up 'export' or tweaked rigs and shove 10+ watts into them. More input doesn't give more output, just smoke then nothing

Bargain at £30, here's hoping they work well for you

All the best,
Victor

Cheers Victor,

Will get a dummy load and a power meter on and see what she does.

Mark.

Nice one Mark. I shall keep my fingers crossed for you.

73s to ya!

Hi Mark , Victor.

Ive got a KL200p someone gave me, It appears to work ok AM/FM but nothing on SSB, is there a way to test it with out a power meter, the one I have is 100watt rated so I think the 200ssb might start the smoke alarm.
Cheers Tom 73s

So, had mine on a power meter with 250W dummy load. And she’s doing the business. 3.8ish watts in on fm and spot on 100 watts out, result.

@Tom, if you don’t talk too loud into the mic or have any high pitched noises on SSB a 100w power meter will be fine to test

Mark

Well sorted Mark! Definitely a bargain then, hope they serve you well

Tom, I'd concur with Mark. Turn your RF power out, speak further from the mike and your peak output should be low enough to measure with your 100 watt meter. (Done it myself at a pinch).
Strange that it's not working on just SSB? See how that goes.

Thanky kindly both

Ill give it a try, as it was a freebie I cant loose. Guess I should do it right and buy the right gear lol cheap skate,,, comes from being a 70s pirate...

73s both

Tom

Just a thought.

If I connect all the gear to one power source, then watch the current draw in each mode at least ill know if they work,,,, they may not work well but it would point me in the right direction,,,,,, I hope lol

73s mates

You need to talk/make noise in SSB for the radio to actually transmit and draw power. Something to keep in mind.

26cz455 wrote:

Hi Mark , Victor.

Ive got a KL200p someone gave me, It appears to work ok AM/FM but nothing on SSB, is there a way to test it with out a power meter, the one I have is 100watt rated so I think the 200ssb might start the smoke alarm.
Cheers Tom   73s

Unlike FM or AM SSB has no carrier so no audio no power being transmitted.

The volume of the input from the mic affects the power transmitted on SSB so if you can turn the mic gain right down to zero you can key up whilst whistling into it and slowly increase the mic gain. However I would say that if it's working on AM and FM it'll work on SSB.

My thoughts exactly

Good morning All.

You are all right, what was letting me down was a meter too small for the job,,, however my idea of using the power pack ammeter worked. W with the radio set to 4watts it showed a 4 amp drain,,,,,, with the amp on and set to AM/FM it drew 10amps,,,, with it set to SSB it drew 16amps,, proving to me it was working,,,, how well its working I wont know till I can get a better meter inline.... One thing I have learned is a close range radio check (under 3 miles) is useless 10 or more gives you better feed back, lol when the guy trying to give a check has you on +40 with his rf down you don't get a true picture.... Still ive learned a little more the hard way may be but im getting there...

Many thanks to you All, Tom the pirate lol
73s to one and all 26CZ455

Hello all,

Not been messing with the amp for a few days, but had a go this morning,

Using a Zetagi 203 meter, twin meters and a range of 10w-100-1k

Driving the amp with 5 watts AM/FM I was getting 80/90 out.

Driving with 5 watts ssb the needle didn't move... turning everything up and driving with 30watts it showed 30watts peek out,,,, Is it my meter wont read pep or do I have a problem with the amp.

Cheers Tom

Don't forget ssb is voice modulation driven, give it a whistle bet you get movement.
73s
Steve

StevieG wrote:

Don't forget ssb is voice modulation driven, give it a whistle bet you get movement.
73s
Steve

Don't forget to turn the power on the radio down before whistling or you'll overdrive the amp.

73's Gary.

Ive tried power settings from 1 watt too 30watt,,, mic turned down and up,,, I still cant get a peek over about 50watts,,, not much better than running barefoot,, Shout my lungs out and no one hears me im reaching the point of using the OTHER kind of skip.

ps. 3 watts and below I get relay chatter from the amp.

73s Tom

Don't forget to turn the power on the radio down before whistling or you'll overdrive the amp.

73's Gary.[/quote]


Quite right Gary should have mentioned that in my post, is the mic gain  turned up high enough to drive the amp as that normally results in relay chatter and low power readings