Texas-Star DX500 Turbo 10/11 Meter Linear Amplifier "EXPORT"

[kskev]

OK, here is what I have been looking at and trying to decide which to get......
Here in the states I can get the TS 500 HD for a $160.00 cheaper but they don't have any Toshiba Transistor in them.
I CAN have it upgraded to have that put in but that puts in higher $$$$ than the export that has them in already!
SO, my Question is does having the Toshiba Transistor (I guess that means the pill) really worth the extra money?
And sorry for me being such a inexperienced about these amps, but how many "pills" are in a TS 500?
I thought there were 2. Correct?
Anyways, thoughts, experiences, or opinions on which way I should go on this?
I want to get this right before spending this kind of money for this and finding out later I should of done it differently!!!!!
And as always THANKS for any input!!!

-- Thu Feb 11, 2016 6:16 pm --

OH..... forgot to say, I using this on a Optima MK3 Radio!

[Crusher]

The 500 has 4 transistors. Toshiba 2879's are about $67 each before shipping. That's nearly $280 for the 4 Toshiba 2879's. Hope this helps.

[kskev]

So, if they don't come with Toshiba Transistor's (4 of them) what do they use instead?
And
Since the Toshiba Transistor's are an upgrade, are they worth it?

Thanks!

[Crusher]

More than likely, they are using DEI 2879's. They work, but are not very forgiving. The Toshibas are pretty robust and take a beating. Depends how you run the stuff and what you expect out of amp. Oh and how deep your pockets are. Lol

[kskev]

True on how deep the pockets!!!!
OK, Thanks for the info.... I'm going with the Toshiba Transistors!

[PA629]

True on how deep the pockets!!!!
OK, Thanks for the info.... I'm going with the Toshiba Transistors!

Good plan.

You'll be happy with the Optima and a TStar500 for sure. Couple that to a quality antenna like a P10K or Sirio P5000 and never look back.

[1206FL]

A TNT 600hd is another good amp to pair up with the optima mk3. The older ones anyway. I haven't heard a new one on air yet to be able to tell how well they work with the new PP100's. But I am pretty sure member Crusher did a bit of testing and he said that about 40w- 50w of pep drive on SSB worked. Don't quote me on this as its been a while. But I think he is the one that tested one and he was using an optima mk3 as the radio if I am not mistaken. Again, I could be wrong. Maybe Crusher will chime in and give his valuable knowledge!! That is who I would have build me an amp!! Just saying LOL! Anyway, have fun with the new setup. Even with why you have there are always ways of making it a bit better if you are willing to dish out the dough!!

[MDYoungblood]

I don't think the upgrade (Toshiba's) is worth the extra $$$. If you aren't planning to do any competition, not going to volt it or overdrive it, the regular pills will do you just fine.
Before getting the amp the thing to do is get everything else in order, an antenna system capable of radiating the power, the SWR to a reasonably low level, the radio to producing a clean, clear signal, and charging system that will handle the amperage need to run everything, after that any size amp will be fine, you might even find you won't need one.

3's

Greg

[Crusher]

Keep the Dead Key/ carrier low and let it go from there. 100w DK out of 500 and it should last forever.

[kskev]

Hey everyone.....
Got the Texas Star 500 Turbo HD!!!!
NOW, working towards hooking this up, this is going in on my base.
Got a Astron RS70A 70A Regulated Power Supply to run it.

Two Questions:
1) back of the TS 500 is two screw in glass fuses, both rated at 35amp.
So, when I run the power lines to the power supply, do I need a "in-line fuse" on it since it has the two built in fuses?

2) Got 10 ga wire (just like what's coming out of the amp) crimped them on..... now cant remember where or if I read this....
how long of a run should/could I have? Short as possible, enough to get it to the power supply? Or does this matter?

That's it..... I have hooked up the Optima MK3 and it is a GREAT radio what little I've used it!!!!
Thanks all... appreciate any info!!
Don't know what I would do without the wisdom found on this forum!!!!

[jessejamesdallas]

You need a inline fuse in case a short develops between your power supply and the amp.The fuses on the back of the amp I would imagine are to protect the circuit board of a short...If there's a short between the power supply and the amp, if you don't have a fuse in line, you might have a fire instead.

[kskev]

OK, got it on the on-line fuse.
Does it matter on the length of the power wire?

[jessejamesdallas]

OK, got it on the on-line fuse.
Does it matter on the length of the power wire?

Not really...I had probably 20' of power wire ran threw my suburban going from the engine compartment to the back where my box was at...You just need to use larger gage wire the longer the run...What ever gage wire you use for the HOT wire, be sure to use the same gage for the ground.

[1206FL]

So your radio was fixed or a different one shipped?? Or am if thinking of someone else here??

[1206FL]

As far as the optima and the TS500 turbo. Or is this a different person?? Sorry if so. I know I read a post about a gent that had gotten one but the radio power cable was messed up and caused a reverse polarity hookup. Didn't know if this was the same person. If so, how you liking the optima mk3 so far??
And like JJD stated, use as much wire as you need, just make sure it's of large gauge like #4 or larger IMO. I'd go for #2awg or larger if possible. Won't hurt anything!! And keep the grounds as short as possible and to the frame. Again JMHO. Have fun with new setup!!

[kskev]

Yep, it was me.....
I still kicking myself in the butt for not checking that plug!!!!
Guess I wasn't thinking, done it a 1,000 's of times, plug in the power cord (which there is only one way to plug it in) and go!
Not anymore, Cant take anything for granted, now I check EVERYTHING! Guess I should of been doing that all-along!
The company made it right.... then a fellow poster on the forum told me about a used one on Ebay, checked it out and got it!
Anyways, The used one works good...... for the few contacts I made, glad I got one!!
Well, After that fiasco, I want to hook this amp up right!!!!!
DON'T want to fry this thing!!!!! LOL! Going S-L-O-W-L-Y and double checking everything!!!!
So,this TS amp is in the shack, using a Astron RS70A 70A Regulated Power Supply to run it.
Have the power supply about 4' away from the TS amp.
Out of the TS amp is two fixed 10 ga wire. Was going to continue with 10ga. wire to the power supply, but your saying go bigger?
I have read other post that people are modding the TX 500 (and others) and going with 8 to 6 awg wire.
I don't want to go down this road, at least not at this time......And I wont be driving the TS 500 that hard (2 to 2 1/2 watts DK) is what others say to run into it!
And lastly, JJD (oh thanks JJD for your advice) said to put in a inline fuse, what size fuse would I need to protect the TS 500?
The two screw in fuses on back are 35 amp each, so 70 amp AGU style or blade style fuse holder for the inline?
Thanks for the help!!!

[jessejamesdallas]

Not sure on the TS 500 what fuse to use. Check the speak sheet on the amp and see what the max amp draw is and go from there.

If you have 10 ga. wire out the back of the amp, then on a 4' run you could get away with 6 gage to the power supply, if it were me I would probably go ahead and use 4 gage just to be safe and would still be safe if I later decided I wanted to go to a bigger amp.

[1206FL]

Go bigger with the wire to the supply as stated by JJD. #4awg will work fine. Going larger won't hurt anything and will ensure you're getting full voltage and amperage to the amplifier. JMHO. Keep the runs as short as possible. And as for the amp coax jumpers, use what reaches to where you set the amp up at. If it's a bit long that's better than banjo tight. Again, JMHO.

[kskev]

OK, Thanks JJD and 1206FL..... crimping on 4 gage wire onto the 10 gage wire coming out of the TS 500.
Looked at the spec sheet for this amp and it shows Approx. Max Current - 45 amp (seems kind of small) so I will put
a inline fuse holder with a 45 amp. fuse and shortest run to the power supply!
Guess then I'll be good to go, at least that's how I'm taking this, Correct?

Again, thanks!!!!

[MDYoungblood]

In 4ft you shouldn't see any significant loss using the 10 gauge wire but yes if bigger is available use it, 4 gauge would be overkill. I'm pretty sure somewhere on the internet you could find a voltage/amperage wire size/length calculator. The amp has two 35 amp fuses in the holders, the PS has a circuit breaker inside, you don't need any more fuses inline. Now the 70amp supply is just right for the amp, if you start to overdraw on the supply it will let you know, they make a god awful noise. I particularly don't like running the amp and radio on the same supply, if you are there won't be enough amperage for the both.

3's

Greg

[kskev]

MDYoungblood,
Gotcha.... and no, not running radio and TS amp off the 70 amp power supply, just the TS 500.
Thanks for input!!!
Well, after this hook up I'll be set!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!