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Has anyone blown-out their Pixel Technology's Pro-1B pre-amplifier?

Roy Laufer
Roy Laufer Member ✭✭
edited February 2018 in FLEX-6000 Signature Series
Hello!

Pixel Technology's Pro-1B Magnetic Loop antennas are very popular with us "Flexers", including myself.

I have my Loop antenna 35 feet away from my transmitting antenna and 40 feet closer to the ground, and I use the pre-amp power shut-off control religiously. I have considered using my Loop Antenna with the new Duplex feature, but I don't want to **** out my pre-amp (I run 100 watts maximum).

Has anyone blown out their loop antenna's pre-amp, or heard about someone doing this?

Any details?

Thanks!

Roy AC2GS

Answers

  • KD4HSO
    KD4HSO Member ✭✭
    edited February 2017
    I'd be more worried about blowing out what the loop is hooked to as I believe it has an output compression point of 2 watts.


    I run mine 15 feet from the horizontal section of an inverted L with 100 watts and have had no issues. I have been meaning to measure the output power with amp on for worst case orientation across all bands. Is the RX input of the 6500 calibrated in dBm? That would preclude me from having to use a power meter.
  • Cal N3CAL
    Cal N3CAL Member ✭✭
    edited March 2017
    Hi Roy!  I've had my Pixel Pro 1B for 5 years now and never had an issue.  Mine sits about 25 feet away from my 43' vertical.  I use RCA TX1 to inhibit the pre-amp. There has been several occasions (due to learning curve) where RCA TX1 was turned off by accident  (due to changing profiles) and the pre-amp still chugs along just fine.  It handles 100 watts with no problem. 

    Cal/N3CAL
  • Mike va3mw
    Mike va3mw Member ✭✭
    edited February 2018
    I've blown up mine and I am not sure how it happened.  I had an DX Engineering RTR1 controlling it as well.

    I fixed it myself, but with very little help from Pixel.  Their only option was to sell me an new pre-amp at about the same price as a totally new loop.  I essentially replaced the amplifiers and I got it working.

    I was disappointed with Pixel's support on this.  

    Mike va3mw

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