The Yaesu FL series of linear amplifiers is a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts. These amplifiers are designed to boost the power of a transmitter, allowing for clearer and stronger signals to be transmitted over longer distances. But what was the first FL series amplifier, and how did it come to be?
The first FL series amplifier was the Yaesu FL-1000. This amplifier was released in the late 1960s and quickly became a popular choice among amateur radio operators. It was designed to work with the FL-100 and FL-200 transmitters, and covered the 80 to 10 meter HAM bands. The FL-1000 was capable of delivering up to 960 watts of PEP power, making it a powerful and reliable amplifier for its time.
Origins of the FL Series Amplifier
The FL Series Amplifier from Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. was a popular choice among amateur radio operators and enthusiasts. This amplifier series has a long history dating back to the late 1960s. The first FL Series Amplifier was the FL-1000, which was introduced in 1968.
The FL-1000 was a linear amplifier that used four tubes/valves. It was designed to work with the Yaesu FTDX-1000 transceiver. The FL-1000 had an output power of 1000 watts and was designed to operate on the 160 to 15-meter amateur radio bands. The amplifier was built with high-quality components and was known for its reliability and performance.
The FL Series Amplifier was designed by a team of engineers at Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. in Japan. The company was founded in 1959 by Sako Hasegawa, who was a former engineer at Sony. The company’s name was derived from the founder’s name, Sako Hasegawa, and the word “Musen,” which means “radio” in Japanese.
Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. was known for its high-quality amateur radio equipment, including transceivers, amplifiers, and antennas. The company was also known for its collaboration with Leo Fender, the founder of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. and Leo Fender worked together to create the Yaesu FRG-7 communications receiver, which was based on the Fender Rhodes electric piano.
the origins of the FL Series Amplifier can be traced back to the late 1960s when Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. introduced the FL-1000 linear amplifier. The amplifier was designed by a team of engineers in Japan and was known for its reliability and performance. Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. was also known for its collaboration with Leo Fender, which resulted in the creation of the Yaesu FRG-7 communications receiver.
Technical Specifications
The first FL series amplifier was the Yaesu FL-1000, which was introduced in 1965. This linear amplifier was designed for use in amateur radio applications and featured four 6JS6A vacuum tubes for radio frequency amplification. The FL-1000 had a power output of 1000 watts and was capable of operating on supply voltages of 100, 110, 200, or 220 volts AC.
Here are some of the technical specifications of the Yaesu FL-1000:
- Number of Tubes: 4
- Valves / Tubes: 6JS6A 6JS6A 6JS6A 6JS6A
- Main Principle: Radio Frequency Amplification only
- Wave Bands: Given in the notes
- Power Type and Voltage: Alternating Current supply (AC) / 100; 110; 200; 220 Volt
- Loudspeaker: No sound reproduction output
The FL-1000 had a frequency range of 3.5 to 30 MHz and an input impedance of 50 ohms. It was designed to be used with transceivers that had a power output of 100 watts or less, and provided amplification of the radio signal to increase the effective radiated power of the transceiver.
The FL-1000 also featured a built-in meter that displayed the output power, plate voltage, and plate current of the amplifier. This allowed the operator to monitor the performance of the amplifier and make adjustments as necessary to ensure optimal operation.
the Yaesu FL-1000 was a groundbreaking amplifier that set the standard for future FL series amplifiers. Its robust design and high power output made it a popular choice for amateur radio operators around the world.
Design and Circuitry
The FL series of amplifiers from Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. is a popular line of linear amplifiers used by amateur radio enthusiasts. The first FL series amplifier was the FL-1000, which was introduced in the 1970s. The FL-1000 was a solid-state amplifier that was designed for use with the FL-100 and FL-200 transmitters.
The FL-1000 was a table model amplifier with a low profile. It had dimensions of 330 x 180 x 300 mm (13 x 7.1 x 11.8 inches). The amplifier had a coverage range of 80 to 10 meters on the HAM bands and a peak envelope power (PEP) of 960 watts.
The circuitry of the FL-1000 amplifier featured a relay-controlled T/R switch, which allowed for automatic switching between transmit and receive modes. The amplifier also featured a solid-state design, which made it more reliable and efficient than earlier tube-based amplifiers.
The FL-1000 amplifier used a pair of 3-500Z triode tubes in the output stage, which provided high power output and low distortion. The amplifier also had a built-in protection circuit that prevented damage to the tubes in case of a mismatched load or other fault.
The FL-1000 amplifier was designed for use with the FL-100 and FL-200 transmitters, which were also produced by Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. The amplifier and transmitters were sold separately, but were designed to work together seamlessly.
the FL-1000 was the first amplifier in the Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. FL series. It was a solid-state amplifier with a relay-controlled T/R switch and a pair of 3-500Z triode tubes in the output stage. The amplifier was designed for use with the FL-100 and FL-200 transmitters and had a built-in protection circuit to prevent damage to the tubes.
Models and Modifications
Yaesu has produced a range of amateur radio equipment over the years, including transceivers and amplifiers. One of the most popular amplifier series produced by Yaesu is the FL series. However, determining which model was the first FL series amplifier can be a little tricky.
One of the earliest FL series amplifiers was the FL-1000, which was produced in the 1960s. This linear amplifier was designed to match the FL-100 and FL-200 transmitters and covered the 80 to 10-meter HAM bands. It had a PEP output of 960 watts and used a pair of 6JS6C tubes in the final amplifier.
The FL-1000 was also sold in Europe under the Sommerkamp label. Sommerkamp was a German company that produced amateur radio equipment and was later acquired by Yaesu.
Over the years, Yaesu made modifications to the FL series amplifiers, including the FL-1000. For example, the Mark II version of the amplifier had a modified input circuit that improved its performance. The Mark IIA version of the amplifier featured a redesigned power supply and was one of the heaviest models in the series, weighing in at 41 pounds.
Yaesu also produced a range of transceivers that were designed to work with the FL series amplifiers, including the FT-101. The FT-101 was a modular transceiver that combined a solid-state transmitter, receiver, and tube final amplifier. It was produced in the 1970s and 1980s and was one of the most popular transceivers produced by Yaesu.
the FL-1000 was one of the earliest FL series amplifiers produced by Yaesu. It was designed to match the FL-100 and FL-200 transmitters and covered the 80 to 10-meter HAM bands. Yaesu made modifications to the amplifier over the years, including the Mark II and Mark IIA versions. Yaesu also produced a range of transceivers that were designed to work with the FL series amplifiers, including the popular FT-101.
Usage and Application
The Yaesu FL-1000 Linear Amplifier was one of the first amplifiers in the FL series. It was designed for use in amateur radio and provided coverage for 80 to 10 meters HAM bands. The device was capable of providing a peak envelope power (PEP) of 960 watts, making it an ideal choice for amateur radio enthusiasts who wanted to boost their signal transmission.
The FL-1000 was designed to match the FL-100/FL-200 transmitter and was sold in Europe under the Sommerkamp label. The amplifier was a table model with low profile dimensions of 330 x 180 x 300 mm, making it easy to fit into most amateur radio setups.
One of the key features of the FL-1000 was its ability to deliver a clean and powerful signal to speakers. This made it an ideal choice for amateur radio enthusiasts who wanted to communicate over long distances or participate in contests. The device was also popular among CB radio users who wanted to boost their signal and reach other users over long distances.
The FL-1000 was designed to work with a range of devices, including electric guitars, televisions, and other signal transmission devices. Its high power output and clean signal made it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
the Yaesu FL-1000 Linear Amplifier was one of the first amplifiers in the FL series and was designed for use in amateur radio. It was capable of providing a clean and powerful signal to speakers and was popular among CB radio users. The device was also versatile and could be used with a range of signal transmission devices.
Performance and Reliability
The Yaesu FL-1000 was the first amplifier in the FL series, released in the 1960s. It was a high-performance linear amplifier capable of delivering up to 960 watts PEP power output. The amplifier was designed for the 80 to 10 meter HAM bands and was an ideal match for the FL-100/FL-200 transmitters. The FL-1000 was a table-model, low-profile amplifier that measured 330 x 180 x 300 mm / 13 x 7.1 x 11.8 inch.
The amplifier was known for its reliability and performance. It was designed with a high-quality power supply that provided consistent power to the amplifier. The FL-1000 also featured a noise blanker that helped to eliminate unwanted noise in the signal. The amplifier was designed to deliver high-quality SSB and CW signals with low distortion and low noise levels.
The FL-1000 was a tube amplifier, which provided excellent performance and reliability. Tube amplifiers were known for their warm, natural sound and were preferred by many HAM radio operators. The amplifier was designed with a high-quality tube that provided excellent performance and reliability.
The amplifier was also designed with a high-quality power supply that provided consistent power to the amplifier. The power supply was designed to deliver clean, stable power to the amplifier, which helped to eliminate unwanted noise in the signal.
the Yaesu FL-1000 was a high-performance, reliable amplifier that was designed for HAM radio operators. It was known for its excellent performance, low distortion, and low noise levels. The amplifier was designed with high-quality components and was built to last. If you are looking for a high-performance amplifier, the Yaesu FL-1000 is an excellent choice.
Dimensions and Physical Features
The first FL series amplifier was the Yaesu FL-1000. This linear amplifier was designed for amateur radio use and was manufactured by Yaesu-Musen Co. Ltd. The amplifier had a table model design with low profile dimensions of 330 x 180 x 300 mm / 13 x 7.1 x 11.8 inches. It was quite large and weighed a substantial amount.
The Yaesu FL-1000 had a coverage range of 80 to 10 meters on HAM bands with a PEP power output of 960 watts. It was designed to match the FL-100 / FL-200 transmitter and was sold in Europe under the Sommerkamp label. The amplifier was a two-port electronic circuit that used electric power from a power supply to increase the amplitude of a signal applied to its input terminals, producing a proportionally greater amplitude at its output.
The Yaesu FL-1000 had an SO-239 connector for the input and output ports. The SO-239 connector is a type of coaxial RF connector commonly used for amateur radio antenna connections. It is also known as a UHF connector. The amplifier was designed to be compatible with the FL-100 / FL-200 transmitter, which also used an SO-239 connector.
In terms of physical features, the Yaesu FL-1000 had a simple yet sturdy design. It had a metal chassis with a front panel that included a power switch, a meter for monitoring output power, and a tuning knob for adjusting the output power. The amplifier also had a cooling fan to prevent overheating during extended use.
the Yaesu FL-1000 was a reliable and powerful linear amplifier that was well-suited for amateur radio use. Its large size and weight made it somewhat cumbersome to transport, but its sturdy design and high power output made it a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts.
