Dentron 160-10L Linear Ham Radio Amplifier, Working as Designed

Description: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Offered here is a rebuilt Dentron 160-10L linear amplifier that covers 160 meters through 10 meters. This amplifier does have the ability to transmit on 11 meter band for "mars" operation. It is against FCC rules & regulations to operate this amplifier on the CB band. It has the ability to produce 2KW PEP+ in SSB mode as well as in continuous mode. It is not recommended to operate it at that level in continuous mode as you can really stress the tubes. I have thoroughly gone through this amplifier and rebuilt what the last owner destroyed; it was truly in a non op stage when I acquired it. Every time I thought I was ready to test it I found another problem or a bunt up component. Strangely enough most of the damage was caused by someone who had worked on it previously not having any idea of what they were doing. The issue that caused the melt down was a solid core piece of coax wire from the PL259 output connector to the output relay. If you have ever worked on these older style amps the upper part of the relay needs to move freely and uses braided wire to allow that movement. Using the solid core coax wire was like welding the relay in the open position. When the amplifier was previously keyed down after someone made that change it blew the relay contacts off, blew the relay diode and capacitor, blew the 9.1-volt 50-watt Zener diode used for bias voltage, blew the tuning door knob capacitor, arched out the loading variable capacitor destroying it. It literally burnt the back end of the output side of the relay off while causing other catastrophic failure within the amplifier. All that from one stupid mistake. To make a long story short the amplifier has been totally gone through and is now back to its glory days of when it was like new. Not only is it operating like new but it has so many upgrades to make it last a very long time when operated correctly. Look at the photos for all the additional upgrades. The power supply capacitors used are sourced from Japan and will last the next owner a life time. Some techs think smaller capacitors are better, but not when it comes to power supply capacitors, Bigger is Better. There is more plate surface inside bigger capacitors, more area to dissipate heat, increased capacitance, enhanced current handling, improved reliability to mention a few advantages to larger capacitors.The new Japanese power supply capacitors measure roughly 6" tall by 1 3/8" inches in diameter. The 572B tubes are made in the USA by CETRON and were tested on my TV7. The tubes all tested beyond 100% of a new tubes value being 60. All tubes tested above 72 putting them at or above 110% of a new tubes value. The 572B tubes are still readily available and not to expensive. New tubes will last for years when properly loaded and not over driven. The loading air variable capacitor was replaced with a military spec 2 gang capacitor with a bit more capacitance. Original load tuning cap was 1000 pf replacement is 1200 pf. I wanted to use the mil spec cap as it was rated at 1000 volts and is much more robust than the original one. It will change the reference band settings that are printed in the Dentron factory manual for the 160-10L. You will need to reestablish your own reference setting per band to avoid damaging the amplifier. You can do this by simple using a 10-watt input carrier while adjusting the load and tuning gangs reestablishing a starting reference point per band and writing them down, or mark them on the face of the amplifier. Normal input power is between 70 to 100 watts. Exceeding that will increase output but will shorten the tubes life. I tested the amplifier on the 10-meter band with a 100-watt input and achieved 1600+ output. The lower bands will produce even more power as the 28-meter band is one of the lowest performing bands on this style of amplifier. If you are a registered HAM operator with a current license and purchase this amplifier I will provide a 30-day warranty for repair only if anything should happen from normal use. (proof of your license will be required prior to shipping of the unit to get this extended warranty). Other than that it is being offered as is no warranty other than it will arrive safely and in good condition as it will be packed extremely well. Hooking up the coax backwards is not normal use and will not be covered under any implied warranty. Dentron amplifiers are some of the best built amplifiers from years ago. That’s why there still being bought and sold, their built like a tank to last forever. To make it last forever means having someone who knows what they’re doing work on it when it does have an issue. Had the previously owner only known to replace the broken braided wire with a like kind it would have never had a meltdown. Any Questions please ask them before bidding. This is a very nice quality-built amplifier ready for a new home.The amplifier shows normal wear and tear and has minor scratches and slight dining s here and there. It presents very nicely for a unit over 50 years old. This amplifier is currently wired for 220 VAC and can be wired for 110 VAC @ 15 amps should the new owner wants to change it. It involves changing the automatic circuit breaker on the back of the unit to a 15 amp breaker and changing a couple jumpers on the bottom of the unit as shown in a couple photos. Thanks for looking, I think my feedback speaks for itself as I don’t sell junk amplifiers. I build quality amplifiers and repair the good ones.

Price: 1800 USD

Location: Calimesa, California

End Time: 2025-02-15T00:16:24.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD