Kl 203 issues

[Rickryder]

I have an RM Italy 203 that I must have overdriven. I found a blown capacitor and have replaced it. Now when I key the mic I loose reception and the power meter on my radio pins until I turn the amp off..... anyone have a clue what would cause this? Perhaps a relay? Thanks for any input!

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Sounds like the amp has gone into oscillations. Basically it's output is feeding into its input and it is conducting full power into itself. Unfortunately the radio that is hooked up to it gets full power too, so don't test it with a radio you like because it won't live long this way. Sounds like the bias circuit or negative feed back is damaged in the amplifier. Maybe you can pull the components out and check them on a component checker. Probably easier and safer to buy a new amp.

 

[Rickryder]

Thanks for the reply! Yeah I disconnected the radio as soon as I saw what it was doing! I guess I’ll just order another amp and just play around with this one with an old radio I have. I really don’t need to blow up my new Galaxy 979F lol I don’t know much about amps so this will be a learning experience!

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

If the input tune is out far enough, it might loose stability. I did some work on my xforce a while back and learned a bunch. Check it out:

https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/x-force-600hd-smoked.249976/

 

[magnuman]

You can buy just the kl203 boards fully populated ready to fit into the existing case.
A bit fiddly but much cheaper.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I just bought a pair of 203p last week.

http://www.88radio.com/RM-Italy-Ampifier

 

[Rickryder]

I bought a bundle pair of the 203 maybe I’ll get the 300 and use it on the base and put the other working 203 in the truck

 

[9C1Driver]

If you follow the link to 88radio the KL-503 they have there is good bang for the buck as well.

 

[NightThumper]

I have a KL-503HD....great amplifier...highly recommended

 

[Slowmover]

I’ve wound up with about a half-dozen RM ITALY amps in the past three years. One for every situation and a few spares.

KL-203 (x2)
KL-203p
KL-7405V
KL-7505V
KL-703

— I could afford them (that’s about $625 total for new & used),

— I have space for them (all for mobile),

— And operation is (or will be) simple enough for me to not screw up.

That “better” exists (valid reasons) doesn’t keep me from having a little juice (running them turned down) for reliable, effective performance. (Knock on wood).

I own as many or more radios, some with 45-50W (one with 100W), but I’d prefer to keep transceiver and amplifier separate. Make them work well together (I’m learning).

“”Radio” can be a big boys game and I’m like many: limited. So, several vehicles and an RV, they’ve looked good to me. So far, so good.

.

 

[dave457]

I always cringe when people run these dual final galaxy radios into kl 203 amps

 

[nomadradio]

I always cringe when people run these dual final galaxy radios into kl 203 amps

You cringe. I say "Cha-Ching!"

The desire to put the biggest-possible radio into the smallest-possible amplifier has always baffled me, but it never ends.

73

 

[dave457]

 

[Rickryder]

You cringe. I say "Cha-Ching!"

The desire to put the biggest-possible radio into the smallest-possible amplifier has always baffled me, but it never ends.

73

Lesson learned.... at least it was only $100 lesson!

 

[Rickryder]

I’ve wound up with about a half-dozen RM ITALY amps in the past three years. One for every situation and a few spares.

KL-203 (x2)
KL-203p
KL-7405V
KL-7505V
KL-703

— I could afford them (that’s about $625 total for new & used),

— I have space for them (all for mobile),

— And operation is (or will be) simple enough for me to not screw up.

That “better” exists (valid reasons) doesn’t keep me from having a little juice (running them turned down) for reliable, effective performance. (Knock on wood).

I own as many or more radios, some with 45-50W (one with 100W), but I’d prefer to keep transceiver and amplifier separate. Make them work well together (I’m learning).

“”Radio” can be a big boys game and I’m like many: limited. So, several vehicles and an RV, they’ve looked good to me. So far, so good.

.

Yes it’s a learning game for sure.