AL-811H & AL-572 Repair
'I've watched many of Amp Repair Guy YouTube videos and decided to send Scott two of my Ameritron amplifiers (AL-811H & AL-572). I sent Scott the amps for general maintenance and any recommended repairs. Scott provided outstanding preventative maintenance & repair of both amplifiers. The process occurred within a very short period of time and for a very reasonable fee. Scott provided excellent communication (text, email & phone calls) throughout the process. Scott explained how to properly pack the amplifiers for shipping, type of tubes to purchase, explained all suggested repairs and even took the time to explain how to properly tune the Ameritron for safe long life operation. I had an issue with one of the resistors within the AL-572 and Scott sent me a new resistor free of charge. Scott provides professional service and excellent customer service. If I ever need work on any of my tube amplifiers, I'll send them directly to Scott.
Kind Regards
KL7EZ/4
Gallatin, TN
I had my sb220 amplifier send to Scott to have it upgraded and refurbished. Scott did a great job and a very timely manner. When the return shipping came there was a slight problem with one of the input coils. Scott was able to guide me over the phone 1 how to correct the issue caused from Shipping. He really loves his work and he'll take the time to get everything straight. He's very informative and those amplifiers like a doctor. Thank you again Scott for your professional help. WA2 t r s
This is W3RKD (formerly KB3LFF). I had been off the air for over 25 years when I started resurrecting my radio equipment and obtained my Extra License in the process. I didn't realize how much I had fallen behind in the Amateur Radio world. When I dug up my old HeathKit SB-220 Amplifier and attempted to "fire" her up, nothing came on. I started researching on the Internet for someone well versed and knowledgeable at rebuilding my SB-220 (modifications as well as any necessary repairs). Of all the rebuild/modification "YouTube" video-guys I watched, there was this one guy who described everything he did and why - . I called to ask, "Are you still working on Amplifiers - specifically SB-220's?"
** Note: You might ask, "Why not buy the newer "Solid-State" amp?" Besides those ridiculous over-priced solid-state (check out the prices) less efficient rigs, nothing can out-perform these older tube rigs. The cost of modifications, repairs, and possibly new tubes (if needed) to salvage and restore the old reliable "Beast" is far less.**
After a ten minute discussion and explaining how he couldn't really quote me any cost until having the amplifier properly shipped via FedEx. Any sensitive electronic equipment (especially expensive tubes) must be shipped in a specific manner, explained by Scott.
My specific SB-220 is one of Scott's many "YouTube" videos - dated June 20, 2022. This man's expertise, professionalism, and work ethic is phenomenal. The work he ended up doing was impeccable. He will not cut corners. He will do what is correct. But, he always contacted me first before proceeding any process which may not have been part of the original quote. You should understand, 3-500z tubes sitting and not used for 25+ years might become "gassy" from the internal material they are constructed. Scott instructed me to have "dropped shipped" from a very trustworthy supplier of the newer 3-500Z tubes made with improved internal material.
Through the process of doing what was needed for my SB-220, Scott and I had either texted or had direct phone calls where I learned more of Scott's work principles as well as his schedule. He starts his day between 3:30 - 4:00 am and stops after putting in as much as a ten-hour work day. He gives his weekend to his family and relaxes (he enjoys 4-wheeling), especially after devoting a whole work week on amplifiers sent to him - Collins, Kenwood, Drake, Ameritron, HeathKit, etc.
I could go on with many distinctions Scott has that others in his field of expertise lack. I'll just suggest you watch his "YouTube" videos and give him a call. I would say that his "YouTube" videos give him more justifiable credentials than what all the reviews may offer. By the way, don't let his young sounding 30ish voice fool you! He confided in me that he's in his 40's now. That's another hint - he's been doing this for a long time and his experience shows in the finished product.
73's
W3RKD
Ron Doyle
Chambersburg, PA
My Ameritron AL-811H amp was giving me troubles. I decided to contact Scott at the Amp Repair Guy. He said yes send it to me. I sent Scott my amp not knowing what to expect. I watched his videos on YouTube. He sounded confident and very knowledgeable. Scott had my amp about 2 weeks counting the time to ship it back to me. My amplifier now works very well. He not only fixed my amp but made some improvements! Thanks Scott for repairing my amp and sending back to so quickly!
Allen (AG4LR)
Stephens City, VA
Scott did excellent job assessing the issues with my Ameritron AL572 amplifier and restoring it to better than new condition. He is knowledgeable, responsive and his repairs are impeccable! Thanks Scott, for a job well done. Tom N3CXP
I picked up a nice looking Kenwood 922A at a flea market. Was looking for a linear with 3-500Z's as they're very stable and can crank. One of the challenges with older tube amps is design compromises. This amp will produce almost 1200 watts easily. At these power levels if anything goes wrong, it's very unforgiving. So I decided rather than monkeying with 3500 volt power supplies, I'd find a competent person who can reliably update an old amp.
I've been watching YouTube videos of several guys who repair and update tube linears. While many seem pretty good, I've noticed some things they did which I didn't like. Then I came across the Amp Repair Guy. He seemed very experienced with working on my Kenwood. So I called him. Not only did he know the amp inside out but also exactly what to do not to do. There is a lot of misinformation on the web about these and other 500Z based amps. The Amp Repair Guy saved me money and I got educated about each repair and why. Also about its nuances. He worked in it and did a video too. His work is great and now I have an updated amp which is now a solid performer. If you've got an amp that needs repair or updating call him! Highly recommended.
Wb1guq
If you have a tube amplifier that needs repair or updating, Scott is the man to see. I had recently purchased a Yaesu FL-2100B to use with my Yaesu DX10 and 991A radios, but the amp needed some attention. Scott went through the unit, correcting numerous problems, replacing defective parts, then aligned and tuned the amplifier. A number of the parts are difficult to source, and some are no longer available. Scott took care of it all. With his experience repairing thousands of amps of all types, it is extremely unlikely that someone without his level of expertise could come anywhere near these results. His workmanship is exceptional, and parts are very high quality. What more do you need?
There was one more issue. The amplifier was improperly keying when switched from standby to operate.
Scott had me check the polarity of the output line of the ARB704 to the amp relay connections. Problem solved. Fast and responsive support after the sale. Once again, what more could you ask for?
Thanks again, Scott.
Steve
KC1RSR
I purchased a Kenwood TL-922 linear on EBay from an outfit in California earlier this year. The unit arrived with me in Houston TX with extensive shipping damage, and was non-functional. I initially found a local Ham to fix it and, 2 months later, the unit came back in a worse state than it had been when collected.
I almost junked the unit out of desperation, but then found Scott on the Web. After an initial diagnosis, I sent the unit to Scott who, within a matter of days, had made a full diagnosis of the issues, and proceeded to not only repair the unit, but also fix most of the damage suffered at the hands of shippers.
I've had the unit back in my shack for about a month now, and it performs consistently as if it were new and out of the box. Throughout the entire process, Scott kept me informed of progress, and explained/demonstrated the issues he discovered and how to fix them. Now I have experienced first-hand level of expertise Scott brings to the table, I would recommend him to anyone wanting a professional repair to their equipment. He is the best I have seen in the US.
w5xuk
I have been building out two Collins S-Line stations for my personal use, and had obtained a Collins Collector Association grade 8 condition 30L-1 tabletop amplifier which had been ostensibly re-tubed with fresh 811a and in clean condition. Imagine my surprise when turning it on recently to hear a loud "BANG" and see out of the corner of my eyes, the flash of a grid short in one of the supposedly new 811s. Not good, but considering the ongoing issues with tube quality, especially light plate tubes like the 811, while not unexpected, was surprised that it would have occurred so early in the replaced tube's life. Needless to say...there was also collateral damage, well-understood, that such an occurrence would create.
Scott, , graciously took the injured unit under his care for a complete going through: upgrading the tube compliment with a brace of matched Penta Labs 572Bs, updated the parasitic suppressors, new grid carbon comp resistors, silver mica caps, cleaned bandswitches, meter protection diodes, and a few other repairs to ensure this amp will work properly for years to come.
The result? Brought back to my PA shack, placed inline where it belonged being fed by my KWM2-A, and proceeded to tune up as per the Collins instructions into my 75' of LDF4-50A feeding a Gap Challenger vertical. 60W of drive out of the KWM gives me a little over 600W on my Bird 43 meter (in peak hold position) with an indicated SWR of 1.4:1, and according to the waveform scope and signal reports from contacts, the signal is clean with no detectable distortion or extraneous artifacts. Signal and audio reports back from the Sunday afternoon Collins Collector 20M net were complimentary as to both the strength and quality of the signal. That net is populated with former Collins engineers and designers, so it's apparent that depending on Scott's skill in resurrecting the 30L-1 was well placed.
Between Gene Senti's design of the amp for Art Collins, the skill of Scott and his attention to detail in repair, and the quality of the repair components, I've no doubt that this little desktop KW input amp will serve my needs for a long time to come, and am completely satisfied with the outcome of engaging Scott for his services.
Bryan D. Boyle, wb0yle
I am Rick in Vero Beach, Florida and I purchased a used 2007 AL-811 amp at the 2022 Orlando hamfest. It was pretty clean with a new set of 811 tubes so I took it home. After spending a little time evaluating possible repairs I decided to send it to Scott for a professional once-over. The amp was not functioning properly.
Scott, in his ever diligent way, found several problems and corrected each one. He is very thorough and detailed. He doesn’t leave any stone unturned. Along with a tube swap-out for Penta Labs 572B tubes the amp runs perfectly. I use it regularly and it is a gem.
Scott is a great resource and honestly I don’t know of anyone better to fix a grounded grid tube amp. You can’t go wrong. He is fair and very honest. That is hard to beat in this day and age. 73, KB3NG.