AL80B Tuning With TOF and Tuning Pulser 

If the 1306 didn’t exist, this is what I’d have. Thank you Tom for doing these

Great video .... New ham here. I found a good deal on a AL-80B but was afraid to pull the triger because of the lack of knowledge. I'm running a IC-7600 with a I-com ah4 tuner into a end-fed about 35 feet up into a tree and it works very well. I have purchased a DX Commander and would like to put a little more power out to reach a little further out DX stations. Thanks for the great video.

Glad i found your page you have great information

Your video is great! If you were uncomfortable doing it, you would never know it from the video. Please keep making them. '73 de KC2EEB

GREAT stuff... More videos please. Much appreciated. 73' Watt de K4WRF

Nice video. Very informative.

Great video!

Good video Tom.

Yes please make a video on the 811H and can you also comment on using digital modes with the amp too. Like FLDIGI and contestia or Olivia. Thank you very much.

fantastic !!! great product

Great video 💯⚛👍

What a handy device! Thanks for sharing. I'm assuming you sell the device?

Hi Tom -- Great video! You have no need to be shy about making videos -- this one was perfect! Now that I've buttered you up, could you please let me know if your TOF mod is still available? I've got an AL-80B that has asked for one for Christmas :) TNX & 73 -- Doctor Dan KF0GAW

Tom, This is an AWESOME video! I have an 811H is this module available for my amp? If so, how do I get it? I am using a pulse tuner, MFJ 216, as well as the required PTT Key buffer, Ameritron ARB 704. This allows the PTT of the 7300 to be compatible with the amp, and I believe that has to do with current. I would love to have your TOF module. One of the biggest problem with these MFJ tube amps is that everyone seems to have a different approach to the tuning , including MFJ. On one call I was told to start at 60 watts drive, well that amount buries both meters to the max readings and beyond, so I immediately stopped using that 60 watt drive, furthermore no matter how much adjustments I tried with the Plate & Grid currents, those needles would not move, both stayed burried, they went back to normal when I decreased the drive to 45 watts. That was not a good thing, and I think it was bad advice too. I can get 700 watts on 40 meters with a drive of 50 watts, as a matter of fact, I have yet to need more than 50 watts to get full power on 40 or 15. On 300 watts output, the max I have used is 40 watts drive, so where they got the start at 60 drive, is beyond me. I have watched several videos on the Ameritron amps. They talk about high Plate & Grid currents damaging the amp, but no one talks about what is normal, or a too low if it exists. I ordered a DX Commander that I am going to setup next month, got way too much travel right now. This will allow me to run 600 watts on all bands. I think these Ameritron amps are designed to run at full power when used. They are not too friendly when it comes to using 250 to 300 watts. So until I setup the DX Commander antenna, I will not be using this amp on the bands I have on a 20/17/12 fan dipole that is rated for no more than 300 amps. Given my real estate limits for an antenna, I am only running 40 to 10 meters, no 60, 80, or 160. I also only do SSB, no interest in the computer/digital modes. 73 Louis WW7GBA

Tom they are great amps very good design i wish mfj would step up on Quality control 👍💯⚛

Thanks for the product, The TOF module works great. I was wondering which pulser you are using and at what duty cycle. I have an MFJ-216.

I have just ordered a a al-80b this will be set up for a Stryker 955 to use as a base unit this will be my first go-around so I need some tips and how to get everything set up and what antenna to use

Since you are THE "voice and authority" behind this and the 811 series (and maybe others) could you consider doing a video for the proper tuning of the 811H ? I have one (and so many thousands people more !! ). I have read your instructions but as you know... a picture is worth 1000 words !! I'm still confused at certain aspects of the tuning process. It would be most welcome by the 811H community. So many videos in here but they all have their "own " theory (and many times conflicting).... I have seen them all, read them all... I'm still uncertain I'm doing it correctly. de W9AMV

The TOF module is my idea and my design property. It is only available through me at the present time.

Was the TOF always in the AL-80B? I had one about 14 years ago, but only for about a year, and I don't recall ever seeing a red light come on. But having owned two AL80-A's if many years, I always kept an eye on the grid current when tuning and stopped before hitting max. I pulsed mine with the CW keyer for tuning. 73 DJ0IP

Any links too the add on for AL80B I’m ordering one in a week or two

Hi Tom, This is a fascinating demo. I have gleaned much info from your website. You have done an awesome job putting all the info together and making it available. Would the TOF work on a Heathkit SB-220? Can you recommend a tuning pulser? Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

Do you have links to where I can read more about this TOF and pulse. Also have you ever published the schematic diagrams for constructing such tools or do you sell them? Do you have any links for either of those answers to my questions? Thank you very much sir

How can I add a "TOF" module to my AL-80B? is there a kit I can buy?

safe to say your TOF module and PULSE module works in AL-82??(KD8EFJ)

Ameritron also has a grid protection board,,and electronic bias board that's NOT included with the amp. it's sold separately. if i have you install the TOF & PULSE modules,,should i still get the grid protection and electronic bias board from Ameritron? i don't have a clue,,I'm SERIOUSLY confused now??🤷🤷🤷🤷(KD8EFJ)

I want one of those TOF modules

Tom...Thank U. As a new owner to an AL80B theres not alot of videos out there showing tuning up of this amplifier. Do all newer al80b amps have this feature? And can I tune it this way without the pulse? Thank U

Where Should the ALC be set at

Tom; when you said: "Without talking I'll go back on 40m show you how quick this is". Then proceeded to talk us right through it. I can tell you: - not talking is for Brits only. 73.

Hey Tom will this TOF module work in a Heath SB-1000?

Are the TOF's installed at MFG ? Or are they an after market product ? I recently purchased a used AL80B. I've not put it on the air yet. If this is an aftermarket product, where can I purchase one ?

Good Video Tom... de W4DRA

1000w with 75ma plate current? hows it possible?

How hard is it to install this TOF mod?

Getting one at tax time

So I see you used a pulser. There's not a lot of pulser information on the web other than explanations of how it works and why we use it. Every article I have read either uses the CW input or has the pulser wired to the micrphone for SSB pulsing. No one has every used a simple two dollar app to create the same pulse audio and just use the microphone element as the conduit. Maybe others can chime in but I see no disadvantage to using this two dollar method instead of 50 plus dollars for a hardware pulser.

Why would you start the tuning at Full Power even it pulsed? That makes no sense. Also I was told to not push more than 70 watts into this thing, is that not right?

The Idiots with MFJ did not ship fuses & fuse covers........