Nice Ten-Tec 420 Hercules II HF Ham Radio Linear Amplifier Solid-State /Mobile

This is a Ten-Tec model # 420 "Hercules II" Ham Radio HF-bands Solid-State Linear Amplifier. Came from a local Amateur Radio Operator's Estate sale. It was in use with a companion Ten-Tec OMNI VI+ HF Transceiver, but I have not tested it. It covers the HF Ham Radio Bands from 160 through 10-Meters, with up to 550-Watts Output Power. This Hercules II Amplifier came with the companion Ten-Tec model # 9420 AC Power Supply, which provides 13.8V DC at up to 100A output 20A is available for the HF Transceiver, if needed.

The DC Power Cable and Plug are provided, as shown in the pictures, but you may have to extend its length for your particular Power Supply or batteries. No manual was provided, but I found a copy to download on the Ten-Tec site, which I will include. If you'd like more information, you can also download your own free copy. This Amplifier was in use at the previous Amateur Radio Operator's home, with his Ten-Tec OMNI-VI+ transceiver, but I have not tested it.

Due to the possibility of misuse no antenna, shorted antenna, overdrive, etc. And parts swappers Yes, I've actually had that happen to me on another HF Amplifier! If you read the reviews of the Hercules II, you'll see that it's an extremely dependable, trouble-free Amplifier. The Hercules II can be cabled to work with most Ten-Tec Transceivers (and others, from the reviews I've read on the eham site,) like the Corsair II, Paragon, Omni V, OMNI VI, Orion II, and others, along with the Ten-Tec model # 253 Automatic Antenna Tuner.

It can operate full QSK (full CW "Break-in") with the companion radios. The three units - Transceiver, Antenna Tuner and Hercules II Amplifier were sometimes all mounted together in one of Ten-Tec's desktop rack cabinets as a "Closet Kilowatt". All three units could automatically track together, with the Amplifier and Antenna Tuner tracking the band and frequency of the Transceiver. A small Remote Control unit, model # 9423 was also available for remote control of the Hercules II.

Most of these Transceivers, Tuners, Closet KW Cabinet, other accessories etc. There's also a Speaker on the front panel, to connect to your Transceiver's speaker output jack. Here's some specifications and info about the Hercules II Amplifier, from the Ten-Tec site. High-tech simplicity, base or mobile. Compact, lightweight amplifier that offers a combination of unique features that can only be achieved using modern solid state technology.

Instant on, 12-14 Vdc operation, no-tune broadband final and compact size. Add to that lightning fast QSK cw, remote control, superb linearity and a low drive requirement.

The HERCULES II is attractively styled to match the CORSAIR II, PARAGON, and OMNI-V, OMNI-VI, and OMNI-VI Plus transceivers. Auto band switching with the OMNI-VI and OMNI VI Plus transceivers with the optional model 236 cable. The front panel includes an analog multi-meter for collector current, voltage, forward power and SWR. A 10 element LED bargraph display indicates peak output power. Band selection is made from the front panel switch or remotely controlled through a rear panel connector. A front panel speaker is built-in. The optional Model 9420 115/220 Vac power supply is in a separate utility enclosure and connects to the RF deck using a 6 foot power cable. An additional 20 amps at 13.8 Vdc is provided to power a 100 watt exciter. General coverage operation from 160 through 15 meters.

Through 10 meters after authorized modification. The HERCULES II is the ultimate in simplicity, ease of operation, versatility and reliability. And best of all, it is affordable! Another proud product from Ten-Tec. General coverage 1.6 to 22.000 MHz.

Modification for 22.000 to 30.000 MHz is available for authorized users. Coverage is in seven bands which are front panel or rear panel remote selectable. 500/600 watts output, depending on frequency and load impedance. Drive Power: 65 to 80 watts typical for 500 watts output. Distortion: -35 dB from 500 watt output level.

Internal forced air, rear panel exhaust. Switch selectable forward power, SWR, Icc (collector current) and Vcc (Voltage). Ten element LED bar graph displays peak output power. Primary Power: RF deck, 12 to 14 volts at 100 amps, maximum.

10 minutes maximum continuous key-down at 500 watts output. Front Panel Controls: Multi-meter control switch. Power on-off switch and band select switch.

RF in, RF out, DC input. TX/RX control jacks and remote control socket. HWD 5.25" x 12" x 14. I found some info about power supplies and batteries for use with the Hercules II Amplifier on the eham review site.

I'm using a Astron 70 AMP power supply, which handles 500 watts just fine. I used an Iota Engg 90amp supply. I also run the two RS-70s at 14.4 vdc each. I see around 40 amps of current draw per PS at max power out keydown. I run mine off a large 190 AH deep cycle battery for now. I power the amp from 12v marine batteries and a 10a charger. Please look at the outstanding reviews of the Hercules II Amplifier on eham and other review sites. With the pandemic shutdown going on, some deliveries have had additional delays recently. Please see my other auctions for additional Amateur Radio and Electronic items. The item "Nice Ten-Tec 420 Hercules II HF Ham Radio Linear Amplifier Solid-State /Mobile" is in sale since Friday, May 29, 2020. This item is in the category "Consumer Electronics\Radio Communication\Ham, Amateur Radio\Ham Radio Amplifiers". The seller is "539lj" and is located in NW Oregon. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Brunei darussalam, Bolivia, Egypt, French guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macao, Martinique, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uruguay.

Model: 420 Hercules II
Band: HF
Supported Modes: RTTY
MPN: 420
Brand: TEN-TEC