I watched this video and thought “Wow, KC3VO is like W2IK on steroids”, but after second thought, decided that even though W2IK likes to invent stuff like this that works better than the ordinary store bought stufff, but he wouldn’t be dumb enough run something like this so close to his own body.
At 1kW power, Bob Curry KC3VO (the inventor) says he gets 1 hour of transmit time, and about 15 minutes at the full 2kW power level. The antenna used for the demo was restricted to 500watts. I checked out KC3VO on www.qrz.com and found that he lives only about 3 miles north of Washington, DC, in Adelphi, Maryland, and has a Honda Goldwing motorcycle set up for HF operations also. He works as the full time commercial transmitter engineer for a high power UHF TV station, which might explain some of his need doses of high power RF signals in his body. 🙂
This video clip comes from the “Unauthorized Dayton Tour 2008/2009). Details at www.arvideonews.com. KC3VO’s 2kW ham radio backpack amplifier gets the attention of the FCC! Some of the visitor comments posted to the video refer to hair loss, need to have a better counter-poise system (W2IK could help him there), and in general the danger of operating 1kw or even the max 2kw so close to your body (and head).
Video posted by KN4AQ to YouTube.com is self explanatory.
August 7th, 2009 at 4:08 PM
This set up is so illegal as far as RF saftey emissions are concerned for both the operator and anyone within at least 500 feet on an even plane and especially above 15 meters. I call this irresponsible if not wreckless. Instead of making it a subject of jest, it should be of deep concern. Where was the FCC or ARRL at this time to tell him so. He needs to read the rules again.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:52 AM
@ W2IK, you’ve never built anything just for the hell of it?
He achieved his goal of making something totally absurd and head turning. Being a “full time commercial transmitter engineer” means he’s knowledgeable of the creation he’s built and will undoubtedly use it correctly. He’s not selling it, so chill. 73’s
December 13th, 2010 at 5:27 AM
Yes, I buit it mainly to show that it was possible, and I DO NOT operate it at over 500 watts (SSB) into the backpack antenna. The 2,089 watt demonstration was into a dummy load, at the ALPHA POWER booth. SSB transmissions are short, and usually on 40, 20 and 17 meters.–73, KC3VO
April 1st, 2012 at 4:47 AM
Way to go Bob… It was great demonstration of might be accomplished with a little imagination and engineering skill. Take care and keep up the great work. 73, AB6Z
June 21st, 2016 at 11:09 AM
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