Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
How much does the Hardrock-500 cost?
The cost is $1200 for the amplifier support package and $500 for the RF deck for a total of about $1700. This includes a pair of Microsemi VRF2933 MOSFETs
How can I order a Hardrock-500?
You can order one now at HobbyPCB.com
What if I can't find the right RF deck?
The Hardrock-500 will support virtually any high power RF amplifier deck but to make it easy, we are designing a special version of the Microsemi AN-1819 that uses VRF-2933's instead of VRF-2944's (to keep the cost down). We will be teaming with a manufacturing partner to make these board available to Hardrock-500 builders. We guarantee that when you purchase a Hardrock-500 amplifier support package you will have the opportunity to purchase the recommended amplifier deck.
Which transceivers work with the Hardrock-500?
The Hardrock-500 can be used with any HF transceiver. Automatic band switching is currently supported with many different transceivers including the HobbyPCB RS-HFIQ, IQ32 and IQ64; Elecraft K2, KX2/3; Flex-1500; Elad FDM-DUO; ICOM IC-705; Xiegu and Yaesu FT-817/818. Interface kits are available and support for additional transceivers can be added in future firmware releases.
Will the Hardrock-500 support the 6M band?
Since the Hardrock-500 is designed as a travel amplifier, we have done our best to make it compact and lightweight. An 160-10M amplifier covers more than 95% of ham radio communications in the 1.8 - 54MHz band. There is no plan to add the required circuitry for 6M coverage.
Does the Hardrock-500 include a power supply?
Yes, the Hardrock-500 has built-in power supply which accepts 80-264 VAC and 113-370 VDC. The amplifier has a 13.8V, 2A output to power QRP transceivers or other accessories without the need for an additional power supply.
Is an Autotuner available for the Hardrock-500?
Yes the ATU-500 is in production, it tunes loads up to 5:1 SWR at full power.
Is the Hardrock-500 only useable with QRP transceivers?
While the Hardrock-500 is designed to provide 400-500W output with 5W of drive, we will have an input attenuator available that can be added to the amplifier that raises the drive requirements to 50W so you can use the Hardrock-500 with typical 100W transceivers.
How loud are the fans?
The Hardrock-500 has a total of four temperature controlled fans. At the lowest setting, the fans are very quiet, softer than a typical HVAC system. After a minute or two of a SSB voice transmission, the fan speed increases and becomes noticeable. With RTTY or digital modes, the higher speeds are activated to sufficiently cool the amplifier and power supply. Even at full speed, the fans a noticeable but not overpowering. For heavy-duty operation all four fans can be changed to provide about 2X the airflow at substantially increase cooling and noise.