Xiegu GPA100

Novinka od Xiegu GPA100 je kompaktný, 100 W (na väčšine HF pásiem) solid-state lineárny zosilňovač navrhnutý pre rádioamatérov, ktorí hľadajú prenosnú a pritom výkonnú jednotku pre QRP/QRO transceivers. The amplifier covers a wide frequency range from 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz, with an output of 80 W for the 6 m band. This makes it a versatile solution for SSB and digital modes, where signal purity and low distortion are important.

Key technical features and construction of GPA100

GPA100 je postavený na modernom polovodičovom (MOSFET) riešení s dôrazom na efektivitu a nízke harmonické zložky — deklarované potlačenie parazitných zložiek je ≥50 dB. Celkové ziskové charakteristiky sa udávajú približne 14 dB pod 29,7 MHz a 12 dB v pásme 50–54 MHz, čo znamená, že pre dosiahnutie plných 100 W zvyčajne stačí len niekoľko wattov vstupného výkonu od vášho transceivera. Fyzické rozmery sú približne 245 × 164 × 82 mm a hmotnosť okolo 2,6 kg — teda skutočne prenosný „bench“ formát.

Power supply and operating parameters

The amplifier requires 12–15 V DC (negative ground) and can draw up to 25 A during transmission according to the manufacturer, then only hundreds of milliamps in standby mode. This places demands on a quality source (battery or fixed source with sufficient current reserve) - for longer connections, contest operations, or DX expeditions, it is necessary to consider an adequate power circuit and wiring to minimize voltage drops and thermal issues.

Control, monitoring, and protection

GPA100 ponúka jednoduché ovládanie: fyzické tlačidlá pre 7 pásiem (1.8–50 MHz) s LED indikáciou aktívneho pásma a režimu AUTO pre automatické prepínanie. Na prednom panely je väčší LCD display showing key parameters - output power, SWR, voltage, current, and internal temperature - making it easier to monitor during operation in the shack or in the field. The manufacturer also declares a variety of protective modes: protection against high SWR, overcurrent, overheating, low efficiency, and power exceeding. These functions increase safety during real use with various antennas and in different conditions.

Compatibility and integration with transceivers

GPA100 is designed for easy cooperation with low-power HF devices (QRP) including Xiegu models (G90, X6100, X6200) and popular portable devices like Icom IC-705. ALC support and automatic band switching simplify integration with the transceiver, with modulation and linearity optimized for SSB and digital modes. However, it should be noted that GPA100 does not include an integrated antenna tuner - a separate ATU will be required if you use a poorer antenna PSV. To je vedomé zjednodušenie koncepcie (nižšia hmotnosť, nižšia cena) v porovnaní s niektorými konkurenčnými modelmi, ktoré majú ATU zabudované.

Strengths vs. Weaknesses

Among the significant advantages are the power/size ratio (100 W at low weight), a solid set of protective mechanisms, compatibility with QRP devices, and a cost-effective design considering the built-in cooling and monitoring. On the other hand: the absence of an internal ATU, the need for a robust 12-15 V power supply (and feeder cables), and the fact that some retailers still list 'prototype'/early specifications - therefore, I recommend checking the final technical documentation with an authorized distributor before purchasing.

Who is GPA100 suitable for?

This amplifier will be appreciated by portable operators, expeditions, contest operators requiring increased power from a QRP station, and amateurs who need a compact HF amplifier for a car or temporary field station. If you need an integrated ATU or high CW/SSB power (>200 W), then other solutions are more suitable; however, if you want a reliable 100 W 'on-the-go' with modern protections and monitoring, GPA100 is a good choice.

Summary

Xiegu GPA100 offers a balanced mix of portability, power, and features on a smaller budget — 100 W on HF and 80 W on 6 m, protective mechanisms, clear LCD display, and easy-to-use controls.

Source:

[1]: https://www.radioddity.com/products/xiegu-gpa100

[2]: https://xiegu.eu/product/xiegu-gpa100-100W-Solid-state-hf-linear-amplifier