The Palstar LA-1K Amplifier is a LDMOS 1000W solid-state amplifier. Built with dual LDMOS transistors, they can deliver a full 1000 watts with 35 to 50 of drive. It has “RF Sensing” so an interface cable is not needed, but can be used if desired.
The LA-1K will works with most tuners and transceivers. It’s was designed to be a perfect match for the Palstar HF-AUTO automatic antenna tuner. This amplifier is equipped with a color TFT touch screen for smooth operating and quick status checks.
It features a reliable T/R Vacuum relay, and a built-in 50Vdc, 42A power supply provides all the power it needs. Designed with “Pure Signal” to have clean and crisp output signal.
The Palstar LA1K has far exceeded all of the FCC testing standards. It delivers an exceptionally clean signal, and high efficiency RF amplification on all amateur bands.
Rear Panel 
There is one input and three antenna outputs(so239), along with two RCA phono jacks for keying and ALC. There are two DB9 connectors for band data interface cables.
And a power plug connector for the included power wires, and the amplifier comes with two power cables, One is for 220 volts and the other is for 110 volts so there is no rewiring to change supply voltages.
A ground screw with wing nut keeps it all grounded.
Palstar LA-1K LDMOS Amplifier Protection
- BYPASS Id: This fault protects the transistors when the current drain exceeds 45.9A.
- BYPASS TEMP: This fault trips when the heatsink temperature has exceeded 99°C.
- TX OVERDRIVE: This fault protects the transistors if the drive levels exceeding 70 watts
- BYPASS FQ: This fault displays when MARS operators transmit on 2.002, 4.502, 9.002, or 22.002 MHz
Updates
There is a UART jack on the front panel for easy updating. A stand USB to UART(printer cable) will do the job nicely. The software and updates are free from Palstar.
Palstar LA-1K SPECIFICATIONS:
- SSB up to 1000 watts
- CW up to 1000 Watts ICAS
- FM/RTTY up to 500 watts
- AM up to 275 watts maximum carrier
- 1.8 to 54 MHz
- Color TFT touch screen display
- 10 to 55W drive power
- 3 RF SO-239
- ALC circuit
- 13dB Gain + or – 1dB
- RF sensing
- Auto Band Switching w/without Band Data Cable
- Vacuum RELAY T/R Switching
- 100 to 125VAC 15A or 200 to 250VAC 10A
- 50VDC at 42A Power Supply
- 2 x 5600H 600W LDMOS Transistors
- Variable 3 Speed cooling Fans
- Pure signal at +10dBm
- 2 Year warranty
Dimensions
- Powder coated 11 gauge aluminum chassis
- 12.75″ wide x 6.25″ high x 16.5″ deep
- 27 lbs. (12.25 kg) Shipping weight
Palstar LA-1K Amplifier Review
I bought this about two years ago, and I have never regretted the decision. It performs flawlessly, exceeding my expectations. During the unboxing, I immediately noticed its solid and durable feel. The connections were simple and straightforward, making the setup process quick. When I powered it on for the first time, I was genuinely impressed by its performance.
Setting it up was easy—it only took a few button presses before I was transmitting. I paired it with the palstar AT1K that I already owned, which worked seamlessly. My drive power ranges between 15 and 40 watts, and it delivers an output between 200 and 900 watts. However, I never push it beyond 900 watts SSB and typically run around 250 to 350 watts on CW.
Although the fans are audible, they are not excessively loud or distracting. Furthermore, using it with an interface cable allows for instantaneous band changes and precise keying. The color display is not only bright but also highly detailed, and the buttons are impressively accurate.
The firmware update process was smooth because the instructions were clear and easy to follow. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this amplifier. If I had to make one complaint, it would be that there isn’t an LA-2K available.