AMTI A-320 Amp Kit

CasperMike · 05-08-2010, 23:35

Was wondering if anyone out there has used the AMTI A-320 Amp kit or any AMTI products. I've been trying to acquire this for quite some time and keep running into problems. Is it worth the hassle, or is there something else out there comparable. Alot of my guys are still running around with RAMP-25s on their kit--its a technique, but a bulky one.

J8127 · 05-09-2010, 05:06

I'm not an 18E, but these are very popular among JTACs, especially in Afghanistan. Most guys who could get a hold of one would use it for a satcom/strike setup instead of a 117F. It's the best MBITR amp that I know of, but elusive to say the least. The biggest advantage aside from size is you actually know when the thing is on and working.

CasperMike · 05-09-2010, 10:19

That's where I'm at now and how I found out about them. I've tried every available route to get these things and have gotten nowhere. I guess I have to start using the creative methods!
It definately seems to be a great piece of kit. On that note, can someone explain to me why it is easier for the AF side of the house to get the 'latest and greatest' so easily and quickly?

J8127 · 05-09-2010, 13:21

lol, the grass is always greener CasperMike. The A-320 isn't readily available to us, guys have them down range because their EASOS bought them on their own. The Air Force can't even decide if we can wear ACU's or not.

Good pieces of kit like the A320 get delayed because somebody wants to spend two years making a "kit" while useless shit like Laser SPOTRs that nobody ever asked for magically appear all the time, but thats a rant for a different audience.

69harley · 05-10-2010, 08:03

I have used the A320. It is a neat little amp. Runs very hot. One of the things I thought was frustrating is the LOS antenna is that comes with it is junk. The amp only has one output port. Not too many antennas that connect with a TNC connector will take 20 watts and not burn.

I have played around with the MB50 amp and that thing is money. Not as small as the A320 but it has two RF output ports, one for SATCOM and another for LOS. Plus the LOS port uses the same connector as the PSC-5 and 117F, so any antenna that works with the big radios will attach directly to the MB50.

The MB50 puts out between 20 to 50 watts. Much better amp than the little A320.

AlifBaa · 07-05-2010, 01:49

I have one, and love it. I always have it on my kit, and as a result my team is often the only element with solid comms across the spectrum. A few weeks ago, I used it and my PRC-152 to make a UHF shot to a section of Harriers @ 18K', 60 miles away. In just my FSBE kit I shot an azimuth, jumped up on a truck, pointed the antenna, and got lucky.

The stock antenna is rated for 80-512MHz, which causes a lot of people to think the system sucks when they try to make <80 MHz VHF shots, and can't push out 500m. You can make a workaround to hang two antennae, or just get the Dual Port Adapter. It's coming out in a few months officially, but might be available now if you ask really nicely.

More info: http://www.amti.net/amplifier_a320DPA.php A good POC is erik.strautnieks@ultralifecorp.com

AlifBaa · 07-05-2010, 02:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by J8127

Good pieces of kit like the A320 get delayed because somebody wants to spend two years making a "kit" while useless shit like Laser SPOTRs that nobody ever asked for magically appear all the time, but thats a rant for a different audience.

I bet there are a ton of JTAC related rants/questions/discussions to be had...to include mine. What forum should this be started in?

69harley · 07-07-2010, 14:26

Another problem with the A320 amplifier is JITC certification, it is not certified by JITC for SATCOM use. None of the AMTI amplifiers are JITC certified.

We tried to buy a sexy amp last year but the G-6 disapproved the purchase because it was not certified by JITC.

http://jitc.fhu.disa.mil/reg/dama.html

Apparently, everything for UHF SATCOM must be JITC certified or it cannot be used or purchased.