Mirage B-1018-G (2m 160W Amplifier with GaAsFET Preamp)
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| Frequency | 144-148 MHz (2 m) |
| TX power | 160 W (About 160 W output from ~10 W drive (input range 0.25-15 W). 13.8 VDC at up to ~25 A.) |
| Modes | FM, SSB, CW |
| rf in | SO-239 |
| rf out | SO-239 |
| control | RF-sense (VOX) keying; remote keying option |
| power | 13.8 VDC (~25 A) |
| power req | 12-15 VDC (13.8 V nominal), up to ~25 A. |
A classic, capable 2 m brick: about 160 watts from a typical 10 W rig, with a genuinely useful built-in low-noise GaAsFET preamp that helps on receive as much as the PA helps on transmit. All-mode, auto-keyed and well protected - the standard answer for boosting a mobile or base on 2 meters.
It needs a hefty 13.8 V supply (up to ~25 A), the wide input range can tempt overdrive, and like all bricks it adds heat and current draw. Single band, and Mirage's parent MFJ scaled back operations in 2024 - confirm availability.
The Mirage B-1018-G is a benchmark 2 m amplifier - ~160 W plus a strong GaAsFET preamp in a rugged brick. The go-to for boosting a 10 W 2 m rig; just feed it a stout 12 V supply.
The Mirage B-1018-G is a benchmark 2-meter amplifier and one of the most familiar 'bricks' in the hobby. It turns about 10 watts from a mobile or base rig into roughly 160 watts on 144-148 MHz (it accepts anywhere from 0.25 to 15 watts in), and it does so for FM, SSB and CW with automatic RF-sense keying. Just as valuable is the built-in low-noise GaAsFET receive preamplifier - around 20 dB of gain with a ~1 dB noise figure - which improves weak-signal reception as much as the PA boosts your transmit.
It is built the classic Mirage way: strip-line techniques, modular construction and input/SWR protection in a rugged brick about 12 by 3 by 5.5 inches.
The practical notes: it needs a stout 13.8-volt supply capable of around 25 amps, the wide input range makes it easy to overdrive if you are not careful, and it is single-band. Mirage's parent company MFJ scaled back operations in 2024, so confirm current availability. As a way to put a serious 2 m signal out from a low-power rig - with a real receive benefit too - it remains a top pick. Compare it with the smaller Mirage B-320 and the 6 m A-1015-G.