Note
In the spring of 1983, the venerable SB-221 was replaced by the HL-2200, the last of the genuine Heath amplifiers. With essentially no added features the HL-2200 was basically an SB-221 in a cabinet designed to match the SS-9000 and the HW-5400. The price tag may have been the most substantial change—the HL-2200 cost $250 more than the SB-221. Like the 221, the 2200 uses a pair of 3-500Z tubes and covers 80, 40, 20, and 15 meters.
The HL-2200 requires 100 watts of drive and has a duty cycle of 100 percent for SSB and CW and 50 percent for RTTY (maximum of 10 minutes key down or RTTY transmit time).
The amplifier will tolerate an SWR of 2:1 or less and has an input/output impedance of 50Ω, unbalanced. Front panel controls include tune, load, band, amplifier in/out, meter function, power, and CW/SSB.
The multi-function meter reads grid current, relative power, and high voltage. There is a separate meter for plate current. Rear panel connections include phono type connectors for antenna relay and ALC, SO-239 connectors for RF input and output, and a ground post. The amplifier is protected by two 10-amp breakers.
Although it was as reliable as its predecessor, the HL-2200 was met with the scowls of hams who viewed it as something of a rip-off. It lasted only a year and a half. The HL-2200 was the last true Heath HF amplifier—the SB-1000 was not designed by Heath.
Warning: Lethal voltages present when operating.
Photos, general information and specifications from "Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur Radio Products," by Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE. Used with permission.