[Elecraft] My K2 is off steriods

[Vic Rosenthal]

Ron D' Eau Claire wrote:
> 
> Still, I'd not exceed the manufacturer's voltage and current limits on any
> piece of gear I wanted to see working after I was done with the experiments.

I verified that the 15v rating of the K2 could be measured after the diode.  I
didn't exceed that.  As far as the current rating, I had my hand on the heatsink
and the temperature was quite reasonable.  The transistors are rated for the
dissipation, and anyway how much could they cost?

> I don't know what the difference in the QRO amp output was, but it looks
> like you got just about 3.5 dB, maximum, extra signal over the 10 watts the
> K2 is rated for. At about 6 dB per S-unit, it was making about 1/2 "S" unit
> more signal at best.

First of all, an s-unit with real receivers today is more like 4 or 5 db.  And
while 3.5 db is unimportant when you are ragchewing with s9 signals both ways,
it is absolutely critical when the signal is at or close to the noise level.  
 
> Is that insignificant? It certainly is when band conditions are decent. But
> it's also true that the KPA100 will only provide 10 dB, or less than two "S"
> units improvement, over a 'stock' K2 at 10 watts out. 
> And that CAN be very significant when the band is marginal.

It all depends on your operating style.  Some guys just work whomever they have
good conditions with.  They can run 5 watts QRP all of the time and be perfectly
happy.  Sometimes they get great conditions and what they can work blows their
mind.  This is fine if this is how you operate.  I am a DXer, and I need to work
the DX when I can, even if conditions are lousy.  If I miss something, I might
not get another chance for some time.  I have some friends in Europe that I like
to be able to QSO with whenever I hear them, not just when conditions are
exceptional.  3.5 db is very significant for me.  And yes, I already have the
best antenna that my physical location, zoning, and disposable income permits.

73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA