[Elecraft] KPA100 "New Shield"

[Tom Hammond]

Bruce:

>OK.  I guess I have missed something.  I keep seeing references to a new
>KPA100 shield.  What does it do?  My KPA100 seems to be working fine
>with the shield it came with but perhaps I am missing out on something
>great (hi).
>
>Seriously, how does one know whether or not said shield is needed?

A few KPA100's have demonstrated some instability (often on 40M). The 
instability is generally evidenced by a high SWR (esp. if the KAT100 is 
in-line... all LEDs light!!!), RF output in the region of 150W, and really 
high current drawn from your P/S.

(I BELIEVE) Generally the cause is RF sneaking around the shield and 
getting into the driver stage of the K2.

The improved KPA100 shield provides additional grounding for the KAP100 and 
prevents the RF from getting back into the K2 driver stage.

If your KPA100 never demonstrated the problem, there's a chance you don't 
need the shield, but for my $$$ I'd rather have the improved shield and 
sleep a bit more soundly.

73,

Tom Hammond   N0SS