[Elecraft] Re: Elecraft KW Solid State Amps

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Hi Mike,

We officially previewed the amplifiers this weekend in our booth at the 
Visalia DX convention and prior to that we were not able to answer all 
of the emails we were being flooded with. (I just got back into the 
office today.)

We previewed working units of the KPA800 (800W) and KPA1500 (1500W+) 
solid state amplifiers at the show. We are now going through the FCC 
certification process for these amps (basically to show that they can't 
be used as CB amplifiers). We can not take orders until after we receive 
the final certification, which usually takes 90-120 days.

The KPA 800 is a single box amplifier with an internal custom designed 
60V switching power supply. It weighs approximately 36 lbs. Dimensions 
are 16.5"w x 15.5"d x 7"h.

The KPA1500 uses two enclosures. The main desktop RF deck is the same 
size as the KPA800. The power supply enclosure is approximately 4" high 
and is the same depth and width as the main unit. It can sit under the 
main enclosure or under your operating table. The KPA1500 easily makes 
1500W+ on 160M - 10M. We also plan for it to cover 6M with lower power. 
(Approximately 400W). The main RF box weighs about 40 lbs and the power 
supply box about 15 lbs.

Here is a short list of additional features:

• *Full Break-In Silent Diode T/R*
• *Microprocessor Controlled*
• *Auto Band Switching* (RF Sensing) Very fast..
• *Built In Auto-Tuner*. Matches 3:1 at 1500W
• *SO2R ready.* Two Rig Inputs / Two Antenna Outputs (2nd rig routes to 
alternate antenna)
• *RS-232 Port* for remote control and firmware downloadable updates.
• *Key-In / Key-Out sequencing* for older rigs
• *Custom Designed Switching Power Supply (RF Quiet)*

The assembled version of the KPA1500 should sell for about $5,900; The 
KPA800 about $3,900. The kit versions for these should be around 
$300-500 less. (These are not final prices and may vary several hundred 
dollars.) We will pre-assemble the 60V switching power supplies and the 
internal RF transistor cards on the kits. (Don't worry - there is still 
plenty for you to build. :-)

We expect to be able to take orders later this summer and plan to ship 
production before the Pacificon hamfest in mid-October.

73, Eric WA6HHQ


Mike Harris wrote:
> On the subject of amps, what news the Elecraft QRO linears. They've 
> been a long time brewing. I could just go over to the dark side.
>
> Regards,
> Mike VP8NO
>
>