[Elecraft] QRO

[Bill NY9H]

At 04:19 PM 5/22/2006, Lou Laderman wrote:
>and other than price alone, why should I consider the
>new Elecraft amp over a tube design featuring auto tuning such as the
>Acom or the Alpha (older 87A or the new 9500)?



1. the auto tune in the kpa 800/1500  will be faster, since there are 
no inductors that "roll"....

2. it will weigh A LOT LESS,, if that parameter is of concern,,,,,(dxpeditions)

3. since you have the option of final assembly, you SHOULD have a 
much better handle on the "goings on" inside,,,, thus increasing your 
odds of a local repair.

4.  I believe that the rs-232 port will enable a firmware update. I 
don't believe that
   is available for the "A" amps.

5. an internet full of assistants to help you 24/7.....other 
"builder/assemblers"
    however I don't believe that ACOMs have had any major spills, and 
what they  had was handled quickly by the east coast guys....

6 and as you suggested I think the full bore box ( KPA-1500) IS less 
money                      than the  ALPHA or  ACOM 2000A....of which 
only the ACOM is shipping    and has been proven a great product ....
7. looks like the 9500 is avoiding some of the 87A issues by opting 
for vacuum  relay, not the diodes that Eric/Wayne have chosen.

However IF you like a "light show" the ALPHA WINS BIGTIME.......
with certainly more stuff than the eye can absorb...( i like that junk!!)
The ALPHA has 4 antenna jacks, but I don't see that it's set up 
already for SO2R....maybe so,,,,The KPA-800/1500 IS SO2R.

And Elecraft won't take any of your money to "put you in line" for a new amp.


DAYTON WAS A BLAST,,,,

bill  ny9h