[Elecraft] K3: incrementing Power level

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Ian, 

> If this area of code is to be revisited, the gap in available power 
> settings on 50MHz also needs to be addressed.
> 
> The maximum available power without the KPA3 is 8W on 50MHz, but the 
> minimum available power with the KPA3 activates is about 13W 
> - a jump of more than 60%.

The "gap" is not a matter of code, it is a matter of the power 
available from the LPA on six meters.  The LPA can not make more 
than about 8 watts and stay "clean."  However, the gain (ca. 12 dB) 
of the HPA is such that 13W is a minimum practical output.  This 
leaves the gap.  

If the external 50 MHz amplifier needs only 10 W for full output 
(e.g., a grid driven tetrode) additional grid swamping on an 
attenuator would be a wise investment. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
  



> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ian 
> White GM3SEK
> Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 1:39 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: incrementing Power level
> 
> 
> DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote:
> >Well, if this can be a user selection fine.  But I really like the
> >"tiny steps" below 12 watts.  Please retain that.
> 
> If this area of code is to be revisited, the gap in available power 
> settings on 50MHz also needs to be addressed.
> 
> The maximum available power without the KPA3 is 8W on 50MHz, but the 
> minimum available power with the KPA3 activates is about 13W 
> - a jump of 
> more than 60%.
> 
> This isn't important when the K3 is operating barefoot... but 
> with some 
> power amplifiers, in some countries, the legal power limit 
> falls right 
> into the hole.
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> 73 from Ian GM3SEK 
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