[Elecraft] News from Visalia! (:-))

[Phil & Debbie Salas]

"... but If there isn't an ATU on board as I recall there
was with the earlier prototypes of the bigger Elecraft amps, I wish that
there were one with the KPA 500 and I'm disappointed..."

The SPE internal tuner (and even the THP external tuner) can only handle 
about a 3:1 SWR.  A wide-range autotuner needs a much greater range in 
component values, as well as higher voltage-rated and higher current-rated 
components than does a limited range tuner.  Look inside a LDG-1000 or 
MFJ-998 and you'll see what I mean.  Adding a wide-range tuner capability 
inside the KPA500 would add considerably to the size, cost and complexity of 
the KPA500.

When it comes to an amplifier, I prefer an external wide-range tuner.  Just 
my opinion.

Phil - AD5X