[Elecraft] OT: modifying your amp for lower drive requirement

[DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL]

Almost 30 years ago now, before I was 99.9999% a QRPer, I had an Alpha
76CA (3 tubes).  It had a giant swamping pad on the input (I still
have it - the swamping pad, that is).  Just take it out and like
magic, you could drive the amp with QRP.  My intention was never to
exceed legal limit, just to be able to use the amp when driven with a
QRP rig. I don't remember how much out I could get with QRP in, but it
was nowhere near 1500 watts.

I have no clue what they have on the inside of the KPA500, but if
there is a swamping pad, you can probably take it out.  What is
Elecraft's motto?  Hands-on radio?  :-)

When I used to use a Ten Tec Titan Amp, it required 36 watts of drive
for 1500 watts out on 20m.  That was probably 25 years ago.

Finally, if you want to fly under the radar, there are certain high
quality amplifier manufacturers overseas (closer to W6 than W2...hint
hint) who will custom make you an amp for low power drive.  Check the
FT817 Yahoo group archives.

de Doug KR2Q
had my fill of QRO ages ago