[Elecraft] KPA500

[Lew Phelps K6LMP]

I think some of the folks who are calling for gigawatt amplifiers (ok, full legal limit...) are losing focus on one key fact:  Elecraft has prospered by making products that SOME hams want that NOBODY else makes. The K3 is a perfect example: an exquisite transceiver, quite arguably the best available at any price if you're not a fan of big boxes with big buttons. It's portable, can be expanded incrementally with modules to meet any operator's specific needs, and it's 'way up in the upper right hand corner of the value scatter graph (price on one axis, performance on the other).

So, what could Elecraft bring to the 2KW amplifier market that would (a) differentiate it from the others and (b)stay within the general confines of the K3 "style", which means compact, efficient, modular expandability, and (probably) fit within the K3 form factor.

You cannot build a 2KW amplifier that meets those criteria. Modular? Yes; you could make the power supply and an auto-tuner modular add-ons. Efficient? Yes. Compact? No.  K3 form factor?  Not a chance. For example, the Alpha 2KW amplifier measures 17.5w x 78.5h x 19.75d.  It weighs well over 50 lbs. It costs $5000.  There is no way to build a large-output amp that will fit within the K3 form factor. the physical size of components needed to handle that power makes it impossible. 

So, some on this list essentially are asking Elecraft to step outside its well-defined and highly successful approach to the market and build a "me too" legal limit amplifier that Elecraft could not meaningfully distinguish from the competition, except for the nameplate. Amplifiers are not that complex, compared to the K3. That lack of complexity is exactly why this is not a market in which Elecraft could compete successfully. There's no way to meaningfully differentiate its 2KW amp from others, except for the nameplate. Yes, they would "include" their superb customer support as a product feature. But I don't think they could bring enough differentiation from the Alpha, Tokyo Hygain, and other high end amplifiers already on the market to break into that market at a volume that would support design and production costs.

The folks in Aptos DO understand the market. They are listening, and watching this dialogue. We can keep that process productive by not asking Elecraft to come out with a product that breaks the laws of physics. It's a small company, with limited design resources. Let's all encourage them to focus on new products that realistically fit within the Elecraft market niche.

my 3 cents worth (inflation, you know...)

Lew K6LMP






On Sep 9, 2010, at 10:33 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:

> Right, 500W is hardly worthwhile. Make it at least 2KW PEP.  Got to make up for the tuner and coax losses and to live on RTTY.
> 
> --- On Thu, 9/9/10, Greg <n4cc at cableone.net> wrote:
> 
>> Free market feedback...bring back the
>> 1500 watt amp!  73 de Greg-N4CC
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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