[Elecraft] re KPA 500 and ATU

[Fred Atchley]

Snip

For many of us who are constrained to one non-resonant antenna and work
multiple bands, we are presently running amps with built-in ATU
functionality.  All of the discussion on bypassing external relay boxes,
etc, is of value to those who are lucky enough to have space for multiple
antennas, but for those of us with one G5RV, it is academic.

End snip

Hams have always had to think outside the box. I live in an area where
"stealth" antennas are the only way. The plan here is to hang a tuned 40 M
dipole under my "mystery" antenna which is very similar to your G5RV. That
way the KPA500 will be useful for my favorite band and be tested and ready
to go when the KAT500(?)is introduced.

Snip

>From the perspective of folks like me, Elecraft has either made a goof, or a
brilliant marketing decision in releasing the amp before the matching ATU.

End snip

As far as the Elecraft "brilliant marketing decision", that is a matter of
business survival. If they survive, then they can continue to provide hams
with excellent tools such as the K2, K3, P3, KPA500 and KAT500. 

73, Fred

" Do or Do-not. There is no 'Try'..." ~ Yoda