[Elecraft] KPA500 - just 500 watts?

[Phil Hystad]

For me, 500 watts is just right.  I work mostly CW and so far I have never even operated CW at more then 100 watts.  There are times when I pick up a station that is so week it is a real struggle to copy.  But, I do and I work that guy with my 100 watts and he hears me.  I think at times 500 watts means I am pushing out more power then most of the stations that I hear.  Sure, someone else could be working with power but I think that CW ops have a tendency to be operating at 100 watts or less.

Oh, I never do contesting -- way too much commitment of time for me.  When the contests hit, I am usually found on 30 meters.

And, 500 watts probably does not bother the neighbors.  I know 100 watts doesn't and I know 1000 watts does (sometimes).  And, 1500 watts would definitely be a bother -- I would have to move to use it.

73, phil, K7PEH

On Jan 25, 2011, at 7:25 AM, Pete Smith wrote:

> I *think* I remember someone at Elecraft saying that it was more related 
> to the price point.  I wonder, though, if it was also maybe making use 
> of engineering done on the 1500-watt prototype that never came out (one 
> of 3 amp modules, perhaps?  I would have mortgaged my first-born for one 
> of those big ones, even at Alpha-like prices!
> 
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> 
> The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com
> The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com,
> spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000
> 
> 
> 
> On 1/25/2011 10:12 AM, Monty Shultes wrote:
>> For me it's the difference between operation at 120 and 240 volts.  I would have to add a circuit for a 1500 watt unit.
>> 
>> Monty K2DLJ
>> 
>> 
>>> 
>>> OK...
>>> 
>>> Got my flame suit on....
>>> 
>>> Why just 500 watts with te KPA-500?  Is that a majic number?  I am just asking.
>>> It seems that 500 watts would be OK if you are on a DXpedition...but if you are
>>> in the "fray" of a contest in the USofA....the more watts the better.
>>> 
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