[Elecraft] KPA500 - just 500 watts?

[Phil Hystad]

Wayne,

Interesting.  It was the Norcal 40A that also got me interested in QRP.  When I got back into ham radio in 2004, all I could think of was SSB and legal limit power.  This is because my previous stint as a ham operator in 1966 was as Novice only: meaning CW only and 75 watts input power.

But, I soon tired of amplified power and now almost never use it.  But, I want it there when necessary which is why I will buy the KPA500.  But, I do have my KX1 and I am working more and more QSO of significant distance.  So far my longest is only 1000 miles but this is mostly because of my lack of time lately to operate during the day when the bands are best on 20 and 40.  Although, 40 is not bad at night either at times.

But, I have reversed my position from almost always having my amp on to now almost never having it on.

73, phil, K7PEH


On Jan 25, 2011, at 10:47 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> k6rb at baymoon.com wrote:
> 
>> The question of "how much power is enough?" is always good for a lot  
>> of chatter.
> 
> Indeed.
> 
> This thread is always entertaining to those (including myself) who  
> have completed DXCC with less than 5 watts and a random wire. Not that  
> I'm biased. It was a struggle, and there's definitely a time and place  
> for more power.
> 
> But occasionally I like to drop down to nearly nothing to remind  
> myself that, when the bands are really open, you *can* do it with a  
> lot less.
> 
> Eric doesn't talk about his own QRP accomplishments much, but he  
> worked over 100 countries on a NorCal 40 (one of my first designs)  
> running just a few watts. In fact that's how we first met; I think he  
> called me to (a) thank me for the design and (b) boast just a little  
> to someone who would appreciate it :)
> 
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
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