[Elecraft] KPA500

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

About 10 years ago I collected all the parts for a 100 watt tube amp running
a pair of 807's. I was planning to drive it with my K2, which back then ran
10 watts output. Then Elecraft released the KPA100 and I, to, was seduced by
the "dark side" (literally!)

Still have the parts. Still occasionally fantasize about a glowbug rig, but
not enough motivation or time. 

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2011 4:49 PM
To: Guy Olinger K2AV
Cc: Bruce Beford; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500

How about the excitement of drawing an arc off the plate caps of the PA 
tubes with a pencil (keep your fingers on the wood).  That used to be 
part of the excitement of ham radio.  Lots of these exciting things have 
been lost due to the advent of solid state devices and operating 
convenience.

Nostalgia is wonderful - I have to just look at the array of boat 
anchors featured in the tailgate section at hamfests.  There is a lot of 
gear that I drooled over when I was a youngster who could not afford an 
HRO50  or an SX-100 or an NC-300.  I see these receivers and think back 
to that time when I wanted one, but I resist the temptation, the new 
solid state gear has much better specs and reviews, and I know that I 
would not want to indulge in a restoration project for that boat-anchor 
gear no matter how strong the nostalgia may be - so I just enjoy the 
looking and resist the drooling.

You are allowed to differ, but I am sufficiently occupied with repairs 
of Elecraft gear and other personal projects, and do not have spare time 
to restore antique gear - others may have different perspectives.

73,
Don W3FPR