[Elecraft] K3 KPA500

[Vic K2VCO]

I used to do something similar to drive an amplifier from my K2 (before the 100W amp stage 
for it) came out.

It complicates t/r switching, making CW QSK or VOX more difficult. I tried to solve this 
with an external set of fast relays around both amplifiers, but the large amount of gain 
from the cascaded amplifiers caused instability. You do not want this particular problem, 
believe me!

You also need an extra bandswitch for the intermediate amplifier. And I suspect that the 
K3 - KPA500 integration would be upset, since the K3 wouldn't know about the intermediate 
amplifier.

I think it would definitely be worth the extra money to get the 100-watt K3.

On 4/25/2012 5:47 AM, artus wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I am contemplating a new K3 rig to replace my K2.  I have seen posts
> regarding the drive necessary for the KPA500 and it looks like the 10 watt
> K3 doesn't quite have enough.  Currently I use my K2 with a Granberg AN762
> brick amp and LPFs.  I wonder if anyone has played with or has comments
> about the viability and advisability of a 10W K3 ==>  AN762 ==>KPA500
> arrangement.  I know 6 meters may not work well and I don't know about
> signal quality degradation versus a direct 100W K3 ==>KPA500 arrangement.
> Thanks.
>
> 73,
> Jack (W0FNQ)
>
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-- 
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/