[Elecraft] KPA500 # 1170 up and running!

[Lu Romero]

All:

KPA500 #1170 was born this morning at 11:30am, It is powered
up and alive!

Fun build. I am continually amazed at the precision with
which the metal panels fit in Elecraft kits.  After building
my K3 and P3 and rebuilding my K1, the accuracy of panel fit
continues to impress.  I dont know who invented the 2D
connectors, but they sure know how to measure and drill
accurate holes!

The amp goes together quickly and easily.  Big pains are the
transformer and the installation of the heat spreader. 
Instead of screws, why not bolts?  Felt queazy bending the
IC's leads down far enough to get at the screws on the
mounts, then bending them BACK upright!  Small hex head
bolts would have been better for this (and safer).

The Safety Interlock switch should mount higher on the side
panel and actuate from the top cover instead of with the
funky and clunky actuator made from a standoff and a screw. 
Why all the needless complexity?

Worst thing, though, is the whiff of "Chineseium" vapors you
get when you open the box with the toroidial transformer and
rubber pads.  Smells just like a Harbor Freight Tools store!
 Seems to be airing out after installation, however.

But all in all, a fun morning, concentrating on assembly and
not worrying about all the rest of the stuff that will hit
my desk tomorrow morning.

Now on to the interfacing of the KPA500 into my station,
replacing my existing ALS600.  But the oldest kid came over
to visit for lunch, so that will have to wait until tonight!

-lu-W4LT-
K3-P3-KRX3-K1-KPA500