[Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

[Scott Manthe]

I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5 to 
7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a 
contact, especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the 
difference between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or 
S.5, or being an S unit above the noise.

I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very happy 
with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power 
doesn't try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell 
you that 600 watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more...

73,
Scott, N9AA


On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with.  As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "hawley, charles j jr" <c-hawley at illinois.edu> wrote:
>
>> If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear...
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>> Chuck, KE9UW
>> (Jack for BMW motorcycles)
>>
>>