[Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

[David Gilbert]

I totally agree ... there is nothing clear about that path at all. 5 db 
is a HUGE difference if you're anywhere near the noise level on the 
other end, and it is a major difference if you're competing against 
other weak stations for a contact.  Under the right circumstances even 2 
db can make a significant difference.  I urge anyone who doesn't believe 
me to check out:

http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html

QRP is fun and I've done a lot of it myself, but saying that 5 to 7 db 
is not worth having in general is just nonsense.

73,
Dave   AB7E



On 12/18/2012 3:14 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:
> 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)
>>>
>>>
>