[Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

[Bruce McLaughlin]

It's always interesting to see the various responses that are generated when
one discusses power levels.  I certainly agree that the difference between
500 Watts and 1500 Watts can make a difference under challenging band
conditions, particularly on the lower bands such as 160 and 80 meters.  But
I don't use 160 and rarely do I use 80.  If I am hot on the trail of "rare"
DX, the higher power does sometimes make a difference in getting through
large pileups.  But for day-to-day operations I honestly don't think that
the relatively small db difference between the two power levels is worth
worrying about.  I certainly don't plan To get rid of the Commander because
it has its uses.  But I am looking forward to the tight integration between
the k3 and the KPA 500.  I can just turn it on and it should be ready to go.
There is no need to wait 3+ minutes for the 3CPX800 to warm up before being
able to transmit.  Often the DX station has disappeared by then.  But I
guess time will tell.  I do thank everyone for their comments.

Bruce-W8FU

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Scott Manthe
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 5:15 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

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)
>>
>>

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