[Elecraft] Elecraft PR6-10 Preamp

[Wayne Burdick]

We're now offering an external low-noise, high-performance preamp that covers both 6 and 10 meters: the PR6-10. The PR6-10 provides useful gain and low noise figure down to about 22 MHz, so it can be used on the 12-meter band as well. 

In most respects, the PR6-10 functions the same as the PR6, though the PR6 has a somewhat narrower passband response and is intended only for 6 meters. Gain and noise figure are nearly identical.

Here's a photo of the PR6 (the PR6-10 is identical except for the label):

    http://www.elecraft.com/PR6/PR6_b.jpg

Like the PR6, the PR6-10 can be used with the Elecraft K3 or other transceivers that provide suitable switching circuitry (typically, receive antenna in/out jacks). The PR6-10 is especially well-suited to the K3, which has exceptional dynamic range on all bands, yet can benefit from additional gain when used for weak-signal work in very quiet locations. The noise figure of the preamp itself is typically 0.7 dB.

Power for the PR6-10 can be obtained from any 11 to 14 VDC supply. When used with a K3, the PR6-10 can be powered from the 12 VDC accessory output. 

The K3 must be equipped with the KXV3 option. The PR6-10 can then be connected directly to the KXV3 RX ANT IN/OUT jacks on the rear panel where it can be switched in automatically by the transceiver on the desired bands. A second pair of jacks is provided on the opposite side of the PR6-10 to allow use of the K3's normal RX ANT IN/OUT signal path when the preamp is not in use.

The PR6-10 can be strapped permanently ON, or it can be turned on and off externally from an open-source/open-drain logic signal. When used with an Elecraft K3, the DIGOUT1 control line on the 15-pin ACC jack can be used to automatically enable the preamp on the desired bands. 

The PR6-10 is priced at $159 and is available now.

73,
Wayne
N6KR