[Elecraft] Thoughts on the KXPA100 [was: QRP]

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Richard,

It's true that there are lower-cost alternatives to the KXPA100, including backpack-style 30-50 W amps. The latter would be a good choice if you're looking for minimum size and weight in an amp.

Many competing 100-W amps don't cover 160-6 meters, or don't make it to 100 W on 6 meters. Many have poor IMD performance on some bands (we bought one of each and tested them in our lab; some were truly awful). None of them offer a companion internal ATU. 

We were very aggressive in our efforts to minimize cost, but we had some non-negotiable objectives: 160-6 meter coverage at full power; individual low-pass filters on every band to optimize for low transmit IMD; extensive monitoring circuitry to ensure safe operation; a large heatsink to eliminate the need for fans; and full integration with the KX3, including automatic control of the ATU option and its dual antenna jacks. We included a carrying handle and mounting points for mobile installation--as far as I know, these are unique to the KXPA100.

The KXPA100 isn't for everyone, but it does meet our stringent performance and functional objectives.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


On Jun 18, 2013, at 11:27 AM, Richard Thorpe <kissov at me.com> wrote:

> QRP is looking better….