[Elecraft] OT: For New Hams, How to Tell What an Amp Will Do For Your Signal

[Edward R Cole]

I ran my K3/10 (12w max) for about a year without an amplifier and 
had good success getting out on SSB (CW is way easier so probably an 
amplifier is less needed).  I have checked into the Elecraft SSB Net 
several times with 12w using either the K3/10 or the KX3, 
barefoot.  I do use a Hygain TH3mk4 3-element yagi at 50-feet on 20m 
so that provides about 6-8 dB gain.

It seems there is a good path between me and NS7P, and Phil hears 
pretty good with his setup.

I have operated on 80m SSB on nets here in AK and had good luck 
running only 12w on an inverted-V.

But if conditions are not particularly good, running 270w on 20m does 
help (13.5 dB or little over 2 s-units increase).
On the whole, 100w seems a good level since so many HF rigs run that 
and get out OK.  I suspect the new Elecraft KXPA100 will be very popular.

Of course during DX pileups or contests having a big signal really 
makes it.  For instance, I run 125w with a 6-element yagi on 6m and 
makes working an opening much easier when folks can hear me well (I'm 
the "DX").  When I finish the 1100w 6m PA I expect that will make 
things possible without openings (using eme or ms, that is).

73, Ed - KL7UW