[Elecraft] KPA500 Combiner

[David Gilbert]

I really don't find those kinds of generalizations very constructive ... 
or accurate.  LOTS of hams live where putting up an additional kilobuck 
worth of aluminum is out of the question due to space or neighborhood or 
aesthetic considerations.   An extra 3 db of transmit power can make a 
noticeable difference for them without violating those other 
considerations, especially if their local noise levels are low on 
receive.  Whether that is worth $1K to them will vary from ham to ham.

Besides, for many hams who already have decent antennas on a decent 
tower, it would probably take considerably more than $1K to get that 
extra 3 db out of more aluminum.

Lastly, if you don't think an extra 3 db can represent a significant 
improvement on HF, check out http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html    
Anybody who is an active contester or DXer on HF will often find that 
extra 3 db useful in a pileup.

73,
Dave   AB7E


On 3/3/2014 9:14 AM, Jack wrote:
> I have to wonder about the rationale of spending anything for that 
> extra 1/2 S-unit.
>
> Over the years I have worked most weak-signal modes, including some 
> EME, so I understand there are instances where an extra db can make or 
> break a QSO but I can't imagine that happening often enough on HF to 
> make any difference at all.
>
> I'd think it would be far better to invest that $1k+ in aluminum and 
> steel that will positively impact both receiving and transmitting.
>
> Jack, W6NF/VE4SNA
>
> On 3/3/2014 7:13 AM, Roy Morris wrote:
>> Those who already have a KPA500 it might be tempted to buy another 
>> KPA500
>> (kit) to get 1 KW output.  This would be a 3 db extra signal strength 
>> at a
>> cost of approx. $4.20 per watt which would be very expensive. The 
>> cost of
>> the combiner would also have to be considered.  The combiner with a 
>> dummy
>> load and imbalance trip circuit might be feasible to market at 
>> approx. $500.
>> ..Well I guess this is too expensive, but it surely would be nice to 
>> have a
>> KPA1000 Elecraft linear amplifier.  Roy Morris  W4WFB