[Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Richard Thorne]

Slava,

I have the KPA-500 and an AL-1200 amp.

The KPA-500 is used most of the time.  When your working dx all you want 
to do is get through one time.  The KPA-500 does that perfectly for me.  
Its so easy to bounce around from band to band chasing dx with the 
K3/P3/KAT-500/KPA-500 combo as compared to using the AL-1200 which 
requires re-tuning on every band change.

On the flip side if you like to contest 1500 watts probably helps in 
that you want to be the first call through to a dx station so you can 
move on to the next qso, quickly.

If I didn't enjoy contesting I would sell my AL-1200.  However, I am 
seriously considering selling my AL-1200 and getting a 2nd 
KAT-500/KPA-500 to go with my 2nd K3 I just purchased.  From a pure 
control stand point for SO2R a pair of K3/KAT-500/KPA-500's would make 
things very smooth and easy.  Just sit there and operate.

Of course if power is real important and $'s are not an issue an Acom 
2000a, Alpha 9500 or SPE 2k-FA would be the ticket.

Rich - N5ZC

On 5/7/2014 7:06 AM, Slava Baytalskiy wrote:
> Hello everyone!
> I'm a proud owner of a new K3/P3.
> Almost there...
> Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the KPA500? Why 500W?
> Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it (which is what i hear KPA500 can do)?
> I understand the ease of use, how the amp follows the radio. I get all that. But why half of max power?
> Chances are i won't be buying any more amps for the foreseeable future if i get the KPA500 at Dayton this year, so i'd like to know that it will cover everything i need it to (and i have no idea what that might be).
>
> I hope this question isn't too confusing.
> I'm a new ham (almost a year new), so please be gentle.
> Thanks in advance!
> __________________
> Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
> W2RMS at arrl.net
>
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