[Elecraft] KPA500 Power In Digital Modes

[Ken]

On Nov 10, 2014, at 7:30 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> Depending on the crest factor (peak to average ratio) of the mode
> in use, the average power from the KPA-5000 should be kept 6 to 10
> dB below the rated maximum (e.g., 60 to 150 watts) just as a 100W
> transceiver should be kept between 10 and 25 watts average.


Since the K3 turns off the final stage when below 13 watts, does that mean running 10 watts is a bad choice since that's running the lower power stage at near maximum?

From a cooling perspective alone, I have often wondered if it's better for a K3 to be run at 15w rather than 10.

Ken WA8JXM