[Elecraft] Considering a KPA-500

[Fred Jensen]

On 4/23/2015 7:34 PM, David Cole wrote:

> My only real issue with the KPA-500 is the output power of only 500
> watts.  Just how much of a hit will I take by going from 1500 watts to
> 500 watts...  I chase DX, via RTTY and CW mostly, and some SSB.

90+% CW, some RTTY in contests, a few % SSB in NAQP's and SS.  I ran a 
1200 W amp at 500 W for almost a year before springing for the KPA500. 
 From my end [obviously not the same as "the other end"], I couldn't 
really tell any difference.  Clearly, I don't know about the ones I 
couldn't get, but I really don't think working him or not working him 
depends on one S-Unit.  I think it depends a whole lot more on 
conditions, size of the antenna, size of the pile, and especially 
operator skills.  Mine are mediocre.

I have no idea how many dB the P3 is worth, but it wouldn't surprise me 
if it was in double digits. :-))

> Will the KPA-500 take key down for 10 or more minutes at full power??

On CW, I run mine at around 600W continuously.  I stick to 500W on RTTY 
in contests, although that isn't going to make any difference.  The 
power LED's top out at 700, I've been told by more than one field tester 
that they were told to run "full bars" all the time.

The integration with the K3 is perfect, I truly love the "no-tune", and 
I use the KPA500 to switch bands with one push.
>
> Is there anyone on here that has gone from 1500 to 500 watts, and if so,
> can you tell me a bit about it?  How does the LPA-500 operate on MARS
> frequencies?  They are all over the place, not in ham bands...

Don't know about MARS and other out-of-ham band performance.  Ask Jack, 
W6FB.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

K3/KPA500/KAT500
Triband+Wires