[Elecraft] KPA500 swr tolerance

[mcduffie at ag0n.net]

On Wed, 6 May 2015 20:43:20 +0000 (UTC), Jim Hoge wrote:

> I see a spec for input swr of 1.5/1 but I cannot find any numbers for
> what the amp will tolerate from the antenna load.

Like have others, I'd say it is not very tolerant.  In fact, I won't let it have
access to anything over 1.2, without hitting the tuner.  On six meters, I've
found it to be fairly sensitive to reflected power, especially at higher power
settings.

Do have a tuner available, even on a resonant band, when operating off the
resonant frequency by a significant amount.  Although pricey, the KAT500 fills
the bill quite nicely.

I'm not a drinker of the eKool-Aid.  I'm a heavy Kenwood fan.  But I really like
the KPA for ease of operation, all the way to six meters, and so far, the
reliability.  I've been in electronics since I was in 9th grade in the 50s, and
I am now wanting to simplify my life.  I don't want to work on things, I just
want to enjoy the hobby that was responsible for my entire career.  The
integration of the KPA/KAT package to my TS590 have made it so simple, I just
love it.  When I change bands, the amp dutifully follows without my input.

73, Gary