[Elecraft] The 1500 watt amp

[David Gilbert]

The gain/loss for antennas/feedline is immaterial ... it is there no 
matter whether you have an amp or not.  The difference between 500 watts 
and 1500 watts is 4.77 db, which is huge if you're trying to work weak 
DX.  Check out:

http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html

Getting an additional 4.77 db out of different feedline is a ridiculous 
expectation unless you're currently using wet clothsline for feedline, 
and a used amp is almost always cheaper (and less obtrusive to the 
neighborhood assuming you don't overdrive it) than putting up a taller 
tower and bigger antennas.

None of this has anything to do with whether or not Elecraft should 
produce a 1500 watt amplifier, but the idea that big amps aren't cost 
effective is a particularly silly argument for them to not build one.

Dave   AB7E


On 8/1/2016 1:13 PM, Jerry More wrote:
> We just differ in opinion and I’m happy for everyone to enjoy the hobby as they are able. The issues I see is where the Amateur code is broken. Just listen on DX pileups sometime and you’ll hear guys that really make us look bad as a community.
>
> About the only time I can imagine someone needing power is perhaps a DX station but that’s IF they can actually hear.
> Doing the math I am probably missing something because I don’t see much of a gain from 500w to 1.5kw into the same antenna system.
>  From memory 500w to 1k is 3db and 1k to 1.5kw is 1.5 db, so 500w to 1.5kw is 4.5db
> 6db is 1 S unit (from memory) so running a 1.5kw amp gives just less than 1 S unit.
>
> Now start factoring up the DB gain/loss for antennas/feedline.
>
> Which gives the best bang for the buck??
>
> Maybe I’m just slow. Seems to me a nice, instant on 500w solid state with quality low loss feed line into a matched antenna should rock and roll.
>
> This thread should probably die.
>
> Enjoy the hobby as you wish. Just know any station who worked em with less power just owned you regardless of your budget 😊
>
>   
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>
> From: Mike Markowski
> Sent: Monday, August 1, 2016 2:03 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The 1500 watt amp
>
> Jer & Fred,
>
> You're right from a certain point of view.  But also consider more
> generally that it's about link budget; maximize gains, minimize losses.
> How much of each a ham can do comes down to money & motivation within
> lifestyle (& FCC!) constraints.
>
> 73,
> Mike ab3ap
>
> On 08/01/2016 01:47 PM, Fred Moore wrote:
>> I'm with you Jer..
>>
>> I always wonder that some of you guys "cost/QSO" is..  it only a hobby,
>> [...]
>>
>> Fred
>>
>>
>> On 8/1/16 9:50 AM, Jerry Moore wrote:
>>> I don't see the point of having a large power amp. It doesn't help receive.
>>> [...]
>>>
>>> Just my view.
>>> Jer
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