[Elecraft] Please do a KPA1500

[john at kk9a.com]

Since I sometimes bring my station to the Caribbean, one of the main reasons
that I switched to the Elecraft line was for the size and weight. I have a
KPA500 and an it is an awesome amplifier but I would like a little more
power at times. I considered the Expert 1.3k that many with similar needs
use but I have not swapped my Elecraft due to the reasons that W4TV
mentioned below. It may not be practical for Elecraft to manufacture a small
lightweight KPA1500 at an affordable price however perhaps a KPA750 or
KPA1000 could be. I would certainly be interested in one of these. I read
many posts on this list saying that 3 or 4dBs make almost no difference. I
did a quick search of my last 200,000+ QSOs and could not find any of the
stations making this claim in my logs so I wonder how active they are on HF.

John KK9A 


From: Joe Subich W4TV

The Expert 1.3K also violates the 15 dB gain limitation rule and is a
real garbage generator.  Expert's own test data in their application
for FCC approval showed IMD at -27 dB at 800 W!  For your 1 KW, each
of the IMD products are probably around .5W and I'd hate to even
think about the IMD level at 1.3 KW!

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 12/30/2016 11:07 PM, Ignacy wrote:
> With a little work, KPA500 can be a KW amp while losing weight. This is by
> using LDMOS and a commercial PS. But then KAT500 would have to be beefed
up
> to KAT1000.
>
> I have Expert 1.3k that I use with KX3 for > 1 KW. The Expert is 21 lbs
> (lighter than Elecraft) with a 3:1 tuner + 4 antenna switch and automatic
> 110/220V switching; KPA500/KAT500 would be 35 lbs + cables. Also without
> dealers markup, the no-ATU version is not that much expensive than KPA500.
> But the Expert needs Elecraft refinement.
>
> One KW is great when working portable as DX. Everybody responds even with
> impromptu antennas.
>
> Ignacy, NO9E