[Elecraft] KPA500 mobile?

[David Olean]

Hi Mike

     I am running the KPA-500 now on battery power. It isn't mobile, but 
it could be with the same hardware. The method I use is a 115  volt AC 
inverter that runs off a 12 volt battery. I use the Xantrex Prosine Pure 
Sine Wave 1800 watt inverter.

https://www.amazon.com/Xantrex-Technologies-1800PS-1800-Watt/dp/B0000225DC

This unit is crystal controlled and does not generate much RFI at all.  
It does require huge input wiring and some substantial battery capacity. 
I see 75+ amps on CW peaks, and to keep the regulation OK, the stranded 
wire is about 3/4" in diameter and very short between the battery and 
the inverter. I also have a 200 amp safety fuse in line as well. It has 
worked great with two 275 AH solar batteries and you would not even know 
you were running on batteries. The output of the sinewave inverter is 
quite solid at around 117 vac.  It has been in use for a few years.  No 
problems.  I would run two moosey batteries besides the auto battery and 
install a new alternator in your vehicle for charging the batteries. I 
use solar panels here for charging, and on a sunny day see about 25 amps 
charging the batteries between transmissions.  I can run all day on a 
sunny day, and about 10 or maybe 12 hours casual operating at night with 
just the batteries. It is pricey, but cool. I use the KPA-500 on six 
meters too and have been able to catch openings and work plenty of DX 
with the solar power.

Dave K1WHS


On 4/14/2017 4:00 PM, Mike Smith VE9AA wrote:
> Big fan of mobile ham radio here...Have always run 100w.
>
> Would like to do more. (500w-1000w)
>
>   
>
> Has anyone here ever run a KPA500 mobile? (if so, how? Big inverters to
> generate 15a @ 115ac?)
>
>   
>
> Related question...if you haven't run a KPA500 mobile, what amp HAVE you run
> mobile?
>
>   
>
> Thanks
>
>   
>
> Mike VE9AA...VE9AA/m
>
>   
>
> Mike, Coreen & Corey
>
> Keswick Ridge, NB
>
>   
>
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