[Elecraft] Considering KPA500/KAT500 Combo with Flex 6500

[George Thornton]

I have toyed with the idea of moving up to an amp.  My problem is I live in an urban location with houses close together.  I am concerned that with too much power I might start lighting up the neighbors' TV's and computers.

I think the best money invested is in the antenna.  I got a used 3 element SteppIr a few years ago, paying about what it would have cost for a KPA 500 by the time I added a rooftop tower and used rotor.  I have been very pleased with what I have been able to do using 100 watts and that antenna, and I have found only a few situations where power would have helped me.

Of course, now we are down in the solar cycle and I am now looking at what I can do to improve low band performance.  I am contemplating a 43 ft vertical and a SteppIr DB 18e.

I have owned pretty much only Elecraft over the past decade and a half and I have been well pleased with the quality of their equipment.
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Kevin - K4VD
Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2017 6:49 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] Considering KPA500/KAT500 Combo with Flex 6500

Hi... with all the hoopla over the new $7K Flex amplifier I was feeling a
little power envy so went on a search for options. I own an Elecraft KX3
and absolutely love the rig quality so I'm thinking about the KPA500/KAT500
combination assuming I'll get the same quality equipment.

Is anyone running this combination with the Flex 6500 who might share their
thoughts, configurations, hints & kinks?

I'm thinking the combination makes sense for me because (my decision
points):

1) Being a low power operator, 500 watts seems a lot more manageable than a
nuclear powered 1.5 KW setup. It seems like a good, safe step.

2) No electrician required. I think I can run it off 110 VAC already in my
shack.

3) If I understand correctly, there is little or no integration effort
required. I'm looking at putting it inline with the RF path and adding a
PTT connection. Voila.

4) The KX3 is able to easily tune my 600 ohm ladder line fed (via 4:1
BALUN) 80 meter dipole on any band so I would guess the KAT500 wouldn't
have an issue.

Is there a reason I shouldn't consider this setup with the Flex? The only
other thing that caught my eye was the ACOM 1010 which would also require
an external tuner.

73,
Kev K4VD
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