[Elecraft] Linear thoughts

[Jim Miller]

TLDR version: Basically I want a full legal limit key down version of the
KPA500 and a companion ala KAT1500

Details:

I recently purchased a ACOM1500 while biding my time for a KPA1500. (I
already have a KPA500 and really like it.)

Things I don't like about this tube amp::
1. Tuning
2. Waiting for warm up
3. No chance of remote operation
4. Not capable of 1500w on 6M JT65 (~1minute key down)
5. Not capable of 1500w RTTY
6. Obviously not integrated with K3 wrt band changing.

What I want:
1. Full legal limit 160 thru 6m including for JT65 (including 6m for EME
~1minute key down) and RTTY. I like that I don't have to baby the KPA500.
2. Full integration with K3 ala KPA500. Band changing, per band power, etc.
3. KAT1500 built in or separate (doesn't matter). Needed primarily for 80m
vertical and 160 inverted L which is likely what almost everyone needs. 160
SWR needs at least 3:1 and preferably 5:1 capability, ditto 80m. I use a
single 7/8" hardline to a remote antenna switch. Loss is minimal for 80 and
160. Other bands are served by Steppir or monoband 6m.
4. Must be capable of remote operation as least as good as KPA500, e.g.,
ON/OFF, status monitoring, fault recovery, fault reporting. I'm sure
remoting is in my future in my next QTH choice.
5. QSK. I like being able to hear when the DX is responding and kill my
call when I hear it.
6. Most importantly Elecraft quality, service and support!

Some thoughts:
I really don't care if the PSU is integrated or not but I'd like a profile
similar to the KPA500 if possible. I like having the KPA (KAT on top) aside
the P3/K3s which sit nicely below my wall mounted monitors. Excellent
ergonomics.

Making the PSU switchable between 110 and 220 (for NA) and limiting output
accordingly would make it possible to serve 1KW and 1.5KW market with a
single amp which would be upgradable by running 220 to the shack. Might
broaden the appeal.

Remote operation is important as we will likely be downsizing and as a
result my rig will be at my daughter's house where I will have occasional
access for contesting but most of my DXing will be remotely from my house.
Great remote operation is a must.

73

jim ab3cv (credit card ready for immediate purchase!)


On Fri, Mar 17, 2017 at 1:06 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft <
eric at elecraft.com> wrote:

> Interesting discussion.
>
> Folks, if we did introduce a 1500 W solid state amp similar to our KPA500
> in operation, what features etc would be important?
>
> 73,
> Eric
> /elecraft.com/
>
>
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