[Elecraft] n00b Amp question

[Jack Brindle]

Almost, but not quite. Assuming the amplifier is linear (as are the Elecraft units), the amplifier will boost the signal by the multiplication factor of the amp, up to a maximum value.
For example, the KPA500 has about 13db of gain, so the output will be 13db above the input, up to about 700 watts. To put it another way, if 40 watts input gets 500 watts out,
then 4 watts in will give 50 watts out. There is a maximum input level for each amplifier (I believe 60 watts for the KPA500, but would have to check), and a maximum output value.

Don’t expect that any input will drive the amplifier to full output, but the output is indeed proportional to the input.

Hope this helps!

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On May 23, 2018, at 12:16 PM, Dennis Moore <dennis at mail4life.net> wrote:
> 
> An amplifier boosts your radio's output power to the maximum power of the amp. A 100 watt amplifier will put out a maximum of 100 watts (or thereabouts). It does not add 100 watts to whatever your radio is putting out.
> 
> 73, Dennis NJ6G
> 
> 
> On 5/23/2018 12:07, richard kappler wrote:
>> Does a 100w amp ADD to your radio's output, or push it to 100w?
>> 
>> Asked another way, if I have a 100w radio set to full power, does a 100w
>> amp make output 200w, or does it stay at 100w?
>> 
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to jackbrindle at me.com