[Elecraft] SS Amp

[Barry Simpson]

Hi Dave

I had an SPE 1.5KFA for a few months.

I have also owned a KPA500 for around 4 or 5 years.

Despite the publicity blurb that says the SPE QSK is silent, it isn't. The
relay is quite noisy - at least if you are used to the totally silent
KPA500.

It is also difficult to control power wise. I wanted to run it at around
400 watts and for that you only need about 8 or 9 watts of drive so it is
difficult to control accurately.

I also found an unexpected quirk whereby using the amplifier affected my
transformer (not switch mode) in my Alinco 30A 12V power supply. In
sympathy with the keying, the transformer in the PSU kept making a groaning
noise that I have never had before. I have surmised that as the SPE has
power factor correction circuitry, that is somehow interacting with the
transformer. I didn't get the same effect with various switch mode power
supplies.

At the end of the day, I decided that the SPE was not for me and I sold it.
I much prefer the KPA500.

If you don't want the KPA1500 there is a very nice looking solid state amp
made in the UK by Linear Amp, the Gemini HF 1K. It has some really good
reviews on eHam and it appears to have silent QSK.

73

Barry  VK2BJ

On Thu, 17 Jan 2019 at 13:06, Dave <n8ag at comcast.net> wrote:

> I’m trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it
> but the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the
> SPE 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs
> for two radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built
> into the same box.  I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft
> but any constructive or informative comments would be appreciated.
>
> Tnx es 73,
> Dave N8AG
>
>
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