[Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Tom Azlin W7SUA]

Hi Dave,

I run around 100-150 watts out of my KPA500 using 5-7 watts from my K3 
with the KPA500 hitting 70C using Olivia during nets. I assume could go 
to 250 but never needed that much power. Does not seem to be a problem 
with temps above 70c. Also run up to 500w PEP using SSB when needed.

I did hear Wayne say run full power RTTY with no fear.

73, tom w7sua





On 5/3/2020 1:26 PM, Dave Cole wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I just got the new MMSSTV software, and will be running a bit of SSTV. 
> SSTV is 100% duty cycle.
> 
> Initial testing here indicates no power level is safe...  At 150 watts 
> the KPA500 reaches 70C pretty fast, in under two minutes, and 70C is my 
> upper limit for testing...  At 500 watts it reaches 70C in about the 
> same time...
> 
> Can I assume the amp is not the most efficient thing in the world at 200 
> watts?
> 
> If the KPA500 can't deal with 100% duty cycle, for two minutes, how does 
> the K3 deal with 100 watts for two minutes, at 100% duty cycle?
>