[Elecraft] Antennas and Output Power - KPA-1500

[Rick Bates, NK7I]

This happens due to heating of the finals (network); typically 1500 
watts when cold (15-25C in my shack), drops to 1400 watts once warmed up 
(50-60C).  One can either adjust as needed or just accept 1500 cold and 
the drop (much less than one dB); but of course one should pay attention 
in all cases, should the limit exceed the permitted levels.

True gain values should include the temp of the amp; it matters.

90% of the time, when I use the amp, I'll run <1200 watts out, even 
though there is already plenty of headroom in the amp.  It's rare that 
the few hundred more watts makes any real difference (but it's nice to 
have!).

Now that winter is starting (North Idaho), it also takes the chill off 
the shack!

73,
Rick NK7I


On 10/31/2020 10:34 AM, K8TE wrote:
> I have also noted that after not using the KPA1500 for a "long time" which
> could be 15-30 minutes, power output can exceed alarm settings (well over
> 1500 Watts).  And when used some more, the power output decreases to 1500
> without any exciter adjustments.  This means the KPA1500 gain figure seems
> to increase after "resting" and decreases with use.