[Elecraft] K3 Mic, KPA500 RANT

[Wilson Lamb]

I'm old and can see the world is changing.
That doesn't mean I like it!
I have two K3 and like them, but I hate not being able to repair them, even though they have never failed, except for one dirty pin on one of the 100W amps.


I use the mic from my 1980s TS-450. Multiple on air reports favor it over the Elecraft mic.
Yes, I might be able to use the EQ to make the reporters happy or I could just get on the air.


I use an amplifier, especially when competing for DX contacts. My favorite amps, four of them, use 4-125A tubes. The best can run 1500W, CW, only exceeding the plate dissipation rating of the tubes by about 50% Some of my 4-125As were given to me, used, by older hams, when I was a new Novice, in 1957. Good ones from Eimac and Amperex (French), seem to last forever, in ham service.
There's never been a repair charge and I don't have to worry much about SWR, although I do tune and match carefully, because I can.
That's pretty good performance/durability!


I know this is a worthless email and that lots of readers don't know what plate dissipation is. I'm writing to wave the flag for building stuff and knowing something about how it works. The relatively few QSOs I make are more fun because of my technical involvement. It's even more fun when someone I've helped accomplishes something with their new knowledge! 
I also know that people have space restrictions, that not all wives are as understanding as mine, and that not everyone can deal with a six-foot, 400 pound transmitter, or four.


OK, I feel better and I hope I've made you think about building something. If you had a laugh, or two, that's OK too. How I did this for 70 years, without electrocution, is a mystery, but it's been fun!
73,
Wilson
W4BOH
PS: Don't be calling me an engineer. I'm a geologist.