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Elecraft Amps

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k6rb

Re: Elecraft Amps

As someone pointed out, there is less differentiation potential among
amplifiers than there is among transceivers. MFJ recently had an ad for a
solid-state, all-band, amplifier that was not yet type approved. I haven't
seen much since that first ad. It looked pretty compact and was described
as capable of reading band-data input and switching bands automatically.
It was also described as having discrete power modules instead of a block
so that you could replace the bad one and not have to replace 'em all.
Now, that said, MFJ doesn't exactly have a sterling reputation for quality
and reliability. But, I think they have the right idea, here. My new K3
seems to be working just fine with both the 87A and Centurion, so I have
no beef. If there was an auto-bandswitching, all-solid-state amp that took
up less space, I'd be interested.

Rob K6RB

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John Seney

Re: Elecraft Amps

In reply to this post by Paul - WW2PT

I would also buy one.

73

WD1V

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 11, 2010, at 1:15 PM, WW2PT <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I'll weigh in, just in case the Aptos crew is taking notes and
> counting votes. ;-)
>
> An off-the-shelf, high-end appliance to compete with THP or SPE would
> be a high-cost, low-volume, low-profit venture, something I would not
> want to undertake in the current economic conditions if I were CEO of
> a small company like Elecraft.
>
> Personally, I'd love a small (500w or 600w) solid-state amplifier kit
> that I can build myself (a *real* kit, with soldering iron and
> everything!). Some of us don't have the time, tools, and/or smarts to
> homebrew such a creature on our own and would jump all over a kit like
> this. It doesn't have to be anything revolutionary, just a simple amp
> built around MRF150's or whatever. Base model would work with any rig
> to make it appeal to the mass market, with options to expand
> functionality (built-in ATU, K2/K3 interface, etc.), kind of like the
> way the K2 is marketed -- buy what you need. If it could be sold for
> less than a comparable Ameritron, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
>
> 73,
> Paul WW2PT
>
>
>
> On Feb 11, 2010, at 9:48 AM, lawrence libsch wrote:
>
>> Group -
>>
>> For those who believe Elecraft can't compete in the amp market,
>> I ask you to consider the market into which Elecraft introduced the
>> K3. Now almost 4000 of us have sold or retired other high quality
>> transceivers for the K3.
>> It's excellent that many K3 owners already have quality amps
>> that function well for them. Many of us, however would like to
>> purchase an amp from Elecraft with true K3 compatribility and the
>> kind of quality and service advantages that Elecraft has brought to
>> the K3.
>>
>>
>> K4KGG, Larry
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Dick Dickinson

Re: Elecraft Amps

In reply to this post by K4KGG

Hi Merv.

Are you speaking of the "Elefactor?"

73,
Dick - KA5KKT

"My only suggestion to Elecraft is to not leak any new products until
they are very close to release, outsiders and some insiders are getting the
opinion
that if a product is "announced" you can figure a year to 1 1/2 years
before you can actually own it. Not a real good reputation. May work for a
product
like the K3 one time, but repeats on "delays" will kill the goose that laid
the
Golden egg.
Merv KH7C"

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Dick Dickinson

Re: Elecraft Amps

In reply to this post by K4KGG

How about 2 K3-sized enclosures...one amplifier, one power supply...both
modular.

3 x 500 sounds nice or perhaps 2 x 800...similar with the PS.

For the more technically savvy, can 1500 watts be made to work, sans power
supply, in a K3-sized enclosure? How about add-ons...particularly a tuner?
Maybe a 1500 watt auto-matching tuner would require another K3-sized
enclosure. Gee...for that matter, can an auto-tuner be modular and
expanded?

If 500 watts and PS could fit in one K3 enclosure, could the PS later be
moved to a separate enclosure and both boxes doubled or tripled in capacity?

73,
Dick - KA5KKT

- A Camel pack would look better if it featured a horse.

"Since we're dreaming, how about a base model kit (500W) with the option to
add up to two additional 500W PA modules via a power combiner circuit. This
would allow people to configure it to their needs and/or budget and it would
meet Phil's "something new"
requirement. Optional: auto-tuner, optional interface (remote band
switching, antenna management, SO2R operation, RS232 control, etc.).
Offer a fully assembled version for those with Instant Gratification
Syndrome, and everyone's happy!

An added benefit would be fault tolerance; the amp could continue to operate
at reduced power in the event of failure of an individual PA module -- just
pop out the damaged module and repair/replace it.

de WW2PT"

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John Gaynard

Re: Elecraft Amps

In reply to this post by Paul - WW2PT

As I recall Eric stating when they first were developing the KPA800/1500
kits that some portions (high voltage boards) would be pre-assembled for
product liability/safety considerations. There probably are a few
KPA800/1500 beta amps existing somewhere since I believe they were doing
some early field testing back in 2006 or so. In 2005, Eric had a working
prototype of the KPA800 in his room at the Holiday Inn (QRP hotel - kind of
ironic). I believe they had a KPA800 and KPA1500 at the Hamvention in 2006.
And in 2007, the K3 took centerstage. Time flies I guess. Doesn't seem
like it was almost 4 years ago that the amps were shown at Dayton.

Myself, I have a K3 driving a PW-1 using a Microham MKII interface to
control PW-1 frequency/bandswitching, etc.

John K8WDN
K3 #157

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of WW2PT
Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 2:52 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Amps

Since we're dreaming, how about a base model kit (500W) with the
option to add up to two additional 500W PA modules via a power
combiner circuit. This would allow people to configure it to their
needs and/or budget and it would meet Phil's "something new"
requirement. Optional: auto-tuner, optional interface (remote band
switching, antenna management, SO2R operation, RS232 control, etc.).
Offer a fully assembled version for those with Instant Gratification
Syndrome, and everyone's happy!

An added benefit would be fault tolerance; the amp could continue to
operate at reduced power in the event of failure of an individual PA
module -- just pop out the damaged module and repair/replace it.

de WW2PT
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David Gilbert

Re: Elecraft Amps

In reply to this post by srife

Say what??? I'm not knocking Elecraft's marketing proficiency, but it isn't particularly better than any other company out there, and it certainly isn't why anyone I know has ever bought an Elecraft product.

Dave AB7E

------Original Mail------
From: <[hidden email]>
To: "'Dave - AB7E'" <[hidden email]>,
<[hidden email]>,
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:55:45 -0600
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Elecraft Amps

What ever Elecraft comes out with in this venue is going to be acceptable
price wise because of their superior marketing skill.

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Guy, K2AV

Re: Elecraft Amps

IMHO, the real reason for delay on an amp is that they have huge
backlogs on things like the 144 transverter, and a possible market for
several thousand P3's, if not more.

One of the things that has killed many companies is trying to get big
too fast, outrunning their momentum and neglecting their core markets.

And you have to remember that they are still selling new K2's. What's
that, a ten+ year product in a market known for obsolescence and
throwing models overboard? And that in spite of four thousand sales of
K3's from the same company at the same time?

Only thing I can think of that sold for longer than that (not counting
the change for the FCC's silly 10 meter ban) was the Heathkit
SB220/221 KW amp. One can attribute that to an all-time classic
engineering balance between cost, function and durability.

If I wanted to bet on who knows to really float an amp or not, and how
to do it, and what to put in it, I'll bet on Wayne and Eric :>)

73, Guy.

On Thu, Feb 11, 2010 at 4:32 PM, Dave - AB7E <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
>
> Say what??? I'm not knocking Elecraft's marketing proficiency, but it isn't particularly better than any other company out there, and it certainly isn't why anyone I know has ever bought an Elecraft product.
>
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
> ------Original Mail------
> From: <[hidden email]>
> To: "'Dave - AB7E'" <[hidden email]>,
> <[hidden email]>,
> <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:55:45 -0600
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Elecraft Amps
>
>
> What ever Elecraft comes out with in this venue is going to be acceptable
> price wise because of their superior marketing skill.
>
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Gary Smith-2

Re: Elecraft Amps

In reply to this post by Craig Smith

I have the Ameritron AL-1500 and it's a powerhouse.
Used to have an Alpha 77SX and that was double this
amp. I like to use power in contests but playing by
the rules is a mandate so over the max legal power
is of no value. I use a factory aligned LP-100A to
keep me legit. This is not A QSK amp and the
Ameritron QSK is PIN diode which will not handle a
moderate SWR mismatch at higher power.

I would love a SS amp by Elecraft for the QSK would
be stellar and the amplifier would be quieter than
this AL-1500. I would want it capable of 1500W and
gravy would be to have it capable of running this
power in a RTTY contest. Auto tune is not necessary
if the QSK can operate under 3:1 SWR at full output.

I would want it offered as a kit and would expect
$2,400 as such, add 400 for AT.

Gary
KA1J

Check please

> OK, I might as well document my personal wish list:
>
> 500W is more than enough. I want it physically small and acoustically
> quiet.
> Solid state. Auto tune and QSK with K3. AC powered. Kit is fine. No
> internal tuner, but see options below. Target price $2K.
>
> Option: REMOTE/WEATHERPROOF auto tuner. Target price $1K.
>
> Then I'll be happy (and quiet).
>
> 73 Craig AC0DS
>
>
>
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Rick Prather

Re: Elecraft Amps

In reply to this post by Craig Smith

I'll second that!

Rick
K6LE

On 2/11/2010, at 11:35 , Craig D. Smith wrote:

ac0h

Re: Elecraft Amps

In reply to this post by Paul - WW2PT

WW2PT wrote:
> An off-the-shelf, high-end appliance to compete with THP or SPE would
> be a high-cost, low-volume, low-profit venture, something I would not
> want to undertake in the current economic conditions if I were CEO of
>
Exactly!
The Microsemi ARF-1500's in the THP-2.5K are $270 a pop.
How much would a power supply capable of providing 150V and 40 to 50A of
clean DC cost, $500, $750? An auto tuner capable of 1500W with anything
over 3 to 1 SWR will be $1K easy.

We've spent over $2K so far and have half an amp. Add in QSK at 1500W,
sophisticated control and self preservation system that will work with
ANY T/RX, design and production costs, profit, and the huge liability
costs associated with letting numbskull's dork around with dangerous
voltages while building a "kit". *Run fast and far Elecraft!*

How much do those Icom PW-1's and Yaesu Quadra's cost?

> R. Kevin Stover
>
> ACØH
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Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: Elecraft Amps [ END of thread]

Administrator

In reply to this post by David Gilbert

Let's end the AMP thread for now. We are not planning on an 800 or 1500
W solid state amp at this time.

73, Eric WA6HHQ

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NZ0T

Re: Elecraft Amps [ END of thread]

So.............

What about the K4?

Sorry I just couldn't resist.

Bruce Beford-2

Re: Elecraft Amps [ END of thread]

In reply to this post by K4KGG

Eric wrote:

> Let's end the AMP thread for now. We are not planning on an 800 or 1500
> W solid state amp at this time.
> 73, Eric WA6HHQ

Man, I love it when there is an opening. Notice how Wayne ruled out very
specific power levels. My money is on the 400-500W class amp in the "same
sized box as the K3".

Seriously, I really enjoy the speculation on the list, even when there is
stoney silence from The Mountain. I'm sure a large part of Elecraft's market
research comes in the form of just letting people toss ideas around on the
reflector. When enough data is gathered (or the s/n ratio gets too low),
it's time to end the thread.

As always, stay tuned- whatever each of us may think is coming next, we are
probably wrong.

73 all,
Bruce N1RX
K1, KX1, K2, K3, yada yada

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M0XDF

Re: Elecraft Amps [ END of thread]

I would be very interested in a 500W amp - legal limit here is 400W, so something just over that so I didn't overdrive it would be interesting - or just 400W - as long as 400W was 400W and clean
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
--
Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is
writing a book. -Marcus Tullius Cicero, statesman, orator and writer
(106-43 BC)

On 15 Feb 2010, at 22:09, Bruce Beford wrote:

> Eric wrote:
>
>> Let's end the AMP thread for now. We are not planning on an 800 or 1500
>> W solid state amp at this time.
>> 73, Eric WA6HHQ
>
> Man, I love it when there is an opening. Notice how Wayne ruled out very
> specific power levels. My money is on the 400-500W class amp in the "same
> sized box as the K3".
>
> Seriously, I really enjoy the speculation on the list, even when there is
> stoney silence from The Mountain. I'm sure a large part of Elecraft's market
> research comes in the form of just letting people toss ideas around on the
> reflector. When enough data is gathered (or the s/n ratio gets too low),
> it's time to end the thread.
>
> As always, stay tuned- whatever each of us may think is coming next, we are
> probably wrong.
>
> 73 all,
> Bruce N1RX
> K1, KX1, K2, K3, yada yada
>
>
>
>
>
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w7aqk

Re: Elecraft Amps [ END of thread]

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Eric,

O.K. I'm glad you ended the speculation. But, just to make sure, and so
that folks won't try to parse your statement, would you clarify that a bit
further to say that you are not contemplating ANY amplifiers at this time,
not just 800 and 1500 watt amplifiers?

Dave W7AQK
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft" <[hidden email]>
To: "Dave - AB7E" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 1:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Amps [ END of thread]

> Let's end the AMP thread for now. We are not planning on an 800 or 1500
> W solid state amp at this time.
>
> 73, Eric WA6HHQ
>
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Mark Bayern

Re: Elecraft Amps [ END of thread]

> ... But, just to make sure, and so
> that folks won't try to parse your statement, would you clarify that a bit

Lets not take all the fun out this! Why are we trying to box Elecraft
into a corner?

Mark AD5SS

On Mon, Feb 15, 2010 at 10:14 PM, David Y. <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Eric,
>
> O.K. I'm glad you ended the speculation. But, just to make sure, and so
> that folks won't try to parse your statement, would you clarify that a bit
> further to say that you are not contemplating ANY amplifiers at this time,
> not just 800 and 1500 watt amplifiers?
>
> Dave W7AQK
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Paul - WW2PT

Re: Elecraft Amps [ END of thread]

Nobody puts Elecraft in a corner...

:-) de WW2PT

On Feb 16, 2010, at 6:29 AM, Mark Bayern wrote:

> Lets not take all the fun out this! Why are we trying to box Elecraft
> into a corner?
>
> Mark AD5SS

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