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KPA-500 Features and Pricing

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K4SC

KPA-500 Features and Pricing

After 45 years on the air, I'm finally getting an itch to bump my power over 100 watts; 500 - 600 watts seems like a reasonable amount of 75 meter power for me. I'm seriously looking at amplifiers and tuners, but hesitant to make a purchase decision before getting at least some warm fuzzies about the KPA-500 pricing and availability.

Been looking at a lot of new and used tube based amplifiers and 1KW tuners; getting the sense that I could spend upwards of $1500 for anything decent. If the KPA-500 is going to sell for close to that figure, or less of course, I can probably keep my money stashed and wait a few more months. It sure would look nice next to the K3 & P3.

If, however, the KPA-500 is going to cost much more than $1500, I will probably go the tube route.

So, what I'm hoping to get from someone "in the know" is a ballpark figure on the KPA-500. I assume the antenna tuner is built in, and not an additional cost. If that isn't the case, then knowing the ATU cost would also be helpful.

Ken Wagner K3IU

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

What I learned at the Elecraft booth
at Boxboro Convention is that there is
no ATU built in to the KPA500. I do not
know it there will be an external ATU
appropriate to that power lever. No info
on the expected price.

73, Ken K3IU
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On 9/8/2010 3:12 PM, K4SC wrote:

> After 45 years on the air, I'm finally getting an itch to bump my power over
> 100 watts; 500 - 600 watts seems like a reasonable amount of 75 meter power
> for me. I'm seriously looking at amplifiers and tuners, but hesitant to
> make a purchase decision before getting at least some warm fuzzies about the
> KPA-500 pricing and availability.
>
> Been looking at a lot of new and used tube based amplifiers and 1KW tuners;
> getting the sense that I could spend upwards of $1500 for anything decent.
> If the KPA-500 is going to sell for close to that figure, or less of course,
> I can probably keep my money stashed and wait a few more months. It sure
> would look nice next to the K3& P3.
>
> If, however, the KPA-500 is going to cost much more than $1500, I will
> probably go the tube route.
>
> So, what I'm hoping to get from someone "in the know" is a ballpark figure
> on the KPA-500. I assume the antenna tuner is built in, and not an
> additional cost. If that isn't the case, then knowing the ATU cost would
> also be helpful.

k1tl

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by K4SC

>From what I heard that the price may be $2000+. That price may not be "set
in stone".
It suppose to put out 500-600w even into the 6m band...neat!! What is nice
about it
if you are on 20m and have the amp set on 10m, it automatically goes to the
20m band
on the first "dit" or contact closure...full QSK which is not available on
many tube amps.

As far as an ATU, remote or otherwise, there is talk about one in the 500w
range but not sure on
that either.

After attending Boxborough ARRL convention and hearing Eric speak at the
Elecraft
forum, I'm sold on the KPA500. It is a neat little package with a linear ps
and the same
size as the K3.

73 y'all,
Tom/k1tl...
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Dick Dickinson

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by K4SC

I seem to recall hints of external tunerS/matching unitS...desktop and
remote. It seems the power handling capability was to be in the range of
the KPA500.

If the above is correct, I wouldn't be surprised if a desktop version were
the size of a P3...6.1" wide x 4" high...

Conjecture and supposition may apply to the above.

73,
Dick - KA5KKT

- Harmony of the Spheres, Pythagoras, et. al.

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Ed K1EP

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by k1tl

At 9/8/2010 04:14 PM, tom_k1tl wrote:

From what Eric said, they plan on having a high power tuner that
will fit in a case the size of the P3. It will be either a desk
mounted one, or a remote mounted one, your choice.

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Doug Person

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by K4SC

I use an Ameritron ALS-600 along with the MFJ 600 watt autotuner.
Together, this combination just breaks $1500. It works superbly with
the K3. The KPA-500 is expected to be priced around $2200. Worth every
penny I'm sure and I'll be among the first wave to order it. But, it
doesn't stop the ALS-600 from being an excellent, and less expensive by
far, alternative.

Doug -- K0DXV

On 9/8/2010 1:12 PM, K4SC wrote:

Gary Gregory

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

Plus a power supply and in VK land we pay very dearly for 100amp switcher.

I would not see a lot of difference in an ALS-600 + Power supply and the
KPA-500 with it's onboard power supply sitting alongside my K3...Grin

Gary

On Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 12:30 PM, Doug Person <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I use an Ameritron ALS-600 along with the MFJ 600 watt autotuner.
> Together, this combination just breaks $1500. It works superbly with
> the K3. The KPA-500 is expected to be priced around $2200. Worth every
> penny I'm sure and I'll be among the first wave to order it. But, it
> doesn't stop the ALS-600 from being an excellent, and less expensive by
> far, alternative.
>
> Doug -- K0DXV
>
> On 9/8/2010 1:12 PM, K4SC wrote:
> > After 45 years on the air, I'm finally getting an itch to bump my power
> over
> > 100 watts; 500 - 600 watts seems like a reasonable amount of 75 meter
> power
> > for me. I'm seriously looking at amplifiers and tuners, but hesitant to
> > make a purchase decision before getting at least some warm fuzzies about
> the
> > KPA-500 pricing and availability.
> >
> > Been looking at a lot of new and used tube based amplifiers and 1KW
> tuners;
> > getting the sense that I could spend upwards of $1500 for anything
> decent.
> > If the KPA-500 is going to sell for close to that figure, or less of
> course,
> > I can probably keep my money stashed and wait a few more months. It sure
> > would look nice next to the K3& P3.
> >
> > If, however, the KPA-500 is going to cost much more than $1500, I will
> > probably go the tube route.
> >
> > So, what I'm hoping to get from someone "in the know" is a ballpark
> figure
> > on the KPA-500. I assume the antenna tuner is built in, and not an
> > additional cost. If that isn't the case, then knowing the ATU cost would
> > also be helpful.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

--
Gary
VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
http://www.qsl.net/vk4fd/
K3 #679
For everything else there's Mastercard!!!
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Ken Chandler

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by k1tl

What I'm more interested as a big CW operator, rag chewer, DXer, es Contester, is It's ability to handle full seamless silent QSK using quality vacuum relays.
Have Elecraft got that bit right!!

Ken..G0ORH K2, K3, P3.

Sent from my iPhone

On 8 Sep 2010, at 21:14, "tom_k1tl" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>> From what I heard that the price may be $2000+. That price may not be "set
> in stone".
> It suppose to put out 500-600w even into the 6m band...neat!! What is nice
> about it
> if you are on 20m and have the amp set on 10m, it automatically goes to the
> 20m band
> on the first "dit" or contact closure...full QSK which is not available on
> many tube amps.
>
> As far as an ATU, remote or otherwise, there is talk about one in the 500w
> range but not sure on
> that either.
>
> After attending Boxborough ARRL convention and hearing Eric speak at the
> Elecraft
> forum, I'm sold on the KPA500. It is a neat little package with a linear ps
> and the same
> size as the K3.
>
> 73 y'all,
> Tom/k1tl...
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

juergen piezo

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

Hi Ken

We all have our requirements! Mine would be good IMD performance.

Its certainly a very competitive market place. The new Ameritron ALS1300
is selling for $2500 dollars. The KPA500 certainly would have to deliver very good performance against such a competitive price with double the power output. The MRF150's also have very good IMD performance.

73
John

--- On Thu, 9/9/10, Ken Chandler <[hidden email]> wrote:

> From: Ken Chandler <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Features and Pricing
> To: "tom_k1tl" <[hidden email]>
> Cc: "<[hidden email]>" <[hidden email]>
> Date: Thursday, September 9, 2010, 1:03 AM
> What I'm more interested as a big CW
> operator, rag chewer, DXer, es Contester, is It's ability to
> handle full seamless silent QSK using quality vacuum
> relays.
> Have Elecraft got that bit right!!
>
> Ken..G0ORH K2, K3, P3.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>
>
> On 8 Sep 2010, at 21:14, "tom_k1tl" <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
> >> From what I heard that the price may be $2000+.
> That price may not be "set
> > in stone".
> > It suppose to put out 500-600w even into the 6m
> band...neat!! What is nice
> > about it
> > if you are on 20m and have the amp set on 10m, it
> automatically goes to the
> > 20m band
> > on the first "dit" or contact closure...full QSK which
> is not available on
> > many tube amps.
> >
> > As far as an ATU, remote or otherwise, there is talk
> about one in the 500w
> > range but not sure on
> > that either.
> >
> > After attending Boxborough ARRL convention and hearing
> Eric speak at the
> > Elecraft
> > forum, I'm sold on the KPA500. It is a neat little
> package with a linear ps
> > and the same
> > size as the K3.
> >
> > 73 y'all,
> > Tom/k1tl...
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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>

Phil Salas

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by Gary Gregory

"Plus a power supply and in VK land we pay very dearly for 100amp switcher.
I would not see a lot of difference in an ALS-600 + Power supply and the
KPA-500 with it's onboard power supply sitting alongside my K3...Grin"

The ALS-600 price (about $1250) includes the power supply. BUT - no
6-meters.

Phil - AD5X

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Chester Alderman

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by Ken Chandler

Ken -- They don't have QSK right yet in the K3 so it would probably be a
stretch to expect QSK to be as you (and I) would expect in any of their
other equipment. At least in the K3, they are still 'working on it'!

161,
Tom - W4BQF

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ken Chandler
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 4:04 AM
To: tom_k1tl
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Features and Pricing

What I'm more interested as a big CW operator, rag chewer, DXer, es
Contester, is It's ability to handle full seamless silent QSK using quality
vacuum relays.
Have Elecraft got that bit right!!

Ken..G0ORH K2, K3, P3.

Sent from my iPhone

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Jack Brabham KZ5A

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by K4SC

It looks like Elecraft may be abandoning their traditional "most bang
for the buck" market position in favor of selling over priced "matching
accessories" to stupid yuppies.

Unlike the K3, a $2000 500W amp is not going to be in the "best value"
position in anyone's analysis, although I'm sure they will sell a few
to the "true believers".

Currently, used prices for ALS-600's run $800 to $900 and ALS-1300's
are showing up for sale at $1800 to $2000.

In my case, there is a finite amount of money available for radio
station enhancements. When I can buy a solid state MFJ for ~$1.50/watt
or an older no-tune ETO Alpha for ~$1.00/watt, a $4.00/watt Amp that's
principal virtue seems to be matching my K3, doesn't have a snow balls
chance in Hades of ever gracing my desk.

But maybe the rumored ridiculous price point is just a smoke screen and
the real product will show up with a more palatible price.

73 Jack KZ5A
K3 #4165

On 9/8/2010 2:12 PM, K4SC wrote:

KK7P

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by Ken Chandler

It is full QSK, but silent, using PIN diodes rather than vacuum relays.

73,

Lyle KK7P

> What I'm more interested as a big CW operator, rag chewer, DXer, es Contester, is It's ability to handle full seamless silent QSK using quality vacuum relays.
>
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Johnny Siu

Re： KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by Jack Brabham KZ5A

Hello Jack,

Elecraft's practice is to offer you different options to choose such as
additional ATU, PSU, remote control, band data decoder etc etc. As a result,
the initial price tag could be very attractive.

The merit of this arrangement is that you have the absolute freedom to choose
you own preferred combination of options such as main linear + matched ATU +
matched PSU. I would expect the whole bill acted up together could be quite
handsome.

On the other hand, with strengthen of JPY, Elecraft's pricing could have more
room to play with and could be more attractive when compared with Japanese
products.

Clearly, if you go for the tube amp option, it could be cheaper. However, I
personally prefer solid state linear due to a painful story with the high
tension in tube amps.

My only reason to go for KPA500 is that I am looking for an amplifier which can
be serviceable by myself. None of my ICPW1 and Quadra can fulfill this
requirement.

Compared with K3, the technology involved in linear amplifier is far more
simpler. In other words, a 20 years old amplifier could equally well perform.
However, the technology in transceiver has improved a lot in the past two
decades. The development of K3 over the K2 is a good example.

73

Johnny VR2XMC

----- 郵件原件 ----
寄件人﹕ Jack Brabham <[hidden email]>
收件人﹕ [hidden email]
傳送日期﹕ 2010/9/9 (四) 9:51:51 PM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Features and Pricing

It looks like Elecraft may be abandoning their traditional "most bang
for the buck" market position in favor of selling over priced "matching
accessories" to stupid yuppies.

Unlike the K3, a $2000 500W amp is not going to be in the "best value"
position in anyone's analysis, although I'm sure they will sell a few
to the "true believers".

Currently, used prices for ALS-600's run $800 to $900 and ALS-1300's
are showing up for sale at $1800 to $2000.

In my case, there is a finite amount of money available for radio
station enhancements. When I can buy a solid state MFJ for ~$1.50/watt
or an older no-tune ETO Alpha for ~$1.00/watt, a $4.00/watt Amp that's
principal virtue seems to be matching my K3, doesn't have a snow balls
chance in Hades of ever gracing my desk.

But maybe the rumored ridiculous price point is just a smoke screen and
the real product will show up with a more palatible price.

73 Jack KZ5A
K3 #4165

On 9/8/2010 2:12 PM, K4SC wrote:

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Phillip Lontz

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by Jack Brabham KZ5A

Ewww, Jack You are soo mean... "Stupid Yuppies"... Come on Jack, why so angry at a great USA company that ACTUALLY builds some great products?

Phil
Santa Fe

> It looks like Elecraft may be abandoning their traditional "most bang
> for the buck" market position in favor of selling over priced "matching
> accessories" to stupid yuppies.
>
> Unlike the K3, a $2000 500W amp is not going to be in the "best value"
> position in anyone's analysis, although I'm sure they will sell a few
> to the "true believers".
>
> Currently, used prices for ALS-600's run $800 to $900 and ALS-1300's
> are showing up for sale at $1800 to $2000.
>
> In my case, there is a finite amount of money available for radio
> station enhancements. When I can buy a solid state MFJ for ~$1.50/watt
> or an older no-tune ETO Alpha for ~$1.00/watt, a $4.00/watt Amp that's
> principal virtue seems to be matching my K3, doesn't have a snow balls
> chance in Hades of ever gracing my desk.
>
> But maybe the rumored ridiculous price point is just a smoke screen and
> the real product will show up with a more palatible price.
>
> 73 Jack KZ5A
> K3 #4165
>
>
>
>
> On 9/8/2010 2:12 PM, K4SC wrote:
>> After 45 years on the air, I'm finally getting an itch to bump my power over
>> 100 watts; 500 - 600 watts seems like a reasonable amount of 75 meter power
>> for me. I'm seriously looking at amplifiers and tuners, but hesitant to
>> make a purchase decision before getting at least some warm fuzzies about the
>> KPA-500 pricing and availability.
>>
>> Been looking at a lot of new and used tube based amplifiers and 1KW tuners;
>> getting the sense that I could spend upwards of $1500 for anything decent.
>> If the KPA-500 is going to sell for close to that figure, or less of course,
>> I can probably keep my money stashed and wait a few more months. It sure
>> would look nice next to the K3& P3.
>>
>> If, however, the KPA-500 is going to cost much more than $1500, I will
>> probably go the tube route.
>>
>> So, what I'm hoping to get from someone "in the know" is a ballpark figure
>> on the KPA-500. I assume the antenna tuner is built in, and not an
>> additional cost. If that isn't the case, then knowing the ATU cost would
>> also be helpful.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

Phil,

> Jack You are soo mean... "Stupid Yuppies"...

While "Stupid Yuppies" may be a bit harsh, Jack has an excellent
point on the price/performance point of the KPA-500 based on the
current "whisper price." Yes, the KPA-500 we've been seeing at
the hamfests has some interesting features but it is hard to
justify a nearly 100% premium over the ALS-600 for a smaller
form factor, six meters, QSK, and the Elecraft nameplate.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 9/9/2010 10:46 AM, Phil Townsend wrote:

>
> Ewww, Jack You are soo mean... "Stupid Yuppies"... Come on Jack, why so angry at a great USA company that ACTUALLY builds some great products?
>
> Phil
> Santa Fe
>
>> It looks like Elecraft may be abandoning their traditional "most bang
>> for the buck" market position in favor of selling over priced "matching
>> accessories" to stupid yuppies.
>>
>> Unlike the K3, a $2000 500W amp is not going to be in the "best value"
>> position in anyone's analysis, although I'm sure they will sell a few
>> to the "true believers".
>>
>> Currently, used prices for ALS-600's run $800 to $900 and ALS-1300's
>> are showing up for sale at $1800 to $2000.
>>
>> In my case, there is a finite amount of money available for radio
>> station enhancements. When I can buy a solid state MFJ for ~$1.50/watt
>> or an older no-tune ETO Alpha for ~$1.00/watt, a $4.00/watt Amp that's
>> principal virtue seems to be matching my K3, doesn't have a snow balls
>> chance in Hades of ever gracing my desk.
>>
>> But maybe the rumored ridiculous price point is just a smoke screen and
>> the real product will show up with a more palatible price.
>>
>> 73 Jack KZ5A
>> K3 #4165
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 9/8/2010 2:12 PM, K4SC wrote:
>>> After 45 years on the air, I'm finally getting an itch to bump my power over
>>> 100 watts; 500 - 600 watts seems like a reasonable amount of 75 meter power
>>> for me. I'm seriously looking at amplifiers and tuners, but hesitant to
>>> make a purchase decision before getting at least some warm fuzzies about the
>>> KPA-500 pricing and availability.
>>>
>>> Been looking at a lot of new and used tube based amplifiers and 1KW tuners;
>>> getting the sense that I could spend upwards of $1500 for anything decent.
>>> If the KPA-500 is going to sell for close to that figure, or less of course,
>>> I can probably keep my money stashed and wait a few more months. It sure
>>> would look nice next to the K3& P3.
>>>
>>> If, however, the KPA-500 is going to cost much more than $1500, I will
>>> probably go the tube route.
>>>
>>> So, what I'm hoping to get from someone "in the know" is a ballpark figure
>>> on the KPA-500. I assume the antenna tuner is built in, and not an
>>> additional cost. If that isn't the case, then knowing the ATU cost would
>>> also be helpful.
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Dan Atchison

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

Yeah, but . . . . . . . .

We've accepted this for years, reference ETO and Alpha Amplifiers.

And yes, I am a yuppie.

Dan -- N3ND

-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Thu, Sep 9, 2010 11:28 am
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Features and Pricing

Phil,

> Jack You are soo mean... "Stupid Yuppies"...

While "Stupid Yuppies" may be a bit harsh, Jack has an excellent

point on the price/performance point of the KPA-500 based on the

current "whisper price." Yes, the KPA-500 we've been seeing at

the hamfests has some interesting features but it is hard to

justify a nearly 100% premium over the ALS-600 for a smaller

form factor, six meters, QSK, and the Elecraft nameplate.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 9/9/2010 10:46 AM, Phil Townsend wrote:

>

> Ewww, Jack You are soo mean... "Stupid Yuppies"... Come on Jack, why so angry

at a great USA company that ACTUALLY builds some great products?

>

> Phil

> Santa Fe

>

>> It looks like Elecraft may be abandoning their traditional "most bang

>> for the buck" market position in favor of selling over priced "matching

>> accessories" to stupid yuppies.

>>

>> Unlike the K3, a $2000 500W amp is not going to be in the "best value"

>> position in anyone's analysis, although I'm sure they will sell a few

>> to the "true believers".

>>

>> Currently, used prices for ALS-600's run $800 to $900 and ALS-1300's

>> are showing up for sale at $1800 to $2000.

>>

>> In my case, there is a finite amount of money available for radio

>> station enhancements. When I can buy a solid state MFJ for ~$1.50/watt

>> or an older no-tune ETO Alpha for ~$1.00/watt, a $4.00/watt Amp that's

>> principal virtue seems to be matching my K3, doesn't have a snow balls

>> chance in Hades of ever gracing my desk.

>>

>> But maybe the rumored ridiculous price point is just a smoke screen and

>> the real product will show up with a more palatible price.

>>

>> 73 Jack KZ5A

>> K3 #4165

>>

>>

>>

>>

>> On 9/8/2010 2:12 PM, K4SC wrote:

>>> After 45 years on the air, I'm finally getting an itch to bump my power over

>>> 100 watts; 500 - 600 watts seems like a reasonable amount of 75 meter power

>>> for me. I'm seriously looking at amplifiers and tuners, but hesitant to

>>> make a purchase decision before getting at least some warm fuzzies about the

>>> KPA-500 pricing and availability.

>>>

>>> Been looking at a lot of new and used tube based amplifiers and 1KW tuners;

>>> getting the sense that I could spend upwards of $1500 for anything decent.

>>> If the KPA-500 is going to sell for close to that figure, or less of course,

>>> I can probably keep my money stashed and wait a few more months. It sure

>>> would look nice next to the K3& P3.

>>>

>>> If, however, the KPA-500 is going to cost much more than $1500, I will

>>> probably go the tube route.

>>>

>>> So, what I'm hoping to get from someone "in the know" is a ballpark figure

>>> on the KPA-500. I assume the antenna tuner is built in, and not an

>>> additional cost. If that isn't the case, then knowing the ATU cost would

>>> also be helpful.

>>

>> ______________________________________________________________

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>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm

>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]

>>

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>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

>

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>

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Vic K2VCO

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

I'm not so sure. It's the same size as the K3, which is absolutely tiny. Including the
built-in power supply, it's relatively light. So for operation in the field, that is a big
plus. For those who operate 6 meters, that's imperative. For those who want QSK -- again,
imperative.

Not to mention that automatic bandswitching with the K3 is included (you will need an
external device with the ALS-600, I think).

The market will decide. If I didn't already have two working tube amplifiers, I think I'd
find it more attractive than the ALS-600 plus power supply, plus band decoder, plus the
QSK mod I'd have to do...

On 9/9/2010 8:28 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> While "Stupid Yuppies" may be a bit harsh, Jack has an excellent
> point on the price/performance point of the KPA-500 based on the
> current "whisper price." Yes, the KPA-500 we've been seeing at
> the hamfests has some interesting features but it is hard to
> justify a nearly 100% premium over the ALS-600 for a smaller
> form factor, six meters, QSK, and the Elecraft nameplate.

--
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
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Jim Brown-10

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:28:29 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>Yes, the KPA-500 we've been seeing at
>the hamfests has some interesting features but it is hard to
>justify a nearly 100% premium over the ALS-600 for a smaller
>form factor, six meters, QSK, and the Elecraft nameplate.

FWIW, the 6M-only kW amp that M-squared showed at Dayton is
over $2K. It's not in production yet, although he's been
showing a prototype. Comparisons of Elecraft to MFJ and
Ameritron are inappropriate, IMO. Elecraft and M-squared are
attempting to compete with companies like Alpha and Acom on
quality, features, reliability, and ruggedness. As Mike Staal,
K6MYC, the proprietor of M-squared said at a hamfest last
Saturday, it costs money to buid a quality amp with US labor
and quality components.

That said, if I had $2K+ to pay for watts, it would be for a
used Alpha. And when I bought the watts I currently own, it was
30 year old Ten Tec. :)

73, Jim K9YC

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K4SC

Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing

In reply to this post by Jack Brabham KZ5A

You make some very good points. Since you sent this to me directly, no one in Aptos will see it but me. Perhaps you should post it on the reflector?

I'm sure Elecraft doesn't intend to compete with MFJ, but I don't think they are in the Alpha league either. The K3 is a good product at a good price for the performance offered; the P3 is overpriced in my mind, but I bought one figuring I could play with it for a while and get most of my money back after I tired of it; unfortunately I really like it and will probably just keep it. But the amp is a different beast to me. I've gotten along fine for many decades without one, and really only want one so I can talk with everyone on 75 meter phone without getting razzed about how weak I am. So, I think a simple SB-200 would fill the bill for me; the funny part is I will have to spend nearly the same amount of money for a high power antenna tuner as for a good used amplifier.

Thanks for your response.

73 de K4SC

--- On Thu, 9/9/10, Jack Brabham KZ5A [via Elecraft] <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Jack Brabham KZ5A [via Elecraft] <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: KPA-500 Features and Pricing
To: "K4SC" <[hidden email]>
Date: Thursday, September 9, 2010, 1:52 PM

It looks like Elecraft may be abandoning their traditional "most bang
for the buck" market position in favor of selling over priced "matching
accessories" to stupid yuppies.

Unlike the K3, a $2000 500W amp is not going to be in the "best value"
position in anyone's analysis, although I'm sure they will sell a few
to the "true believers".

Currently, used prices for ALS-600's run $800 to $900 and ALS-1300's
are showing up for sale at $1800 to $2000.

In my case, there is a finite amount of money available for radio
station enhancements. When I can buy a solid state MFJ for ~$1.50/watt
or an older no-tune ETO Alpha for ~$1.00/watt, a $4.00/watt Amp that's
principal virtue seems to be matching my K3, doesn't have a snow balls
chance in Hades of ever gracing my desk.

But maybe the rumored ridiculous price point is just a smoke screen and
the real product will show up with a more palatible price.

73 Jack KZ5A
K3 #4165

On 9/8/2010 2:12 PM, K4SC wrote:

> After 45 years on the air, I'm finally getting an itch to bump my power over
> 100 watts; 500 - 600 watts seems like a reasonable amount of 75 meter power
> for me. I'm seriously looking at amplifiers and tuners, but hesitant to
> make a purchase decision before getting at least some warm fuzzies about the
> KPA-500 pricing and availability.
>
> Been looking at a lot of new and used tube based amplifiers and 1KW tuners;
> getting the sense that I could spend upwards of $1500 for anything decent.
> If the KPA-500 is going to sell for close to that figure, or less of course,
> I can probably keep my money stashed and wait a few more months. It sure
> would look nice next to the K3& P3.
>
> If, however, the KPA-500 is going to cost much more than $1500, I will
> probably go the tube route.
>
> So, what I'm hoping to get from someone "in the know" is a ballpark figure
> on the KPA-500. I assume the antenna tuner is built in, and not an
> additional cost. If that isn't the case, then knowing the ATU cost would
> also be helpful.
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