I built up a KPA500 kit last night and thought people might want to hear
about it, especially those who are eagerly awaiting their own KPA500 kit.
Although I was told the assembly should take a couple hours, I spent 5.5
hours, going somewhat slowly and taking notes for feedback to Elecraft:
1.5 hours - parts inventory
2 hours - cabinet and power supply assembly
2 hours - RF module, front panel and button up
There were some trivial details to clean up and they are worked out now for
future kit shipments. There are a lot of screws, washers and such! Much
more than I realized having only seen assembled units previously. The
assembly manual is excellent and with every new Elecraft product I am still
stunned at how well everything fits together. Ron anticipates questions
that might arise at various points and heads them off with easily readable
explanations along the way. It was the typical enjoyable and satisfying
Elecraft kit experience with the only regret that it was over so soon.
This is yet another exceptional design and execution of a top-end product by
the company. "500 watts" is a very conservative spec. The amp loafs at
this power level and beyond. Instant on, no tuning (that was apparent to
me), totally quiet, seldom any fan movement, exceptional integration with
the K3, same easy firmware updating, etc. Change bands on either the K3 or
the KPA500 and the other follows immediately. The controls are simple and
intuitive, yet provide a rich set of functionality. A very elegant product
that redefines what operating a linear amplifier can be like.
Ed - W0YK
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