Re: KPA-500 on 120 V

[Joel R. Hallas]

Yes, the KPA500 can be set up to run efficiently on 120 V vs 240.

OTOH, as many have correctly noted, it will work much better with a
dedicated 20 A circuit using #12 AWG wire. Recognizing that, I figured it
was not much more trouble to put in a 240 V 20 A circuit with #12 wire (ok,
4 instead of 3 wires, per current code). If you have the space in your CB
box for the proper dual breaker, the effort is almost the same -- but you
get two benefits:

1. The voltage drop, and perhaps more importantly the change in voltage drop
from key up to key down, is about half -- much better for everybody, and
more peak output, if you're counting.

2. You now have the wiring in place for the KPA-1500, should you be so
inclined some day.

Regards, Joel Hallas, W1ZR
Westport, CT




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[Bill K9YEQ]

I agree with Joel on this.  I have a 220 socket, but ordered the 120 v model as I wanted to be prepared to move to another location where the 220 volt outlet wouldn't be possible.  I have had zero issues with the dedicated 120 outlet, also with 12 Ga. stranded, dedicated to 20A breaker.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Joel Hallas
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 5:06 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 on 120 V

Yes, the KPA500 can be set up to run efficiently on 120 V vs 240.

OTOH, as many have correctly noted, it will work much better with a dedicated 20 A circuit using #12 AWG wire. Recognizing that, I figured it was not much more trouble to put in a 240 V 20 A circuit with #12 wire (ok,
4 instead of 3 wires, per current code). If you have the space in your CB box for the proper dual breaker, the effort is almost the same -- but you get two benefits:

1. The voltage drop, and perhaps more importantly the change in voltage drop from key up to key down, is about half -- much better for everybody, and more peak output, if you're counting.

2. You now have the wiring in place for the KPA-1500, should you be so inclined some day.

Regards, Joel Hallas, W1ZR
Westport, CT




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[K9MA]

The effect of the voltage drop is, of course, one fourth that at 120 V at the same power.

73,

Scott K9MA

----------

Scott Ellington

 --- via iPad

> On Oct 30, 2017, at 4:06 PM, Joel Hallas <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> 1. The voltage drop, and perhaps more importantly the change in voltage drop
> from key up to key down, is about half -- much better for everybody, and
> more peak output, if you're counting.

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