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new KPA 500 question

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Bruce McLaughlin-2

new KPA 500 question

I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive
tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector
but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar
version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not
sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been
switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a
coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the
Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running
it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the
coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same
as before.

However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of
the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering
whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone
have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine
with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience
integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA
500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would
appreciate any thoughts on the subject.

Bruce-W8FU

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Bill Steffey NY9H

Re: new KPA 500 question

bruce , I also have two amps...which I flip
between using two topten a/b switches.....

works like a charm...

used to be a TT titan and a Hercules...

now an ACOM and the kpa500....

easy to automate or just put a little toggle & led array////
see bottom center of pix....
https://picasaweb.google.com/Bill.SteffeySr/NY9HIllinois?authkey=Gv1sRgCKON572GnoqrVA#5159160399932323138

bill

At 12:44 PM 12/18/2012, Bruce McLaughlin wrote:
>I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive
>to

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Vic Rosenthal

Re: new KPA 500 question

In reply to this post by Bruce McLaughlin-2

This will depend on the input relay or other switching circuit used in the Commander. Some
QSK circuits use a small reed relay in the input and a vacuum relay for the output. In
that case it's possible that 500-600w from the KPA500 will be too much for it. Others use
a pair of vacuum relays, which would not be a problem. It may also use a single large
open-frame relay, which would also be OK (although not QSK). Or it might have a PIN diode
switch, in which case it would depend on the details of the circuit.

I think the best thing for you to do is to call Command Technologies and ask them about
your particular model and serial number.

On 12/18/2012 9:44 AM, Bruce McLaughlin wrote:

> I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive
> tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector
> but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar
> version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not
> sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been
> switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a
> coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the
> Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running
> it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the
> coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same
> as before.
>
> However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of
> the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering
> whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone
> have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine
> with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience
> integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA
> 500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would
> appreciate any thoughts on the subject.
>
> Bruce-W8FU
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

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

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ke9uw

Re: new KPA 500 question

In reply to this post by Bruce McLaughlin-2

If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear...

Sent from my iPad
Chuck, KE9UW
(Jack for BMW motorcycles)

On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:45 AM, "Bruce McLaughlin" <[hidden email]> wrote:

Chuck, KE9UW

Phil Hystad-3

Re: new KPA 500 question

I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts.

73, phil, K7PEH

On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "hawley, charles j jr" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear...
>
> Sent from my iPad
> Chuck, KE9UW
> (Jack for BMW motorcycles)
>
> On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:45 AM, "Bruce McLaughlin" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive
>> tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector
>> but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar
>> version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not
>> sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been
>> switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a
>> coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the
>> Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running
>> it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the
>> coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same
>> as before.
>>
>> However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of
>> the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering
>> whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone
>> have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine
>> with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience
>> integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA
>> 500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would
>> appreciate any thoughts on the subject.
>>
>> Bruce-W8FU
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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alsopb

Re: new KPA 500 question

Sure could have used the extra 5-7 db when chasing the recent ZL9
Dxpedition on RTTY from the East Coast.

73 DE Brian/K3KO

On 12/18/2012 20:31, Phil Hystad wrote:

-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2637/5468 - Release Date: 12/18/12

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N5GE

Re: new KPA 500 question

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

I disconnected my Alpha 87A when I got the KPA500. Working DX
doesn't seem any more difficult after learning to watch the pile-up
with the P3, but I don't use SSB, where one might notice a
difference.

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

On Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:31:11 -0800, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]>
wrote:

>I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts.
>
>73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
>On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "hawley, charles j jr" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear...
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>> Chuck, KE9UW
>> (Jack for BMW motorcycles)
>>
>> On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:45 AM, "Bruce McLaughlin" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive
>>> tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector
>>> but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar
>>> version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not
>>> sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been
>>> switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a
>>> coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the
>>> Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running
>>> it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the
>>> coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same
>>> as before.
>>>
>>> However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of
>>> the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering
>>> whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone
>>> have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine
>>> with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience
>>> integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA
>>> 500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would
>>> appreciate any thoughts on the subject.
>>>
>>> Bruce-W8FU
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>
>______________________________________________________________
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>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

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

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Amateur Radio Operator N5GE

Scott Manthe-2

Re: new KPA 500 question

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5 to
7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a
contact, especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the
difference between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or
S.5, or being an S unit above the noise.

I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very happy
with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power
doesn't try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell
you that 600 watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more...

73,
Scott, N9AA

On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:

David Gilbert

Re: new KPA 500 question

I totally agree ... there is nothing clear about that path at all. 5 db
is a HUGE difference if you're anywhere near the noise level on the
other end, and it is a major difference if you're competing against
other weak stations for a contact. Under the right circumstances even 2
db can make a significant difference. I urge anyone who doesn't believe
me to check out:

http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html

QRP is fun and I've done a lot of it myself, but saying that 5 to 7 db
is not worth having in general is just nonsense.

73,
Dave AB7E

On 12/18/2012 3:14 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:

> I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5
> to 7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a
> contact, especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about
> the difference between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between
> S0 or S.5, or being an S unit above the noise.
>
> I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very
> happy with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough
> power doesn't try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op
> will tell you that 600 watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes
> more...
>
> 73,
> Scott, N9AA
>
>
> On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>> I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as
>> 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As
>> said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts.
>>
>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>>
>>
>> On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "hawley, charles j jr"
>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over
>>> S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear...
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPad
>>> Chuck, KE9UW
>>> (Jack for BMW motorcycles)
>>>
>>>
>

ke9uw

Re: new KPA 500 question

Ok...I was a little hasty I think. I've never been a contester and didn't consider HAVING to make the contact in adverse conditions.

Sent from my iPad
Chuck, KE9UW
(Jack for BMW motorcycles)

On Dec 18, 2012, at 5:05 PM, "David Gilbert" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> I totally agree ... there is nothing clear about that path at all. 5 db is a HUGE difference if you're anywhere near the noise level on the other end, and it is a major difference if you're competing against other weak stations for a contact. Under the right circumstances even 2 db can make a significant difference. I urge anyone who doesn't believe me to check out:
>
> http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html
>
> QRP is fun and I've done a lot of it myself, but saying that 5 to 7 db is not worth having in general is just nonsense.
>
> 73,
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
> On 12/18/2012 3:14 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:
>> I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5 to 7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a contact, especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the difference between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or S.5, or being an S unit above the noise.
>>
>> I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very happy with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power doesn't try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell you that 600 watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more...
>>
>> 73,
>> Scott, N9AA
>>
>>
>> On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>>> I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts.
>>>
>>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>>>
>>>
>>> On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "hawley, charles j jr" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear...
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPad
>>>> Chuck, KE9UW
>>>> (Jack for BMW motorcycles)
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Chuck, KE9UW

Bruce McLaughlin-2

Re: new KPA 500 question

In reply to this post by Scott Manthe-2

It's always interesting to see the various responses that are generated when
one discusses power levels. I certainly agree that the difference between
500 Watts and 1500 Watts can make a difference under challenging band
conditions, particularly on the lower bands such as 160 and 80 meters. But
I don't use 160 and rarely do I use 80. If I am hot on the trail of "rare"
DX, the higher power does sometimes make a difference in getting through
large pileups. But for day-to-day operations I honestly don't think that
the relatively small db difference between the two power levels is worth
worrying about. I certainly don't plan To get rid of the Commander because
it has its uses. But I am looking forward to the tight integration between
the k3 and the KPA 500. I can just turn it on and it should be ready to go.
There is no need to wait 3+ minutes for the 3CPX800 to warm up before being
able to transmit. Often the DX station has disappeared by then. But I
guess time will tell. I do thank everyone for their comments.

Bruce-W8FU

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Scott Manthe
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 5:15 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5 to
7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a contact,
especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the difference
between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or S.5, or being an
S unit above the noise.

I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very happy
with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power doesn't
try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell you that 600
watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more...

73,
Scott, N9AA

On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to
7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a
person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "hawley, charles j jr"
<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9
with the Commander in line. The path is clear...
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>> Chuck, KE9UW
>> (Jack for BMW motorcycles)
>>
>>

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Bruce McLaughlin-2

Re: new KPA 500 question

In reply to this post by ke9uw

I do think there is a different set of considerations when one is talking
about making contacts under competitive conditions as opposed to daily,
run-of-the-mill rag chewing. When conditions are poor, certainly an
amplifier can be helpful even for rag chew contacts. But frankly, if 500
Watts won't do it for a rag chew contact, it probably isn't worth it to
continue. Usually reception is so poor that it isn't much fun. But I do
agree that legal limit operation can be very helpful if you are after some
rare DX and you have lots of company to contend with.

Bruce-W8FU

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of hawley, charles j jr
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 7:16 PM
To: David Gilbert
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

Ok...I was a little hasty I think. I've never been a contester and didn't
consider HAVING to make the contact in adverse conditions.

Sent from my iPad
Chuck, KE9UW
(Jack for BMW motorcycles)

On Dec 18, 2012, at 5:05 PM, "David Gilbert" <[hidden email]>
wrote:

>
> I totally agree ... there is nothing clear about that path at all. 5 db is
a HUGE difference if you're anywhere near the noise level on the other end,
and it is a major difference if you're competing against other weak stations
for a contact. Under the right circumstances even 2 db can make a
significant difference. I urge anyone who doesn't believe me to check out:
>
> http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html
>
> QRP is fun and I've done a lot of it myself, but saying that 5 to 7 db is
not worth having in general is just nonsense.
>
> 73,
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
> On 12/18/2012 3:14 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:
>> I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5 to
7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a contact,
especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the difference
between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or S.5, or being an
S unit above the noise.
>>
>> I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very happy
with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power doesn't
try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell you that 600
watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more...
>>
>> 73,
>> Scott, N9AA
>>
>>
>> On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>>> I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5
to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a
person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts.
>>>
>>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>>>
>>>
>>> On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "hawley, charles j jr"
<[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9
with the Commander in line. The path is clear...

>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPad
>>>> Chuck, KE9UW
>>>> (Jack for BMW motorcycles)
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: new KPA 500 question

Administrator

In reply to this post by Bruce McLaughlin-2

Let's end the power level pro/con thread now in the interest of
improving list signal to noise ratio. :-)

73,

Eric
Your QRO List Moderator
---
www.elecraft.com

On 12/19/2012 7:30 AM, Bruce McLaughlin wrote:
> It's always interesting to see the various responses that are generated when
> one discusses power levels. I certainly agree that the difference between
> 500 Watts and 1500 Watts can make a difference
...
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N0AZZ

Re: new KPA 500 question

In reply to this post by Bruce McLaughlin-2

I have both the KPA500 and a Alpha 87A used in my 2 K3 SO2R setup. Mostly
I'm a DXer but do a few contests also but not serious by any means. I do
enjoy the low bands and work DX on 80/40m most every day, a majority of the
time extra power is needed.

I do the progressive thing to see how much power I need to make the contact
100/500/1500w or somewhere in-between. When I'm trying to work rare DX in
pileup or very weak signal I use the Alpha. As we all know these contacts
can be gone in an instant so it's QRO all the way for it IMHO for a new one.
If I have to turn the Alpha on I use the KPA500 till it warms up lol.

I know what some will say and yes I do enjoy QRP also and have for quite a
while.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bruce McLaughlin
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 9:36 AM
To: 'hawley, charles j jr'; 'David Gilbert'
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

I do think there is a different set of considerations when one is talking
about making contacts under competitive conditions as opposed to daily,
run-of-the-mill rag chewing. When conditions are poor, certainly an
amplifier can be helpful even for rag chew contacts. But frankly, if 500
Watts won't do it for a rag chew contact, it probably isn't worth it to
continue. Usually reception is so poor that it isn't much fun. But I do
agree that legal limit operation can be very helpful if you are after some
rare DX and you have lots of company to contend with.

Bruce-W8FU

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of hawley, charles j jr
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 7:16 PM
To: David Gilbert
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

Ok...I was a little hasty I think. I've never been a contester and didn't
consider HAVING to make the contact in adverse conditions.

Sent from my iPad
Chuck, KE9UW
(Jack for BMW motorcycles)

On Dec 18, 2012, at 5:05 PM, "David Gilbert" <[hidden email]>
wrote:

>
> I totally agree ... there is nothing clear about that path at all. 5
> db is
a HUGE difference if you're anywhere near the noise level on the other end,
and it is a major difference if you're competing against other weak stations
for a contact. Under the right circumstances even 2 db can make a
significant difference. I urge anyone who doesn't believe me to check out:
>
> http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html
>
> QRP is fun and I've done a lot of it myself, but saying that 5 to 7 db
> is
not worth having in general is just nonsense.
>
> 73,
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
> On 12/18/2012 3:14 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:
>> I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5
>> to
7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a contact,
especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the difference
between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or S.5, or being an
S unit above the noise.
>>
>> I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very
>> happy
with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power doesn't
try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell you that 600
watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more...
>>
>> 73,
>> Scott, N9AA
>>
>>
>> On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>>> I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander
>>> as 5
to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a
person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts.
>>>
>>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>>>
>>>
>>> On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "hawley, charles j jr"
<[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over
>>>> S9
with the Commander in line. The path is clear...

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N0AZZ

Re: new KPA 500 question

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Sorry I posted before I got to yours.

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ,
Elecraft
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 10:51 AM
To: Bruce McLaughlin
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new KPA 500 question

Let's end the power level pro/con thread now in the interest of improving
list signal to noise ratio. :-)

73,

Eric
Your QRO List Moderator
---
www.elecraft.com

On 12/19/2012 7:30 AM, Bruce McLaughlin wrote:
> It's always interesting to see the various responses that are
> generated when one discusses power levels. I certainly agree that the
> difference between
> 500 Watts and 1500 Watts can make a difference
...
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