Sure, every little bit might help but, IMX, power is a matter of parity. For example, if everyone ran 5 W maximum you'd be able to work almost all the stations you hear with the KX2 "barefoot".
For us QRP enthusiasts the challenge is spotting good signals from OTHER QRP stations that tells us we are likely to be heard by them. The fun is in noting that they don't need to be locals. Sometimes signals are good at QRP levels with DX too. Therein lies the value of the QRP "watering holes" around the bands. Elsewhere on the bands, I look for solid *strong* signals to call when I'm QRP, especially with a compromise antenna. As for going QRO, I agree with Mike; I don't get very excited about anything less than a 10 dB increase. 73, Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bert Garcia N8NN Sent: Thursday, April 6, 2017 12:43 PM To: 'Mike Morrow'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Matching Power Amplifier The KX2 is recommended to operate at 5 watts and below for digital modes. When operating QRP, you are often at the noise level on the receiving end, especially with compromise antennas. Any improvement, even 5 dB, will make the difference between being heard or not. My primary design goal for a KXPA35 is low cost, thus I suggest a modest power level, no SWR/wattmeter, a manual bandswitch, and any other cost savings that can be had. Those wanting a full gallon of 100 watts with all the cool features Elecraft has to offer can opt for the KXPA100, a truly fine amplifier in all respects. Rather than a fancy pair of shoes, I'm just looking for a pair of flip-flops. Bert N8NN -----Original Message----- From: Mike Morrow [mailto:k...@earthlink.net] Sent: Thursday, April 6, 2017 12:33 PM To: n...@earthlink.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Matching Power Amplifier > I'm enjoying my new KX2 transceiver! I'd like to see Elecraft make a > matching RF amplifier with about 35 watts output with 5 watts in. Since the KX2 runs 10 watts out, more or less, you're asking for external gear to run only 5 dB better. I wouldn't consider something like that for even a moment. The existing 100 watt amp is likely the minimum increment that would be almost worth the trouble. A subsequent post about using a T1 ATU on the output of a 40 watt external amp seems ill-advised, especially for such minimal practical benefit. I'd prefer to see an enhanced KX3HP (not KX2) with KXAT3HP capable (only with stout 14 vdc external power) of the 35 watts you seek. It would sell as a unified package that is the buyer's only choice, but not as multiple components. Still ... the benefit for the effort would not be there. Mike / KK5F ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
