Hi Julian There is one drawback, however. Increased current drain, even though the KPA3 is not in use at QRP levels. If this isn't a problem for you, then go right ahead. However, if you want to take your K3 out to the field for a Field Day operation, that extra drain can create battery problems.
Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG ----- Original Message ----- From: "G4ILO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 1:55 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP > > I run QRP out of practical necessity. I'm forced to use attic antennas and I > don't wish to induce more RF into the domestic electrical equipment (or me, > for that matter) than I absolutely have to. > > Nevertheless, I'm thinking about getting a KPA3, because it probably will > never be cheaper than it is now, and the occasion might arise in future when > I might be able to use it. > > I'm just wondering if there are any advantages to using the PA when running > QRP. As I understand it, the PA is switched out of circuit until you dial > the power above 10W, just as in the K2. There is no option for class A > operation at a lower power level to produce a cleaner signal. If I run 10W > of FM, the QRP PA will do all the work, and warm up very quickly, instead of > letting the KPA3 do most of the work and barely getting warm. If I run 5W of > PSK31, the IMD generated by the low power PA running at half its rated power > will be higher than the KPA3 loafing along at the same power level. > > Unless I'm missing something, there would be no benefit to me at the moment > from having the KPA3 unless I want to wind the power control above 10W. Am I > right? > > ----- > Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 > G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com > Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf > -- > View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/KPA3-for-QRP-tp16091280p16091280.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
