> Even with 3 x 3-500s in my LK550 and 2,900V no load, I only > need about 25-40W input depending on band to reach our legal > limit: 500W. Which is plenty, way too much in fact for the > digital modes.
In some jurisdictions the limit is lower (e.g., 400 - 500 W input) than the US (1500 W PEP Output). On the other hand, in some jurisdictions it appears to be unlimited <G>. > > Part 97.317(a)(2) limits the maximum gain to 15 dB > > (approximately 50 W drive for 1500 W out). > > Not in NZ. Is there really a max gain regulation in the US? > How quaint! Yes, that's part of the old rules designed to prevent the misuse of amateur amplifiers on 27 MHz. > ... The difference will be small in pure signal strength > terms but sure the operator's confidence is improved. True, the difference between 1300 and 1500 W is 0.8 dB. However, there is one other issue with the 110 W limit. Due to the "slope" in the internal wattmeter, it may not be possible to achieve even a "full" 100 W output (much less 110 W) on 6 and 10 meters if the K3 wattmeter is calibrated on 20 meters. 73, ... Joe, W4TV > -----Original Message----- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary Hinson > Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 3:19 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Will I Lose the 120 Watt Max If > IupdateTheSoftware? > > > > Most 3-500 based amplifiers with 2800 V (no load) on the plates > > require 120 Watts or so for "legal limit" output. That's about > > 11 dB gain. > > Even with 3 x 3-500s in my LK550 and 2,900V no load, I only > need about 25-40W input depending on band to reach our legal > limit: 500W. Which is plenty, way too much in fact for the > digital modes. > > > Part 97.317(a)(2) limits the maximum gain to 15 dB > > (approximately 50 W drive for 1500 W out). > > Not in NZ. Is there really a max gain regulation in the US? > How quaint! > > > The extra 10 to 20 watts of drive makes a difference for those > > who have SB-220, TL-922, AL-82, AL-1300, AL-572, etc. amplifiers. > > It can mean another 200+ W output. > > ... The difference will be small in pure signal strength > terms but sure the operator's confidence is improved. A > cheaper option (as used by certain CBers) is to tweak your > power meter to read high. > > Seriously, though, a bit more attention to operating skills > and maybe a little investment in your antennas and feeders > will eclipse the QRO option every time. #1 DXing tip is > simply to be very active and > listen hard. #2 is to save up those tenths of dBs you get for free > by eliminating unnecessary coax connectors, and indeed > unnecessary coax. Someone should start giving out 0.1dB > savings stamps and a DXers' collector's card. > > 73 > Gary ZL2iFB > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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
