On 2/12/2010 4:49 PM, Larry K1UO wrote: > > > Larry K1UO wrote: >> >> Whats really needed in a "new" amplifier would be a nice 6 Meter Solid >> State amp from Elecraft to match up with the K3. Maybe something in the >> 500-800 watt range. >> > > Let me clarify...A 6M amp only... not as p/o the existing 160-6 amp > selections currently available. Seems like its a niche that needs to be > filled ..what with all the ease of getting on 6M nowdays. Also .... M2 > does not have a 6M production amp at this time. > Hello Larry,
If you are interested in a 6m-only amp, I have heard M2 prototypes are on the air (I talked to one last month) and the first production run is expected out next month. They have real 1kw CW/JT65 output, and are in a very small package, designed with portability and light weight. I understand that they will require a separate 48 VDC power supply, but that they will be offering a very compact and lightweight one if you do not have one already (there have been numerous 3kw 48 VDC switching supplies available on EBAY for under $30). You will have to contact M2 directly for more information, since their website often lags several months behind what is actually being offered. I agree that 800-1000w is an excellent design point for a compact solid state amp. 10 dB seems to be enough power gain to justify the hassle and expense of using an amp, but far enough up the curve to minimize the tradeoffs by not using a big full legal limit amp. In addition, that power level makes a very significant difference if you are interested in weak signal work on 6m. With a good yagi and that kind of power, you are in very good position to operate 6m EME for example - and NOT just complete with the larger stations. It would have been nice to see Elecraft come out with a 160 - 6m amp in that range, but since they have openly indicated no current intentions for such a product, I think we are forced toward the M2 single band amp approach if we want that kind of power on 6m. The new M2 amp should really result in a huge help to 6m DXpeditions, and comes at a time in the solar cycle when 6m EME conditions are most favorable. I know I will be using one of the new M2 1kw amps with my K3 on my next 6m EME DXpedition ;-) As my son-in-law K5SKI says, "Go big or go home." GL and VY 73, Lance -- Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX) P.O. Box 73 Frenchtown, MT 59834 USA QTH: DN27UB TEL: (406) 626-5728 URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj LIVE MESSENGER CHAT: w...@hotmail.com 2m DXCC #11, 6m DXCC #815 Interested in 6m EME? Ask me about subscribing to the Magic Band EME email! ______________________________________________________________ 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