Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
Who does that on HF? I was assuming we were talking about 160-10 meters. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Charlie T, K3ICH Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 3:35 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? In some cases a dB or so CAN make a difference. Otherwise, why bother to put a ½dB noise figure GaAsFET pre-amp at the antenna just to overcome 2dB of feedline loss? At the other extreme, if you are being received at 20dB over S-9 running a kilowatt, you'll still be S-5 at 100 milliwatts. 73, Charlie k3ICH __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
Ron, from my Signal Corps training, we operated under the fact that 10db improvement was needed to experience a doubling of perceived sound. Since our signals are rf radiated sound, the same would apply. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 5:01 PM To: 'Richard Thorne' <rtho...@rthorne.net>; 'Elecraft Reflector' <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? 2 dB might make a difference if you are only interested in having your call sign dug out of the noise for a contest or DXCC contact. Way back the early books from the 1930's that I read and the OT commercial operators from that era I knew said that under typical conditions found on the air, 6 dB was about the minimum change to hear a real difference in the signal while exchanging messages or other extended information. Those stations would not try a direct contact if the signals were "in the mud" opting instead for trying again at different time or getting a relay. In commercial operations we did not use the Ham RST system, but rather QSA 1 through 5. 1 was a barely detected signal in the mud. 5 was a loud signal with perfect copy. I confess to doing about the same with Ham signals, choosing between at most five levels by ear for my report without reference to an S-meter. Personally, I've never gotten very excited about anything less than a 10 dB improvement, but the only DX I work are those calling me - usually for a rag chew - and I don't contest. And, for me, Ken's observation is quite right. If I get the bug to drop my Inverted L, rub some RF grease on the wire, neaten things up in general and restring it, I do think I am getting out better and stations seem to come back more quickly. Expectations are everything! 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ken K6MR Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 2:27 PM To: Richard Thorne; Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I'm running my two KPAs combined. Is there a difference? That's one of those questions that is tough to answer. I worked lots of people with 500W. I work lots of people with 1000+ W. I don't chase DXCC but things seem to work better on 160. I do feel louder. I think it was N6TR that said (probably mis-quoted here) "If you feel loud you are loud". Ken K6MR From: Elecraft <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Richard Thorne <rtho...@rthorne.net> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 9:31 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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 k...@outlook.com __ 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 r...@elecraft.com __ 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 k9...@live.com __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
While a couple dB may be hard to detect in a single QSO, averaged over many QSO's I think it makes a difference. In the course of, say a contest weekend, that small difference means that, on the average, you will get through just a little more often and quickly, and you'll get a few more replies to your CQ's. It adds up, even if it's hard to measure. 73, Scott K9MA -- Scott K9MA k...@sdellington.us __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
Being able to clearly "hear the difference" might be a good criterion if you are focused on the individual contact. If you are in a contest, making hundreds of contacts, 1 dB makes a meaningful difference even if you cannot hear the difference on any of the contacts. -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 3:01 PM To: 'Richard Thorne' <rtho...@rthorne.net>; 'Elecraft Reflector' <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? 2 dB might make a difference if you are only interested in having your call sign dug out of the noise for a contest or DXCC contact. Way back the early books from the 1930's that I read and the OT commercial operators from that era I knew said that under typical conditions found on the air, 6 dB was about the minimum change to hear a real difference in the signal while exchanging messages or other extended information. Those stations would not try a direct contact if the signals were "in the mud" opting instead for trying again at different time or getting a relay. In commercial operations we did not use the Ham RST system, but rather QSA 1 through 5. 1 was a barely detected signal in the mud. 5 was a loud signal with perfect copy. I confess to doing about the same with Ham signals, choosing between at most five levels by ear for my report without reference to an S-meter. Personally, I've never gotten very excited about anything less than a 10 dB improvement, but the only DX I work are those calling me - usually for a rag chew - and I don't contest. And, for me, Ken's observation is quite right. If I get the bug to drop my Inverted L, rub some RF grease on the wire, neaten things up in general and restring it, I do think I am getting out better and stations seem to come back more quickly. Expectations are everything! 73, Ron AC7AC __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
In some cases a dB or so CAN make a difference. Otherwise, why bother to put a ½dB noise figure GaAsFET pre-amp at the antenna just to overcome 2dB of feedline loss? At the other extreme, if you are being received at 20dB over S-9 running a kilowatt, you'll still be S-5 at 100 milliwatts. 73, Charlie k3ICH -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 6:01 PM To: 'Richard Thorne' <rtho...@rthorne.net>; 'Elecraft Reflector' <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? 2 dB might make a difference if you are only interested in having your call sign dug out of the noise for a contest or DXCC contact. Way back the early books from the 1930's that I read and the OT commercial operators from that era I knew said that under typical conditions found on the air, 6 dB was about the minimum change to hear a real difference in the signal while exchanging messages or other extended information. Those stations would not try a direct contact if the signals were "in the mud" opting instead for trying again at different time or getting a relay. In commercial operations we did not use the Ham RST system, but rather QSA 1 through 5. 1 was a barely detected signal in the mud. 5 was a loud signal with perfect copy. I confess to doing about the same with Ham signals, choosing between at most five levels by ear for my report without reference to an S-meter. Personally, I've never gotten very excited about anything less than a 10 dB improvement, but the only DX I work are those calling me - usually for a rag chew - and I don't contest. And, for me, Ken's observation is quite right. If I get the bug to drop my Inverted L, rub some RF grease on the wire, neaten things up in general and restring it, I do think I am getting out better and stations seem to come back more quickly. Expectations are everything! 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ken K6MR Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 2:27 PM To: Richard Thorne; Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I'm running my two KPAs combined. Is there a difference? That's one of those questions that is tough to answer. I worked lots of people with 500W. I work lots of people with 1000+ W. I don't chase DXCC but things seem to work better on 160. I do feel louder. I think it was N6TR that said (probably mis-quoted here) "If you feel loud you are loud". Ken K6MR From: Elecraft <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Richard Thorne <rtho...@rthorne.net> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 9:31 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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 k...@outlook.com __ 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 r...@elecraft.com __ 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 pin...@erols.com __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
2 dB might make a difference if you are only interested in having your call sign dug out of the noise for a contest or DXCC contact. Way back the early books from the 1930's that I read and the OT commercial operators from that era I knew said that under typical conditions found on the air, 6 dB was about the minimum change to hear a real difference in the signal while exchanging messages or other extended information. Those stations would not try a direct contact if the signals were "in the mud" opting instead for trying again at different time or getting a relay. In commercial operations we did not use the Ham RST system, but rather QSA 1 through 5. 1 was a barely detected signal in the mud. 5 was a loud signal with perfect copy. I confess to doing about the same with Ham signals, choosing between at most five levels by ear for my report without reference to an S-meter. Personally, I've never gotten very excited about anything less than a 10 dB improvement, but the only DX I work are those calling me - usually for a rag chew - and I don't contest. And, for me, Ken's observation is quite right. If I get the bug to drop my Inverted L, rub some RF grease on the wire, neaten things up in general and restring it, I do think I am getting out better and stations seem to come back more quickly. Expectations are everything! 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ken K6MR Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 2:27 PM To: Richard Thorne; Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I'm running my two KPAs combined. Is there a difference? That's one of those questions that is tough to answer. I worked lots of people with 500W. I work lots of people with 1000+ W. I don't chase DXCC but things seem to work better on 160. I do feel louder. I think it was N6TR that said (probably mis-quoted here) "If you feel loud you are loud". Ken K6MR From: Elecraft <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Richard Thorne <rtho...@rthorne.net> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 9:31 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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 k...@outlook.com __ 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 r...@elecraft.com __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
I use W6PQLs combiner/splitter pair for the RF paths. I use an Arduino to handle switching the band data from the two K3s, along with the keyline. I switch the pair between the radios using the Tx Focus line from a u2R as control, which drives 4 TopTen A/B switches to switch the combo between the radios. I also modified the KPAs to increase their gain a bit. NX1P has a good writeup about removing the pad in the amp and modifying the power sense circuit. The KPAs will work without modification, but I ran out of drive on the higher bands. Now getting 1000+ out on all bands is easy. So far no problems. I use my logging program and the MicroHam router program to insert some delay between activation and RF application. So far it's been pretty bullet proof. Ken K6MR From: Bud Semon <bse...@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 2:32:07 PM To: Ken K6MR Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? Hi Ken, How do you combine the 2 amps? I think that was KK9A's question also, so if you answered on the reflector, it would probably be appreciated. Thanks and 73, Bud N7CW On Thu, Mar 30, 2017 at 2:26 PM, Ken K6MR <k...@outlook.com<mailto:k...@outlook.com>> wrote: I'm running my two KPAs combined. Is there a difference? That's one of those questions that is tough to answer. I worked lots of people with 500W. I work lots of people with 1000+ W. I don't chase DXCC but things seem to work better on 160. I do feel louder. I think it was N6TR that said (probably mis-quoted here) "If you feel loud you are loud". Ken K6MR From: Elecraft <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net>> on behalf of Richard Thorne <rtho...@rthorne.net<mailto:rtho...@rthorne.net>> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 9:31 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net<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 k...@outlook.com<mailto:k...@outlook.com> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net<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 bse...@gmail.com<mailto:bse...@gmail.com> __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
I'm running my two KPAs combined. Is there a difference? That's one of those questions that is tough to answer. I worked lots of people with 500W. I work lots of people with 1000+ W. I don't chase DXCC but things seem to work better on 160. I do feel louder. I think it was N6TR that said (probably mis-quoted here) "If you feel loud you are loud". Ken K6MR From: Elecraft <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Richard Thorne <rtho...@rthorne.net> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 9:31 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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 k...@outlook.com __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
Frankly going to the higher power is really a engineering what if and looking at the new higher power devices rather than doubling up the 500. IMHO Mel, K6KBE From: "j...@kk9a.com" <j...@kk9a.com> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 12:13 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? There are various circumstances and 1.76dB may or may not be important. Much depends on your interests and goals. I am curious how you combined two KPA500's. The commercial combiners that I have seen are extremely expensive and are not set up for the KPA500 automatic band switching. Perhaps an Elecraft KPA combiner would would be a good option? John KK9A from: Richard Thorne rthorne at rthorne.net Thu Mar 30 12:31:48 EDT 2017 I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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 farrerfo...@yahoo.com __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
Hi John, I don't combine my KPA-500's. I use them in an SO2R setup. Rich - N5ZC On 3/30/2017 1:53 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote: There are various circumstances and 1.76dB may or may not be important. Much depends on your interests and goals. I am curious how you combined two KPA500's. The commercial combiners that I have seen are extremely expensive and are not set up for the KPA500 automatic band switching. Perhaps an Elecraft KPA combiner would would be a good option? John KK9A from: Richard Thorne rthorne at rthorne.net Thu Mar 30 12:31:48 EDT 2017 I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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 rtho...@rthorne.net __ 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
[Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
There are various circumstances and 1.76dB may or may not be important. Much depends on your interests and goals. I am curious how you combined two KPA500's. The commercial combiners that I have seen are extremely expensive and are not set up for the KPA500 automatic band switching. Perhaps an Elecraft KPA combiner would would be a good option? John KK9A from: Richard Thorne rthorne at rthorne.net Thu Mar 30 12:31:48 EDT 2017 I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
While thinking a little longer, how about a KPA500X with a combiner added into it so one could add on over time to the 1KW power either with the original purchase of a plain 500 watt amp or the one ready for expansion? 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill Johnson Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 1:01 PM To: Richard Thorne <rtho...@rthorne.net>; Elecraft Reflector <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? Rich, I am for Elecraft making an effective combiner to use 2 KPA500's.I would then have flexibility to use either for one 1kw or 2 500watt radios. A 1500 watt radio will be very heavy and I just sold my ~60# THP 2.5kfx as I was barely able to move it on my own and I am not getting any younger :-) As you point out the slight gain to 1.5 KW isn't enough to warrant one that size to me. When I had the THP I rarely pushed it past 900-100 watts anyway and had little trouble working EU on 80. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Thorne Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 11:32 AM To: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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 k9...@live.com __ 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 k9...@live.com __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
Rich, I am for Elecraft making an effective combiner to use 2 KPA500's.I would then have flexibility to use either for one 1kw or 2 500watt radios. A 1500 watt radio will be very heavy and I just sold my ~60# THP 2.5kfx as I was barely able to move it on my own and I am not getting any younger :-) As you point out the slight gain to 1.5 KW isn't enough to warrant one that size to me. When I had the THP I rarely pushed it past 900-100 watts anyway and had little trouble working EU on 80. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Thorne Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 11:32 AM To: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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 k9...@live.com __ 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
[Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts?
I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC __ 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
