[Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
I'm almost finshed building my basic K2 kit and I'm looking at the purchase of the power amplifier kit. I keep hearing rumors of a new amplifier/tuner kit. I would be disappointed if just after purchasing the amp, elecraft came out with a better amplifier. Does anyone know what the scoop really is? ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
The KPA is integrated, the new amps are outboard. My understanding is that you'll need the KPA in any case to drive the new amps to full output. It's not really a question of better, they serve different purposes .. de john/w1rt On 2/14/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm almost finshed building my basic K2 kit and I'm looking at the purchase of the power amplifier kit. I keep hearing rumors of a new amplifier/tuner kit. I would be disappointed if just after purchasing the amp, elecraft came out with a better amplifier. Does anyone know what the scoop really is? ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm almost finshed building my basic K2 kit and I'm looking at the purchase of the power amplifier kit. I keep hearing rumors of a new amplifier/tuner kit. I would be disappointed if just after purchasing the amp, elecraft came out with a better amplifier. Does anyone know what the scoop really is? I know a few facts about it which I will relate, since Elecraft isn't (aren't) talking. None of this is official, since I don't work for Elecraft and things may have changed since I saw the prototype last April. If so, they'll correct me! One thing I do *not* know is when it will be ready, although I'm convinced that it will be produced. The initial version of the amplifier, the KPA800 will be rated at 800 watts SSB and capable of 1000 watts CW (the SSB limitation ia due to IMD). At some point in the future there will be a KPA1500 capable of full legal power. The KPA800 has a built-in power supply; the KPA1500 will have an external box. The prototype used 60-volt FET devices made by Advanced Power Technology. The KPA800 prototype weighed about 36 lbs (16.3 kg). The amplifiers are designed to be driven by a 100-watt class transceiver such as (but not only) the K2/100. The amplifiers can accept band data from a K2, or from Kenwood, Icom, or Yaesu radios, as well as detecting frequency directly from the RF input. There is a built-in antenna tuner. The prototype covered 160-6 meters; at the time, Elecraft had not decided whether the final version would cover 6 -- if they can do it and meet specs then it will. The price that was discussed at the time was somewhere between $2500-$3000 for the KPA800. The KPA1500 of course will be somewhat more. Although this seems like a lot, keep in mind that it's a fully automatic amplifier, including power supply and automatic antenna tuner. Consider that the competition for the KPA1500 is the likes of the Alpha 87A ($7K and no built-in antenna tuner). -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
At 08:05 AM 2/14/2006, Vic K2VCO wrote: The price that was discussed at the time was somewhere between $2500-$3000 for the KPA800. The KPA1500 of course will be somewhat more. Although this seems like a lot, keep in mind that it's a fully automatic amplifier, including power supply and automatic antenna tuner. Consider that the competition for the KPA1500 is the likes of the Alpha 87A ($7K and no built-in antenna tuner). An additional point is that the KPA800/1500 are SO2R-capable right out of the box - It has two sets of inputs (RF, PTT, band), and (at least) two RF outputs, so you can run an SO2R station with only one amp. At least, the prototype I saw had this capability. - jeff wk6i ps: I think the Alpha does have an antenna tuner...? -- Jeff Stai [EMAIL PROTECTED] Twisted Oak Winery http://www.twistedoak.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
Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
On 2/14/06 11:46 AM, Jeff Stai [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ps: I think the Alpha does have an antenna tuner...? Hi Jeff, The 87A doesn't have a built-in antenna tuner. The output network can comfortably match about a 2.5:1 VSWR range as I recall from the one I had back in the early 1990s, but I had to use an external tuner to use the Alpha with my wire antennas. Gus Hansen, KB0YH ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
What's SO2R? Don't think we have that here. Nigel A. Gunn. 59 Beadlemead, Milton Keynes, MK6 4HF, England. Tel +44 (0)1908 604004 mobile +44 (0)7765 471661 e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] www http://www.ngunn.net Amateur radio stations G8IFF, KC8NHF Member of AMSAT-UK #182, ARRL, GQRP Club, QRPARCI, SOC #548, RAYNET Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA LM-1691, MKARS ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
Jeff Stai wrote: ps: I think the Alpha does have an antenna tuner...? No, it has an automatically tuned pi-l network in the output which can handle load SWR up to 1.5:1 without any special tricks, or which can be manually programmed for antennas with SWR up to 2:1. But it's basically the same type of output network found in most tube amplifiers, which has a certain amount of flexibility. I expect that Elecraft's tuner will handle a wider range of impedances (although I can't say for sure). -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
Yes, the 87A has an auto tuner. I forget the two buttons to push that has one of the LED's continuously flash to indicate it is in auto-tune mode. When in this mode it continuously tunes for low swr. This is nice when changing multiple antennas on the same band. I will remember what buttons to push when I get out of the snowy northeast next week and operate the 87A from WP2Z. By the way I plan on taking down my K2. Was given a real nice metal case with foam liner. It should work great for carrying on the K2. N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Augie (Gus) Hansen Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 2:03 PM To: Jeff Stai; Elecraft Reflector Subject:Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier? On 2/14/06 11:46 AM, Jeff Stai [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ps: I think the Alpha does have an antenna tuner...? Hi Jeff, The 87A doesn't have a built-in antenna tuner. The output network can comfortably match about a 2.5:1 VSWR range as I recall from the one I had back in the early 1990s, but I had to use an external tuner to use the Alpha with my wire antennas. Gus Hansen, KB0YH ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
N2TK, Tony wrote: Yes, the 87A has an auto tuner. From page 7 of the manual: On any frequency where your antenna VSWR exceeds 1.5:1, it’s important to manually program the ALPHA 87A for a proper match. See manual sections 7.2-7.4. Efficiency, linearity, and output often can be improved even when VSWR is less than 1.5:1. The 87A does not contain an antenna tuner. The SWR will need to be tuned via the antenna or an external tuner connected to the output of the Alpha 87A. http://www.alpharadioproducts.com/87A_manu.pdf Yes, there is a mode that you can use to adjust the 87A for an antenna that isn't perfectly matched, just like you can with any manually tuned tube amplifier. No it does *not* have a built-in tuner! -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier?
Hi Vic, Poor choice3 of words on my part. I guess a better choice of words would be that the 87A automatically adjusts for minimum swr for changes in swr within a certain range. I know it works over the swr range on 40m from band edge to band edge using a 402cd. I don't manually program the 87a. I leave the amp find the best tuning. This way it is one less thing I need to worry about during a contest. Don't know if this is the best way, but it seems to work fine. Maybe this is called the lazy man's setup? I use an Acom 2000A at home. The amp is in the basement. The remote control head is in the shack. Very quiet this way - hi. Looking forward to the Elecraft 1500W amp. My wish list is: - 6-160M - select a mode for continuous auto-tune like the 87a - remote control head so I don't need the amp in the shack - QSK switch-over times comparable to Acom and Alpha. - Lots of metering info like the 2000a. 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Vic K2VCO [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 5:32 PM To: N2TK, Tony Cc: 'Augie (Gus) Hansen'; 'Jeff Stai'; 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject:Re: [Elecraft] What's with the new amplifier? N2TK, Tony wrote: Yes, the 87A has an auto tuner. From page 7 of the manual: On any frequency where your antenna VSWR exceeds 1.5:1, it's important to manually program the ALPHA 87A for a proper match. See manual sections 7.2-7.4. Efficiency, linearity, and output often can be improved even when VSWR is less than 1.5:1. The 87A does not contain an antenna tuner. The SWR will need to be tuned via the antenna or an external tuner connected to the output of the Alpha 87A. http://www.alpharadioproducts.com/87A_manu.pdf Yes, there is a mode that you can use to adjust the 87A for an antenna that isn't perfectly matched, just like you can with any manually tuned tube amplifier. No it does *not* have a built-in tuner! -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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
