Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp
I have been happy with my SPE 1.3. Most important to me was the ability to use my 10W K3s or my KX3 to get full output if desired (I never felt the need use it at 1.3KW on air). I usually run it at 500-1000W output happily. The multiple antenna/radio ports are a plus. It is definitely noisier than my KPA-500 though and seems more sensitive to SWR. 73, Joe, W8JH - 73, Joe, W8JH K3 1713, KPA 132, KX3 7498 -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.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] SS Amp
Me, too. Long live the KPA500 ;) John K7FD -From: "Raymond Sills" To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Cc: Sent: Thursday January 17 2019 5:38:58AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp HI Gang: I'm glad that this is not an issue for me. Very happy to be a QRP guy. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://www.qsl.net [1] Please help support this email list: Links: -- [1] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft /> Help: 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] SS Amp
HI Gang: I'm glad that this is not an issue for me. Very happy to be a QRP guy. 73 de Ray K2ULR KX3 #211 __ 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] SS Amp
Hi, just FYI... the articles "Looking for clean SS HF PA w/QSK" in 6 parts on my blog here: http://ok1rp.blogspot.com/2018/11/looking-for-clean-ss-hf-pa-wqsk-part-6.html Talked about: SPE EXPERT 1.3K-FA ACOM 1200S JUMA PA1000 LINEAR Amp Gemini HF-1K Azden AZR-1000 Elecraft KPA1500 Burst-2000A - 73 - Petr, OK1RP "Apple & Elecraft freak" B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com G+:http://goo.gl/w3u2s9 G+: http://goo.gl/gP99xq -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.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] SS Amp
Hi, just FYI... the articles "Looking for clean SS HF PA w/QSK" in 6 parts on my blog here: http://ok1rp.blogspot.com/2018/11/looking-for-clean-ss-hf-pa-wqsk-part-6.html Talked about: SPE EXPERT 1.3K-FA ACOM 1200S JUMA PA1000 LINEAR Amp Gemini HF-1K Azden AZR-1000 Elecraft KPA1500 Burst-2000A - 73 - Petr, OK1RP "Apple & Elecraft freak" B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com G+:http://goo.gl/w3u2s9 G+: http://goo.gl/gP99xq -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.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] SS Amp
Folks, This is an interesting discussion because it's clearly a comparison that potential buyers will do - as I did. In the end, I opted for the Elecraft KPA1500 because I wanted the cleanest solid state base station amplifier I could reasonably buy. I wasn't impressed with the SPE IMD results (at least at the time I was looking) but, that said, I was (and am) at a loss to actually find any published KPA1500 distortion specs. In fact, I find it a curious omission in the Elecraft brochure or manual. If I'm missing a reference somewhere, I'd appreciate a pointer to the specs. As Darrell mentioned, the more flexible switching of the SPE amplifiers is a definite plus and quite seductive. Since obtaining my KPA1500 I've been pleased with it and have done my own IMD measurements using the best exciter I can round up, namely my 50-year old Collins 32S-3. I'm generally pleased with my choice of amplifier but look forward to using it with a predistortion system (e.g. PureSignal) once that spreads beyond the ANAN camp. With any luck, I might even end up with a system that improves on the 50-year old 32S-3/30L-1 combination 😊 73, Peter (VK6HP) -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of AB2E Darrell Sent: Thursday, 17 January 2019 1:43 PM To: Dave ; Dave Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp Greetings all, Depends on your use, if you plan to travel and operate on an island etc, then hands down the SPE 1.5K or 1.3k. Looks like most on the list are more concerned for a home amp, and kpa1500 is obviously a great choice too. I just received my SPE 1.5K a couple weeks ago, and prior to that had the 1.3 for 3 yrs. For travel the spe means several less boxes to take...virtually self-contained with the 4 autoselect antenna ports, legal limit ATU, and 2 rig inputs, and autoselect power supply ( will detect 120v or 240v like a laptop does). I have an Acom 2000a also in service at home. All of these amps work great with my k3, like someone else mentioned dont forget to go to each band and lower power if you have low drive 1.3spe (the 1.5k takes regular drive (25 to 30w on mine). 73 Darrell AB2E From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net on behalf of Dave Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 9:23:44 PM To: Dave Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp - The KPA1500 has two LDMOS devices vs one in the SPE. - The 1500 has better IMD specs and better duty cycle than the SPE. - The KPA1500 has a separate power supply that can be located under the desk. - KPA1500 has Ethernet remote capability. Dave wo2x Sent from my iPad > On Jan 16, 2019, at 9:06 PM, Dave wrote: > > I’m trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it but > the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the SPE > 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs for two > radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built into the > same box. I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft but any > constructive or informative comments would be appreciated. > > Tnx es 73, > Dave N8AG > > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: > http://secure-web.cisco.com/1miWBX8giC8WHhIDvoDidxjp3mLDPtdS-75HypjV_g > N3voWdJg70Z7OUXuMxkyzDIktnyY--DA0vZ8yBlIVjewrCy3leqckgfjAtJuj5sex_RtGU > 29xMiK4TNroa-HfByvYuAhTomP7Uy4FxYjgVdxQx7QF7dH9laIAcffvSNKxQ65Jt8gFKJn > m9huc_ySLdO41PQZOK-Aew1RTEouQPbFQuQWTfVkqpzMerMpSkAgRq6ABlVAmTSFYRB8Ye > c733tGQYk8-CMaYh9GZLiQX-JIkD284uIpnQX0Hi_pe-Mv8cB2LD4mPvbmqFOgseITFOTx > ZRrCpxx6KB2ViBb_Ji4Nx2GXIGhY69t8OEAWegLbkT73XUKSeO_l33vbZA8iVr7mGCUDIx > kt-uZxPKqDjy0c7WslOdTJ15BSmGc-Ekw_FhorLSCPc6FX6OIeAXk5BE26TYym13huKsV2 > 7WPgvb0yOUMFwY-XRSUKSqCyR7PQsc/http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.qth.net%2Fmailman% > 2Flistinfo%2Felecraft > Help: > http://secure-web.cisco.com/1WCe8BhCrY8_IQkPP4k2RmeMSKiAMxmg2zJaVRGfvW > K5Sy6z5w6nL3-kgge4wmXTJ8Fn0TuNz5KIZPmaIb2keS5axRlHbCw7DDcFaz_drxk2e2wS > TSUeXcB015kbHzk2K9VJKD0IfBc2HfXLgLD_d0eYqrcVsVqweCXhm0IqqvveQK8GE0VVC8 > 2XeE0jiecXnT0ZIFjYyzyp9tx-taDTPuxKTjybeJsvcFdIM2EZFsHFffF4Ncui99mxVHCY > aNvRBso_PaT32HB26-7shr0Ms1elMxGS_StHXHdhs65Wzp3jHF8SCbzyop-fFsKbM9pKOQ > QnkhauJR-CCw9IsEax6n7guYZAZlOX-AkQtPGsNZL3Mn0wbzwPDFWeE9aGOOF8NEQn932_ > zlCUfcJdu8zP_W7jrn40o7kwcomc2Z0R5b10h1Uygr-1XN-euCSwDtSVpXJq2b4bbF39Ou > v-Ng9ZIgbBf8OW84Z3xAcLWrYUp4bc/http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.qth.net%2Fmmfaq.ht > m > 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 > rocke...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Hom
Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp
Greetings all, Depends on your use, if you plan to travel and operate on an island etc, then hands down the SPE 1.5K or 1.3k. Looks like most on the list are more concerned for a home amp, and kpa1500 is obviously a great choice too. I just received my SPE 1.5K a couple weeks ago, and prior to that had the 1.3 for 3 yrs. For travel the spe means several less boxes to take...virtually self-contained with the 4 autoselect antenna ports, legal limit ATU, and 2 rig inputs, and autoselect power supply ( will detect 120v or 240v like a laptop does). I have an Acom 2000a also in service at home. All of these amps work great with my k3, like someone else mentioned dont forget to go to each band and lower power if you have low drive 1.3spe (the 1.5k takes regular drive (25 to 30w on mine). 73 Darrell AB2E From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net on behalf of Dave Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 9:23:44 PM To: Dave Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp - The KPA1500 has two LDMOS devices vs one in the SPE. - The 1500 has better IMD specs and better duty cycle than the SPE. - The KPA1500 has a separate power supply that can be located under the desk. - KPA1500 has Ethernet remote capability. Dave wo2x Sent from my iPad > On Jan 16, 2019, at 9:06 PM, Dave wrote: > > I’m trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it but > the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the SPE > 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs for two > radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built into the > same box. I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft but any > constructive or informative comments would be appreciated. > > Tnx es 73, > Dave N8AG > > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > __ > 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 rocke...@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 a...@hotmail.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] SS Amp
Hi Dave I had an SPE 1.5KFA for a few months. I have also owned a KPA500 for around 4 or 5 years. Despite the publicity blurb that says the SPE QSK is silent, it isn't. The relay is quite noisy - at least if you are used to the totally silent KPA500. It is also difficult to control power wise. I wanted to run it at around 400 watts and for that you only need about 8 or 9 watts of drive so it is difficult to control accurately. I also found an unexpected quirk whereby using the amplifier affected my transformer (not switch mode) in my Alinco 30A 12V power supply. In sympathy with the keying, the transformer in the PSU kept making a groaning noise that I have never had before. I have surmised that as the SPE has power factor correction circuitry, that is somehow interacting with the transformer. I didn't get the same effect with various switch mode power supplies. At the end of the day, I decided that the SPE was not for me and I sold it. I much prefer the KPA500. If you don't want the KPA1500 there is a very nice looking solid state amp made in the UK by Linear Amp, the Gemini HF 1K. It has some really good reviews on eHam and it appears to have silent QSK. 73 Barry VK2BJ On Thu, 17 Jan 2019 at 13:06, Dave wrote: > I’m trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it > but the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the > SPE 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs > for two radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built > into the same box. I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft > but any constructive or informative comments would be appreciated. > > Tnx es 73, > Dave N8AG > > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > __ > 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 vk...@optusnet.com.au __ 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] SS Amp
On 2019-01-16 9:39 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote: I do not recall reading what transistor(s) it uses or know how loud it is or what the IMD is. The SPE 1.5 uses a single LDMOS device. While it can produce 1500W with sufficient drive, it starts to compress well before the 1000 W level. SPE's own test data supplied to the FCC showed very poor IMD characteristics - what one would call a distortion generator - at "full" power. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2019-01-16 9:39 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote: The one piece 10kg lightweight design and a multi-voltage power supply make the SPE 1.5k-fa very nice for travel. I do not recall reading what transistor(s) it uses or know how loud it is or what the IMD is. The Elecraft KPA-1500 is pretty heavy-duty and of course well supported in the U.S. John KK9A Dave n8ag at comcast.net I'm trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it but the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the SPE 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs for two radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built into the same box. I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft but any constructive or informative comments would be appreciated. Tnx es 73, Dave N8AG Sent from Mail for Windows 10 __ 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] SS Amp
I have the 1.5K-FA. I like it. I am not heavily into contesting and I'm not a competitive DXer. Yes, it's less expensive than the KPA1500. It also doesn't integrate as well with the K3. It doesn't control the K3's output power when switching between standby and operate. One needs to remember to do that, especially when switching into operate mode on the amp - massive overdrive isn't pretty and could damage the amplifier. It doesn't remote as well as the KPA1500, either. It comes with a software control panel that runs on Windows. I use VNC to control the amp when operating remote. Art WA2LLN On January 16, 2019 21:09:45 Dave wrote: I’m trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it but the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the SPE 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs for two radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built into the same box. I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft but any constructive or informative comments would be appreciated. Tnx es 73, Dave N8AG Sent from Mail for Windows 10 __ 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 a...@artg.tv __ 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] SS Amp
Well you have an Italian amp with one man US support. That one man appears to be at least in his 80s. In my world (broadcast) many of us avoid Italian products. YMMV and you get what you pay for. Sent from my iPad > On Jan 16, 2019, at 9:06 PM, Dave wrote: > > I’m trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it but > the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the SPE > 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs for two > radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built into the > same box. I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft but any > constructive or informative comments would be appreciated. > > Tnx es 73, > Dave N8AG > > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > __ > 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 w...@w2xj.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
Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp
- The KPA1500 has two LDMOS devices vs one in the SPE. - The 1500 has better IMD specs and better duty cycle than the SPE. - The KPA1500 has a separate power supply that can be located under the desk. - KPA1500 has Ethernet remote capability. Dave wo2x Sent from my iPad > On Jan 16, 2019, at 9:06 PM, Dave wrote: > > I’m trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it but > the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the SPE > 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs for two > radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built into the > same box. I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft but any > constructive or informative comments would be appreciated. > > Tnx es 73, > Dave N8AG > > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > __ > 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 rocke...@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] SS Amp
What about https://rf-kit.de/en/ I’ve used mine for about a year now. Mike va3mw Sent from my iPad > On Jan 16, 2019, at 9:06 PM, Dave wrote: > > I’m trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it but > the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the SPE > 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs for two > radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built into the > same box. I know the response from this list will be pro Elecraft but any > constructive or informative comments would be appreciated. > > Tnx es 73, > Dave N8AG > > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > __ > 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 va...@portcredit.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
