[Elecraft] Need help to determine most effective K3 vs KPA500 output

I have a K3-100 with KAT3 and a KPA500 w/o a tuner. I use an all-band Mystery (similar to a G5RV?) wire antenna. Because of the KAT3, the K3 sees a 1:1 antenna match which is good. However, I would like to operate up to 200 watts out (low power) for the California QSO party. The KPA500 tolerates

Re: [Elecraft] Need help to determine most effective K3 vs KPA500 output

Fred, That is a 'trick' question - right? If not, read on - your loss in dB does not change. There will be no difference in your feedline loss - the KAT3 does not change the loss on your feedline, it just makes the K3 happier. Now if you were tuning that antenna at its feedpoint rather than

Re: [Elecraft] Need help to determine most effective K3 vs KPA500 output

Thanks Don. No, it's not a trick question, just tricky for me! And yes, the feedline is ladderline. So the bottom line is that the 200 watts w/o a tuner is slightly better than 100 watts w/tuner using the same feedline and antenna. Every little bit helps. I live in an area where CCR antenna

Re: [Elecraft] Need help to determine most effective K3 vs KPA500 output

SnipFred, How does KPA 500 feed ladder line without tuner? End snip Hi Mike, I run coax from inside to the eve of the roof where I attach a 4:1 balun. From there it's 300 ohm ladder line. Works FB. 73, Fred, AE6IC __ Elecraft mailing