Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-12 Thread Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS
Hi Jim, thanks for your KPA500 issue update and returning the thread to its original point there. Let us know the results once you gets there. Ahoj, Petr - 73 - Petr, OK1RP "Apple & Elecraft freak" B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt -- S

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-11 Thread Conrad PA5Y
craft-boun...@mailman.qth.net on behalf of K9MA Sent: 11 February 2020 17:11 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure That's very high efficiency for a solid-state amplifier. Are they operating in class C? Are there any IMD specs at those output levels?

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-11 Thread K9MA
That's very high efficiency for a solid-state amplifier. Are they operating in class C? Are there any IMD specs at those output levels? 73, Scott K9MA On 2/11/2020 03:18, Edward R Cole wrote: I checked the operating specs on two of my QRO amps.  Not a KPA500. 2m-1500w PA using a MRF1K50 in

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-11 Thread Edward R Cole
I checked the operating specs on two of my QRO amps. Not a KPA500. 2m-1500w PA using a MRF1K50 in class AB: 945w 1398w dc 67% eff 453w disp 1511w 1888w dc 80% eff 377w disp 2m-1200w PA using a MRFE6VP61K25H in class AB: 566w 1200w dc 47% eff 634w disp 1133w 1542w dc 73% eff 409w disp les

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread KK1W
UPDATE: Jack/W6FB contacted me directly shortly after posting. I sent him my fault log to analyze and a detailed description of my equipment setup. Best guess is a cable or antenna failure causing high SWR sometime in the recent past that stressed the finals. They gave up the ghost when I was runn

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Bob McGraw K4TAX
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX Sent: Monday 10 February 2020 18:47 To: Andy Durbin Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure Unless one is concerned about power consumption, the efficiency factor should be really of no concern.

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Doug Turnbull
Sent: Monday 10 February 2020 18:47 To: Andy Durbin Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure Unless one is concerned about power consumption, the efficiency factor should be really of no concern. Total heat output will always be greater at maximum output and

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread hawley, charles j jr
Yes, I was wondering why this was so interesting. Chuck Jack Hawley KE9UW Sent from my iPhone, cjack > On Feb 10, 2020, at 12:47 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > > Unless one is concerned about power consumption, the efficiency factor should > be really of no concern. Total heat output will

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Bob McGraw K4TAX
Unless one is concerned about power consumption, the efficiency factor should be really of no concern. Total heat output will always be greater at maximum output and less at lower power. Nice for warming the shack on a Winter day. Bob, K4TAX Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 10, 2020, at 12:

[Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Andy Durbin
"This is probably what folks are thinking of when they assume maximum dissipation occurs at less than full output." A possible source of error in my data is that the dummy load is cool at the start of the power ramp and hot by the time peak power is reached. I recorded LP-100A data during ea

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread turnbull
: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure "I understand that efficiency decreases as one derates from the maximum of 1500W output.It surprises me that the power dissipated would peak at half power output or 750 Watts." I have no test data for the KPA1500 and will not speculate on the sh

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread turnbull
to 600W for RTTY.        73 Doug EI2CNSent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Original message From: K9MA Date: 10/02/2020 16:29 (GMT+00:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure Several others have posted test data for the KPA500 here

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Andy Durbin
"I understand that efficiency decreases as one derates from the maximum of 1500W output.It surprises me that the power dissipated would peak at half power output or 750 Watts." I have no test data for the KPA1500 and will not speculate on the shape of the PA dissipation curves. All I have is d

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread K9MA
this but maybe some guidance from Elecraft itself would be helpful for both KPA 500 and 1500. 73 Doug EI2CN From: Andy Durbin Sent: Monday 10 February 2020 14:04 To: Doug Turnbull ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Bob McGraw K4TAX
from Elecraft itself would be > helpful for both KPA 500 and 1500. > > 73 Doug EI2CN > > > > From: Andy Durbin > Sent: Monday 10 February 2020 14:04 > To: Doug Turnbull ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Doug Turnbull
To: Doug Turnbull ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure Doug, "I would like to know if running 2/3, 1/2 or even 1/4 maximum power output increases reliability and MTBF." I have no experience of amplifier design but I would expect reliability of

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Andy Durbin
Doug, "I would like to know if running 2/3, 1/2 or even 1/4 maximum power output increases reliability and MTBF." I have no experience of amplifier design but I would expect reliability of the finals to depend on temperature. Finals temperature will depend on the power dissipated in the fina

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-10 Thread Doug Turnbull
Sent: Monday 10 February 2020 01:45 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure "I am seeing a lot of confusion and erroneous conclusions based on the terms 'efficiency', 'dissipation' coupled with 'power output'." Yes, very tru

[Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-09 Thread Andy Durbin
"I am seeing a lot of confusion and erroneous conclusions based on the terms 'efficiency', 'dissipation' coupled with 'power output'." Yes, very true. Only a few have actually contributed test data. All the rest is assumption and speculation. Andy, k3wyc __

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-07 Thread Don Wilhelm
John, You are correct. I am seeing a lot of confusion and erroneous conclusions based on the terms 'efficiency', 'dissipation' coupled with 'power output'. As an example, consider that a PA running at 50% efficient at 500 watts will dissipate 500 watts of heat and 500 watts of power out. Inp

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-07 Thread Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS
Jim, maybe it is not your case but check this first: http://ok1rp.blogspot.com/2017/02/elecraft-kpa500-lpf-tr-switch-rework.html?_sm_au_=iQWn28RMHPpHWSZ6cLpsvK618Vf61 - 73 - Petr, OK1RP "Apple & Elecraft freak" B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx MeWe: https://bit.ly

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-07 Thread john
There may be reasons for running at less than the amplifier max such as the US 200 watt 30m band limitation. I have no RF engineering knowledge but after looking at your data I see less heat with lower output wattage which seems to me like it would be less stress on finals. John KK9A Bob

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Macy monkeys
I run my KPA500 output just below the level I feel I can get away with...without lighting up the neighborhood. About 350 watts :) John K7FD > On Feb 6, 2020, at 2:06 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > > I've never seen much if any advantage in running a linear below its rated > output. I know the

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Andy Durbin
"Basically, based on Bob's measurements, the power dissipated is fairly independent of drive level. So, running at reduced power really isn't stressing anything any more that full output." I have done quite extensive testing of my KPA500 and provided links to my results. My KPA500 PA dissipati

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread K9MA
Basically, based on Bob's measurements, the power dissipated is fairly independent of drive level. So, running at reduced power really isn't stressing anything any more that full output. (Unlike an "ideal" class B amplifier.) 73, Scott K9MA On 2/6/2020 16:06, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: I've ne

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Hisashi T Fujinaka
The advantage I have is that it doesn't set off my fire alarm. On Thu, 6 Feb 2020, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: I've never seen much if any advantage in running a linear below its rated output. I know the regulation state never run more power than needed for adequate communications or terms like t

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Joe K2UF
When I blew the final on my KPA500 Elecraft diagnosed the problem. I had to make a few meter readings and they figured out the problem. They gave me the option of removing the transformer for shipping (most of the amp weight). They gave me instructions to remove and reassemble when it returned.

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Andy Durbin
As a follow up to my previous message I measured PA voltage and current for OPER mode not keyed and OPER mode keyed with no RF drive input. PAI not keyed .0, keyed .2 PAV not keyed 80.9, keyed 77.8 Hi reflected power fault can't happen with no drive so won't influence the results. Andy

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Bob McGraw K4TAX
I've never seen much if any advantage in running a linear below its rated output.  I know the regulation state never run more power than needed for adequate communications or terms like that.    The difference between 500 watts and 100 watts is 6.9 dB or about 1 S unit. In fact, most all of th

[Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Andy Durbin
"On key down (input of 15W) the asterisk briefly displays, then display changes to 18.1, back to HV display on key up." Are you saying the "HV" text in the display goes away or that it reads HV 18.1? Normally the HV display continues to read the PA supply voltage regardless of whether the amp

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Jim McDonald
Elecraft self-insures on outbound shipments (i.e., shipments from Elecraft to customer). That means they accept the responsibility of carrier loss or damage because their history of loss/damage has been low. The fact that they self-insure doesn't cover shipments to them unless the company is payi

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Rick Bates, NK7I
They self-insure OUTbound from Elecraft; it falls on the shipper to insure, not the recipient. I had to send in the RF deck (only) of the KPA1500 for factory upgrades and I asked for Elecraft to cover shipping.  I waited a few days. An hour after I got back from shipping it UPS from Idaho (th

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Hisashi T Fujinaka
I'm not sure who asked the question first, but check your email from Elecraft support about shipping. I was told Elecraft self-insures, so my shipping of my KPA1500 amp from Portland, OR to the mothership was around $20. On Thu, 6 Feb 2020, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote: While also not cheap in shippin

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Dave Cole
Hi Rick, I like your call sign! :) 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 2/6/20 1:07 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote: Since the SWR is still nominal into the amp (as shown on your r

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Rick Bates, NK7I
Since the SWR is still nominal into the amp (as shown on your radio), it's not likely the tuned input circuits (which is confirmed from no output on all bands). This points to the high power module.  Running low output power from it, is far less efficient than pushing it hard (compare wattages

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Michael Walker
Amps making noises like that usually mean you have to take the covers off. They are easy enough to repair if you are so inclined. If not, then you will need to contact Elecraft support and odds are you will have to send it home for a Spa day. Mike va3mw On Thu, Feb 6, 2020 at 3:35 PM Jim Brown

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Jim Brown
On 2/6/2020 12:15 PM, Jim Mullen wrote: Any pointers of where to start looking? 1) What SWR does the rig see with the amp off? 2) Make notes of any error messages given by the KPA500 display. 3) Call Elecraft Support 73, Jim K9YC __ E

[Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-06 Thread Jim Mullen
Was running about 150W on 18 MHz this afternoon. My KPA 500 made a loud pop. No more output. Any pointers of where to start looking? *Details:* KPA500 (use with KAT500 and Icom 7610) Antenna on this band is a SteppIR Amp has been running FB KPA Utility 1.13.7.16 240V supply A single loud pop was h

[Elecraft] QRO Possibilities

2016-07-31 Thread Joel Hallas
Interesting discussion about past and future higher power amplifiers. I recently sprung for a KPA500 and love everything about it. In fact my TT Centaur is available, if anyone is interested. I have considered higher power -- and it does make some sense for me -- I am antenna limited. Rather th

[Elecraft] [QRO] KXPA100-AT ~ Can antenna 2 be disabled?

2014-01-13 Thread mike
Is it possible to disable antenna 2? The warning "Be sure you have an antenna or dummy load connected to the active antenna port before transmitting" is a bit animus for my occasional fumble fingers. I guess I could just remember to hook up a 100w dummy load to antenna 2 when I set up, but it would

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-08 Thread Brian Alsop
Guys, On the other hand, there nothing wrong with trying to characterize the beastie you have as best you can. If for no other reason to see if something changes with time and how much. Also, how does my kit comparing to other kits which presumable have similar but not identical characteristi

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-07 Thread Don Wilhelm
Tony, All you say is true. and should be heeded by all hams. I have dummy loads that are known to be flat (within 5%) to 1 GHz, and I have several more that are flat to within 500 MHz. Others will display the same characteristics to 60 MHz. I know which ones are which, and I rely on them to

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-07 Thread Don Wilhelm
Guy and all, You are so correct. This is ham radio, and precision instrumentation for power output levels is not the norm - a 20% error potential should always be considered. Yes, I personally have power instrumentation that is calibrated to the 5 % level up to 30 MHz. That level of precision

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-07 Thread Tony Estep
> On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 3:23 PM, wrote: > >> >> Is your dummy load absolutely a flat 1.0:1 from 1.0MHz to 30MHz? Suppose that the SWR is 1.2. This means that 0.8% of the power is reflected (80 milliwatts reflected for 10 forward). If the SWR is 1.1, the reflected power is 0.2%. A

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-07 Thread Guy Olinger K2AV
Hmmm, Given that ham-affordable components are full of minor and harmless frequency dependent characteristics, INCLUDING the antennas and dummy loads used, is there really any good reason to EXPECT 1.8-30 power output uniformity beyond what is commonly measured? Quite contrary to amps which were

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-07 Thread n5ge
Is your dummy load absolutely a flat 1.0:1 from 1.0MHz to 30MHz? 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member "Only the white eyes would believe they could cut the top off a blanket, sew it to the bottom and have a longer blanket." -- American Indian comment abo

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-07 Thread Vic K2VCO
When the KPA100 (the K2's 100w amplifier stage) came out, some of us noted similar issues. The gain available from a transistor varies in the opposite direction to frequency, and the circuits include feedback mechanisms to try to balance it. The characteristics of real components have some ef

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-07 Thread Brian Alsop
Guys, I'm also curious about this-- especially what's going on on 15M. My values at 500 W out into a dummy load are: (amp), [volts], {efficiency} 1.8MHz DC (11.5) [63.1] {70} 3.5MHz (11.2) [63.5] {71} 7MHz(12.2) [62.5] {67} 10.1MHz (not measured) 14MHz (13.4)[61.8] {

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-04 Thread Mike Harris
Given that the poster is in the UK can probably assume 240Vac. Regards, Mike VP8NO On 04/02/2012 17:31, Jack Berry wrote: > 120 or 240 volts supply? > > On Feb 4, 2012, at 2:27 PM, david park wrote: > >> I have recently assembled KPA500 serial number 641. When testing into a >> dummy load I f

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-04 Thread Jack Berry
120 or 240 volts supply? On Feb 4, 2012, at 2:27 PM, david park wrote: > I have recently assembled KPA500 serial number 641. When testing into a > dummy load I find that I get a large variation in the DC power input when > driving for 500W CW when I go from band to band. My worst band is 21MH

[Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 variation of PA current band-by-band

2012-02-04 Thread david park
I have recently assembled KPA500 serial number 641.  When testing into a dummy load I find that I get a large variation in the DC power input when driving for 500W CW when I go from band to band. My worst band is 21MHz, where I get the highest current (lowest efficiency).  The drive was adjusted

[Elecraft] QRO KXPA100 Price Point?

2011-12-01 Thread szastoupil
I was wondering if a ballpark figure has been announced for the 100W amplifier? If so, what is the estimate? Scott, KB0KFX -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/QRO-KXPA100-Price-Point-tp7053597p7053597.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.c

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 PIN diodes / High SWR

2011-04-26 Thread W5UXH
Hi Eric, That is what I hoped to hear. I also had a response off list from a dedicated tester who "tested" this. It is good to know there is a good chance of surviving an occasional oops. 73, Chuck, W5UXH Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: > > Hi Chuck, > > We immediately protect the am

Re: [Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 PIN diodes / High SWR

2011-04-26 Thread Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft
Hi Chuck, We immediately protect the amp by going into bypass mode. The microprocessor detects the extreme SWR event and immediately routes the drive signal around the amp, initially though the diodes, and then through the bypass relay after it has switched. This happens in a few milliseconds.

[Elecraft] [QRO] KPA500 PIN diodes / High SWR

2011-04-26 Thread W5UXH
Back in Feb, Guy (K2AV) wondered in another thread: -- I still wonder what happens to the KPA500 pin diodes when you open with a dit into an unterminated coax and a 20:1 SWR. Wayne and Co are working their magic into a problem that has taken most amps down. -- I w

Re: [Elecraft] QRO = KPA500 and the KPAK3AUX

2011-04-24 Thread Mike Fatchett W0MU
There was a bit of talk on this and hopefully not having to use two y cables etc. I think Elecraft said that this issue would be addressed with the new cable. I hope so. On 4/24/2011 2:09 PM, AB3EN wrote: > Will the KPAK3AUX have a provision to tap the CTRL line?? I have the PR6 > Low-Noise 6-

[Elecraft] QRO = KPA500 and the KPAK3AUX

2011-04-24 Thread AB3EN
Will the KPAK3AUX have a provision to tap the CTRL line?? I have the PR6 Low-Noise 6-Meter Receive Preamplifier attached to the K3. If not can I get access to the pins in the connector? "When the control (CTRL) is used and jumper P2 is removed (see Figure 3), the K3 may be configured so that the p

[Elecraft] [QRO] Re: KPA 500

2010-12-11 Thread W5UXH
I would be interested in knowing if the KPA-500 will work QRQ / QSK (to at least 70 wpm) with the K3 in CW+ mode, where the KEY OUT to RF out timing is fixed at approximately 4 to 5 msecs? Also, does the KPA-500 QSK use all solid state switching (no relays)? Anyone have any information on these

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft QRO Amps

2010-02-09 Thread John K9UWA
Agree 100% with Bob. There are MANY Amps out there to compete against. My Alpha 87A Follows my K3 Flawlessly. And its operated remotely from 1200 miles away. k9uwa/w4 > > > my experience says Elecraft management must, like any other > company, sit down with each new product proposal and make d

[Elecraft] Elecraft QRO Amps

2010-02-09 Thread Bob DeHaney
Having been in the business world for many years semiconductor and then later IT, my experience says Elecraft management must, like any other company, sit down with each new product proposal and make decisions. If I devote resources to development and tool a product (read $$$), based on expecte

[Elecraft] QRO/QRP (WAS: Tube Linear Amp design for basic K2)

2006-06-10 Thread Ron D'Eau Claire
Robert G3RCE wrote: I was surprised that you mention using 400w on PSK31 I've never seen anyone mention using more than about 70w on PSK31 as high powers are not supposed to be necessary? --- Truth be told, one can work the world using 5 watts (or less) on CW too, b

Re: [Elecraft] QRO/QRExpensive?

2006-05-23 Thread Bob Nielsen
On May 23, 2006, at 4:08 PM, Roland Whitsitt wrote: A lot of us here will never be able to afford an amp if it's 5k. I hope elecraft remembers that. I bet most of us wouldn't mind less bells and whistles just to get a few hundred watts out there. Maybe a poor-mans amp? to go with my bu

Re: [Elecraft] QRO/QRExpensive?

2006-05-23 Thread Thom R LaCosta
On Tue, 23 May 2006, Ken Alexander wrote: Same here. At those prices the amps are completely out of reach. I understand the amps are of modular construction. I wonder if Elecraft would consider selling each module separately? That way you could buy and build one when you can save the money,

Re: [Elecraft] QRO/QRExpensive?

2006-05-23 Thread Ken Alexander
Same here. At those prices the amps are completely out of reach. I understand the amps are of modular construction. I wonder if Elecraft would consider selling each module separately? That way you could buy and build one when you can save the money, then buy another one when the next payday c

Re: [Elecraft] QRO/QRExpensive?

2006-05-23 Thread Lee Buller
Roland (and others), While I agree with your point, the fact of the matter is that Elecraft was responding to the needs of a contest amplifier. Yes, the amp is out of my league financially, but it still fits a marketing niche. More power to them. Cheap amps can be purchase down the bloc

Re: [Elecraft] QRO/QRExpensive?/ RF WOES

2006-05-23 Thread Curt
This coupled with the RF topic seems appropriate because running an amplifier I have RF no matter what in the world I do, and I tried everything under the sun. As was mentioned my shack is on the upper floor level with the antenna system outside and not far away which is the real problem. I hate

[Elecraft] QRO/QRExpensive?

2006-05-23 Thread Roland Whitsitt
A lot of us here will never be able to afford an amp if it's 5k. I hope elecraft remembers that. I bet most of us wouldn't mind less bells and whistles just to get a few hundred watts out there. Maybe a poor-mans amp? to go with my buget tuner. Just another idea. Roland N5VWN k2#3090 ___

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-23 Thread Robert McGwier
You should have seen the look of mischievous delight in his face while he was telling me this story for the first time. You are having too much fun. 73's Bob N4HY Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: Actually the APT ARF463 is a better device. It has been an excellent, and rugged, device f

A shared vision? Was:Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-23 Thread Able2fly
Eric...all these suggestions and ideas for future product! Goes to show a lot of us are ready for more more more. Is there any chance we might soon (ever) see an all out transceiver designed expressly for the contester/dx'er to go along with the new amps? I know you wouldn't want to be s

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-23 Thread Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft
Actually the APT ARF463 is a better device. It has been an excellent, and rugged, device for use in the KPA800 and KPA1500 amps. It has been very hard to kill in our destructive testing. The only time I've blown one up was when I forgot to screw it down to the heat sink! (It made a great firec

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Tom Hammond
It'll also match a 4:1 SWR at 1000 Watts. 73, Tom N0SS At 06:04 PM 5/22/2006, Earl W Cunningham wrote: Lou wrote: "...but the Elecraft will only match 3:1 at 1500 watts, not a lot of room." == It means a lot when you consider that the Alpha and Acom amps fault at 2:1. 73, de Earl,

RE: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Michael E. Dobson
The latter will be my approach for SO2R contesting eventually. Given the features already leaked, it is clear this amp is aimed at the contesting crowd as one of the primary potential customers. Anyone know of any other amp out there at any price with dual inputs and outputs with auto-bandswit

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread MKM
No, it should be here & I know which one it is and I was hoping for a better device. http://www.advancedpower.com/rfdisplay/default.aspx?marketid=13&appid=-1 On May 22, 2006, at 3:18 PM, Bill NY9H wrote: it an APT device http://www.advancedpower.com/rfdisplay/default.aspx? marketid=3:4

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Earl W Cunningham
Lou wrote: "...but the Elecraft will only match 3:1 at 1500 watts, not a lot of room." == It means a lot when you consider that the Alpha and Acom amps fault at 2:1. 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Y

RE: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Ed Lambert
One of the Alpha customers allegedly burned down his house by performing a "stupid antenna trick". (Unmatched antenna in unfortunate proximity to his deck) Ed Lambert KD3Y > ...but at these voltages and currents... ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to:

RE: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Lou Laderman
True, but the Elecraft will only match 3:1 at 1500 watts, not a lot of room. Lou -Original Message- From: Ed Lambert [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 5:11 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] QRO Antenna tuning in addition to

RE: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Ed Lambert
Antenna tuning in addition to auto tuning is a very desirable feature for me. The Elecraft amps include antenna tuning in addition to auto tuning. Alpha says they are working on an antenna tuner. So, add the cost of that unit to the $9100.00. Of course, tube amplifiers are maybe not as sensitive to

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Jeff Stai
At 02:19 PM 5/22/2006, Lou Laderman wrote: >Isn't "conventional wisdom" that tube-based amplifiers are inherently >more rugged and forgiving that transistor amplifiers, easier to work on >or repair in the field, and that tube amps are the "way to go?" >Has that changed, and other than price alone,

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Bill NY9H
At 04:19 PM 5/22/2006, Lou Laderman wrote: and other than price alone, why should I consider the new Elecraft amp over a tube design featuring auto tuning such as the Acom or the Alpha (older 87A or the new 9500)? 1. the auto tune in the kpa 800/1500 will be faster, since there are no induc

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Lou Laderman
Isn't "conventional wisdom" that tube-based amplifiers are inherently more rugged and forgiving that transistor amplifiers, easier to work on or repair in the field, and that tube amps are the "way to go?" Has that changed, and other than price alone, why should I consider the new Elecraft amp ove

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Ten Tec also sells ready made enclosures, steel or aluminum : http://www.tentec.com/ Rich k2cpe K2 #1102 --- Brian F. Wruble wrote: I have always wanted to try building one of those big amplifiers. One thing t

RE: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Don Wilhelm
Non-K2 owners - take note: It is not even necessary to have one K2 to drive the Elecraft amp. Of course, many would also like to have the K2 as one or both transcivers. Don W3FPR -Original Message- I had not yet thought that thru,,, Since the amp take 2 rigs, elecraft was wise to figure

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Bill NY9H
tom said: you can actually have two DIFFERENT rigs connected at the same time and still control the amp with EITHER rig.,, I had not yet thought that thru,,, Since the amp take 2 rigs, elecraft was wise to figure the other radio might not be a K2 !!! COOL.. good to see ya To

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread MKM
This means more power splitters and combiners! Can someone please tell us exactly which mosfets are used in the KPA800? On May 22, 2006, at 11:00 AM, Ed Lambert wrote: The big amp uses 16 FET's (not Motorola but I can't remember which ones)

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Tom Hammond
or <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Mon, 22 May 2006 11:23:57 -0400 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO I'm curious, what makes RF amplifiers fairly expensive projects? I admit I have no experience or exposure to them, but as far as I can tell the two major building blocks are a pow

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Vic K2VCO
Brian F. Wruble wrote: I have always wanted to try building one of those big amplifiers. One thing that stops me is that I have no idea where you get or how you build all the "sheet metal" parts --- complicated pieces of chassis, etc. Anybody out there who knows how people manage to build or so

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread David F. Reed
Brian, In the past, there were 3 basic options; I suspect they are the same today: 1. Buy a standard sized box to use as the chassis; use a drill press to drill small screw holes after your layout is determined and inked in the box. Use a chassis punch set to cut the larger hol

RE: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Brian F. Wruble
hanks. 73 de Brian W3BW -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Vic K2VCO Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 12:40 To: michael taylor Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO michael taylor wrote: > I'm curious, what makes RF

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Vic K2VCO
michael taylor wrote: I'm curious, what makes RF amplifiers fairly expensive projects? Tube amplifiers are expensive because high power components (HV variable capacitors, high power bandswitches, power transformers, tubes, sockets, etc.) are expensive. In addition, although the basic circu

RE: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Ed Lambert
For me it is the cost of the tube ~$600, the enclosures (I was planning to purchase new) ~$300 -$400, power supply transformer ~$500 - $600, power supply capacitor ~$400 -$500, vacuum variable capacitors several hundred dollars, etc. I was planning to purchase all new; considerable savings by look

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread n2ey
to sell in the next 7 years? 73 de Jim, N2EY -Original Message- From: michael taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Mon, 22 May 2006 11:23:57 -0400 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRO I'm curious, what makes RF amplifiers fairly expensive projects? I

Re: [Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread michael taylor
On 5/22/06, Ed Lambert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I am no expert on QRO but I am in the process of building the 3CX1500D7 amp in the 2006 handbook. I am as interested in the engineering aspects of QRO as in the engineering aspects of QRP. The economics of my project are getting a little out of h

[Elecraft] QRO

2006-05-22 Thread Ed Lambert
I am no expert on QRO but I am in the process of building the 3CX1500D7 amp in the 2006 handbook. I am as interested in the engineering aspects of QRO as in the engineering aspects of QRP. The economics of my project are getting a little out of hand so I visited the Alpha Booth at Dayton to see

[Elecraft] QRO Linear Amp

2005-09-20 Thread Roy Morris
Looking forward to the QRO amp availability announcement. Fall is upon us and Christmas is not far behind when we can focus on the sweet smell of rosin simmering on the open PC board. On Wayne, on Eric with parts in a box to a chimney thats waiting around the clocks. Roy W4WFBNo virus found

Re: [Elecraft] QRO precautions ??

2005-05-26 Thread Charles Greene
Hello, I recently reactivated a Swan linear and an older Hallicrafter HT33A, When I exceeded about 500 watts on 40 or 80, the GFI breaker in the upstairs bathroom would trip and the electric bed also upstairs would start running. (A real No-No if the XYL was in it). I had a lot of bothersom

[Elecraft] QRO in a QRP Society

2005-05-26 Thread Fred Jensen
A good point was raised in the KPA800/KPA1500 threads -- those in this community (probably many) who are accustomed to QRP power levels and have never messed around with QRO need to beware. We sure don't want any of our ham brothers/sisters hurt, and trust me, it does hurt (As a kid, I wasn't

RE: [Elecraft] QRO precautions ??

2005-05-26 Thread Ron D'Eau Claire
Bill, K3UJ wrote: With the possible eminent presentation of a VERY QRO amplifier to the Elecraft family, there is certain to be a number of us, with only QRP experience, jumping in and "playing" with gobs of RF energy for the very first time. Let's hear it from those with experience, some d

[Elecraft] QRO precautions ??

2005-05-26 Thread Able2fly
With the possible eminent presentation of a VERY QRO amplifier to the Elecraft family, there is certain to be a number of us, with only QRP experience, jumping in and "playing" with gobs of RF energy for the very first time. Let's hear it from those with experience, some do's, don'ts and ca

[Elecraft] QRO vs QRP; speculation

2005-04-26 Thread Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft
Let's end the thread of QRO vs QRP and whether amps (at any price) are necessary. We're taking up way too much list bandwidth on this topic and several posts have bordered on attacking other posters, which is outside the list guidelines.. There are good arguments for each type of operation (QR

Re: [Elecraft] QRO Power Supplies

2005-03-10 Thread Paul Bruneau
On Mar 10, 2005, at 1:36 PM, ANNE NORMAN wrote: From: Pete Norman, g0pks. I've come across some very neat, physically small, switch mode power supplies, rated at 23A. Is the general consensus that these are A Good Thing or To Be Avoided At All Costs? I'll be needing to equip myself with

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