For me, 500 watts is just right. I work mostly CW and so far I have never even operated CW at more then 100 watts. There are times when I pick up a station that is so week it is a real struggle to copy. But, I do and I work that guy with my 100 watts and he hears me. I think at times 500 watts means I am pushing out more power then most of the stations that I hear. Sure, someone else could be working with power but I think that CW ops have a tendency to be operating at 100 watts or less.
Oh, I never do contesting -- way too much commitment of time for me. When the contests hit, I am usually found on 30 meters. And, 500 watts probably does not bother the neighbors. I know 100 watts doesn't and I know 1000 watts does (sometimes). And, 1500 watts would definitely be a bother -- I would have to move to use it. 73, phil, K7PEH On Jan 25, 2011, at 7:25 AM, Pete Smith wrote: > I *think* I remember someone at Elecraft saying that it was more related > to the price point. I wonder, though, if it was also maybe making use > of engineering done on the 1500-watt prototype that never came out (one > of 3 amp modules, perhaps? I would have mortgaged my first-born for one > of those big ones, even at Alpha-like prices! > > 73, Pete N4ZR > > The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com > The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at > reversebeacon.blogspot.com, > spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 > > > > On 1/25/2011 10:12 AM, Monty Shultes wrote: >> For me it's the difference between operation at 120 and 240 volts. I would >> have to add a circuit for a 1500 watt unit. >> >> Monty K2DLJ >> >> >>> >>> OK... >>> >>> Got my flame suit on.... >>> >>> Why just 500 watts with te KPA-500? Is that a majic number? I am just >>> asking. >>> It seems that 500 watts would be OK if you are on a DXpedition...but if you >>> are >>> in the "fray" of a contest in the USofA....the more watts the better. >>> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:[email protected] >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
