"I asked this question because in the past I have found the rated output power of a transistorized amplifier is often higher than what is actually obtained."
Sebastian, you'll find that Elecraft meets their published specs. I've had the pleasure of working with them for the past 11 years and I know that if it won't do it, they won't say it. Suggest you send a message to K3support (at) elecraft.com about the duty cycle for WSJT. The support team will certainly give you a definitive answer. 73 and have fun! Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sebastian, W4AS Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 6:45 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 questions Thanks for the comments on my questions on the KPA500 amp. To expand on some of the comments: I have no reason to believe the amp's meter isn't accurate. Since I haven't seen one yet, it appears to me the meter is of the LED type, which for me is a bit difficult to read. I find it easier to read an external analog meter. With the exception of one person (who was very specific), everyone either said the output is 500 watts, or above. I asked this question because in the past I have found the rated output power of a transistorized amplifier is often higher than what is actually obtained. I imagine overdriving it to obtain more than the rated output would stress the transistors and/or power supply and/or affect the signal quality (or all of those). Naturally, a difference between 500 and 600 watts can't be discerned anyway. As far as WSJT, no that's not a lower power mode. A weak signal mode, doesn't mean a low power mode. The subset mode JT65A is becoming very popular on HF. That mode wasn't designed for HF, it was designed for 6 meter EME, where you use all the power you have. My primary interest with WSJT and the KPA500 is for meteor scatter on 6 meters, using FSK441 where you use the most power that you have. Often, it takes 30 - 45 minutes to complete a contact, so my concern was if this amp could handle the stress for such a long period of time. 73 de Sebastian, W4AS ______________________________________________________________ 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
