I use W6PQLs combiner/splitter pair for the RF paths. I use an Arduino to handle switching the band data from the two K3s, along with the keyline.
I switch the pair between the radios using the Tx Focus line from a u2R as control, which drives 4 TopTen A/B switches to switch the combo between the radios. I also modified the KPAs to increase their gain a bit. NX1P has a good writeup about removing the pad in the amp and modifying the power sense circuit. The KPAs will work without modification, but I ran out of drive on the higher bands. Now getting 1000+ out on all bands is easy. So far no problems. I use my logging program and the MicroHam router program to insert some delay between activation and RF application. So far it's been pretty bullet proof. Ken K6MR ________________________________ From: Bud Semon <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 2:32:07 PM To: Ken K6MR Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? Hi Ken, How do you combine the 2 amps? I think that was KK9A's question also, so if you answered on the reflector, it would probably be appreciated. Thanks and 73, Bud N7CW On Thu, Mar 30, 2017 at 2:26 PM, Ken K6MR <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: I'm running my two KPAs combined. Is there a difference? That's one of those questions that is tough to answer. I worked lots of people with 500W. I work lots of people with 1000+ W. I don't chase DXCC but things seem to work better on 160. I do feel louder. I think it was N6TR that said (probably mis-quoted here) "If you feel loud you are loud". Ken K6MR ________________________________ From: Elecraft <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> on behalf of Richard Thorne <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 9:31 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Amp Thoughts: 1000 watts or 1500 watts? I have a pair of KPA-500's for an SO2R setup. Seamless. I've been running the numbers on the advantage of going to 1000 or 1500 watts. 500 watts to 1000 watts - 3.01 db gain 500 watts to 1500 watts - 4.77 db gain Will the increase from 1000 to 1500 watts or a 1.76 db increase in gain, make a difference? I'm sure it would in some circumstances, but how often? I'm just starting on my quest to increase my dxcc totals on 80 and 160, so maybe that 1.76 db would be the difference between a having a qso or not having a qso. What are the thoughts of the serious low band guys? Thanks Rich - N5ZC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected]
