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, 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)? >Lou, W0FK
Well, first off the KPA amps have auto-tuning with a built-in antenna tuner, based on the KAT100 design - with a little less SWR latitude than the KAT100. Second, there is circuitry to prevent damage to the transistor finals. Lastly and most interesting - this was something Eric showed me last year, and he can chime in if it has changed - but they have designed the amps based on two-transistor modules that are easily field replaced. I think packing extra PCBs will be easier for a DXpedition than packing extra tubes. Elecraft was also planning to 'loan' these spares to DXpeditions - if they aren't used, you don't pay for them. - jeff wk6i -- Jeff Stai [EMAIL PROTECTED] Twisted Oak Winery http://www.twistedoak.com/ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
