RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Happy Holidays to all: To all those looking to split the KPA100 into an EC2 enclosure, take a look at Lyle's website: http://www.kk7p.com/k2kpa100.html It contains a very detailed explanation and lots of pictures of how to do it. The first part describes placing the KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure by itself, and as Don alluded to, there is some modification of the enclosure to allow the cables to pass from the K2 to the EC2 enclosure. The second option shown is putting the KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure along with a KAT100. With this option all of the connections for power and RF can be accomplished internally and with the addition of a KIO2 board in the basic K2 makes for a very clean interface between the two boxes. In my case I chose to add a KIO2, KAT2 and KBT2 battery option to my basic K2 and then placed my KPA100 with my KAT100 into the EC2 enclosure. My goal was to enable me to unplug a few cables and take my K2 on the road or simply plug it all back in and I'm QRO again. I found the process to be nice and clean and seems to work very well. There is a mod to L1 on the AUXBUS board to the KIO2 that should be performed as well. For those who are looking to do this before you buy the KPA100 KAT100 options, it will be much more cost effective to do it at the onset instead of how I did it after the fact. At the same time I also added a SmartCharger to run and charge the basic K2 as detailed on Don Wilhelm's web site. It provides enough power to run the K2 in receive mode and then top off the internal battery after transmitting use in way that is good for the battery. This option is a cheap version for me to still operate in a temporary power outage situation (QRP of course). If anyone has any questions, contact me off list and I'll answer all I can. So far I'm pretty happy with the setup and I think it looks good too. Maybe one of these days I'll put up a small website and put up some pics. Dave, W8FGU K2 #5099 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:elecraft- [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chris Kantarjiev Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2006 7:55 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? I've always planned to extend my QRP K2 with a KPA100/KAT100 in a separate EC2 - this would let me pack up my barefoot K2 for /p operation without much nuisance, and still run QRO when desired. I figure that's at least 12-18 months away, given the other projects I have lined up. If Eric and Wayne were to put together a KPA400/KAT400 combination that fits in an EC2 and interfaces the same way, I would almost certainly buy it, instead! I'm in no hurry to do this - I'm having lots of fun with QRP - but I see the value in being able to run QRO at times. 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Dave, It really isn't necessary to change out L. John, KI6WX also has a web site that outlines the process for remoting the KPA100/KAT100 and his conclusion was L1 didn't need to be changed. After almost a year of operation not having changed L1, I have had no problems. Joe N9JR - Original Message From: Dave Van Wallaghen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 1:41:34 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? Happy Holidays to all: In my case I chose to add a KIO2, KAT2 and KBT2 battery option to my basic K2 and then placed my KPA100 with my KAT100 into the EC2 enclosure. My goal was to enable me to unplug a few cables and take my K2 on the road or simply plug it all back in and I'm QRO again. I found the process to be nice and clean and seems to work very well. There is a mod to L1 on the AUXBUS board to the KIO2 that should be performed as well. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Thanks for this link and your comments. I really like this idea but was hoping to just build the K2/100 and use it for awhile, then repackage it. Now it sounds like that may be a bad idea. I do wish the KPA100/KAT100 would work with any rig, but I guess you can't have everything. The idea of a little separate portable QRP rig is very appealing to me (someone who has never worked QRP). Guess I have to order a KIO2 after all! 73, Tom KG3V Quoting Dave Van Wallaghen [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Happy Holidays to all: To all those looking to split the KPA100 into an EC2 enclosure, take a look at Lyle's website: http://www.kk7p.com/k2kpa100.html It contains a very detailed explanation and lots of pictures of how to do it. The first part describes placing the KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure by itself, and as Don alluded to, there is some modification of the enclosure to allow the cables to pass from the K2 to the EC2 enclosure. The second option shown is putting the KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure along with a KAT100. With this option all of the connections for power and RF can be accomplished internally and with the addition of a KIO2 board in the basic K2 makes for a very clean interface between the two boxes. In my case I chose to add a KIO2, KAT2 and KBT2 battery option to my basic K2 and then placed my KPA100 with my KAT100 into the EC2 enclosure. My goal was to enable me to unplug a few cables and take my K2 on the road or simply plug it all back in and I'm QRO again. I found the process to be nice and clean and seems to work very well. There is a mod to L1 on the AUXBUS board to the KIO2 that should be performed as well. For those who are looking to do this before you buy the KPA100 KAT100 options, it will be much more cost effective to do it at the onset instead of how I did it after the fact. At the same time I also added a SmartCharger to run and charge the basic K2 as detailed on Don Wilhelm's web site. It provides enough power to run the K2 in receive mode and then top off the internal battery after transmitting use in way that is good for the battery. This option is a cheap version for me to still operate in a temporary power outage situation (QRP of course). If anyone has any questions, contact me off list and I'll answer all I can. So far I'm pretty happy with the setup and I think it looks good too. Maybe one of these days I'll put up a small website and put up some pics. Dave, W8FGU K2 #5099 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:elecraft- [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chris Kantarjiev Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2006 7:55 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? I've always planned to extend my QRP K2 with a KPA100/KAT100 in a separate EC2 - this would let me pack up my barefoot K2 for /p operation without much nuisance, and still run QRO when desired. I figure that's at least 12-18 months away, given the other projects I have lined up. If Eric and Wayne were to put together a KPA400/KAT400 combination that fits in an EC2 and interfaces the same way, I would almost certainly buy it, instead! I'm in no hurry to do this - I'm having lots of fun with QRP - but I see the value in being able to run QRO at times. 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Fred, It sounds like you are a good candidate for a KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure. If you also add the KAT100-2, the KPA100 plugs into the KAT100 board. Without the KAT100, you have to make a hole in the EC2 rear panel for a coax connector (KPA100 input) and make up a cable from the base K2 AUX I/O DE9 to the KPA100 AUX I/O DE9. Not difficult at all. It does require the KIO2 (or a substitute) in the base K2 - only 4 internal K2 signals are connected, no RS-232 signalling is involved on the path. A tenfold increase in power is 10 dB - dB=10log(P2/P1). 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- My original inquiry concerned my options, with a new K2 build - for adding some more power later down the pike. I've always liked separate items; xcvr, tuner, metering, and amplifiers. In some way - the way I upgrade frequently - its easier with all the pieces, for me to swap/sell out a single item easier. And I'm just not nuts about adding a KPA100 on top cover of my neat little QRP K2 rig. I'd guess I want to give the K2 all the chance I can, with having as little RF interaction with a large pcb amplifier sitting 2 above the K2 plane. Having had done hundreds, no thousands, of CAD runs on analog circuits in my previous life - there are such things as R/L/C/S/F interactions and optimums. Perhaps the K2's digital makeup - helps this. I really don't understand all that is involved in moving a KPA100 outside to a separate box. Looks like my options are to build that new K2, and wait out the vendors - impacted by the latest FCC rulings. I understand there is a DB increase limit, over what the base K2 outputs. Perhaps that will limit my external choices. Does anyone know the DB increase, from 10W PEP to 100W PEP? What is driving me is the chance, in the future, to be able to swap out any item in the xcvr/tuner/amp/antenna string. Affordably, or with alternative backup items. Thanks, Fred N3CSY -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.27/602 - Release Date: 12/25/2006 10:19 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
A more accurate subject, should have been: KPA100 Alternatives. My K2 build tools, are on the table. Fred FL __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
I am leaning that way as well, since I will want the option of running 100 watts available. It would be nice if, in a future update to the firmware, we could leave the cables connected and have the K2 detect the state of the KPA100/KAT100 combination automatically. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Does this option alow better cooling? I was a little surprised to hear comments that make it sound like working RTTY might really overheat the unit. I am building a K2/100 now and will stay the course, but I would be interested in hearing more. A 100w amp and tuner in a box might indeed be a nice way to keep the basic QRP rig separate. 73, Tom KG3V Quoting Chuck Guenther [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Thanks to Don, W3FPR, for clearly delineating what is required to put the KPA-100 in a separate enclosure. I'm certainly leaning in that direction, and somehow the Elecraft Web site doesn't spell out these details very well. BTW, the reason I'm considering the 100 watt amplifier is because day after day I'm finding I copy weak CW signals on 80 meters better with the K2 than the Omni 6, Option 1 loaded with mods and filters. 73, Chuck NI0C ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
I've always planned to extend my QRP K2 with a KPA100/KAT100 in a separate EC2 - this would let me pack up my barefoot K2 for /p operation without much nuisance, and still run QRO when desired. I figure that's at least 12-18 months away, given the other projects I have lined up. If Eric and Wayne were to put together a KPA400/KAT400 combination that fits in an EC2 and interfaces the same way, I would almost certainly buy it, instead! I'm in no hurry to do this - I'm having lots of fun with QRP - but I see the value in being able to run QRO at times. 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
You won't be able to drive the KPA800/1500 products to their full output with a bare K2. I don't understand the reluctance to add the KPA100 but at the same time suggesting a smaller, non-Elecraft amp to drive the new KPA800/1500. You can build your KPA100 in a separate case if that's the problem. Otherwise, you will be one of thousands of Elecraft customers happily driving a KPA800/1500 with a K2/100. Craig NZ0R K2/100 #4941 K1 #1966 KX1 #1499 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Fred (FL) Sent: Monday, December 25, 2006 8:30 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? What with Elecraft's eventual HF AMPLIFIER(s) product, becoming available - I'm wondering if this will mean new K2 builders will not need to go the KPA100 in-chassis amplifier route? I've never felt good about building and layering a KPA100 amplifier on top of the great little K2 bare bones rig. With the new Elecraft AMPLIFIER(s) - will us with bare bones K2's - need to beef up the basic K2 output, to drive the new Elecraft amplifiers? Will I need a HF PROJECTS 35W amp in-between? Plannning for 2007 .. Fred, N3CSY __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
I thought new FCC rules are going to relax limitations on amplifier gain. I vaguely recall the Elecraft guys saying they might change the drive level requirements of the KPA-800 to allow full output power when drivin by 15W after the new rules went into effect. - Original Message - From: Craig Rairdin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, December 25, 2006 9:38 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? You won't be able to drive the KPA800/1500 products to their full output with a bare K2. I don't understand the reluctance to add the KPA100 but at the same time suggesting a smaller, non-Elecraft amp to drive the new KPA800/1500. You can build your KPA100 in a separate case if that's the problem. Otherwise, you will be one of thousands of Elecraft customers happily driving a KPA800/1500 with a K2/100. Craig NZ0R K2/100 #4941 K1 #1966 KX1 #1499 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Fred (FL) Sent: Monday, December 25, 2006 8:30 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? What with Elecraft's eventual HF AMPLIFIER(s) product, becoming available - I'm wondering if this will mean new K2 builders will not need to go the KPA100 in-chassis amplifier route? I've never felt good about building and layering a KPA100 amplifier on top of the great little K2 bare bones rig. With the new Elecraft AMPLIFIER(s) - will us with bare bones K2's - need to beef up the basic K2 output, to drive the new Elecraft amplifiers? Will I need a HF PROJECTS 35W amp in-between? Plannning for 2007 .. Fred, N3CSY __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Unfortunately (IMHO) the 15 dB maximum gain limitation was retained in the new rules (do we need a KPA400?) Bob, N7XY On Dec 25, 2006, at 7:49 AM, Tom Althoff wrote: I thought new FCC rules are going to relax limitations on amplifier gain. I vaguely recall the Elecraft guys saying they might change the drive level requirements of the KPA-800 to allow full output power when drivin by 15W after the new rules went into effect. - Original Message - From: Craig Rairdin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, December 25, 2006 9:38 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? You won't be able to drive the KPA800/1500 products to their full output with a bare K2. I don't understand the reluctance to add the KPA100 but at the same time suggesting a smaller, non-Elecraft amp to drive the new KPA800/1500. You can build your KPA100 in a separate case if that's the problem. Otherwise, you will be one of thousands of Elecraft customers happily driving a KPA800/1500 with a K2/100. Craig NZ0R K2/100 #4941 K1 #1966 KX1 #1499 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Fred (FL) Sent: Monday, December 25, 2006 8:30 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? What with Elecraft's eventual HF AMPLIFIER(s) product, becoming available - I'm wondering if this will mean new K2 builders will not need to go the KPA100 in-chassis amplifier route? I've never felt good about building and layering a KPA100 amplifier on top of the great little K2 bare bones rig. With the new Elecraft AMPLIFIER(s) - will us with bare bones K2's - need to beef up the basic K2 output, to drive the new Elecraft amplifiers? Will I need a HF PROJECTS 35W amp in-between? Plannning for 2007 .. Fred, N3CSY __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Yup... That's the reason I stopped building them. 73, Ken Wagner K3IU -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brent Sutphin Sent: Monday, December 25, 2006 3:25 PM To: Craig Rairdin; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination? You seem to be correct on your price assessment. It is a shame that such a great radio goes so cheap. I have built several and I enjoy building but just am not willing to lose 20- 30% per kit. There was a time when it was easy to get the kit price for a newly built kit. Just my two cents. Brent ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Yes, yes, yes From what I understand, the KPA800 has two 400 watt power modules combined to produce 800 watts. So, a KPA400 with just one of the power modules, a built-in lower power antenna tuner, no combiner, a smaller power supply, solid state T/R switching, and without some fancy bells and whistles like SO2R would be ideal. Integrate it with the K2's power control, band switching, and antenna switching like the KPA100/KAT100 combo. A separate cabinet styled to match either the K2 or new KPA800/1500 would be just fine. Price it between the KPA100/KAT100 combo and the KPA800, say between $1500 and $2000 or so. Darrell VA7TO On December 25, 2006 10:31 am, Tom Althoff wrote: Hmmm...a KPA-400 replacement for the KPA-100 would be a VERY nice addition to the K2! Imagine a K2 that can go from milliwatts within 6db of the legal limit at the turn of a knob! I could get rid of my Titan II and be perfectly content. - Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: Bob Nielsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unfortunately (IMHO) the 15 dB maximum gain limitation was retained in the new rules (do we need a KPA400?) -- Darrell Bellerive Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Oh, and I forgot one thing. No FAN! Just a nice HUGE heatsink. No matter how quiet the fan, I just hate fan noise. The things holding me back from buying a KPA100/KAT100 are only 100 watts and the fan. Another 6 db and no moving air noise would tip the scale for me. On December 25, 2006 01:14 pm, Darrell Bellerive wrote: Yes, yes, yes From what I understand, the KPA800 has two 400 watt power modules combined to produce 800 watts. So, a KPA400 with just one of the power modules, a built-in lower power antenna tuner, no combiner, a smaller power supply, solid state T/R switching, and without some fancy bells and whistles like SO2R would be ideal. Integrate it with the K2's power control, band switching, and antenna switching like the KPA100/KAT100 combo. A separate cabinet styled to match either the K2 or new KPA800/1500 would be just fine. Price it between the KPA100/KAT100 combo and the KPA800, say between $1500 and $2000 or so. Darrell VA7TO On December 25, 2006 10:31 am, Tom Althoff wrote: Hmmm...a KPA-400 replacement for the KPA-100 would be a VERY nice addition to the K2! Imagine a K2 that can go from milliwatts within 6db of the legal limit at the turn of a knob! I could get rid of my Titan II and be perfectly content. - Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: Bob Nielsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unfortunately (IMHO) the 15 dB maximum gain limitation was retained in the new rules (do we need a KPA400?) -- Darrell Bellerive Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
I'll probably get thrown off of the Elecraft list for what I am about to say...8-) Don't get me wrong...I love QRPmost of my contest participation is at 5W. I can work the world with 5W. And on 10M during a solar peak I can break pileups with 5W. But my experience is that 100W with a dipole on 160M *IS* QRP...that the chances of grabbing a VU7 in a 40M pileup from the U.S. running 5W are pretty low and anyone looking to run emergency traffic with 5W only has to try checking into the Elecraft CW net to have a sense of what to expect when your antennas are down and the water is flowing past your bedroom window. Turn it up to 400W and maybe get heard...and fry some fish as they float by! QRP...the real skills are at the other end. boy...am I asking for trouble with THAT line! LOL. 73 de K2TA/qrp ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
Tom, I don't think you will be thrown off the list - this is not a QRP reflector, and with questions about the (hopefully forthcoming soon) KPA800 and KPA1500, it is definitely not all QRP oriented - there are folks of both the QRP and QRO persuasions using Elecraft gear. Your thoughts are consistent with a talk given by Mike Boatright KO4WX at FDIM last year. Here he was talking to a bunch of QRP enthusiasts about Emergency Communications - he made a valid point that you must use enough power to create a signal above the noise level at the receiving end - whether that be 1 watt, 5 watts, 100 watts or 1500 watts. If your signal is down 'in the mud' at the receiving end, and you must make communication, there is no choice but to increase power - of course a directional antenna could increase power at the receiver end if it is pointed in that direction, but a beam on 80 meters or 160 meters is not a common thing. Even though we have a 5 watt limit to the QRP category for contests and such, the minimum power necessary for reliable communications may exceed that limit by a large margin. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I'll probably get thrown off of the Elecraft list for what I am about to say...8-) Don't get me wrong...I love QRPmost of my contest participation is at 5W. I can work the world with 5W. And on 10M during a solar peak I can break pileups with 5W. But my experience is that 100W with a dipole on 160M *IS* QRP...that the chances of grabbing a VU7 in a 40M pileup from the U.S. running 5W are pretty low and anyone looking to run emergency traffic with 5W only has to try checking into the Elecraft CW net to have a sense of what to expect when your antennas are down and the water is flowing past your bedroom window. Turn it up to 400W and maybe get heard...and fry some fish as they float by! QRP...the real skills are at the other end. boy...am I asking for trouble with THAT line! LOL. 73 de K2TA/qrp ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.27/602 - Release Date: 12/25/2006 10:19 AM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.27/602 - Release Date: 12/25/2006 10:19 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Elimination?
My original inquiry concerned my options, with a new K2 build - for adding some more power later down the pike. I've always liked separate items; xcvr, tuner, metering, and amplifiers. In some way - the way I upgrade frequently - its easier with all the pieces, for me to swap/sell out a single item easier. And I'm just not nuts about adding a KPA100 on top cover of my neat little QRP K2 rig. I'd guess I want to give the K2 all the chance I can, with having as little RF interaction with a large pcb amplifier sitting 2 above the K2 plane. Having had done hundreds, no thousands, of CAD runs on analog circuits in my previous life - there are such things as R/L/C/S/F interactions and optimums. Perhaps the K2's digital makeup - helps this. I really don't understand all that is involved in moving a KPA100 outside to a separate box. Looks like my options are to build that new K2, and wait out the vendors - impacted by the latest FCC rulings. I understand there is a DB increase limit, over what the base K2 outputs. Perhaps that will limit my external choices. Does anyone know the DB increase, from 10W PEP to 100W PEP? What is driving me is the chance, in the future, to be able to swap out any item in the xcvr/tuner/amp/antenna string. Affordably, or with alternative backup items. Thanks, Fred N3CSY __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
