But I think we missed the point of the original post.
I believe the question was not how much dead weight is the KPA3 when I
run QRP. That has been answered. The question was wouldn't the rig
be a better QRP rig if the KPA3 was used even at QRP levels?.
With the K2, current drain was an issue
-
From: Kenneth A. Christiansen [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED];
elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:25 AM
Subject: Subject:,Re: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP
Subject:
Re: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP
From:
WILLIS COOKE [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date:
Mon, 17 Mar
From my understanding of it the radio has the KPA3 switched out of the
loop until you cross the 12W mark. Then it starts actually putting it
into the signal path. Until you crank the power up beyond 12Watts the
KPA3 is nothing more than an added current drain. But if you turn
things up to 12 or
G4ILO wrote:
I'm just wondering if there are any advantages to using the PA when
running QRP. As I understand it, the PA is switched out of circuit until
you dial the power above 10W, just as in the K2.
The switch point in the KPA3 is actually 13W. For 12 and less
it'is
Hi Julian
There is one drawback, however.
Increased current drain, even though the KPA3
is not in use at QRP levels. If this isn't a
problem for you, then go right ahead.
However, if you want to take your K3 out to
the field for a Field Day operation, that
extra drain can create battery problems.
People talk about the extra current drain. How much
is it? I don't have my K3 yet to make any tests and I
seldom run QRP (only when the other station wants 2
way QRP), but it would be of interest to us all if
anyone had measured the current draw of the K3 at
receive with and without the KPA3,
Yes Julian - you are right. There is no advantage in having a KPA3 for QRP
working. In fact, there is a bit of a disadvantage as it takes up space in
the case which you might be able to use for something else, like a battery
or a VHF transverter.
Regarding the price, at $450 + VAT it is not
People talk about the extra current drain. How much is it?
If you go by what W0CZ measured you get this:
The current tests before I put in the KPA3.
Receive 0.94 to 1.1 A
TX (NO POWER) 1.56 A
TX 5W 2.56 A
TX 10W 3.07 A
TX 12W 3.23 A
The same test after the KPA3 was installed, Set up and
post from the past ref K3 current draw.
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:53:25 -0600
From: Kenneth A. Christiansen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Add
Mobile Alert
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject:[Elecraft] K3 NR 457 now working in Fargo ND
I got a pleasant surprise yesterday
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