On 4/29/2012 8:27 AM, W2XJ wrote:
> The only amatuer solid state amplifier I like to date is the Tokyo
> HIpower 2.5K but even it gets hot when running the full limit with
> PSK31.
The relatively new Elecraft KPA500, specified at 500W ICAS, doesn't go
out the door unless it makes 600W on 160M-6M, and it's happy running
600W into a matched load with keydown modes. I run it that way on 6M
with FSK441 and ISCAT, and on the HF bands for RTTY contesting. It's
got the protection and careful thermal design required, will run at full
power to about 1.5:1, back off a bit for 2:1. Yes, it needs a tuner for
mismatched loads. It sells as a screwdriver kit for $2K. Two of them
bridged would be 1200W, only a dB below legal US power into a matched
load. I'd love to see that be their next product once they get their
high power antenna tuner in production. So would my neighbor, K6XX, who
is the mfg eng'r responsible for the KPA, the KX3, and the tuner.
I've not given any thought to selling my Titans, but I only use them for
contesting. The instant-on KPA500 is enough for most DX chasing, saves
the filaments on my Titans, as well as the $0.35 per kWh that it takes
to heat them.
73, Jim K9YC
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
|