[CQ-Contest] KPA 1500

[Jim Brown]

On 8/27/2017 8:23 PM, Ria Jairam wrote:
> Cons:
> No SO2R

The poop sheet says that the amp CAN be used for SO2R with EXTERNAL 
control of the switching, Duty cycle spec implies that it IS rated for 
heavy duty SO2R CW and SSB, but not RTTY (30 min keydown), so derating 
would probably be required.  There are two antenna outputs, and settings 
are remembered per band per output and with lots of memories to support 
antennas whose Z varies over a band. BUT -- you do have to provide that 
external control.

> (even if you don't trust SO2R in 1 box, you buy two SO2R amps
> you have double redundancy in case of failure)

Great if you have the bucks. :)

> I don't like a separate power supply.

I strongly prefer a separate PSU for two reasons. 1) RF deck and PSU 
weigh less, and are easier to carry. That can be an issue as we older 
farts get older.  2) RF deck occupies less real estate on the operating 
desk.

My Ten Tec Titan amps are built with a separate PSU, which I put on a 
shelf below the operating desk. I used them quite happily for more than 
twelve years. I've since replaced them with 87As (for band-switching 
automation and no vac relays to fail every few years when run QSK), 
which I have to have someone help me lift to carry or move.

With a pair of 87As on the operating desk, I haven't decided to pull the 
trigger on buying the 1500, but if I do, it will be for the power on 
6M.  I'm currently using a KPA500 on that band, and for instant-on 
non-contest operation between contests.

73, Jim K9YC