[CQ-Contest] Elecraft KPA 1500 vs.OM 2000A

[K9MA]

The SWR issue isn’t really a show stopper, as the ATU, once “trained” can generally keep the SWR low enough. In normal CW content operation, including lots of CQing, the fans are barely audible with a Radiosport headset. And, you could always put the amp in another room. 

A more annoying issue is having to constantly adjust the drive power, which is sensitive to SWR, PA temperature, and some other factors I haven’t yet identified. (This with the K3.)

All that said, I think the SPE 2K might be a better choice. 

73,

Scott K9MA 

----------

Scott Ellington

 --- via iPad

> On Mar 3, 2020, at 12:16 PM, Edward Sawyer <EdwardS at sbelectronics.com> wrote:
> 
> Super loud and super SWR sensitive doesn’t sound like good characteristics for an amp.  Backing off at 1.3:1 doesn’t leave one much play on 80 or 160M.
> 
> Ed  N1UR
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: CQ-Contest [mailto:cq-contest-bounces+edwards=sbelectronics.com at contesting.com] On Behalf Of K9MA
> Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 11:08 AM
> To: rjairam at gmail.com
> Cc: xaxaxaxa yayayaya; CQ-Contest Reflector
> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Elecraft KPA 1500 vs.OM 2000A
> 
> My only issue with the KPA1500 is that it’s very fussy about SWR: it won’t put out full power at more than about 1.3:1.  However, the ATU will usually get it low enough. I’m told the Expert 2K will do 1.5 kW into 3:1. 
> 
> Yes, at full speed the KPA1500 fans sound like a squadron of F-35’s taking off. Worst case for CW contesting isn’t too bad. Of course, you could remote it. 
> 
> 73,
> Scott K9MA 
> 
> ----------
> 
> Scott Ellington
> 
> --- via iPad
> 
>> On Mar 3, 2020, at 7:06 AM, "rjairam at gmail.com" <rjairam at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Nothing matches the speed of tuning of a solid state amp.
>> 
>> So, I'd go with the KPA1500.
>> 
>> 73
>> Ria, N2RJ
>> 
>>> On Mon, 2 Mar 2020 at 22:44, Bill kollenbaum via CQ-Contest
>>> <cq-contest at contesting.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Looking for a backup amp for the new station.  Probably going to run SO2R so auto-tune is important.  I'm running a K3S and the second radio will also be a K3S.  I really don't care if the amp "matches" the K3S in looks.  Like most of you guys I'm concerned about performance.  Both rigs are equal in price.
>>> Here's the question:  If you were buying a new amp and were buying it to satisfy the above criteria, which would you choose and why?
>>> K4XS
>>> 
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