[TenTec] KPA 500

[Rob Atkinson]

Big difference between designing a rig to operate on only one
frequency like a broadcast rig and designing a solid state QRO box
that will operate from medium wave up through VHF and make it plug and
play idiot proof.

rob
K5UJ


<<<Tubes are still a good way to go for high power, but it's true that
there isn't
much profit in the ham amplifier market.   The price and durability of solid
state devices will improve and make them more viable in the future, just as has
happened in the broadcast industry.  Just a few years ago, SS amps for FM
broadcast didn't make financial sense over 3 kW, but now they do for power
levels up to the 20-40 kW level.  AM broadcasters went SS a long time ago and I
don't think there are any vacuum tube units being sold in the 50 kW or lower
levels.  The same will happen for HF ham radio...it will just take time.>>>