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Introduction
On behalf of our entire design team, we’d like to thank you for choosing the Elecraft KPA500 amplifier.
The KPA500 offers a unique combination of features. It’s one of the smallest 500-W amplifiers available, yet it
includes a built-in low-noise linear power supply based on a rugged toroidal transformer. It is capable of fully
automatic operation, yet has an alphanumeric display and a full complement of front panel switches for precise
manual control. A comprehensive remote-control command set is also included.
The KPA500 can be used with nearly any transceiver, thanks to its instantaneous RF-based band switching,
advanced protection circuitry, adjustable ALC, and extensive parametric monitoring. It also has inputs that
allow direct band switching from many popular transceivers. T/R is completely noise-free thanks to the use of
PIN-diode switching.
Of course the KPA500 is an ideal companion for the Elecraft K3 transceiver, both physically and electrically.
The K3 can sense whether the amp is in standby or operate mode, then select the appropriate per-band power
settings. This allows you to set up the K3 for “barefoot” operation at one power level on each band, then switch
the amp to operate and set up optimal drive levels for full 500-W output. The K3/KPA500 combination is also
capable of extremely fast break-in, especially when the K3 is placed in QRQ (high-speed CW) mode. The two
are so well-integrated that you can use the per-band switches on the amplifier to change bands at the transceiver.
If you use the KPA500 with both the K3 transceiver and P3 panadapter – our new “K-Line” – you’ll enjoy a
high degree of operating convenience, along with world-class performance
and
the power to get the job done.
73,
Wayne, N6KR
Eric, WA6HHQ
