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Reviews For: Elecraft KXPA100 Amplifier

Category: Amplifiers: RF Power - HF & HF+6M

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Review Summary For : Elecraft KXPA100 Amplifier
Reviews: 16MSRP: 699 kit, 749 factory assembled
Description:
The compact Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier is intended for use
with all QRP transceivers. It's particularly well suited to
the Elecraft KX3 transceiver. The amp covers the 160-6 meter
bands, including the WARC bands, and is rated at 100 W
nominal power output (+/- 1 dB). A companion internal
automatic antenna tuner (ATU), the KXAT100, is also
available.

Features include:

• 100 W output on 160-6 m with 5 W input (+/- 1 dB typical)
• 13.8 VDC powered; 15-20 A typical current drain
• 7 lbs with optional KXAT100 ATU installed.
• Compact unit ideal for both desktop and mobile use (10 x
5.125 x 4.25")
• Solid-state diode T/R switching — fast, silent T/R and QSK
• Large convection-cooled heat sink for reliable and quiet
operation
• Modern design with rugged MOSFET output stage
• Internal wide-range automatic antenna tuner (KXAT100 ATU
option) with dual antennas
• KXAT100 matches 10:1 SWR (5:1 typical on 160 m and 6 m);
uses Elecraft's fast matching algorithm
• KXAT100 settings saved per band, per band segment, and per
antenna for instant recall
• Fast, bright LED bar graphs for power and status; KXAT100
ATU option adds SWR bar graph
• Seamless integration with the Elecraft KX3 transceiver
• Works well with any low-power transceiver, requiring only
RF and PA KEY inputs
• RF-based frequency counter automatically switches bands
with any rig
• Optional band-voltage input supports the Yaesu FT-817,
Icom IC-703, and other selected rigs
• Dual APP power connectors for additional friction-fit if
needed (mobile)
• Optional KXPACBL adapter connects KX3 to the KXPA100 for
keying/band data/control
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.elecraft.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15164.8
K2MVR Rating: 2014-01-14
Excellent! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recieved my assembled amp SN 484 on January 8, 2014.
The packaging was superb and the instructions are very easy. In a matter of minutes I had it hooked up to my KX3 and after a few minor menu settings had it on air. I ordered it with the internal ATU and it tuned up my Matchbox Endfed antenna quickly. I was on the air with excellent reports from miles away. Clean!

I absolutly love my KX3 and having the KXPA100 in the shack gives me the best of both worlds - QRP portable and up to 100 watts in the shack!

I absolutly recommend this amp for your KX3 (husband and wife).

Thanks to all at Elecraft.

73 de Joe K2MVR
WA9SDJ Rating: 2014-01-12
The Best Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Ordered as a kit, assembly is very easy, even if only a beginner, no soldering required.

Highlights:

- The KXPA seamlessly integrates with the KX3, even computer control/info is passed through with only one cable necessary.
- Amp has a small footprint with a large heatsink, completely silent and no fan necessary.
- KXPA amp software is available for Linux/Mac/Windoze.
- Excellent printed manual/assembly instructions.
- Easy to adapt to other Rigs
- Price is a value considering the flagship device/options/support/performance/continuous improvement you receive.

Cons:

- Haven't found any yet.
W5MMT Rating: 2013-12-16
Built like a tank, works like a dream Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I got sn 52 with the ATU built in. I have another one on order. Works seamlessly with the KX3 and it really is built like a tank and works like a dream. Elecraft just makes class stuff. This one is going back with me to Thailand where I'm HS0ZAC.

I'll do more detail after a few months of use.
W6GF Rating: 2013-12-10
Oh Elecraft you can do better Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I love to start reviews this way, because it rings Wayne's bell. This is a great flawless product. I am proud owner of S/N 61 with the ATU. My only nit is that for $12.00 dollars per watt [yes with ATU] the instruction manual deserves a cover and binder not just some pages stapled together [one staple I might add].

It may not be the cheapest QRP amp, but WOW.

George, W6GF
AE7WC Rating: 2013-12-05
Works as advertised Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've got everything working and if I can hear someone I can work them. The thing is quiet and doesn't require any effort on my part. It is a little bit "spendy" but I wanted something that I could work with using battery power and it will. If I have any issues I will update.
W6NRD Rating: 2013-11-13
Absolutely one of the most fun Amps and tuners I've used! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just got this unit, SN#028, this weekend. I hooked everything up, loaded some firmware for my KX3 and turned it on - everything worked like a charm first try!
Impressions:
- amazingly quiet little amp
- tunes very, very fast
- integration with the KX3 is incredible and makes using the amp seamless!
- Changes KX3 Power output setting to 110W from the normal 5-12w. This happens once you set the PA mode to On indicating the AMP is present.
The adapter that connects the KXA100 to the KX3 is so well designed and thought out. The adapter includes two connections for Acc1 and Acc2 into the KX3, however, on the side of the connector is an GPIO output and an Amp keyline.

I great device that I will keep in my shack and out in the field and on those SOATA activation's for years to come.

Definitely recommend this for anyone interested!