500+ Watts in a compact package the size of the K3S.
The 500-watt solid-state amp that integrates so well with your station, you’ll think it's reading your mind.
Exactly the same size as the K3S transceiver, the KPA500 fills out our K3S-P3-KPA500 'K-Line'. The KPA500 features 160-6M coverage, instant RF-based band switching with any radio, alphanumeric status display, bright LED bar graphs, and a rugged, internal linear supply. The amp’s manual band switches may be used to directly change bands on the K3S. Also the K3S can even select per-band amplifier drive levels automatically when the amp is placed into operate mode, so you’ll rarely need to adjust power output.
But the KPA500 is not just limited to use with the K3S – it is fully compatible with most radios. (Only amplifier keying (PTT) and RF are required for operation including instant RF frequency sensing, fully automatic band switching.)
KPA500 Features:
Plays Well With Most Popular Rigs!
Add more punch to your signal with Elecraft's Power Combo and take your transceiver to a full 500 watts out.
In addition to the K3 and K3S, the DXpedition-proven KPA500 and KAT500 PowerCombo is available for most recent Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood and Flex transceivers. We've taken the guesswork out of operating by providing cabling and instructions for some of the most popular rigs in shacks today.
| Cable # | Transceiver Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E100416 (Included w/ Amp) | Phono Cable works with most radio models. Please Select additional cable(s) below based on desired operating mode. |
Standard Mode – Keying. Phono Keying Cable included with Amp. Amp/ATU selects band and freq. by using its internal frequency counter to measure TX freq. in this mode. Works with all radios with a keying output phono jack. |
| KPAK3AUXSET | K3, K3S | Enhanced Mode. Aux Cable set for KPA500 + second E850463 aux cable for KAT500. AUX Cable Set incl: 15-Pin to 15-Pin DE-15 + Key Line Interrupter adapter. |
| Cable # | Yaesu Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E100416 (Included w/ Amp) | Phono Cable works with most radio models. Please Select additional cable(s) below based on desired operating mode. | Standard Mode – Keying. Phono Keying Cable included with Amp. Amp/ATU selects band and freq. by using its internal frequency counter to measure TX freq. in this mode. Works with all radios with a keying output phono jack. |
| CBL-YAESUKEY | FT-817, FT818 | Standard Mode – Keying. Incl. 8-pin MiniDIN to phono |
| CBL-YAE-BANDKEY | FT-920, FT990, FT1000 family, FT2000, FT5000, FT9000 family | Intermediate Mode. Incl. 8-pin DIN to DE15 cable for band data plus keying, plus Aux Cable to connect the KAT500 to the KPA500. |
| CBL-YAE-BKMINI | FT857, FT891, FT897, FT991 | Intermediate Mode. Incl. 8-pin MiniDIN to DE15 cable for band data plus keying, plus Aux Cable to connect the KAT500 to the KPA500. |
| CBL-YAE-BKDIN10 | FT450, FT1200 | Intermediate Mode. 10-Pin MiniDIN to DE15 cable for band data plus keying, plus Aux Cable to connect the KAT500 to the KPA500. |
| CBL-YAE-BKDA15 | FT3000, FTdx101 Family | Intermediate Mode. DA15 to DE15 cable for band data plus keying, plus Aux Cable to connect the KAT500 to the KPA500. |
| Cable # | Icom Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E100416 (Included w/ Amp) | IC7300, 7600, 7700, 7851, 9100 | Standard Mode – Keying. Phono Keying Cable included with Amp. |
| CBL-ICOMKEY | Icom "small" radios: IC703, 706, IC7000 | Standard Mode. ICOMKEY to KAT500. Use Phono cable from the KAT500 to the KPA500. (Phono Cables incl. w/Amp & Tuner.). |
| Cable # | Flex Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E100416(Included w/ Amp) | Flex 3000, 5000 | Standard Mode – Keying. Phono Keying Cable included with Amp. |
| CBL-FLEX-PWRCMB | Flex 6000-family | Enhanced mode. Incl. KUSB cable for freq. data, null modem cable, gender changer to KPA500 (Phone Cable for keying incl. w/Amp) |
| Cable # | Kenwood Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E100416 (Included w/ Amp) | Phono Cable works with most radio models. Please Select additional cable(s) below based on desired operating mode. | Standard Mode – Keying. Phono Keying Cable included with Amp.
Amp/ATU selects band and freq. by using its internal frequency counter to measure TX freq. in this mode. Works with all radios with a keying output phono jack. |
| CBL-KENKEY | Kenwood TS140, 430, 440, 450, 570, 820, 830, 850, 930, 940, 950, 2000 | Standard Mode-Keying. Incl. 7-pin DIN to Phono Keying Cable. |
| CBL-KENKEYM | TS-480 | Standard Mode -Keying. Incl. 8-pin MiniDIN to Phono Keying Cable. |
| CBL-KENSER500 | Kenwood 580, 590, 890, 990 | Enhanced Mode - Keying & Freq. Data. Incl. DE9 to 3.5mm 7-Pin Din, and CBL-KENKEY |
Standard Mode = Keying (amplifier to transmit mode) Amp’s internal frequency counter auto-selects band and ATU frequency.
Intermediate Mode = Intermediate Mode-Radios w/BCD band data lines only. Keying plus band switching prior to TX. Amp’s internal frequency counter selects ATU frequency.
Enhanced Mode = Keying & Frequency Data from radio select amplifier band and ATU frequency prior to TX.
Don't see your radio? Contact Us!
Visit here for PowerCombo App Notes.
Frequency Range All Amateur Bands from 1.8 to 29.7 MHz and 50 to 54 MHz
Supply Voltage and Current 100 to 125 VAC or 200 to 250 VAC, 50/60 Hz, approx. 1000 VA
Weight 26 lbs (11.8 kilograms)
Size Enclosure only, 4.0 x 10.8 x 10.0 in., HWD (10.2 x 27.4 x 25.4 cm). With projections, 4.4 x 10.8 x 11.8 in. (11.2 x 28.4 x 30.0 cm). When installing, allow an additional 2” (5.1 cm) behind the fan and above the top cover for unrestricted air flow.
Power Output 500 watts PEP CW/SSB/Data
Duty Cycle at 500 Watts 10 minutes key down / 5 minutes standby
Drive Power 30 to 40 watts for 500 watts output
Input VSWR Less than 1.5:1
ALC Out Negative-going, adjustable
Metering Power Output, SWR (bargraph and on the LCD display), supply voltage and current, temperature, frequency band
PA Current 20 A maximum
PA Voltage 60 VDC, nominal
Heat Sink Temperature 90°C, maximum
Key In +5V maximum, open circuit on receive, closed to ground on transmit (1 mA max.)
Efficiency Approximately 50%
Amplifiers Cables for Non-Elecraft Transceivers
A: When you order the KPA500, please be sure to order the KPAK3AUX cable kit. This provides Enhanced Mode operation with the K3/K3S radios. Enhanced Mode provides 2 power level settings on a per-band basis. This allows the operator to have 2 RF output settings depending on whether the KPA500 is in Operate mode or in Standby mode. Once set up, the operator does not have remember to turn down drive power from the K3/K3S when switching the KPA500 into Operate mode. This means fast search and pounce operation.
A: The KPA500 can be switched between 120 volts and 220/240 volts AC without opening the cabinet. The fuse block system also functions as the voltage changeover system. All you have to do is to remove the fuse block, change the fuses to the proper amperage and then turn the fuse block over and reinsert it.
A: Yes, it can. You can drive the KPA500 to full output with the KX3/KXPA100 combo. All the cables you'll need are in the KPA500 box assuming you're using the KXPACBL cable kit between the KX3 and KXPA100.
A: Yes, the KX3 and KX2 will drive the KPA500 to 220 watts (KX3 @ 15 watts) or 180 watts (KX2). Please contact support@elecraft.com for details and cabling requirements
A: You will receive an AC cable that you specify when you order. There is a USB-to-RS232 cable that will allow you to connect the KPA500 Utility, running on your computer, to the KPA500. Lastly, there is an RCA plug-to-RCA plug cable provided that will connect many non-Elecraft radios for keying.
