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Posted on Sunday, December 23, 2001 - 9:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

KL300P
Complete specifications, and non-technical review.



Specifications

GENERAL

Controls(ON / OFF) (SSB / AM) (HIGH / LOW)
ModeAM / FM / SSB / CW
Frequency3 - 21 MHz
Input Voltage12 - 14 VDC
Power Consumption9 - 18 Amps
Input Power1 - 7 Watts AM, 2 - 14 Watts SSB
Power Output180 Watts PEP
Preamplifier Level25 dB
SWR1.3:1 - 1.4:1
Fuse12 Amp (2)
Dimensions9 3/4" L x 4 1/4" W x 1 1/2" H


POWER OUTPUT (deadkey) AT SPECIFIC INPUT WATTAGES*
Low PowerHigh Power
Watts In
Watts Out
Watts In
Watts Out
1
8
1
30
1 1/2
13
1 1/2
46
2
19
2
65
2 1/2
25
2 1/2
73
3
32
3
84
3 1/2
36
3 1/2
94
4
41
4
110
*All output powers measured at an input
voltage of 13.8 VDC unless otherwise noted.


OUTPUT POWER (PEP) AT
DIFFERENT INPUT VOLTAGES
Input VoltsOutput Watts (PEP)
12.0150
12.5160
13.8180
145190
15.0225


OUTPUT POWER (Dead Key and PEP) and SWR (3 watts in)
Low PowerHigh Power
Dead KeyPEPSWRDead KeyPEPSWR
321801.3:1841801.4:1


REVIEW


This is another good amplifier from the KL line of rigs from rmitaly. I had reviewed the KL40 in the past and was pleased with it, and I can say I am pleased with the KL300P as well. I like the KL300P, it's a good solid amplifier at a good price.

The KL300P is powered by two (2) SD1446 transistors, with an output rated by the manufacturer at 70 watts a piece. This amp has no trouble producing that power, plus a little bit more. It has a maximum PEP of 225 watts on sideband, with an input of 15 volts. At 13.8 volts this amplifier will comfortably push 180 watts.
The KL300P has a built in pre-amplifier which increases receive levels by 25dB. One drawback to this rig is that the pre-amp does not run independently of the transmit amplifier. You have to have the amp swich in the ON position in order for the preamp to work. The amp also features the ability to be switchable between AM and SSB for use in those modes, and a HIGH and LOW output selection. The difference between high and low output really only shows up in deadkey, as this amplifier has the ability to reach maximum PEP output in either high or low modes. Turn this thing on low, and watch her really swing!

SWR was very low even at the highest outputs. Through my RG-213 coax, and into a Solarcon A-99 antenna, I saw no more than a 1.4:1 SWR. Very impressive. I also liked the healthy boost in modulation you get when you flip the ON switch. More than enough modulation, that if you decided you want to keep the amp on all the time, that you can use a stock microphone with no problem. This thing is LOUD!

Loud is important, but clarity is the ultimate goal, and the KL300P is very clear, clean and smooth in modulation. Many reports told me that I was very clean sounding and very clear. This is a major plus to me, and should be to most users.

The amp is considerably compact. I own an LDO amplifier with a similar transistor array that is much larger than the KL300P. Technology definitely has reduce the size of electronic devices, and the future has not passed this piece of equipment by. Most of the cabinet of the KL300P is heatsink. With the exception of the bottom, back and front, the entire amp is a heatsink. Good for heat dissipation, which will increase the life of the components and to allow the amp to give good service for a long time. Heat was never even a problem for me while testing this unit. Even with the higher input voltages and long keydowns.

Overall this is a good piece of equipment. I would like to see the preamplifier work independently of the transmit amplifier. I would also like to see this amp made with longer and heavier power wires. Stock this amp comes with about 18" of 12 AWG wire. A little longer and a little heavier for those more difficult vehicle installs. What I really liked about this amp was the clean transmit and the low SWR. It's a very good value for the money, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an increase of power in the range the KL300P has to offer.