February 21, 2016 - Earlier this month I purchased and received the Elecraft KXPA100 Amplifier Kit. The kits cost less because one has to put it together. This was a little scary, but I decided that I could at least try to build the unit and hope that I did not break it in doing so. The unit came in one big box with smaller boxes inside of it.

The unit came in one big box with smaller boxes inside of it.(1st photo below)The parts were clearly marked as I set them aside when I did the recommended inventory. I used previously downloaded and printed sheets of the assembly manual to mark off the parts. I previously ordered an anti-static mat on which to build this and future projects. After taking inventory I placed the first pieces to build onto the anti-static mat.

The fist thing was to open a thin small enveloped in which was contained the back panel of the KXPA100. The back had holes for coax and dc connectors. The instructions were to screw two SO-239 into the appropriate holes. There were specific S0-239s as each had a different size cable coming out of it. I screwed in the S0-239 and then proceed with the rest of the build.(2nd photo below)

I then added the Automatic Antenna Tuner (3rd photo below) and made the connections between the S0-239 to the KXPA100 main board (fourth photo below). Connecting the SO-239 cables to the KXPA100 was difficult. I felt like I might snap the connection part on the KXPA100 off it’s circuit board if I pushed too hard. But the only way to get the small coax cable on the board was to press very hard. I was so happy with I was able to press it in without breaking anything.  I added the front of the KXPA100 cover and added the corner rubber feet (5th photo below). The last thing I did was add the unit serial number, which was 1748 and she was done (6th photo below).

It took two hours to build the KXPA100. My KX3 now has the ability to push 100 watts. I plan on using the KXPA both indoors and when working portable. I purchase the TGE N8XJK Battery Boost to keep the KXPA100 happy receiving at least 14volts from any batter, even if the battery goes below 11volts. For now I will use the KXPA100 indoors to test it out and ensure it works well.