Hmm .. I thought I read that the KAT500 must be
turned on before the K3. Is that old info?
Phil W7OX
On 6/6/14, 4:05 PM, Cady, Fred wrote:
Don's suggestion of a 12 v relay is a good one but if you don't want to go that
route, the rigrunner power pole distribution box with auto outlet turn on
(http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner.php) works well. When you turn on
the K3 it can turn on 10 other items. I use it to turn on the KAT500, the P3,
a KRC2, a W2 and probably other stuff I can't remember.
Cheers,
Fred KE7X
-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don
Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2014 4:50 PM
To: GDanner; Mike Reublin; Slava Baytalskiy
Cc: Elecraft List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 assembly
George,
Yes, the current from the K3 12V output is limited to 500 ma. for older K3s and
1 amp in later K3s. Older K3s can be upgraded with the Elecraft kit to provide
1 Amp capability.
The KAT500 spec maximum draw is determined by how many relays are being
activated by any particular antenna solution, so I would use the maximum value
for the design point because you do not know which L/C combinations will be
necessary for any particular antenna, and yes that maximum is greater than what
the K2 12V output can supply (even with the upgrade).
I would suggest that you power your KAT500 directly from your power supply
rather than trying to use the K2 12 volt output.
If you wish to use the K3 12 volt output so the power to the KAT100 (and other
accessories) would be powered on when the K3 is turned on, I would suggest that
you use the K3 12V output to drive a relay, whose contacts in turn provide
power to those accessories (KAT500 included).
Safety note - install fuses in each power cord (near the power source) with the
fuse rated at 1.5 to 3 times the maximum expected current draw by that device.
In-line fuseholders can be obtained an auto parts store. I prefer the ATC-3
blade type fuses, but YMMV.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 6/6/2014 4:07 PM, GDanner wrote:
My understanding is the KAT500 will overcurrent the K3 Aux DC output.
The KAT500 specification is 1.5A max (200 mA typ) from my IB (page 2
Rev B3 Nov 20, 2012. The 200 mA should be ok but the 1.5A is greater
than the K3 1 amp mod is rated for.
I power my KAT500 from my station power supply. Therefore it comes on
prior to the K3; as required by the KAT500 IB (page 3 item 2 under
Elecraft K3 Transceiver and KPA500...).
Also see !IMPORTANT: note on the top of page 10 - "If you are using
the KAT500 with an Elecraft K3 transceiver connected using the DB15
cables as shown I Figure 1 or Figure 2, you must apply power to the
KAT500 before turning the K3 on.
73
George
AI4VZ
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