Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
It's not elegant but I just finished a rack/table using a butcher block top (Home Depot) and angle stock on the front inside of the 2x2 wooden legs to mount the p/s and a repeater I use for IRLP (duplexer later, one pieces at a time). The table top is stained and matches the height of the desk so there is almost a continuous surface. Five coats of poly should suffice to seal it. More angle stock from the front to back legs will support/share the weight for each item, so it's not entirely held by the front. The K3, P3 and KPA1500 will sit on the desk within reach, just below the 50" monitor (4K TV) mounted to the wall (swing/tilt mount). The KPA1500 amp p/s will sit on the table top but may end up in the rack later. The KAT500/KPA500 will be nearby as backup, easily added if needed. The next step is to add copper pipe along the equipment space to behind the desk for equipment bonding to ground, then add a shelf on either side of the monitor to hang speakers, rotor and SteppIR controllers and the control head of a dual band with some books too. (There is also a small frig and microwave next to the desk.) Then put a 36x36" piece of plywood on the wall (that wide so it can be well anchored by the 16" on center studs) for dual band, 6M FM radio and perhaps more later. The entire station (and network) is all going to run from a UPS, which only has to last long enough for the generator to kick in (about 40 seconds) so nothing drops out during an outage (except the large amp, on 240V). Most of the wiring will be hidden by desk or monitor, except the space above the table, where they come in from the tower (large conduits, buried in ground). The floor is industrial laminate, the rack and desk have sliders (easily moved when wanted, no wandering). A computer manages each piece, then I can remote into that computer from the warm house or when traveling. It's a simple station, the 80-6M SteppIR up 60' and an 80/160M Inverted L. Simple ROCKS! 73, Rick NK7I North Idaho On 4/15/2020 10:46 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: When I built my operating desk, I made the top a full 36 inches deep so the face of the equipment is about 24 inches from the front. I also put the 2 pedestals on appliance dolly wheels so I can roll the desk out for access behind the equipment. There are shelves in the back to hold power supplies and all the other stuff that I don't need to see on a day to day basis. I am fortunate to have a fully equipped woodworking shop and can do that kind of custom furniture design. I built the desk from good oak and it matches the custom trim and cabinets throughout the rest of the house. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/15/2020 1:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On 4/14/2020 10:18 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote: I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in terms of money and effort, but very expensive of space. Yes. I wish I had thought of doing something like this after seeing something similar in N6RO's superstation. My operating position is on shelves attached to the wall behind them, held away from the wall about 2 inches for cables to pass vertically between shelves. That works, but it's a real PITA getting to cables connected to the radios and other gear when something must be removed for service, replacement, or to go into the field for FD or county expeditions. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rick.n...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
I use a solid core door slab. On Wed, Apr 15, 2020 at 12:47 Don Wilhelm wrote: > When I built my operating desk, I made the top a full 36 inches deep so > the face of the equipment is about 24 inches from the front. I also put > the 2 pedestals on appliance dolly wheels so I can roll the desk out for > access behind the equipment. There are shelves in the back to hold > power supplies and all the other stuff that I don't need to see on a day > to day basis. > > I am fortunate to have a fully equipped woodworking shop and can do that > kind of custom furniture design. I built the desk from good oak and it > matches the custom trim and cabinets throughout the rest of the house. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 4/15/2020 1:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > > On 4/14/2020 10:18 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote: > >> I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to > >> the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in > >> terms of money and effort, but very expensive of space. > > > > Yes. I wish I had thought of doing something like this after seeing > > something similar in N6RO's superstation. My operating position is on > > shelves attached to the wall behind them, held away from the wall about > > 2 inches for cables to pass vertically between shelves. That works, but > > it's a real PITA getting to cables connected to the radios and other > > gear when something must be removed for service, replacement, or to go > > into the field for FD or county expeditions. > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to ai4ns.m...@gmail.com > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
When I built my operating desk, I made the top a full 36 inches deep so the face of the equipment is about 24 inches from the front. I also put the 2 pedestals on appliance dolly wheels so I can roll the desk out for access behind the equipment. There are shelves in the back to hold power supplies and all the other stuff that I don't need to see on a day to day basis. I am fortunate to have a fully equipped woodworking shop and can do that kind of custom furniture design. I built the desk from good oak and it matches the custom trim and cabinets throughout the rest of the house. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/15/2020 1:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On 4/14/2020 10:18 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote: I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in terms of money and effort, but very expensive of space. Yes. I wish I had thought of doing something like this after seeing something similar in N6RO's superstation. My operating position is on shelves attached to the wall behind them, held away from the wall about 2 inches for cables to pass vertically between shelves. That works, but it's a real PITA getting to cables connected to the radios and other gear when something must be removed for service, replacement, or to go into the field for FD or county expeditions. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
On 4/14/2020 10:18 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote: I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in terms of money and effort, but very expensive of space. Yes. I wish I had thought of doing something like this after seeing something similar in N6RO's superstation. My operating position is on shelves attached to the wall behind them, held away from the wall about 2 inches for cables to pass vertically between shelves. That works, but it's a real PITA getting to cables connected to the radios and other gear when something must be removed for service, replacement, or to go into the field for FD or county expeditions. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Wow, that is neat! Very impressive. Are you going to make one for the various audio and control circuits as well? I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in terms of money and effort, but very expensive of space. Of course the panel takes up space on the desk and facing the operator, which is also very valuable. 73, Victor, 4X6GP Rehovot, Israel Formerly K2VCO CWops no. 5 http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ On 15/04/2020 0:34, Dave Cole wrote: Odd you should mention that... I am rebuilding my operating position, and am installing a patch panel... See: https://www.nk7z.net/rf-patch-panel/ For a close up of teh patch panel. I used one of those services that give you the design software, and then build to your spec... 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Odd you should mention that... I am rebuilding my operating position, and am installing a patch panel... See: https://www.nk7z.net/rf-patch-panel/ For a close up of teh patch panel. I used one of those services that give you the design software, and then build to your spec... 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 4/14/20 1:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote: Bill - There's something about having all your gear lined up nicely in the shack, and then having to unexpectedly get to a rear panel connector. I hate when that happens. So I finally have everything on a 3-high shelving unit that can be pivoted to allow me access to all the rear panels and cables (neatly bundled and labeled). The KPA500 holds down the lower right shelf, which serves nicely as the pivot point. The other end of that shelf is an IC-7300, so don't feel bad. You've given it great reports on 160 meters. 73 Lyn, W0LEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of William Carpenter Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2:38 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem Welp, operator error big time. Got an email from Elecraft tech support and the first thing he told me to do was to unplug the RCA keyline and see what happens. AHA! Last Friday I decided to use my IC-7300 instead of my K3 in the SKSS WES contest. Yes, blaspheme I know. The 7300 only has one key jack so I had to unplug the line going to my CW paddles and plug in a straight key. Which means fumbling around in the back of the rig blindly. I accidentally unplugged the RCA plug for the keyline to the KPA500 first. Then with out thinking plugged it into the ALC phono jack which is right next to the Key jack. Which caused the amp to do what it was doing. So I cleaned up the amp - needed some dust blown out - put it back together, hooked it back up and guess what? It works fine. 73, Bill NZ0T On Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 9:27 AM William Carpenter wrote: For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low RX sensitivity in OPR. Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands. The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had cracked and burned slightly. Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and for free - the usual great customer service. I installed it and the amp was fine again. It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning. R7 looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components. So, I'm at a loss. The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and current. Is that ever an issue with SMT? I don't know mush about SMT stuff. I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them sometime. Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown. I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016. Any input is appreciated! Especially as to what may be causing this to happen 73, Bill NZ0T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Bill - There's something about having all your gear lined up nicely in the shack, and then having to unexpectedly get to a rear panel connector. I hate when that happens. So I finally have everything on a 3-high shelving unit that can be pivoted to allow me access to all the rear panels and cables (neatly bundled and labeled). The KPA500 holds down the lower right shelf, which serves nicely as the pivot point. The other end of that shelf is an IC-7300, so don't feel bad. You've given it great reports on 160 meters. 73 Lyn, W0LEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of William Carpenter Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2:38 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem Welp, operator error big time. Got an email from Elecraft tech support and the first thing he told me to do was to unplug the RCA keyline and see what happens. AHA! Last Friday I decided to use my IC-7300 instead of my K3 in the SKSS WES contest. Yes, blaspheme I know. The 7300 only has one key jack so I had to unplug the line going to my CW paddles and plug in a straight key. Which means fumbling around in the back of the rig blindly. I accidentally unplugged the RCA plug for the keyline to the KPA500 first. Then with out thinking plugged it into the ALC phono jack which is right next to the Key jack. Which caused the amp to do what it was doing. So I cleaned up the amp - needed some dust blown out - put it back together, hooked it back up and guess what? It works fine. 73, Bill NZ0T On Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 9:27 AM William Carpenter wrote: > For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low > RX sensitivity in OPR. Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands. > The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had > cracked and burned slightly. Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and > for free - the usual great customer service. I installed it and the amp > was fine again. > > It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning. R7 > looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components. So, I'm at > a loss. The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has > gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and > current. Is that ever an issue with SMT? I don't know mush about SMT > stuff. > > I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them > sometime. Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown. > > I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016. > Any input is appreciated! Especially as to what may be causing this to > happen > > 73, Bill NZ0T > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Welp, operator error big time. Got an email from Elecraft tech support and the first thing he told me to do was to unplug the RCA keyline and see what happens. AHA! Last Friday I decided to use my IC-7300 instead of my K3 in the SKSS WES contest. Yes, blaspheme I know. The 7300 only has one key jack so I had to unplug the line going to my CW paddles and plug in a straight key. Which means fumbling around in the back of the rig blindly. I accidentally unplugged the RCA plug for the keyline to the KPA500 first. Then with out thinking plugged it into the ALC phono jack which is right next to the Key jack. Which caused the amp to do what it was doing. So I cleaned up the amp - needed some dust blown out - put it back together, hooked it back up and guess what? It works fine. 73, Bill NZ0T On Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 9:27 AM William Carpenter wrote: > For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low > RX sensitivity in OPR. Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands. > The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had > cracked and burned slightly. Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and > for free - the usual great customer service. I installed it and the amp > was fine again. > > It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning. R7 > looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components. So, I'm at > a loss. The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has > gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and > current. Is that ever an issue with SMT? I don't know mush about SMT > stuff. > > I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them > sometime. Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown. > > I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016. > Any input is appreciated! Especially as to what may be causing this to > happen > > 73, Bill NZ0T > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 problem
For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low RX sensitivity in OPR. Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands. The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had cracked and burned slightly. Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and for free - the usual great customer service. I installed it and the amp was fine again. It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning. R7 looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components. So, I'm at a loss. The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and current. Is that ever an issue with SMT? I don't know mush about SMT stuff. I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them sometime. Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown. I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016. Any input is appreciated! Especially as to what may be causing this to happen 73, Bill NZ0T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
"I have a KPA500 with a low HV reading. It is on the center tap and AC voltage is 115v No load and 110v full load. The HV goes from 77v NL to 56v FL (500W output) Is that something I should look into? " The KPA500 high voltage (nominal 60 volt) power supply is unregulated. The mains power input to the KPA500 is probably poorly regulated. The voltage drop you will see on the mains input and the KPA500 60 volt supply is directly dependent on the PA current and you don't say what that was. The fact that you have 500W output at 56 V does not define the PA current. PA current, PA dissipation, and PA efficiency, are strongly dependent on the load presented by the antenna system. My limited experience with the KPA500 suggests that you should: Attempt to minimize voltage drop in the mains feed Present the KPA500 with a load as close to R50 j0 as possible Keep PA voltage above 60 volts for all operating conditions Avoid nuisance high voltage warnings How close you come to meeting those goals is partly dependent on the variation in the unloaded voltage at the mains outlet that you are using. (Summer HVAC use causes several volts variation at my nominal 120 V outlet even though the street transformer is less than 50 ft from my KPA500). Some data for my station: Mains voltage is now 123.0 V and my KPA PA voltage is 81.5. A TX into a dummy load (R 51 X 0.4) at 14.074 MHz showed mains voltage 117.8, RF out 487 W, PA V/I 62.6 V / 14.0 A, PA Diss 389 W, efficiency 55%. My mains drop of 5 V matches yours. My PA voltage drop of 18.9 V is lower than your drop of 21 V and I would expect the difference to be explained by a difference in PA current. 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
I did look at the parameters of my KPA500 this morning. In STBY the HV is 75.4 and in OPER at 500 watts out, CW mode, key closed the HV is 63.7 and current is 10.5 amps. Amp is operated from a 240 volt source. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 7/7/2019 6:20 AM, Mark Murray via Elecraft wrote: For Doug, K6JEY: In answer to your original question, as to whether you should look into the KPA500's low voltage values: Yes. By far, the best advice and the best answers on this particular question will come from emailing supp...@elecraft.com . By far. Once the voltage questions are addressed and things are back on track, please keep the rest of us in mind and send a follow-up summary to the list. Looking forward to a speedy recovery : ) // Mark w2or __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rmcg...@blomand.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
For Doug, K6JEY: In answer to your original question, as to whether you should look into the KPA500's low voltage values: Yes. By far, the best advice and the best answers on this particular question will come from emailing supp...@elecraft.com . By far. Once the voltage questions are addressed and things are back on track, please keep the rest of us in mind and send a follow-up summary to the list. Looking forward to a speedy recovery : ) // Mark w2or __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Is that something new? I’m not too surprised running it on 115 and starting at 77. I’m on 240 dedicated circuit and starting at 82 v which loads to about 67v. I’m doubting that there is any hard fault. Chuck Jack Hawley KE9UW Sent from my iPhone, cjack > On Jul 6, 2019, at 1:44 PM, Roy Koeppe wrote: > > Could a rectifier diode have gone open (as in it's now a half-wave circuit)? > If so the filter caps are at 60 Hz. Just a thought... > > RoyK6XK > > > I have a KPA500 with a low HV reading. It is on the center tap and AC voltage > is 115v No load and 110v full load. The HV goes from 77v NL to 56v FL (500W > output) Is that something I should look into?Doug K6JEY > > > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to c-haw...@illinois.edu __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Could a rectifier diode have gone open (as in it's now a half-wave circuit)? If so the filter caps are at 60 Hz. Just a thought... RoyK6XK I have a KPA500 with a low HV reading. It is on the center tap and AC voltage is 115v No load and 110v full load. The HV goes from 77v NL to 56v FL (500W output) Is that something I should look into?Doug K6JEY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
I have a KPA500 with a low HV reading. It is on the center tap and AC voltage is 115v No load and 110v full load. The HV goes from 77v NL to 56v FL (500W output) Is that something I should look into? Doug K6JEY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
I've done some testing. I have a good selection of Times LMR-400-ULTRAFLEX jumpers that I stocked up on from MPD Digital. Never had a problem with any of their cables and so far it's looking like they are all good. I set things up as Radio <--> KPA500 <--> DL1500 with new cables in between and the KAT500 removed from the chain. Running the radio to 10 watts the radio showed 1.25:1 SWR while the amp was in standby. When in operate, the SWR on the radio maxed out. I fired up KPA500 Remote and bumped the radio up to 20 watts. In standby, radio showing 1.25:1 SWR KPA500 remote reported Power: 18 w (that's typical) SWR: 1.1:1 Current: PTT OFF (typical in standby) Voltage: 74.8 Temp: 22 C Switched the amp to operated, radio still at 20. KPA500 remote reported Power: 0 W SWR: NO RF Current: PTT OFF Voltage: 74.8 Temp: 22 C It's like standby/operate is switching between straight-through and open. It seems to be falling into place with Brian's description of his recent problem. I heard no cracks, booms, or sizzles. Smelled no smoke or ozone. It just started giving me problems intermittently and seems to have finally settled down into a broke state. Working with Elecraft to troubleshoot and will share any findings that might be helpful or garner sympathy. ;) 73, Kev K4VD __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
On PL-259 connectors, make sure they are more than finger tight. I use a pair of 4" Channel Lock pliers to snug mine after they are finger tight. Today's PL-259's may look good but indeed with many of them today, the plating is crap!. Same for coax cable and the way it gets terminated inside the PL-259. The cable frequently works loose and causes intermittent connections which may not show up at 100 watts or less. In my practice, if I find a bad cable, I immediately chop the suspect PL-259 off of one end. That way the cable can not be accidentally used until it is properly repaired and checked with a dummy load and my impedance bridge or antenna bridge. 73 Bob, K4TAX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Kevin der Kinderen wrote: > I'm a bit surprised that's the conclusion as simply bypassing or turning > off the amp but leaving it connected made the problem go away. I have some > good cable on there now but can replace each one of them to try it out. > I'll report back later on. I really hope it is just this. > I had a similar problem recemntly due to a SC diode in the TR switch, all OK on bypass but not on operate. After changing diode (and checking associated bits I has problems with power/dissipation on 10 and 6m cured by using a diode from a different batch. However, after re-assembly I had intermittent lack of RX, traced to a relay card used externally for buffering a relay. At the time this board was unpowered but still in circuit and was holding the KPA500 on TX. A simple bypass proved it was the culprit and putting its 12v power back on fixed it for good. -- Brian D G3VGZ YarmEngland __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Hmm... alright then. Jim sent me an email with the same conclusion. I need to recheck all my cabling. I'm a bit surprised that's the conclusion as simply bypassing or turning off the amp but leaving it connected made the problem go away. I have some good cable on there now but can replace each one of them to try it out. I'll report back later on. I really hope it is just this. Kev On Mon, Nov 13, 2017 at 5:19 PM, Michael Walker wrote: > Hi Kev > > Don is 100% right. > > I would change all the cables and then test with the amp alone and the > tuner alone to narrow it down. > > I spent 3 days debugging an Acom A1000 issue only to finally out I had a > bad jumper cable. > > Mike va3mw > > > On Mon, Nov 13, 2017 at 5:05 PM, Don Wilhelm > wrote: > >> Kev, >> >> That behavior can be caused by a coax jumper, either loose or faulty in >> some way. Make sure the PL-259s are tight and if you can substitute the >> jumpers with known good ones - particularly the one between the KPA500 and >> the KAT500 and the one between your transceiver and the KPA500. >> There are as many problems caused by cables as are caused by equipment. >> Some cable problems have no apparent problem at lower power, but rear >> their ugly head at higher power. >> You could also have a higher power problem with your antenna. Switch to >> an alternate antenna or dummy load if possible (tune the KAT500 into the >> dummy load) as a test. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> >> On 11/13/2017 4:41 PM, Kevin der Kinderen wrote: >> >>> Waiting on an answer from Elecraft but thought I'd also check with the >>> group here. >>> >>> I have a Flex 6500 with KAT500/KPA500 combo. It's been working great >>> until >>> very recently. Within the past couple of days I was intermittently >>> reading >>> high SWR when the amp is in operate. In standby or off everything looks >>> good. As of last night it's not so intermittent. >>> >>> In receive when I switch from standby to operate I'm only receiving the >>> strongest of signals. Everything else disappears almost like the antenna >>> was disconnected. >>> >>> When switching between standby and operate I hear a relay clicking. I'm >>> not >>> sure but it doesn't seem to be as loud a click as I normally hear but I >>> can't be sure. >>> >>> With the amp powered down and the Flex set to 100 watts out everything >>> seems to be working fine. I'm afraid my amp is going to take a trip. Any >>> ideas for things to check? >>> >>> 73, >>> Kev K4VD >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com >>> >>> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to va...@portcredit.net >> > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Hi Kev Don is 100% right. I would change all the cables and then test with the amp alone and the tuner alone to narrow it down. I spent 3 days debugging an Acom A1000 issue only to finally out I had a bad jumper cable. Mike va3mw On Mon, Nov 13, 2017 at 5:05 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Kev, > > That behavior can be caused by a coax jumper, either loose or faulty in > some way. Make sure the PL-259s are tight and if you can substitute the > jumpers with known good ones - particularly the one between the KPA500 and > the KAT500 and the one between your transceiver and the KPA500. > There are as many problems caused by cables as are caused by equipment. > Some cable problems have no apparent problem at lower power, but rear > their ugly head at higher power. > You could also have a higher power problem with your antenna. Switch to > an alternate antenna or dummy load if possible (tune the KAT500 into the > dummy load) as a test. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > > On 11/13/2017 4:41 PM, Kevin der Kinderen wrote: > >> Waiting on an answer from Elecraft but thought I'd also check with the >> group here. >> >> I have a Flex 6500 with KAT500/KPA500 combo. It's been working great until >> very recently. Within the past couple of days I was intermittently reading >> high SWR when the amp is in operate. In standby or off everything looks >> good. As of last night it's not so intermittent. >> >> In receive when I switch from standby to operate I'm only receiving the >> strongest of signals. Everything else disappears almost like the antenna >> was disconnected. >> >> When switching between standby and operate I hear a relay clicking. I'm >> not >> sure but it doesn't seem to be as loud a click as I normally hear but I >> can't be sure. >> >> With the amp powered down and the Flex set to 100 watts out everything >> seems to be working fine. I'm afraid my amp is going to take a trip. Any >> ideas for things to check? >> >> 73, >> Kev K4VD >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com >> >> __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to va...@portcredit.net > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Kev, That behavior can be caused by a coax jumper, either loose or faulty in some way. Make sure the PL-259s are tight and if you can substitute the jumpers with known good ones - particularly the one between the KPA500 and the KAT500 and the one between your transceiver and the KPA500. There are as many problems caused by cables as are caused by equipment. Some cable problems have no apparent problem at lower power, but rear their ugly head at higher power. You could also have a higher power problem with your antenna. Switch to an alternate antenna or dummy load if possible (tune the KAT500 into the dummy load) as a test. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/13/2017 4:41 PM, Kevin der Kinderen wrote: Waiting on an answer from Elecraft but thought I'd also check with the group here. I have a Flex 6500 with KAT500/KPA500 combo. It's been working great until very recently. Within the past couple of days I was intermittently reading high SWR when the amp is in operate. In standby or off everything looks good. As of last night it's not so intermittent. In receive when I switch from standby to operate I'm only receiving the strongest of signals. Everything else disappears almost like the antenna was disconnected. When switching between standby and operate I hear a relay clicking. I'm not sure but it doesn't seem to be as loud a click as I normally hear but I can't be sure. With the amp powered down and the Flex set to 100 watts out everything seems to be working fine. I'm afraid my amp is going to take a trip. Any ideas for things to check? 73, Kev K4VD __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Waiting on an answer from Elecraft but thought I'd also check with the group here. I have a Flex 6500 with KAT500/KPA500 combo. It's been working great until very recently. Within the past couple of days I was intermittently reading high SWR when the amp is in operate. In standby or off everything looks good. As of last night it's not so intermittent. In receive when I switch from standby to operate I'm only receiving the strongest of signals. Everything else disappears almost like the antenna was disconnected. When switching between standby and operate I hear a relay clicking. I'm not sure but it doesn't seem to be as loud a click as I normally hear but I can't be sure. With the amp powered down and the Flex set to 100 watts out everything seems to be working fine. I'm afraid my amp is going to take a trip. Any ideas for things to check? 73, Kev K4VD __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Marvin; Assuming that you have the AUX I/O cable connected from the KPA500 to the K3, and you have RADIO set to K3 in the KPA500 menu, then I suspect you have dialed the power down to 0 on the K3 when the KPA is enabled. The KPA tells the K3 its state when it switches to STBY or OPER. The K3 uses this info to set the power level when you have the K3 set for PER BAND power as Don mentions. I don’t know if the per-band setting for power includes mode, but since this is one of the few things the K3 does when the KPA changes its operating mode, it makes sense that the problem is a very low power setting in the K3. If this isn’t the situation, be sure to check the AUX I/O cable to make sure that none of the pins are bent. Also make sure that pin 11 of the connector is missing. If it is not, then I would suggest that you might want to remove it and/or turn off the DIGOUT1 signal. Other than that, Don is right. This is a mystery. - Jack, W6FB > On Oct 9, 2017, at 9:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > That is a mystery. > The KPA500 is simply an amplifier, so it should amplify the K3S PEP power for > SSB the same as it does for CW. > Take a look at the drive power from the K3S. If you are overdriving the > KPA500 in SSB, it may be switching in an attenuator. > That could result from having too much compression on your SSB setting in the > K3S. > Have you set the PER BAND power in the K3S to limit the power to the KPA500 > when in operate mode? See the KPA500 manual pages 9 and 10. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 10/9/2017 11:55 PM, marvwhee...@nwlink.com wrote: >> After switching from cw to sideband I have no output from either the K3S or >> the KPA500. Simply putting the KPA500 into standby allows output from the >> K3S. I think I have a switching problem. Where should I look? >> Thanks >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
That is a mystery. The KPA500 is simply an amplifier, so it should amplify the K3S PEP power for SSB the same as it does for CW. Take a look at the drive power from the K3S. If you are overdriving the KPA500 in SSB, it may be switching in an attenuator. That could result from having too much compression on your SSB setting in the K3S. Have you set the PER BAND power in the K3S to limit the power to the KPA500 when in operate mode? See the KPA500 manual pages 9 and 10. 73, Don W3FPR On 10/9/2017 11:55 PM, marvwhee...@nwlink.com wrote: After switching from cw to sideband I have no output from either the K3S or the KPA500. Simply putting the KPA500 into standby allows output from the K3S. I think I have a switching problem. Where should I look? Thanks __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 problem
After switching from cw to sideband I have no output from either the K3S or the KPA500. Simply putting the KPA500 into standby allows output from the K3S. I think I have a switching problem. Where should I look? Thanks __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Mike: Suggest changing fuses in input fuse block. I have experienced an intermittent fuse problem in other equipment in the past that produced very puzzling symptoms. 73 and good luck, Dan AC6DM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-problem-tp7614144p7614230.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Jim, I think you will find the KPA500 transformer to be quite robust, but of course there is always a small chance that you have one that could be defective. If you can monitor the DC voltage under load, that would be revealing. Contact k3sup...@elecraft.com or Jack Brindle (he has already responded to you and is one of the KPA500 designers). 73, Don W3FPR On 2/16/2016 11:26 PM, Jim Bolit wrote: Their methods show BOTH line regulation and load regulation. How much does the voltage change with a stiff, low impedance line or an electronic AC generator that will keep the line at 110 or 220, regardless of load(within limits of course)? I get a sense the transformer is not that robust, but have no facts to back that statement. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Their methods show BOTH line regulation and load regulation. How much does the voltage change with a stiff, low impedance line or an electronic AC generator that will keep the line at 110 or 220, regardless of load(within limits of course)? I get a sense the transformer is not that robust, but have no facts to back that statement. Jim W6AIM . -Original Message- From: Ron D'Eau Claire [mailto:r...@cobi.biz] Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 5:13 PM To: 'Jim Bolit'; 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem I've not seen any such specs., but since the measurements for setting the taps and checking the regulation (load/no-load voltages) are done using the actual HV at the output of the power supply, as long as it stays within the stated range it should work FB. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Bolit Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 4:01 PM To: 'Ron D'Eau Claire'; 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem The load regulation of the transformer/rectifiers is also an issue. Does Elecraft spec the load regulation of the KPA-500 at nominal AC input for both 110 and 220 volt input? Jim W6AIM . -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 3:41 PM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem On the fairly rare occasions I go QRO with the KPA500 it runs off of a 120V wall outlet >50 feet from the breaker panel. With the taps set so the key-up HV is near max (85V), the HV drops to close to the minimum voltage (60V) at 500 watts on some bands. That's all due to the 120V feed droop. There's no benefit from having the tap set for a mid-range voltage if the HV droops below 60V on key down. Below 60V the amp won't make full output on some bands and IMD is compromised. A self-protective circuit will kick in and shut the power supply off if the key-up voltage is too high. In that case you will get an immediate fault indication when you press the ON switch to apply power. It is useful to not have other heavy loads on the same circuit - especially loads that switch on and off (Microwave oven, household vacuum cleaner, etc.) Even if such loads do not cause the circuit breaker to open, they can cause the voltage at your outlet to shift even further. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- > > On Feb 15, 2016, at 11:11 PM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > > > I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, > > well packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp > > on, interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 > > immediately shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It > > shuts down just as if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, > > etc... The antenna is resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 > > watts, swapped coax, hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA > > cable, the Elecraft cable, etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can > > tap the paddle like a straight key lightly and the amp works, but > > put two dits together and it > shuts down. > > > > > > > > Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking > > this has to be something simple. > > > > > > > > Mike AD5A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jbol...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to r...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
I've not seen any such specs., but since the measurements for setting the taps and checking the regulation (load/no-load voltages) are done using the actual HV at the output of the power supply, as long as it stays within the stated range it should work FB. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Bolit Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 4:01 PM To: 'Ron D'Eau Claire'; 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem The load regulation of the transformer/rectifiers is also an issue. Does Elecraft spec the load regulation of the KPA-500 at nominal AC input for both 110 and 220 volt input? Jim W6AIM . -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 3:41 PM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem On the fairly rare occasions I go QRO with the KPA500 it runs off of a 120V wall outlet >50 feet from the breaker panel. With the taps set so the key-up HV is near max (85V), the HV drops to close to the minimum voltage (60V) at 500 watts on some bands. That's all due to the 120V feed droop. There's no benefit from having the tap set for a mid-range voltage if the HV droops below 60V on key down. Below 60V the amp won't make full output on some bands and IMD is compromised. A self-protective circuit will kick in and shut the power supply off if the key-up voltage is too high. In that case you will get an immediate fault indication when you press the ON switch to apply power. It is useful to not have other heavy loads on the same circuit - especially loads that switch on and off (Microwave oven, household vacuum cleaner, etc.) Even if such loads do not cause the circuit breaker to open, they can cause the voltage at your outlet to shift even further. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- > > On Feb 15, 2016, at 11:11 PM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > > > I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, > > well packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp > > on, interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 > > immediately shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It > > shuts down just as if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, > > etc... The antenna is resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 > > watts, swapped coax, hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA > > cable, the Elecraft cable, etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can > > tap the paddle like a straight key lightly and the amp works, but > > put two dits together and it > shuts down. > > > > > > > > Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking > > this has to be something simple. > > > > > > > > Mike AD5A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jbol...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to r...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
The load regulation of the transformer/rectifiers is also an issue. Does Elecraft spec the load regulation of the KPA-500 at nominal AC input for both 110 and 220 volt input? Jim W6AIM . -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 3:41 PM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem On the fairly rare occasions I go QRO with the KPA500 it runs off of a 120V wall outlet >50 feet from the breaker panel. With the taps set so the key-up HV is near max (85V), the HV drops to close to the minimum voltage (60V) at 500 watts on some bands. That's all due to the 120V feed droop. There's no benefit from having the tap set for a mid-range voltage if the HV droops below 60V on key down. Below 60V the amp won't make full output on some bands and IMD is compromised. A self-protective circuit will kick in and shut the power supply off if the key-up voltage is too high. In that case you will get an immediate fault indication when you press the ON switch to apply power. It is useful to not have other heavy loads on the same circuit - especially loads that switch on and off (Microwave oven, household vacuum cleaner, etc.) Even if such loads do not cause the circuit breaker to open, they can cause the voltage at your outlet to shift even further. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- > > On Feb 15, 2016, at 11:11 PM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > > > I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, > > well packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp > > on, interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 > > immediately shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It > > shuts down just as if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, > > etc... The antenna is resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 > > watts, swapped coax, hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA > > cable, the Elecraft cable, etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can > > tap the paddle like a straight key lightly and the amp works, but > > put two dits together and it > shuts down. > > > > > > > > Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking > > this has to be something simple. > > > > > > > > Mike AD5A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jbol...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
On the fairly rare occasions I go QRO with the KPA500 it runs off of a 120V wall outlet >50 feet from the breaker panel. With the taps set so the key-up HV is near max (85V), the HV drops to close to the minimum voltage (60V) at 500 watts on some bands. That's all due to the 120V feed droop. There's no benefit from having the tap set for a mid-range voltage if the HV droops below 60V on key down. Below 60V the amp won't make full output on some bands and IMD is compromised. A self-protective circuit will kick in and shut the power supply off if the key-up voltage is too high. In that case you will get an immediate fault indication when you press the ON switch to apply power. It is useful to not have other heavy loads on the same circuit - especially loads that switch on and off (Microwave oven, household vacuum cleaner, etc.) Even if such loads do not cause the circuit breaker to open, they can cause the voltage at your outlet to shift even further. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- > > On Feb 15, 2016, at 11:11 PM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > > > I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, > > well packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp > > on, interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 > > immediately shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It > > shuts down just as if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, > > etc... The antenna is resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 > > watts, swapped coax, hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA > > cable, the Elecraft cable, etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can > > tap the paddle like a straight key lightly and the amp works, but > > put two dits together and it > shuts down. > > > > > > > > Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking > > this has to be something simple. > > > > > > > > Mike AD5A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Guy, I plugged this KPA into the same socket as my current KPA is operating from, so the 120v power source is not the problem. I also swapped power cords with one that was working. Thanks, Mike AD5A > On Feb 16, 2016, at 12:07 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > > Hmm. One of the reasons people get a KPA500 is because they can't get 240 to > the shack and the KPA will run on 120V. That makes it non-idiotic to inquire > upon the 120V supply. > > I heard of a problem something like this, not a KPA500, that turned out to be > a defective wall outlet. I would imagine that the KPA500 is unforgiving of a > precipitous drop in AC voltage. In the case I cite, all kinds of wierdness in > the shack went away when the wall outlet was replaced. The defective wall > outlet had internal blades that were badly pitted. It was also very old by > any means of estimate. > > I also heard of a power cord that was not crimped correctly inside the molded > plug, discovered upon dissection style autopsy afterwards. > > Other issues would be aluminum wiring that had not been tightened up, a > single bad socket in a power strip, etc. Also have heard of a wall socket > connection where one of the screws on the outlet had never been tightened. > > A KPA500 is a hard pull on a 120V socket. It would not matter to the AC power > that you were just hitting 10 watts, because you turn on the idling current > as soon as any RF is sensed. > > Do not assume that the 120V supply is A-OK. Verify everything on that 120V > circuit, up to and including the breaker in the breaker box. Breakers go bad > too. > > In any event the very best of luck chasing this aggravating problem. Please > let us all know what finally turns out to be the actual problem and what you > did to fix it. > > 73, Guy K2AV > >> On Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 11:48 AM, Cliff Frescura wrote: >> Can you measure the 110V line voltage on key down? Is it stiff enough? >> >> 73, >> >> Cliff K3LL/6 >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike >> Crownover >> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 8:22 AM >> To: 'Nr4c' >> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem >> >> Bill, >> >> Did that, it's set for 110v. I used the yellow tap, which gives me 75 v, >> right in the middle of the spec. I did try the other two, but same behavior. >> >> Thnaks, >> >> Mike AD5A >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Nr4c [mailto:n...@widomaker.com] >> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 10:19 AM >> To: Mike Crownover >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem >> >> What input voltage is it configured for? >> >> Check manual for voltage tap info. >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> ...nr4c. bill >> >> >> > On Feb 15, 2016, at 11:11 PM, Mike Crownover wrote: >> > >> > I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, well >> > packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp on, >> > interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 immediately >> > shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It shuts down just as >> > if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, etc... The antenna is >> > resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 watts, swapped coax, >> > hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA cable, the Elecraft cable, >> > etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can tap the paddle like a >> > straight key lightly and the amp works, but put two dits together and >> > it >> shuts down. >> > >> > >> > >> > Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking this >> > has to be something simple. >> > >> > >> > >> > Mike AD5A >> > >> > __ >> > Elecraft mailing list >> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> > >> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email >> > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to >> > n...@widomaker.com >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@m
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
On Tue,2/16/2016 10:07 AM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: I heard of a problem something like this, not a KPA500, that turned out to be a defective wall outlet. Or a long run of relatively small wire to the outlet from the panel. Or a bad splice at another outlet between your outlet and the breaker panel. Or perhaps you're not plugged directly into the wall, but into some other device or multi-outlet box. A good way to check this is to hang a voltmeter across another outlet wired directly in parallel with the power amp (most wall outlets are duplexes, two outlets in a single enclosure) and watch the AC voltage as you key the amp. Start with fairly low power (100-200W) and gradually increase it until the amp shuts down. As I recall, the KPA500 pulls about 10A at 120V for full power. There's a very useful device to measure voltage, current, power, VA, power factor, and even kWh. It's called Kill A Watt. You plug it into the outlet, then plug the device you want to test into it. There are several version of it. Here's one, which is what I have. http://www.p3international.com/products/p4400.html 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Hmm. One of the reasons people get a KPA500 is because they can't get 240 to the shack and the KPA will run on 120V. That makes it non-idiotic to inquire upon the 120V supply. I heard of a problem something like this, not a KPA500, that turned out to be a defective wall outlet. I would imagine that the KPA500 is unforgiving of a precipitous drop in AC voltage. In the case I cite, all kinds of wierdness in the shack went away when the wall outlet was replaced. The defective wall outlet had internal blades that were badly pitted. It was also very old by any means of estimate. I also heard of a power cord that was not crimped correctly inside the molded plug, discovered upon dissection style autopsy afterwards. Other issues would be aluminum wiring that had not been tightened up, a single bad socket in a power strip, etc. Also have heard of a wall socket connection where one of the screws on the outlet had never been tightened. A KPA500 is a hard pull on a 120V socket. It would not matter to the AC power that you were just hitting 10 watts, because you turn on the idling current as soon as any RF is sensed. Do not assume that the 120V supply is A-OK. Verify everything on that 120V circuit, up to and including the breaker in the breaker box. Breakers go bad too. In any event the very best of luck chasing this aggravating problem. Please let us all know what finally turns out to be the actual problem and what you did to fix it. 73, Guy K2AV On Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 11:48 AM, Cliff Frescura wrote: > Can you measure the 110V line voltage on key down? Is it stiff enough? > > 73, > > Cliff K3LL/6 > > -Original Message- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike > Crownover > Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 8:22 AM > To: 'Nr4c' > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem > > Bill, > > Did that, it's set for 110v. I used the yellow tap, which gives me 75 v, > right in the middle of the spec. I did try the other two, but same > behavior. > > Thnaks, > > Mike AD5A > > -Original Message- > From: Nr4c [mailto:n...@widomaker.com] > Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 10:19 AM > To: Mike Crownover > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem > > What input voltage is it configured for? > > Check manual for voltage tap info. > > Sent from my iPhone > ...nr4c. bill > > > > On Feb 15, 2016, at 11:11 PM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > > > I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, well > > packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp on, > > interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 immediately > > shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It shuts down just as > > if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, etc... The antenna is > > resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 watts, swapped coax, > > hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA cable, the Elecraft cable, > > etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can tap the paddle like a > > straight key lightly and the amp works, but put two dits together and > > it > shuts down. > > > > > > > > Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking this > > has to be something simple. > > > > > > > > Mike AD5A > > > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > > n...@widomaker.com > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message > delivered to c...@cfcorp.com > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to k2av@gmail.com > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Can you measure the 110V line voltage on key down? Is it stiff enough? 73, Cliff K3LL/6 -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike Crownover Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 8:22 AM To: 'Nr4c' Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem Bill, Did that, it's set for 110v. I used the yellow tap, which gives me 75 v, right in the middle of the spec. I did try the other two, but same behavior. Thnaks, Mike AD5A -Original Message- From: Nr4c [mailto:n...@widomaker.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 10:19 AM To: Mike Crownover Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem What input voltage is it configured for? Check manual for voltage tap info. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Feb 15, 2016, at 11:11 PM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, well > packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp on, > interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 immediately > shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It shuts down just as > if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, etc... The antenna is > resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 watts, swapped coax, > hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA cable, the Elecraft cable, > etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can tap the paddle like a > straight key lightly and the amp works, but put two dits together and > it shuts down. > > > > Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking this > has to be something simple. > > > > Mike AD5A > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > n...@widomaker.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to c...@cfcorp.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Bill, Did that, it's set for 110v. I used the yellow tap, which gives me 75 v, right in the middle of the spec. I did try the other two, but same behavior. Thnaks, Mike AD5A -Original Message- From: Nr4c [mailto:n...@widomaker.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 10:19 AM To: Mike Crownover Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem What input voltage is it configured for? Check manual for voltage tap info. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Feb 15, 2016, at 11:11 PM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, well > packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp on, > interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 immediately > shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It shuts down just as > if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, etc... The antenna is > resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 watts, swapped coax, > hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA cable, the Elecraft cable, > etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can tap the paddle like a > straight key lightly and the amp works, but put two dits together and it shuts down. > > > > Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking this > has to be something simple. > > > > Mike AD5A > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > n...@widomaker.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Did that..."power lost without controlled shutdown" Thanks, Mike AD5A -Original Message- From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:d...@elecraft.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 9:53 AM To: 'Mike Crownover' ; 'AJ8MH Radio' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem I would recommend connecting the KPA Utility and display the fault table. 73 de Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike Crownover Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 07:39 To: 'AJ8MH Radio' Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem Joe, I already reset all menu items to default. I've also done the Key Out to PA Key configuration. I've also done the 10 watt exercise, I am getting the asterisk without the underscore and the ~200 watts out. But only when I just tap the paddle. If I string dits together, even at low power the amp shuts off. The K3 isn't shutting down. I sort of in the camp that it's something internal, however, I've never built one of these. I did get the assembly manual and have looked at some obvious ground connections and all seem in order. Thanks for your thoughts. Mike AD5A -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of AJ8MH Radio Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 9:26 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem No fault codes? Double check amp's menu items and set all to default before test. Remove all cables. Connect dummy load directly to amp. Connect RF in from K3. Connect "Key Out" to "PA Key." Manually select same band on rig and amp. Set K3 for 10 watts drive. Select "OPER." Now, try and key amp. You should see asterisk in amp's display window and around 200 watts out. An asterisk with underscore indicates amp is being inhibited. If amp still fails, I would check all connections internal to the amp. Guess you could also see if the K3 is shutting down... 73, Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio ) On 2/16/2016 9:33 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: 73, Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio ) On 2/16/2016 9:33 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to a...@gvtc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
I have to concur, but can’t give any help on what might be shorting. One piece of info I can give - there is no scenario in firmware where a fault will power off the amplifier. All faults will leave the amplifier in the STBY state with the amplifier on. With some you won’t be able to transmit, but the amp will still be powered. Make sure all connections are right, that no cables are offset or otherwise misconnected. What version of firmware is in the KPA500? If not V1.38 or later, you should upgrade. Otherwise talk to the CS folks in Watsonville. This is a strange situation. It would be interesting to see the fault table for the amp (you might send me a fault table for analysis). With the amplifier shutting down so quickly I doubt if anything is being saved, though. Jack Brindle, W6FB Elecraft Engineering > On Feb 16, 2016, at 7:39 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > Joe, > > I already reset all menu items to default. I've also done the Key Out to PA > Key configuration. I've also done the 10 watt exercise, I am getting the > asterisk without the underscore and the ~200 watts out. But only when I just > tap the paddle. If I string dits together, even at low power the amp shuts > off. > > The K3 isn't shutting down. > > I sort of in the camp that it's something internal, however, I've never > built one of these. I did get the assembly manual and have looked at some > obvious ground connections and all seem in order. > > Thanks for your thoughts. > > Mike AD5A > > -Original Message- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of AJ8MH > Radio > Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 9:26 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem > > No fault codes? > > Double check amp's menu items and set all to default before test. > > Remove all cables. Connect dummy load directly to amp. Connect RF in from > K3. Connect "Key Out" to "PA Key." > > Manually select same band on rig and amp. Set K3 for 10 watts drive. > Select "OPER." Now, try and key amp. You should see asterisk in amp's > display window and around 200 watts out. An asterisk with underscore > indicates amp is being inhibited. > > If amp still fails, I would check all connections internal to the amp. > Guess you could also see if the K3 is shutting down... > > 73, > Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio ) > > On 2/16/2016 9:33 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > 73, > Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio ) > > On 2/16/2016 9:33 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message > delivered to a...@gvtc.com > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Joe, I already reset all menu items to default. I've also done the Key Out to PA Key configuration. I've also done the 10 watt exercise, I am getting the asterisk without the underscore and the ~200 watts out. But only when I just tap the paddle. If I string dits together, even at low power the amp shuts off. The K3 isn't shutting down. I sort of in the camp that it's something internal, however, I've never built one of these. I did get the assembly manual and have looked at some obvious ground connections and all seem in order. Thanks for your thoughts. Mike AD5A -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of AJ8MH Radio Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 9:26 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem No fault codes? Double check amp's menu items and set all to default before test. Remove all cables. Connect dummy load directly to amp. Connect RF in from K3. Connect "Key Out" to "PA Key." Manually select same band on rig and amp. Set K3 for 10 watts drive. Select "OPER." Now, try and key amp. You should see asterisk in amp's display window and around 200 watts out. An asterisk with underscore indicates amp is being inhibited. If amp still fails, I would check all connections internal to the amp. Guess you could also see if the K3 is shutting down... 73, Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio ) On 2/16/2016 9:33 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: 73, Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio ) On 2/16/2016 9:33 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to a...@gvtc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
No fault codes? Double check amp's menu items and set all to default before test. Remove all cables. Connect dummy load directly to amp. Connect RF in from K3. Connect "Key Out" to "PA Key." Manually select same band on rig and amp. Set K3 for 10 watts drive. Select "OPER." Now, try and key amp. You should see asterisk in amp's display window and around 200 watts out. An asterisk with underscore indicates amp is being inhibited. If amp still fails, I would check all connections internal to the amp. Guess you could also see if the K3 is shutting down... 73, Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio ) On 2/16/2016 9:33 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: 73, Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio ) On 2/16/2016 9:33 AM, Mike Crownover wrote: __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Mark, Menu is set to K3 I've configured the amp 2 different ways, Key Out to PA Key, with 2 different cablesno difference KPA500 AUX from K3 to KPA 500, with a known good cable, ( I have a K3 line already) and the one that came with itno difference. The band changes all work fine. I'm certainly not a technical guy, but it seems to me the transfer from radio to amp to key the amp is working fine. There is something after key down that is shorting or somehow malfunctioning that shuts the amp down. I can turn the power on the K3 down to 10 watts and tap the paddle and the amp works, but put two dits in a row and it shuts down. I've inspected the inside for transformer damage and there is nothing visible. The one lead that Elecraft gave me was that the screws for the tilt bar were installed backwards, leading to the possibility of a short with the transformer. I had to remove the transformer to reverse those screws, (they sent me the procedure), but that wasn't the problem either. I didn't use a configuration that would require the interrupter. Thanks for your comments and thoughts. 73, Mike AD5A -Original Message- From: Mark E. Musick [mailto:markmus...@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 1:11 AM To: 'Mike Crownover' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem Mike, First connect the amp to a dummy load and see how it behaves. This eliminates the antenna. Yes, I know the SWR is 1:1, but it eliminates it as a possible problem and you are not putting a signal on the air causing QRM. Go into the KPA500 menu and make sure RADIO is set to K3. Are you using the key out of the K3 to the key in (PA KEY) on the amp for keying the amp or are you keying the amp through the cable connected to the K3 accessory socket? If you are using key out to key in, did you put the keying interrupter for pin 11 on the K3 accessory jack? Try the basic cabling setup as described in the manual. Just connect RF IN from the K3, RF OUT to the dummy load, KEY OUT on the K3 to PA KEY on the KPA500. Leave the cable from the K3 accessory socket to the KPA500 AUX socket disconnected. See if it operates in this configuration. Let us know the results. Mark Musick, WB9CIF -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike Crownover Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 4:12 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, well packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp on, interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 immediately shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It shuts down just as if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, etc... The antenna is resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 watts, swapped coax, hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA cable, the Elecraft cable, etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can tap the paddle like a straight key lightly and the amp works, but put two dits together and it shuts down. Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking this has to be something simple. Mike AD5A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to markmus...@sbcglobal.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 problem
I just bought a lightly used KPA500. It arrived from the seller, well packed and complete with cables, manuals, etc. I turned the amp on, interfaced it with my K3, keyed the radio and the KPA500 immediately shut-off. No fault light or error code, nothing. It shuts down just as if I had pressed the power button, the fan runs, etc... The antenna is resonant 1:1, I've lowered input power to 10 watts, swapped coax, hooked it up to another K3, used RCA to RCA cable, the Elecraft cable, etc.. When down to 10 watts input, I can tap the paddle like a straight key lightly and the amp works, but put two dits together and it shuts down. Has anyone had an experienced anything like this. I keep thinking this has to be something simple. Mike AD5A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Call Customer Support tomorrow morning. They may have more suggestions for you. Worst case, you will need an RMA from them, but I really hope they can have you try something that I’m not thinking of at the moment to make it work. - Jack B, W6FB > On Jun 21, 2015, at 10:04 AM, Ray W2RS via Elecraft > wrote: > > > Hi Jack, > > No asterisk. > > Tnx, Ray W2RS > > > In a message dated 6/21/2015 9:37:57 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, > jackbrin...@me.com writes: > > When you switch to OPER, is there an asterisk on the left side of the LCD? > This would indicate that the PTT line is engaged or shorted. fix that > connection and things should return to normal. > There are several things that could be causing the trouble you see. Work > through them with Elecraft customer support and you may avoid shipping the > amp back. > > - Jack Brindle, W6FB > > Sent from my iPad > >> On Jun 21, 2015, at 8:16 AM, Ray W2RS via Elecraft > wrote: >> >> My KPA500 amplifi_es_ (file://\\es) normally but seems to have a >> switching problem on receive. The receiver (I've tried several) works > fine when >> the amp is turned off or when it is switched to STBY, but when I switch > the >> KPA500 to OPER the receiver goes nearly dead as if there is no antenna >> connected to it. I tried resetting the KPA500 to factory menu settings > but no >> change. There is full output on transmit. >> >> The KPA500 is still under warranty. Is this a settings problem or > should >> I send it back? >> >> 73 Ray W2RS >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Hi Jack, No asterisk. Tnx, Ray W2RS In a message dated 6/21/2015 9:37:57 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, jackbrin...@me.com writes: When you switch to OPER, is there an asterisk on the left side of the LCD? This would indicate that the PTT line is engaged or shorted. fix that connection and things should return to normal. There are several things that could be causing the trouble you see. Work through them with Elecraft customer support and you may avoid shipping the amp back. - Jack Brindle, W6FB Sent from my iPad > On Jun 21, 2015, at 8:16 AM, Ray W2RS via Elecraft wrote: > > My KPA500 amplifi_es_ (file://\\es) normally but seems to have a > switching problem on receive. The receiver (I've tried several) works fine when > the amp is turned off or when it is switched to STBY, but when I switch the > KPA500 to OPER the receiver goes nearly dead as if there is no antenna > connected to it. I tried resetting the KPA500 to factory menu settings but no > change. There is full output on transmit. > > The KPA500 is still under warranty. Is this a settings problem or should > I send it back? > > 73 Ray W2RS > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
When you switch to OPER, is there an asterisk on the left side of the LCD? This would indicate that the PTT line is engaged or shorted. fix that connection and things should return to normal. There are several things that could be causing the trouble you see. Work through them with Elecraft customer support and you may avoid shipping the amp back. - Jack Brindle, W6FB Sent from my iPad > On Jun 21, 2015, at 8:16 AM, Ray W2RS via Elecraft > wrote: > > My KPA500 amplifi_es_ (file://\\es) normally but seems to have a > switching problem on receive. The receiver (I've tried several) works fine > when > the amp is turned off or when it is switched to STBY, but when I switch the > KPA500 to OPER the receiver goes nearly dead as if there is no antenna > connected to it. I tried resetting the KPA500 to factory menu settings but > no > change. There is full output on transmit. > > The KPA500 is still under warranty. Is this a settings problem or should > I send it back? > > 73 Ray W2RS > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Send it back for the TR switch update. This is a known problem with early KPA500s and there is an easy factory fix. Ed W0YK _ Ray W2RS wrote: My KPA500 amplifi_es_ (file://\\es) normally but seems to have a switching problem on receive. The receiver (I've tried several) works fine when the amp is turned off or when it is switched to STBY, but when I switch the KPA500 to OPER the receiver goes nearly dead as if there is no antenna connected to it. I tried resetting the KPA500 to factory menu settings but no change. There is full output on transmit. The KPA500 is still under warranty. Is this a settings problem or should I send it back? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 problem
My KPA500 amplifi_es_ (file://\\es) normally but seems to have a switching problem on receive. The receiver (I've tried several) works fine when the amp is turned off or when it is switched to STBY, but when I switch the KPA500 to OPER the receiver goes nearly dead as if there is no antenna connected to it. I tried resetting the KPA500 to factory menu settings but no change. There is full output on transmit. The KPA500 is still under warranty. Is this a settings problem or should I send it back? 73 Ray W2RS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Barry and All, Looks like you found the "fix" Barry. Often the only way to really reset a microprocessor when it gets "stuck" is to completely disconnect all power from the unit. On laptop computers I usually have to remove the battery as well. Anyway, glad you solved the problem. Dave W7AQK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Good suggestion Jim. However, I tried turning the mains power switch (on the back of the KPA500) off and on and that appears to have cured whatever the problem was. Now back at full power. Thanks for your input. 73 Barry VK2BJ On 26 September 2014 06:20, Jim Brown wrote: > On Thu,9/25/2014 1:16 PM, Barry Simpson wrote: > >> Before I delve into the manual, has anyone any ideas ? >> > > Put in a Skype call to Elecraft support? > > 73, Jim K9YC > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to vk...@optusnet.com.au > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
On Thu,9/25/2014 1:16 PM, Barry Simpson wrote: Before I delve into the manual, has anyone any ideas ? Put in a Skype call to Elecraft support? 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Good morning all My hitherto bomb proof KPA500 has just failed. I went to 40m SSB to chase some DX. I pre-tuned the KAT500 via the K3 tune facility and then called the DX. During the call, the KAT500 started its continuous retuning issue (I thought that problem had been resolved but apparently not) and the KPA500 tripped out. The DX station still heard me and I worked him with what proved to be about 25w. I then tried to reset the KPA500 but it will not go into transmit in the Operate position and simply passes through the 25w driving power from the K3. There was no bang, smoke or burning smell and the PA voltage is still there. Before I delve into the manual, has anyone any ideas ? Thanks Barry VK2BJ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Don't worry, John, you can still use the K3 buttons as usual to change bands, but I would still recommend setting BND CHG to STBY on the KPA500 for safety if you are using a manual tuner. Glad to see the issue is now receiving so much feedback! A word in Wayne's ear before Eric has to end the thread, hi! 73 Richard HB9ANM VK7JB wrote > So if this is a known issue that's been present for a year in the life of > a new product, one claim of which is tight integration into a chain of > products, what's the expected time frame to resolution? I just bought a > KPA500 precisely because of this integration but I see now I'll face this > problem, because I run a manual tuner. > > Hopefully they're on to it for the next release. > > John > VK7JB - Richard - HB9ANM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RF-feedback-tp7561833p7563154.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
So if this is a known issue that's been present for a year in the life of a new product, one claim of which is tight integration into a chain of products, what's the expected time frame to resolution? I just bought a KPA500 precisely because of this integration but I see now I'll face this problem, because I run a manual tuner. Hopefully they're on to it for the next release. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RF-feedback-tp7561833p7563153.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Yes, Bob. This is a very accurate description of the problem. Bob Cunnings NW8L wrote > I experience a similar thing. With KPA500 BAND CHG set to STBY and > using the KPA500 band buttons to change bands, it happens if the > KPA500 goes from OPER to STBY on band change. Elecraft support > confirmed the issue and said that it would be fixed in the next K3 > firmware release. > > Bob NW8L - Richard - HB9ANM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RF-feedback-tp7561833p7563150.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
*Same here on #679 and has been like it for a year or more I think? the fix is to run OPER all the time which is not helpful if you need to use a tuner...:-) 73 * On 23 September 2012 18:23, Richard Squire - HB9ANM wrote: > That's right, Fred and Mike - This is exactly what I have been mentioning > ever since I got my KPA500 a year ago. It only occurs when BND CHG is set > to > STBY, which I think is safer. Elecraft was able to reproduce it and said it > would be corrected in a future release. The bug is supposed to be on the K3 > side. > IMHO, this is important to all, rather than AM (seldom used) and ESSB (I'd > never do that!) > > 73 > Richard - HB9ANM > > > AC6JA wrote > > Fred, > > There is a known firmware issue which causes the K3 to sometimes "forget" > > to go back to 100W when switching the KPA500 from OPER to STBY. > > Mine has the same issue where I need to periodically reset the K3 PWR > back > > up to 100W when operating the KPA500 in STBY. So far the K3 remembers to > > go to the preset PWR output levels when the KPA500 is in OPER. > > Elecraft is supposed to address this issue in a future firmware release. > > > > Mike AC6JA > > > > > > > > - > Richard - HB9ANM > -- > View this message in context: > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RF-feedback-tp7561833p7563149.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > -- *Gary* *Start the day off slow, then taper off.* K3 #679 KPA500FT #18 KAT500FT 007 P3 #1629 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
That's right, Fred and Mike - This is exactly what I have been mentioning ever since I got my KPA500 a year ago. It only occurs when BND CHG is set to STBY, which I think is safer. Elecraft was able to reproduce it and said it would be corrected in a future release. The bug is supposed to be on the K3 side. IMHO, this is important to all, rather than AM (seldom used) and ESSB (I'd never do that!) 73 Richard - HB9ANM AC6JA wrote > Fred, > There is a known firmware issue which causes the K3 to sometimes "forget" > to go back to 100W when switching the KPA500 from OPER to STBY. > Mine has the same issue where I need to periodically reset the K3 PWR back > up to 100W when operating the KPA500 in STBY. So far the K3 remembers to > go to the preset PWR output levels when the KPA500 is in OPER. > Elecraft is supposed to address this issue in a future firmware release. > > Mike AC6JA > - Richard - HB9ANM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RF-feedback-tp7561833p7563149.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
I experience a similar thing. With KPA500 BAND CHG set to STBY and using the KPA500 band buttons to change bands, it happens if the KPA500 goes from OPER to STBY on band change. Elecraft support confirmed the issue and said that it would be fixed in the next K3 firmware release. Bob NW8L >Fred, >There is a known firmware issue which causes the K3 to sometimes "forget" >to go back to 100W when switching the KPA500 from OPER to STBY. >Mine has the same issue where I need to periodically reset the K3 PWR back >up to 100W when operating the KPA500 in STBY. So far the K3 remembers to >go to the preset PWR output levels when the KPA500 is in OPER. >Elecraft is supposed to address this issue in a future firmware release. > >Mike AC6JA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Fred, There is a known firmware issue which causes the K3 to sometimes "forget" to go back to 100W when switching the KPA500 from OPER to STBY. Mine has the same issue where I need to periodically reset the K3 PWR back up to 100W when operating the KPA500 in STBY. So far the K3 remembers to go to the preset PWR output levels when the KPA500 is in OPER. Elecraft is supposed to address this issue in a future firmware release. Mike AC6JA In a message dated 9/22/2012 4:31:41 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, k6...@foothill.net writes: On 9/22/2012 3:05 PM, Bill K9YEQ wrote: > Fred, > > More than likely you are changing freqs and the amplifier/K3 are folding > back power based on detected antenna complex loading issues. Until the > KAT500 becomes available, you don't need 100 watts on any band to get 500W > out! Back off your per band settings and test. Whatever you are using for > your tuner, I would suspect it is not matching. I think I wasn't clear Bill, and unfortunately, it's not the first time. :-) The KPA500 wants between 25 and 30 watts, depending on band for 500 watts out. The irreproducible "problem" I described seems to be in the dual-power memories in the K3. The most common manifestation is: 1. KPA500 --> STBY, usually because I punched up a new band on it. 2. K3 TUNE: Mine is 5W. I tune up the antenna coupler [MFJ 989-C], SWR=1:1 3. KPA500 --> OPER, because I pressed the switch 4. K3 TUNE: SWR still 1:1, but now into the KPA500 of course, output power around 60W [still 5W tune power from the K3] 5. Tap K3 TUNE, now I'm receiving and ready to TX. KPA500 is in OPER. K3 should have gone to 25-30W depending on the band. Start to send, KPA500 output is still around 60W [and the DX calls someone else], and when I move the K3 PWR knob to check the setting, it is still at 5W. The only way I've found to get it back to the 25-30W range is to turn the PWR knob. This only happens every now and then, more often then than now, nearly all the time it works as expected ... ending TUNE on the K3 sets the power to 25-30W if the KPA500 is in OPER, 100W if it isn't. If I had to guess [hardly ever a productive troubleshooting technique], it looks like the power memories are fine, the K3 is just missing some signal to tell it to go into normal operate mode with an active KPA500. The reverse problem ... running barefoot at 100W and I put the KPA500 into OPER [using the front panel switch] because the DX isn't answering me [and I'm going to show these clods in the pile!] and the K3 stays at 100W [lighting up the 500 :-)] has happened a few times, not nearly as often as the reverse problem described above. I've tried re-seating the big cable between the KPA500 and K3 several times, once with a drop of DeOxit into the contacts, with essentially no change. Since I can't make it happen on command, I'm loath to do much more than mention it here, and maybe should stop that. I sent my K2 to Don once with what I perceived as a clear problem, he spent a lot of time for which I'm sure he did not charge me, and couldn't make it fail. It's never happened again, in fact I managed NH8S just before QRT with K2 @ 5W to my new AlexLoop out on our deck. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
On 9/22/2012 3:05 PM, Bill K9YEQ wrote: > Fred, > > More than likely you are changing freqs and the amplifier/K3 are folding > back power based on detected antenna complex loading issues. Until the > KAT500 becomes available, you don't need 100 watts on any band to get 500W > out! Back off your per band settings and test. Whatever you are using for > your tuner, I would suspect it is not matching. I think I wasn't clear Bill, and unfortunately, it's not the first time. :-) The KPA500 wants between 25 and 30 watts, depending on band for 500 watts out. The irreproducible "problem" I described seems to be in the dual-power memories in the K3. The most common manifestation is: 1. KPA500 --> STBY, usually because I punched up a new band on it. 2. K3 TUNE: Mine is 5W. I tune up the antenna coupler [MFJ 989-C], SWR=1:1 3. KPA500 --> OPER, because I pressed the switch 4. K3 TUNE: SWR still 1:1, but now into the KPA500 of course, output power around 60W [still 5W tune power from the K3] 5. Tap K3 TUNE, now I'm receiving and ready to TX. KPA500 is in OPER. K3 should have gone to 25-30W depending on the band. Start to send, KPA500 output is still around 60W [and the DX calls someone else], and when I move the K3 PWR knob to check the setting, it is still at 5W. The only way I've found to get it back to the 25-30W range is to turn the PWR knob. This only happens every now and then, more often then than now, nearly all the time it works as expected ... ending TUNE on the K3 sets the power to 25-30W if the KPA500 is in OPER, 100W if it isn't. If I had to guess [hardly ever a productive troubleshooting technique], it looks like the power memories are fine, the K3 is just missing some signal to tell it to go into normal operate mode with an active KPA500. The reverse problem ... running barefoot at 100W and I put the KPA500 into OPER [using the front panel switch] because the DX isn't answering me [and I'm going to show these clods in the pile!] and the K3 stays at 100W [lighting up the 500 :-)] has happened a few times, not nearly as often as the reverse problem described above. I've tried re-seating the big cable between the KPA500 and K3 several times, once with a drop of DeOxit into the contacts, with essentially no change. Since I can't make it happen on command, I'm loath to do much more than mention it here, and maybe should stop that. I sent my K2 to Don once with what I perceived as a clear problem, he spent a lot of time for which I'm sure he did not charge me, and couldn't make it fail. It's never happened again, in fact I managed NH8S just before QRT with K2 @ 5W to my new AlexLoop out on our deck. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
On 9/21/2012 5:01 PM, Phillip Shepard wrote: > I tried tightening up the cables at both ends (BTW, I am using the control > cable between the rig and amp for maximum integration, and the K3 knows to > reduce the power out when the amp is in operate). That is not totally true, for me at least. I went through all bands and set up the power with and without the KPA500. 99% of the time, going anywhere with the KPA500 in stby, I get 100W from the K3. 97% of the time, then going to oper, I get 500W from the KPA500. Roughly 3% of the time, after tuning the external ant coupler [REALLY anxious for the KAT500!], putting the amp in oper gives me TUNE pwr [5W for me] from the K3, and around 60 W from the 500. So far, the only way I've found to get it back to normal is to rotate the PWR knob back to 27 or so watts. 1% of the time, or even less, going to oper on the KPA500 leaves the K3 power at 100W. First tap on the paddle lights everything up, and it shuts down with the fault light on. On a couple of occasions, I have had to unplug the KPA500 for a minute or so. None of this is reproducible, at least in the time I'm willing to spend trying to reproduce it. It just happens, sort of on every third Thursday after the first full moon after the equinox. I would really like the display B messages on the K3 to show the power it is going to transmit with the next time I tap the paddle when the KPA500 switches between STBY and OPER. I have my KPA500 set to go to STBY on band change so this is a fairly frequent activity. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Did you find your problem? Any fault codes? I suggest contacting supp...@elecraft.com, but if were me, I'd check all internal connections first and do a quick visual. I suspect a problem with the elaborate TR switching circuit or something that controls it. I see a couple 51 ohm resistors on the schematic at the input to the PA module, so if the TR switch was working, I would NOT expect hi reflected power to the rig with no power out of the AMP. Joe Hutchens ( AJ8MH ) http://webpages.charter.net/aj8mh-radio/ On Fri, Sep 21, 2012 at 8:01 PM, Phillip Shepard wrote: > I put my new KPA500 (s/n 1057) together earlier this week and have > been > loving it, although it has seen only light use so far. > > However, that changed this afternoon. I used it briefly on 40m LSB a > few > hours ago and all was fine. About 35w of drive for 550w out. I just > retuned the antenna to the low end of the band, yielding a 1.0:1 SWR > at the > K3 in the standby mode of the KPA500. When I switched the amp to > operate > and keyed the transmitter (tune control), the amp power LEDs jumped up > to > about 500w and then went to 0. Subsequent keying show a very high > SWR at > the K3 (65 to 99:1) and the K3 puts out no power as does the KPA500. > I > tried a dummy load with the same result. If the amp is in standby > mode the > K3 acts right and the power and SWR LEDs on the KPA500 act right (100w > out > at a low SWR). Putting the amp into operate mode acts like the input > SWR is > very high. > > I tried tightening up the cables at both ends (BTW, I am using the > control > cable between the rig and amp for maximum integration, and the K3 > knows to > reduce the power out when the amp is in operate). > > I hope I am doing something wrong, and the fix is simple. Any > suggestions > of where to begin? Thank you. > > 73, > Phil, NS7P > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
Is this behavior present on all bands or just 40 meters? You might try using the KPA500 without the control cable, as well. 73, Scott, N9AA On 9/21/12 8:01 PM, Phillip Shepard wrote: > I put my new KPA500 (s/n 1057) together earlier this week and have been > loving it, although it has seen only light use so far. > > However, that changed this afternoon. I used it briefly on 40m LSB a few > hours ago and all was fine. About 35w of drive for 550w out. I just > retuned the antenna to the low end of the band, yielding a 1.0:1 SWR at the > K3 in the standby mode of the KPA500. When I switched the amp to operate > and keyed the transmitter (tune control), the amp power LEDs jumped up to > about 500w and then went to 0. Subsequent keying show a very high SWR at > the K3 (65 to 99:1) and the K3 puts out no power as does the KPA500. I > tried a dummy load with the same result. If the amp is in standby mode the > K3 acts right and the power and SWR LEDs on the KPA500 act right (100w out > at a low SWR). Putting the amp into operate mode acts like the input SWR is > very high. > > I tried tightening up the cables at both ends (BTW, I am using the control > cable between the rig and amp for maximum integration, and the K3 knows to > reduce the power out when the amp is in operate). > > I hope I am doing something wrong, and the fix is simple. Any suggestions > of where to begin? Thank you. > > 73, > Phil, NS7P > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
I put my new KPA500 (s/n 1057) together earlier this week and have been loving it, although it has seen only light use so far. However, that changed this afternoon. I used it briefly on 40m LSB a few hours ago and all was fine. About 35w of drive for 550w out. I just retuned the antenna to the low end of the band, yielding a 1.0:1 SWR at the K3 in the standby mode of the KPA500. When I switched the amp to operate and keyed the transmitter (tune control), the amp power LEDs jumped up to about 500w and then went to 0. Subsequent keying show a very high SWR at the K3 (65 to 99:1) and the K3 puts out no power as does the KPA500. I tried a dummy load with the same result. If the amp is in standby mode the K3 acts right and the power and SWR LEDs on the KPA500 act right (100w out at a low SWR). Putting the amp into operate mode acts like the input SWR is very high. I tried tightening up the cables at both ends (BTW, I am using the control cable between the rig and amp for maximum integration, and the K3 knows to reduce the power out when the amp is in operate). I hope I am doing something wrong, and the fix is simple. Any suggestions of where to begin? Thank you. 73, Phil, NS7P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500 problem
Took two days to put this "kit" together and unfortunately it is dead. Too many things are happening to describe, but Dale is helping and hopefully in another week it will be on the air. Guess I'm not used to building something w/o a soldering iron. :-) Jay, W6JDB K2/100, K3, P3 & maybe KPA500 (to sub for SB221) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html