Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Charlie T, K3ICH]

Operating without the P3 is like listening to the CD.

Running the P3 (and the VGA) with your K3  is like attending a live concert.

73, Charlie k3ICH


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[Elecraft] Camp with my KX3 and KXPA100

[Kenneth A Christiansen]

Hi to the group

Once again I am camping at Scenic State Park in northern MN. The park does not 
have electricity and the noise level is low. I am running 20 CW with the pre 
amp at 30 db and the ATT off and have an S meter reading of S2 on background 
noise. I am able to run 60 watts CW using my 12 volt battery. I just finished 
working TN station KK4VAU. He was running a ROCK MITE at 300 mw. We had a rag 
chew Q5 but weak for 13 minutes. I also worked JA7QVI from here on CW from my 
camper. You can see pictures of my camping setup on QRZ.COM under W0CZ. There 
have been many other more ordinary CW contacts this week. I charged my battery 
this afternoon after 3 days of operating. I have operated from here other years 
but the big thing that is making this year better is the receiver of the KX3 as 
it has more gain and the APF filter.

I just wanted to report what the KX3 can do under these extreme conditions.

73

Ken  W0CZ  w0cz at i29 dot net

Sent from my iPad
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[GRANT YOUNGMAN]

I suspect that’s a reasonably poor assumption based only on the fact that it 
isn’t in the hype thread.

But even it it turns out to be good, the P3 is worth every nickel … 

Grant NQ5T


On Jun 20, 2014, at 8:15 PM, Gary Gregory  wrote:

> Steve,
> 
> The only negative is the lack of Tx monitoring. Was promised, and the label
> on the back of the P3 is beckoning but as nothing is ever mentioned about
> this option one can only assume it is not going to happen.
> 
> Gary
> 
> 
> On 21 June 2014 09:01, Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 

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[Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Johnny Siu]

Hello Gary,

As usually mentioned here, it is on their to-do list but there is no time frame 
at all.  They are still running for the KX3 additions - bigger market, more 
money.

cheers,

Johnny VR2XMC
 


 寄件人︰ Gary Gregory 
收件人︰ 
副本(CC)︰ Elecraft List  
傳送日期︰ 2014年06月21日 (週六) 9:15 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions
  

Steve,

The only negative is the lack of Tx monitoring. Was promised, and the label
on the back of the P3 is beckoning but as nothing is ever mentioned about
this option one can only assume it is not going to happen.

Gary


On 21 June 2014 09:01, Fred Jensen  wrote:

> You will get a lot of replies Steve, they will likely all be positive, the
> P3 is a really great addition to any station.
>
> I bought mine as just a toy ... my wife does needlepoint which is about as
> expensive as ham radio, we have an "equal hobby allowance" policy, and the
> radio balance was climbing.  However it has totally changed the way I
> operate.  I watch it now instead of the radio.
>
> Not sure what you mean by "identify it," but I can see the signals and
> pick out the RTTY in a RTTY contest, CW, PSK, and JT65 just from the
> display.  PACTOR signals are also obvious although I'm not a PACTOR-ite.
>  It won't give you the call sign however. :-))  [You can also discover that
> the 5, 10, and 15 MHz WWV signals are somewhat dirtier than you would
> expect from NIST]
>
> Yes, you can put a marker [there are two] on a signal, punch the knob, and
> your K3 will QSY to that frequency.
>
> The display runs rings around the "bandscopes" on other radios.  I have no
> color vision and the color waterfall wasn't working real well for me, so
> Alan added a monochrome waterfall option in the next FW update, maybe just
> for me. :-)
>
> I have yet to find a use for all 8 of the programmable function keys.
> DX'ing is amazing!  I see the DX and I see the pileup up a bit [well, not
> everyone, Up-Cops show up on the DX frequency].  Pileup looks like
> wide-band noise.  DX calls someone, pile dies off, and one signal is there
> [well, OK, several answer so sometimes I guess wrong], move VFO B to put
> the TX cursor on that station and at the "TU", call.  Works about 75% of
> the time.  Also very useful when I'm NCS in the traffic net, I don't send
> stations "up or down 3" and put them on top of someone.
>
> I run in Fixed Tune mode [screen displays a segment of the band and my
> frequency moves across it until I hit the edge of the segment].  There is
> also a Tracking mode where you're always in the center and the band moves
> past you.  Span is adjustable from 4 KHz to 200 KHz and you can assign
> specific spans to the function keys.  With the P3 Utility you can save
> screen shots to your computer.
>
> I wouldn't be without mine.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
> - www.cqp.org
>
>
> On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:
>
>  I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the
>> capabilities and how those capabilities would help me in contesting
>> and dxing.  For example, can I see a signal blip, identify it, move
>> my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but I am sure someone has
>> already documented the advantages.
>>
>
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-- 



*Gary - VK1ZZ, K3NHLSkype: Gary.VK1ZZhttp://www.qsl.net/vk1zz
 Motorhome Portable*
*"Grumpy's House"*


*Elecraft K3KPA500FTKAT500FT*



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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Gary Gregory]

Steve,

The only negative is the lack of Tx monitoring. Was promised, and the label
on the back of the P3 is beckoning but as nothing is ever mentioned about
this option one can only assume it is not going to happen.

Gary


On 21 June 2014 09:01, Fred Jensen  wrote:

> You will get a lot of replies Steve, they will likely all be positive, the
> P3 is a really great addition to any station.
>
> I bought mine as just a toy ... my wife does needlepoint which is about as
> expensive as ham radio, we have an "equal hobby allowance" policy, and the
> radio balance was climbing.  However it has totally changed the way I
> operate.  I watch it now instead of the radio.
>
> Not sure what you mean by "identify it," but I can see the signals and
> pick out the RTTY in a RTTY contest, CW, PSK, and JT65 just from the
> display.  PACTOR signals are also obvious although I'm not a PACTOR-ite.
>  It won't give you the call sign however. :-))  [You can also discover that
> the 5, 10, and 15 MHz WWV signals are somewhat dirtier than you would
> expect from NIST]
>
> Yes, you can put a marker [there are two] on a signal, punch the knob, and
> your K3 will QSY to that frequency.
>
> The display runs rings around the "bandscopes" on other radios.  I have no
> color vision and the color waterfall wasn't working real well for me, so
> Alan added a monochrome waterfall option in the next FW update, maybe just
> for me. :-)
>
> I have yet to find a use for all 8 of the programmable function keys.
> DX'ing is amazing!  I see the DX and I see the pileup up a bit [well, not
> everyone, Up-Cops show up on the DX frequency].  Pileup looks like
> wide-band noise.  DX calls someone, pile dies off, and one signal is there
> [well, OK, several answer so sometimes I guess wrong], move VFO B to put
> the TX cursor on that station and at the "TU", call.  Works about 75% of
> the time.  Also very useful when I'm NCS in the traffic net, I don't send
> stations "up or down 3" and put them on top of someone.
>
> I run in Fixed Tune mode [screen displays a segment of the band and my
> frequency moves across it until I hit the edge of the segment].  There is
> also a Tracking mode where you're always in the center and the band moves
> past you.  Span is adjustable from 4 KHz to 200 KHz and you can assign
> specific spans to the function keys.  With the P3 Utility you can save
> screen shots to your computer.
>
> I wouldn't be without mine.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
> - www.cqp.org
>
>
> On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:
>
>  I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the
>> capabilities and how those capabilities would help me in contesting
>> and dxing.  For example, can I see a signal blip, identify it, move
>> my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but I am sure someone has
>> already documented the advantages.
>>
>
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-- 



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 Motorhome Portable*
*"Grumpy's House"*


*Elecraft K3KPA500FTKAT500FT*
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Fred Jensen]

You will get a lot of replies Steve, they will likely all be positive, 
the P3 is a really great addition to any station.


I bought mine as just a toy ... my wife does needlepoint which is about 
as expensive as ham radio, we have an "equal hobby allowance" policy, 
and the radio balance was climbing.  However it has totally changed the 
way I operate.  I watch it now instead of the radio.


Not sure what you mean by "identify it," but I can see the signals and 
pick out the RTTY in a RTTY contest, CW, PSK, and JT65 just from the 
display.  PACTOR signals are also obvious although I'm not a PACTOR-ite. 
 It won't give you the call sign however. :-))  [You can also discover 
that the 5, 10, and 15 MHz WWV signals are somewhat dirtier than you 
would expect from NIST]


Yes, you can put a marker [there are two] on a signal, punch the knob, 
and your K3 will QSY to that frequency.


The display runs rings around the "bandscopes" on other radios.  I have 
no color vision and the color waterfall wasn't working real well for me, 
so Alan added a monochrome waterfall option in the next FW update, maybe 
just for me. :-)


I have yet to find a use for all 8 of the programmable function keys. 
DX'ing is amazing!  I see the DX and I see the pileup up a bit [well, 
not everyone, Up-Cops show up on the DX frequency].  Pileup looks like 
wide-band noise.  DX calls someone, pile dies off, and one signal is 
there [well, OK, several answer so sometimes I guess wrong], move VFO B 
to put the TX cursor on that station and at the "TU", call.  Works about 
75% of the time.  Also very useful when I'm NCS in the traffic net, I 
don't send stations "up or down 3" and put them on top of someone.


I run in Fixed Tune mode [screen displays a segment of the band and my 
frequency moves across it until I hit the edge of the segment].  There 
is also a Tracking mode where you're always in the center and the band 
moves past you.  Span is adjustable from 4 KHz to 200 KHz and you can 
assign specific spans to the function keys.  With the P3 Utility you can 
save screen shots to your computer.


I wouldn't be without mine.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org

On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:


I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the
capabilities and how those capabilities would help me in contesting
and dxing.  For example, can I see a signal blip, identify it, move
my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but I am sure someone has
already documented the advantages.


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Bill Turner]

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:  (may be snipped)

On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:

Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think it 
would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing something 
quite useful but I need to get educated on it.


REPLY:

I use the P3 for two things primarily:

1. Finding stations when the band appears dead
and
2. Finding a clear spot to call DX when working split, or alternatively, 
finding the calling station so I can be on his frequency.


There are other radios which have a version of a "spectrum scope" such 
as my two recent Icoms, but the P3 is so far superior in resolution and 
menu options that there is almost no comparison. The P3 is enough reason 
alone to buy a K3. It is expensive but you get what you pay for. You 
will not be disappointed.


73, Bill W6WRT
dez...@outlook.com
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Jim - KE8G]

Hi Steve,
Yes, the P3 is a great tool to use in both contesting and dxing.  It also tells 
a lot about what is going on with the band.

Please follow this link to familiarize yourself with the P3:
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/P3%20Owner's%20man%20Rev%20D.pdf

73 de Jim - KE8G


 "Steve wrote: 
> 
> Hi,
> 
> Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think 
> it would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing 
> something quite useful but I need to get educated on it.
> 
> I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the capabilities and 
> how those capabilities would help me in contesting and dxing.  For example, 
> can I see a signal blip, identify it, move my K3 to it, etc.  Many more 
> questions but I am sure someone has already documented the advantages.
> 
> I have two K3's which are ready to accept a P3.
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> Steve, K4FJ
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Phil Wheeler]

Steve,

This might help:

http://www.elecraft.com/P3/How%20to%20Set%20Up%20and%20Interpret%20the%20P3%20Display.pdf

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/P3%20Owner%27s%20man%20Rev%20D.pdf

And */Note: /*/Either the KXV3 or the KXV3a K3 
option is required to feed the K3's IF output to 
the P3./


I was skeptical of my need for the P3. Now I wish 
all my rigs had one :-)


Phil W7OX

On 6/20/14, 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:

Hi,

Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think it 
would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing something 
quite useful but I need to get educated on it.

I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the capabilities and how 
those capabilities would help me in contesting and dxing.  For example, can I 
see a signal blip, identify it, move my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but 
I am sure someone has already documented the advantages.

I have two K3's which are ready to accept a P3.

Thanks in advance.

Steve, K4FJ

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Re: [Elecraft] (K3) Utility Interface Problem

[Tom Laszynski]

Hi All,

After over a week of trying various fixes, Bill, NR4C, may have found 
the solution to my communications interface problem!  I had total 
forgotten about a severe Thunder storm we has less than a weeks 
ago!  Never thought to couple my problem with nearby lightning strikes!


Bill wisely e-mailed me saying  "... you may have an issue with the 
serial interface chip in the K3. This is not a common occurrence but 
it has happened to 3 of about 12 owners I know locally." Bill, BTW, 
lives in Williamsburg Va area.  I guess they have thunderstorm like 
we have in Oklahoma!


After speaking with Elecraft, I am sending my K3 in for a check-up 
and to be upgraded while it is there!  At my age installing a new 
surface mounted chip is out of the question!


Thanks to all who responded to my call for help!

73, Tom

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[Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft]

Hi,

Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think it 
would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing something 
quite useful but I need to get educated on it.

I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the capabilities and how 
those capabilities would help me in contesting and dxing.  For example, can I 
see a signal blip, identify it, move my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but 
I am sure someone has already documented the advantages.

I have two K3's which are ready to accept a P3.

Thanks in advance.

Steve, K4FJ

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Re: [Elecraft] (K3) Utility Interface Problem

[Nr4c]

Tom.  

I suspect one of two possibilities. Check ALL RS-232 settings, both on computer 
and radio. You seem ok w/computer end, chk CONFIG:RS232 for radio settings. 
Mine says 38,400 b. 

But you may have an issue with the serial interface chip in the K3. This is not 
a common occur acne but it has happened to 3 of about 12 owners I know locally. 
There are simple voltage checks you can do to determine if this is the problem 
but I'll suggest you contact Dave or Howard at Elecraft Support to direct you 
thru this. If this is the cause they will prob send you a new KIO3 bd and you 
return old one after the swap. Easy to do. 

Good luck.  

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Jun 20, 2014, at 1:08 PM, Tom Laszynski  wrote:
> 
> 
> I need help!  I cannot get my computer to communicate with my K3. A week ago, 
> I had no trouble doing this.  Now, when I attempted to use the transceiver 
> using either the K3 Utility, revision 1.13,5.9, or TRX-Manager (a CAT 
> program), there is no handshaking. At one time, both of these programs worked 
> separately with the K3.
> 
> My computer is a Dell Vostro 320 using Windows 7, Professional, SP1.  The 
> interconnect is a straight thru RS-232 cable, DB-9.
> 
> Using the utility, under firmware, I continually see "attempting to contract 
> K3 on Port COM1 at  bit/s".
> 
> Suspecting the cable, I replaced it with another cable and the interface 
> problem continued.  Based upon this test, I assume that the original cable 
> was good and now have it back in-line.
> 
> Using the "good" cable I tried a second XP based computer with 1.13.5.9. The 
> problem continued!
> 
> To double check, I've ran Dell's diagnostics on the computers (OS Win XP, SP3 
> and Win 7 Pro, SP1). Both machines pass the serial port tests!
> 
> I ensured the both the K3 and computers were setup with the same COM port, 
> 8N1 and Speeds.  In this case, 38,400 bit/s.
> 
> Based upon the above, I suspect that the problem is in my K3.  Most likely, I 
> have unknowingly changed the configuration parameter affecting communications.
> 
> Can someone point me in right direction to solve my interface problem? I'm 
> stumped!
> 
> Tom, K8JRM
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KRC-2 Possible Lightning Failure

[Fred Townsend]

The fastest fuse in the world is a transistor. Actually that's not quite true. 
Tunnel diodes are even faster but ICs don't contain TDs. Don your suggestions 
make good sense where massive currents have flown.
73
Fred, AE6QL


-Original Message-
>From: Don Wilhelm 
>Sent: Jun 20, 2014 10:48 AM
>To: bwru...@gmail.com, Elecraft Reflector 
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KRC-2 Possible Lightning Failure
>
>Brian,
>
>The best way to attack a KRC2 that has been subjected to a strong 
>lightning surge is to replace all the ICs (and possibly other active 
>devices).  If you have a good desoldering tool it is not a difficult 
>task to remove the ICs.  Lacking that, assume the ICs are bad and clip 
>the leads from the IC bodies and remove the pins one at a time.
>
>Wholesale replacement takes less time than trying to troubleshoot what 
>could be multiple failure, and is not really that expensive.
>
>73,
>Don W3FPR
>
>On 6/20/2014 1:19 PM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:
>> Hi all:
>>
>> I have had my K-Line (K3, KPA500, KAT500, P3) all working brilliantly, both
>> local and remote using my new K3/0 Mini.
>>
>> While I was away, a severe electrical storm passed through the QTH in
>> Maryland.  I returned, moved cables around to get local operations geared
>> up.  The KRC-2 band decoder seems to have failed.
>>
>> I have 5 volts after the voltage regulator, U3, but I cannot get 12V at any
>> of the "high side" driver outputs on J6, J7, J8 and J9.
>>
>> The unit communicates with the configuration program, and I have firmware
>> version 1.6.  I have re-loaded the firmware.
>>
>> What should I try next?
>>
>> Tnx es 73 de Brian W3BW
>>
>> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
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Re: [Elecraft] KRC-2 Possible Lightning Failure

[bwru...@gmail.com]

Tnx. I will order a new one!  



Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>From my iPad


> On Jun 20, 2014, at 1:48 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> 
> Brian,
> 
> The best way to attack a KRC2 that has been subjected to a strong lightning 
> surge is to replace all the ICs (and possibly other active devices).  If you 
> have a good desoldering tool it is not a difficult task to remove the ICs.  
> Lacking that, assume the ICs are bad and clip the leads from the IC bodies 
> and remove the pins one at a time.
> 
> Wholesale replacement takes less time than trying to troubleshoot what could 
> be multiple failure, and is not really that expensive.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
>> On 6/20/2014 1:19 PM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:
>> Hi all:
>> 
>> I have had my K-Line (K3, KPA500, KAT500, P3) all working brilliantly, both
>> local and remote using my new K3/0 Mini.
>> 
>> While I was away, a severe electrical storm passed through the QTH in
>> Maryland.  I returned, moved cables around to get local operations geared
>> up.  The KRC-2 band decoder seems to have failed.
>> 
>> I have 5 volts after the voltage regulator, U3, but I cannot get 12V at any
>> of the "high side" driver outputs on J6, J7, J8 and J9.
>> 
>> The unit communicates with the configuration program, and I have firmware
>> version 1.6.  I have re-loaded the firmware.
>> 
>> What should I try next?
>> 
>> Tnx es 73 de Brian W3BW
>> 
>> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
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> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KRC-2 Possible Lightning Failure

[Don Wilhelm]

Brian,

The best way to attack a KRC2 that has been subjected to a strong 
lightning surge is to replace all the ICs (and possibly other active 
devices).  If you have a good desoldering tool it is not a difficult 
task to remove the ICs.  Lacking that, assume the ICs are bad and clip 
the leads from the IC bodies and remove the pins one at a time.


Wholesale replacement takes less time than trying to troubleshoot what 
could be multiple failure, and is not really that expensive.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/20/2014 1:19 PM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:

Hi all:

I have had my K-Line (K3, KPA500, KAT500, P3) all working brilliantly, both
local and remote using my new K3/0 Mini.

While I was away, a severe electrical storm passed through the QTH in
Maryland.  I returned, moved cables around to get local operations geared
up.  The KRC-2 band decoder seems to have failed.

I have 5 volts after the voltage regulator, U3, but I cannot get 12V at any
of the "high side" driver outputs on J6, J7, J8 and J9.

The unit communicates with the configuration program, and I have firmware
version 1.6.  I have re-loaded the firmware.

What should I try next?

Tnx es 73 de Brian W3BW

*Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
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[Elecraft] KRC-2 Possible Lightning Failure

[Brian F. Wruble]

Hi all:

I have had my K-Line (K3, KPA500, KAT500, P3) all working brilliantly, both
local and remote using my new K3/0 Mini.

While I was away, a severe electrical storm passed through the QTH in
Maryland.  I returned, moved cables around to get local operations geared
up.  The KRC-2 band decoder seems to have failed.

I have 5 volts after the voltage regulator, U3, but I cannot get 12V at any
of the "high side" driver outputs on J6, J7, J8 and J9.

The unit communicates with the configuration program, and I have firmware
version 1.6.  I have re-loaded the firmware.

What should I try next?

Tnx es 73 de Brian W3BW

*Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
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[Elecraft] (K3) Utility Interface Problem

[Tom Laszynski]

I need help!  I cannot get my computer to communicate with my K3. A 
week ago, I had no trouble doing this.  Now, when I attempted to use 
the transceiver using either the K3 Utility, revision 1.13,5.9, or 
TRX-Manager (a CAT program), there is no handshaking. At one time, 
both of these programs worked separately with the K3.


My computer is a Dell Vostro 320 using Windows 7, Professional, 
SP1.  The interconnect is a straight thru RS-232 cable, DB-9.


Using the utility, under firmware, I continually see "attempting to 
contract K3 on Port COM1 at  bit/s".


Suspecting the cable, I replaced it with another cable and the 
interface problem continued.  Based upon this test, I assume that the 
original cable was good and now have it back in-line.


Using the "good" cable I tried a second XP based computer with 
1.13.5.9. The problem continued!


To double check, I've ran Dell's diagnostics on the computers (OS Win 
XP, SP3 and Win 7 Pro, SP1). Both machines pass the serial port tests!


I ensured the both the K3 and computers were setup with the same COM 
port, 8N1 and Speeds.  In this case, 38,400 bit/s.


Based upon the above, I suspect that the problem is in my K3.  Most 
likely, I have unknowingly changed the configuration parameter 
affecting communications.


Can someone point me in right direction to solve my interface 
problem? I'm stumped!


Tom, K8JRM

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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Band Data Input Question

[Randy Farmer]

Thanks to all who provided the helpful information that completely 
answers my question, both on- and off- list. The crucial information I 
needed is contained in the second paragraph of Dick's reply. It seemed 
logical that the KAT500 would switch bands based only on the information 
provided by the band code lines, but that is nowhere stated in the 
manual or in any other source I could find. It would be helpful if the 
manual stated this explicitly and even showed it as a valid setup 
configuration for using the tuner with Yaesu radios or others that can 
provide the band code directly. Dick's verbiage, with slight 
modification, would be fine.


My setup will feed the KAT500 RF input from one antenna port of my 
microHAM Double Ten antenna switch. I intend to use the tuner for two 
separate antennas. Antenna 1 will be connected to my 80 meter Inverted 
L, which also doubles as a second radio antenna that can be tuned to 
different bands if required. Antenna 2 will be connected to my 160 meter 
Inverted L, which is pretty narrowband and needs a "line flattener" to 
make it useful across the entire band. I'll set the tuner up to select 
Antenna 1 for all bands except 160m and Antenna 2 for 160 only using the 
KAT500 Utility.


I realize that the KAT500 can automatically select the correct antenna 
and tuning solution when RF at a particular frequency is applied, but my 
concern with using the RF sensing bandswitching only is the possibility 
of hot switching the antenna selector in the KPA500 when I QSY from 160 
to 80 or vice versa. I will be using the key line interrupter to the 
KPA500 on the primary station, but I'd rather have the tuner select the 
proper antenna prior to transmission so that I'm at least on the correct 
antenna before I transmit. Coming up with the tuning solution used for 
the last known frequency on each band shouldn't be a big problem. In 
order to give the tuner a "heads up" before RF shows up at the input 
I'll send it a BCD band code. I have band data available for each radio 
available at the Accessory port of my microHAM MK2R+. I'll build up a 
simple 4-bit multiplexer with simple lockout logic to steer the 
appropriate band code lines to the KAT500.


As for the KPA500, I simply misremembered my experience. I looked at my 
notes from when I first set up the amp and saw that I had at first been 
trying to use the AUXBUS alone, and that of course won't work. There's 
nothing in the KPA500 manual that says that, either. Both the KPA500 and 
KAT500 manuals would benefit from having an explanatory paragraph 
explaining exactly what information is carried on the AUXBUS and how it 
interacts with the band select lines. I also ordered a copy of the KE7X 
KPA500/KAT500 book when I bought the tuner; maybe he explains these 
nuances clearly.


Again, thanks to all who helped answer my question. Now I'm awaiting 
arrival of the KAT500 kit so I can start setting things up. See you in 
the contests and in the pileups.


73...
Randy, W8FN
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 power fluctuations

[Thomas Horsten]

Hi Poul-Erik,

It sure sounds like a fault in the KPA500 power measuring circuit in your
case, but is the output signal affected in any way? And does the SWR LED's
fluctuate/flicker as well? I had that problem and it turned out to be a bad
patch cable from the KPA500 to the KAT500. It would only happen above 100W
or so, and on certain bands/frequencies.

73, Thomas M0TRN / OV5T



On 20 June 2014 11:48, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA)  wrote:

> For a while I have noticed that the KPA output indikations on both THE
> LEDs and the LCD display is fluctuating. The highest LED is flickering and
> the last two digits of the LCD are also fluctuating (hard to read, but at
> 500W it varies about 10W I think). It is the same at any power level from
> 20W to 500W. It is the same with the amp ON and STBY, so it seems to be a
> problem in the power monitoring circuit.
>
> It is certain that the fault is in the KPA. I had another KPA connected to
> the K3 and its power indication was steady - just like they were on my own
> KPA until a few months ago. It is the same whether the amp is connected to
> a dummy load or an antenna and I dont hear anything unusual listening on a
> monitoring K2.
>
> I did not yet have an opportunity to look at the power envelope on an
> instrument. So I dont know if the flickering is random like noise or not.
>
> I thought that may be someone else on this list has seen this fault and
> might explain what's wrong.
>
> /Poul-Erik
> OZ4UN
>
> Sendt fra min iPad
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[Elecraft] KPA500 power fluctuations

[PKA]

For a while I have noticed that the KPA output indikations on both THE LEDs and 
the LCD display is fluctuating. The highest LED is flickering and the last two 
digits of the LCD are also fluctuating (hard to read, but at 500W it varies 
about 10W I think). It is the same at any power level from 20W to 500W. It is 
the same with the amp ON and STBY, so it seems to be a problem in the power 
monitoring circuit.

It is certain that the fault is in the KPA. I had another KPA connected to the 
K3 and its power indication was steady - just like they were on my own KPA 
until a few months ago. It is the same whether the amp is connected to a dummy 
load or an antenna and I dont hear anything unusual listening on a monitoring 
K2.

I did not yet have an opportunity to look at the power envelope on an 
instrument. So I dont know if the flickering is random like noise or not.

I thought that may be someone else on this list has seen this fault and might 
explain what's wrong.

/Poul-Erik
OZ4UN

Sendt fra min iPad
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