Re: [Elecraft] 160m failure tonight on a kpa1500

[Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft]

Hi Rich,

Ouch.  

I’m about to go to bed here right now. I’ll get back in touch with you tomorrow 
morning to debug this some more. 

Feel free to email me via direct email any more info, if you have it, on the 
f/w load problem or actual fault messages you were seeing. 

We will get this resolved for you asap. 

Regards,
Eric
elecraft.com
---
Sent from my iPhone 6S

> On Mar 9, 2019, at 8:33 PM, Rich Yost via Elecraft  
> wrote:
> 
> Well, some bad things have just happened tonight.
> Most of the day spent on 80m was fine
> Spent about an hour on 40m. Still fine
> went down to 160m, apparently blew something (ldmos?)
> Amp went a bit crazy, kept faulting, powered off then wouldn’t power back 
> till cycled main power then had to do a force firmware load multiple times
> Firmware doesn’t seem to be holding after power down even went back to 2.0
> 
> I was running 2.09 from 2.00. Everything was fine until 160 tonight
> 
> I use the same antenna on all bands 160 dipole fed with ladder line fed thru 
> a 4:1 DX Eng balun.
> 
> Looks like it’s going to have to go back.  Only 5 months old.
> 
> Have to open a ticket Monday
> 
> Rich
> n2ry
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPad
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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Grant Youngman]

Great info. Thanks, Jim …

Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091 KX3 #8342

> 
> I've recently completed a year's worth of extensive lab work that has 
> convinced me that #43 is NOT a good material for HF chokes. Ditto for the #52 
> material that G3TXQ recommended. Two characteristics combine to make it a 
> poor choice. First, it's a relatively high Q material, so the resonance it 
> produces can get very narrow. Second, like all Fair-Rite parts, it's a wide 
> tolerance part -- +/- 20%.  A part at the low end of the tolerance range will 
> produce a very different choke (resonance in the wrong place, very narrow 
> bandwidth, wider resonance and not high enough impedance.
> 

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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

The underlying reality is that if you analyze the input-output transfer 
function for a linear amplifier with ALC, the resulting transfer function is 
not linear. Thus you would expect all sorts of odd behaviors as the function 
changes order when ALC engages. Simple math. 


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
 

> On Mar 9, 2019, at 4:38 PM, Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
>> On 3/9/2019 9:59 AM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote:
>> As a friend of mine puts it, the ALC controversy borders on being a 
>> religious issue.
> 
> No, it does not. It is science. ALC should NEVER be used to set the output 
> power of a power amplifier, because doing so produces lots of distortion 
> (splatter, clicks). ALC should be used ONLY to protect the power amp from 
> damage in the event of problems in the antenna system or operator error.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
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[Elecraft] 160m failure tonight on a kpa1500

[Rich Yost via Elecraft]

Well, some bad things have just happened tonight.
Most of the day spent on 80m was fine
Spent about an hour on 40m. Still fine
went down to 160m, apparently blew something (ldmos?)
Amp went a bit crazy, kept faulting, powered off then wouldn’t power back till 
cycled main power then had to do a force firmware load multiple times
Firmware doesn’t seem to be holding after power down even went back to 2.0

I was running 2.09 from 2.00. Everything was fine until 160 tonight

I use the same antenna on all bands 160 dipole fed with ladder line fed thru a 
4:1 DX Eng balun.

Looks like it’s going to have to go back.  Only 5 months old.

Have to open a ticket Monday

Rich
n2ry




Sent from my iPad
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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Jim Brown]

On 3/9/2019 7:13 PM, Michael Walker wrote:

You may want to try choking the feedline at the antenna


Always a good thing.


  and more importantly at the amp end
No, the FEEDPOINT is the most important place for the first choke in any 
antenna system.  The purpose of a second choke on an antenna like a 
dipole is to prevent it from acting as a parasitic element to a nearby 
vertical.

with mix 31


Yes.


or 43 chokes.


I've recently completed a year's worth of extensive lab work that has 
convinced me that #43 is NOT a good material for HF chokes. Ditto for 
the #52 material that G3TXQ recommended. Two characteristics combine to 
make it a poor choice. First, it's a relatively high Q material, so the 
resonance it produces can get very narrow. Second, like all Fair-Rite 
parts, it's a wide tolerance part -- +/- 20%.  A part at the low end of 
the tolerance range will produce a very different choke (resonance in 
the wrong place, very narrow bandwidth, wider resonance and not high 
enough impedance.


That work has produced, among other things, an all new cookbook with 
greatly improved designs.  k9yc.com/2018Cookbook.pdf


As to Peter's problem -- I'm inclined to agree with Don that something 
may be arcing in the antenna system and causing a true fault.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Don Wilhelm]

Peter,

If your antenna end insulators are covered with ice and snow, it is 
entirely possible that the ice/snow covering will not show conductivity 
with low power, but will become conductive at high power.  That will 
make whatever material you are using to support the antenna ends a part 
of the antenna radiator - effectively lengthening the antenna.


Shake the snow and ice from the end insulators and/or use longer end 
insulators and there is a good chance your problem will go away.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/9/2019 10:17 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:

John, I know there were some issues with my old tube amp, but it did load
enough to get me 275-odd DXCC entities with 1500W on 80 CW. The KPA has
never been used in the past on 80 since I was having antenna trouble (one
end was down all winter and it just got fixed today).

Everything's snow covered out the back so I don't want to play around at the
coax switch at the moment. I'll try bypassing the switch when it's a bit
warmer and the snow is gone.

Of note, last year with the weird SWR, the "old antenna" (same physical
space and height, just all different materials) was cut to 3750 and I used a
tuner for the bottom end. I found the tuner kept giving me "unable to find a
match" when I tried tuning with high power from my tube amp. I figured
replacing every factor in that chain would fix the issue; the only thing
that's the same is the antenna switch and the physical orientation of the
wires themselves. New amp, new coax, new balun, new wire, insulators and
even the support ropes were changed out.


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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Peter Dougherty]

John, I know there were some issues with my old tube amp, but it did load
enough to get me 275-odd DXCC entities with 1500W on 80 CW. The KPA has
never been used in the past on 80 since I was having antenna trouble (one
end was down all winter and it just got fixed today).

Everything's snow covered out the back so I don't want to play around at the
coax switch at the moment. I'll try bypassing the switch when it's a bit
warmer and the snow is gone.

Of note, last year with the weird SWR, the "old antenna" (same physical
space and height, just all different materials) was cut to 3750 and I used a
tuner for the bottom end. I found the tuner kept giving me "unable to find a
match" when I tried tuning with high power from my tube amp. I figured
replacing every factor in that chain would fix the issue; the only thing
that's the same is the antenna switch and the physical orientation of the
wires themselves. New amp, new coax, new balun, new wire, insulators and
even the support ropes were changed out.

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: j...@kk9a.com  
Sent: Saturday, March 9, 2019 4:55 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Cc: li...@w2irt.net
Subject: re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

So above 3.675 it works fine?  Weird. When you say it was happening
previously, is that also with the KPA1500? First I would try another amp and
watch the SWR. I would also try bybassing any lightning protection devices
and coax relays so you just have coax and an antenna connected to the amp.

GL
John KK9A


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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Michael Walker]

You may want to try choking the feedline at the antenna and more importantly at 
the amp end with mix 31 or 43 chokes.  

The high swr is likely the symptom not the problem. 

Mike va3mw


> On Mar 9, 2019, at 10:05 PM, Peter Dougherty  wrote:
> 
> Jim, this is with the internal tuner in either mode--bypassed or inline. If I 
> sit on 3504, I'm about 1.65:1 natively. I could run that without a tuner or 
> with. But in either case, it faults out instantly with QRO power applied. The 
> SWR seems to go haywire on the lower frequency ranges of the 80m band.
> 
> - pjd
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
> Behalf Of Jim Brown
> Sent: Saturday, March 9, 2019 5:46 PM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems
> 
> Hi Peter,
> 
> The KPA 1500 has a built-in antenna tuner. Is it possible that it's not set 
> up, or is not set up correctly, or is not being used correctly? Perhaps the 
> wrong operating mode for it, or it's calling up wrong memorized settings?  I 
> don't own one, but borrowed one from K6XX while he was at WRTC. I mostly used 
> it on 6M, plus the few hours 20M was open to DL enough to work the WRTC 
> stations.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Peter Dougherty]

Jim, this is with the internal tuner in either mode--bypassed or inline. If I 
sit on 3504, I'm about 1.65:1 natively. I could run that without a tuner or 
with. But in either case, it faults out instantly with QRO power applied. The 
SWR seems to go haywire on the lower frequency ranges of the 80m band.

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Saturday, March 9, 2019 5:46 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

Hi Peter,

The KPA 1500 has a built-in antenna tuner. Is it possible that it's not set up, 
or is not set up correctly, or is not being used correctly? Perhaps the wrong 
operating mode for it, or it's calling up wrong memorized settings?  I don't 
own one, but borrowed one from K6XX while he was at WRTC. I mostly used it on 
6M, plus the few hours 20M was open to DL enough to work the WRTC stations.

73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[John Simmons]

Jim and all:

I have been a ham and avid CW op since 1970. I remember the Drake twins 
having a wonderful sound on CW, an almost bell-like sound. Has anyone 
looked at the CW waveform of those old rigs compared to the new generation?


-John NI0K


Jim Brown 
Saturday, March 09, 2019 3:34 PM


I wouldn't call that affection, but rather disgust. And I wouldn't 
blame it entirely on how they control power.


Several years ago, I produced a study of ARRL Lab reviews of the CW 
bandwidth of about 20 transceivers, including some of the most 
expensive. The best (the cleanest) was the K3, followed by the Kenwood 
TS590. The worst were Yaesu rigs, with Icom about half as bad.


The study is here. http://k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf

Not included in the analysis are the current generation of Flex rigs, 
which, when tested by ARRL Labs were pretty dirty, but made pretty 
clean by new firmware released not much later. Also not included was 
the improvement to the Yaesu rigs by new firmware released after I 
leaked a preliminary version of my study to someone who I strongly 
suspected would pass it along to the factory. :) The improvement is 
documented here.


http://k9yc.com/FTDX5000_Report.pdf

A primary contributor to excessive bandwidth is excessively fast 
rise/fall time of keying, and the best rigs (the K3 and the Flex 6000 
series) carefully shape keying to minimize CW bandwidth while 
maintaining clearly defined keying. The worst rigs do none of that, 
include controls that allow the user to change the rise/fall time, and 
set a fast (worst) time as the default.


73, Jim K9YC

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Jim Brown 
Saturday, March 09, 2019 2:38 PM


No, it does not. It is science. ALC should NEVER be used to set the 
output power of a power amplifier, because doing so produces lots of 
distortion (splatter, clicks). ALC should be used ONLY to protect the 
power amp from damage in the event of problems in the antenna system 
or operator error.


73, Jim K9YC

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KENT TRIMBLE 
Saturday, March 09, 2019 11:59 AM
Along with this, it should be noted (especially for new Amateurs) that 
. . .


Don is correct (always is) concerning the non-employment of ALC with 
respect to Elecraft transceivers which produce power differently from 
other brands.  On this reflector, the recommendation not to use ALC 
pertains solely to Elecraft products.


However, many Elecraft owners own and operate other brands of 
transceivers and amplifiers.  When using those other brands, the 
instructions provided in the transceiver manual AND the instructions 
provided in the amplifier manual about using ALC should be followed, 
especially with solid state amplifiers. Those instructions often 
differ from those recommended by Elecraft.  Some brands require a 
one-time ALC calibration procedure prior to use.  Once properly 
configured, they are usually free of the distortion Don rightfully 
talks about.


As a friend of mine puts it, the ALC controversy borders on being a 
religious issue.


73,

Kent  K9ZTV






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Don Wilhelm 
Saturday, March 09, 2019 11:01 AM
Bob,

It is important to understand that ALC does not control the amplifier, 
it is an attempt by the amplifier to control the transceiver.


ALC is sent FROM the amplifier in an attempt to control the power of 
the transceiver.


Used indiscriminately, that will cause distortion in the driving 
transciver.


Elecraft does not recommend the use of ALC for power control because 
of that.  Set the power output of the transceiver to drive the 
amplifier properly and adjust the amplifier ALC to produce no ALC at 
that point. If the amplifier has fault detection, then ALC can be used 
to drop input power if a fault occurs - that is the only legitimate 
use of ALC.


So in many cases, an ALC connection is not needed.

73,
Don W3FPR

Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Jim Brown]

Peter Dougherty W2IRT wrote:

HI guys,
I'm still having a serious problem on 80m with my KPA1500.

With the amp inline I'm getting high reflected power fault everywhere below
about 3675. My antenna (an inverted vee) is resonant at 3550, and the SWR is
below 2:1 from 3500 to 3630.


Hi Peter,

The KPA 1500 has a built-in antenna tuner. Is it possible that it's not 
set up, or is not set up correctly, or is not being used correctly?  
Perhaps the wrong operating mode for it, or it's calling up wrong 
memorized settings?  I don't own one, but borrowed one from K6XX while 
he was at WRTC. I mostly used it on 6M, plus the few hours 20M was open 
to DL enough to work the WRTC stations.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[john]

So above 3.675 it works fine?  Weird. When you say it was happening
previously, is that also with the KPA1500? First I would try another amp and
watch the SWR. I would also try bybassing any lightning protection devices
and coax relays so you just have coax and an antenna connected to the amp.

GL
John KK9A





Peter Dougherty W2IRT wrote:

HI guys, 
I'm still having a serious problem on 80m with my KPA1500.

With the amp inline I'm getting high reflected power fault everywhere below
about 3675. My antenna (an inverted vee) is resonant at 3550, and the SWR is
below 2:1 from 3500 to 3630. 

 

This was happening in the past as well, and prompted me to completely
rebuild the antenna last summer. The antenna is fed with 100' of brand new
Davis BuryFlex feedline, a brand-new 5kW-rated Balun Designs 1:1 current
balun, new 12 AWG copper-clad steel wire, even new heavy ceramic insulators!


Without the amp everything's fine. I can push 100W through to the antenna
all day; the SWR LEDs on the amp (bypassed) show two green and that's it.
It's fine on every other band, including 80/75 phone. 

 

With the amp in, If I drop the drive to 10W or less, the amp is happy and I
get about 450 Watts out. But the instant I drive it with ~15 Watts (when the
K3s kicks the high power module in, and I hear the internal relay click, I
get the HI SWR warning and the amp faults. 100% repeatable. Doesn't matter
if the tuner is in or out..there's NO way to get high power out of the KPA
on 80 CW. 


More details: If the KPA's tuner is bypassed it just faults instantly. If
the tuner is placed inline and I find a match, I can get about a second's or
two's worth of power before the SWR LEDs start lighting up, then the fault
happens.

Any idea what's going on here? This is unbelievably frustrating

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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[Jim Brown]

On 3/9/2019 12:57 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
Yes and some brand(s) of radios are affectionately known as "click 
generators" being the result of they way they control power.


I wouldn't call that affection, but rather disgust. And I wouldn't blame 
it entirely on how they control power.


Several years ago, I produced a study of ARRL Lab reviews of the CW 
bandwidth of about 20 transceivers, including some of the most 
expensive. The best (the cleanest) was the K3, followed by the Kenwood 
TS590. The worst were Yaesu rigs, with Icom about half as bad.


The study is here. http://k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf

Not included in the analysis are the current generation of Flex rigs, 
which, when tested by ARRL Labs were pretty dirty, but made pretty clean 
by new firmware released not much later. Also not included was the 
improvement to the Yaesu rigs by new firmware released after I leaked a 
preliminary version of my study to someone who I strongly suspected 
would pass it along to the factory. :) The improvement is documented here.


http://k9yc.com/FTDX5000_Report.pdf

A primary contributor to excessive bandwidth is excessively fast 
rise/fall time of keying, and the best rigs (the K3 and the Flex 6000 
series) carefully shape keying to minimize CW bandwidth while 
maintaining clearly defined keying. The worst rigs do none of that, 
include controls that allow the user to change the rise/fall time, and 
set a fast (worst) time as the default.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[KD7PY]

his is my post of Nov, 15 2011: 

This is what I found as the source of the birdie's in the amp. 

with the LCD BRT set anywhere from 1 to 8 the birdies are there. 
with the LCD BRT set to DAY the birds are gone.. 

I have been working all day with Dale @ Elecraft with this and just sent him
a e-mail of what I found. 
Dale has been very involved in this trying to track this down.. 
  
now we need  to see just what kind of fix we can come up with.. 

I can't Thank Dale and crew enough for the support they have put into this,
as it appears everyone got envolved. 

Thanks Again Dale @ crew.. 

Elecraft sent me a new Front board , as it is due to a bad filter cap on the
display driver 

EdK7WIA 



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500: birdies on 6m from LCD backlight

[KD7PY]

his is my post of Nov, 15 2011: 

This is what I found as the source of the birdie's in the amp. 

with the LCD BRT set anywhere from 1 to 8 the birdies are there. 
with the LCD BRT set to DAY the birds are gone.. 

I have been working all day with Dale @ Elecraft with this and just sent him
a e-mail of what I found. 
Dale has been very involved in this trying to track this down.. 
  
now we need  to see just what kind of fix we can come up with.. 

I can't Thank Dale and crew enough for the support they have put into this,
as it appears everyone got envolved. 

Thanks Again Dale @ crew.. 

Elecraft sent me a new Front board , as it is due to a bad filter cap on the
display driver 

EdK7WIA 



--
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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Jim Brown]

On 3/9/2019 3:36 AM, Gary NC3Z wrote:

It puts out strong spurs on 20-6M
with 10M being the worst.


In addition to the possibility of a coax cable with a bad shield 
connection, another thought -- is your station properly bonded? Every 
chassis should be bonded together with short, fat copper, all equipment 
should be powered from outlets that share the same "green wire" or 
outlets whose green wires are bonded together. and bonds between those 
outlets and all other grounds in your home.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[Jim Brown]

On 3/9/2019 9:59 AM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote:
As a friend of mine puts it, the ALC controversy borders on being a 
religious issue.


No, it does not. It is science. ALC should NEVER be used to set the 
output power of a power amplifier, because doing so produces lots of 
distortion (splatter, clicks). ALC should be used ONLY to protect the 
power amp from damage in the event of problems in the antenna system or 
operator error.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Jim Brown]

Yes.

73, Jim K9YC

On 3/9/2019 8:09 AM, David Cutter via Elecraft wrote:

A pound to a pinch of salt it's a poor connector.



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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Gary NC3Z]

Yes all are checked. Today I undid the front panel and as I move it away 
from the rest of the KPA500 the spurs drop, so it is coming from the 
front panel. The spurs also change pattern when I set the different 
levels of brightness.

But more interesting, when I searched the archives using "birdies" I 
found a few reports of exactly the same issue I am having here, almost 
verbatim. Some SN are 4xx while other were 2xxx and 3xxx. But 
unfortunately no followup in the archive.

So will have to wait for Elecraft to respond to my submitted report. But 
at least I have not been alone in this issue and it goes back a good ways.

Gary Mitchelson
NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15
NC AHIMT COML
SHARES NCS997
NC Deputy Auxcomm Coordinator - Statewide
www.mitchelson.org

On 3/9/2019 13:44, Jack Brindle wrote:
> Gary;
>
> By now I am sure you have checked all the ribbon cable connections and are 
> sure they are plugged in properly.
> This sounds like a problem that needs to be addressed by the tech support 
> guys. Be sure to give them a call on Monday.
>
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
>
>> On Mar 9, 2019, at 9:14 AM, Gary NC3Z  wrote:
>>
>> Connecting the RX directly to the antenna and the spurs are not there,
>> the spurs are coming from the KPA500, and only when the KPA500 is
>> connected to a radio (happens on all my radios connected to the KPA).
>> Have tried the amp on 220 and 120, same issue. The KPA500 can be
>> connected to a dummy load at the RF Out, and RF In to the RX and the
>> spurs are there. With out a doubt they are being generated in the KPA500
>> when the LCD backlight is on, and these are healthy spurs.
>>
>> I have spent hours taking the thing apart and putting back with the same
>> results. Tripled checked all assembly with no luck. But I am 100%
>> positive it is directly related to the LCD backlighting. This is a very
>> weird issue!
>>
>> Gary Mitchelson
>> NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15
>> NC AHIMT COML
>> SHARES NCS997
>> NC Deputy Auxcomm Coordinator - Statewide
>> www.mitchelson.org
>>
>> On 3/9/2019 09:45, Andy Durbin wrote:
>>> Nothing heard or seen on 10 m with my kit built KPA500.
>>>
>>> I'd suggest disconnecting the RX from the KPA500 and connecting it directly 
>>> to the antenna.   Does the problem go away?
>>> If not, connect the RX directly to the dummy load.  Does the problem go 
>>> away?
>>> If not,  disconnect everything else from the KPA500 except the power cord.  
>>> Does the problem go away?
>>> If not, connect the KPA500 to an outlet on a different circuit.  Does the 
>>> problem go away?
>>>
>>> Hopefully, one of these steps will give some information on the source of 
>>> the problem.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Andy, k3wyc
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Peter Dougherty]

All PL-259 connectors here that I assembled are Amphenol 83-SP1. Female 
conenctors are whatever the device came with. The only female connectors in the 
line are on the amp, the HF-Auto Tuner, antenna switch and the balun. The only 
one that's not common to all my other antennas is the balun, and Balun Designs 
makes top-notch products. My old balun--the one I replaced thinking it was the 
problem last summer--was from Array Solutions and the same problem existed 
there.

Connectors are all tightened 1/4 turn.

I don't presently have access to a dummy load. The feedline connecting it to 
the outdoor antenna switch is damaged and it's difficult to reach at the 
moment--across a 40' crawlspace.

The faults are all high SWR:
570 19-03-09T20:06:40 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3512 inp 11W fwd 826W refl 199W 
swr 2.9 53A 31C adc 254 var 199
569 19-03-09T20:06:37 OVR 90 - PWR REFL  inp 12W fwd 915W refl 173W swr 2.5 52A 
32C adc 236 var 173
568 19-03-09T20:06:28 ON  00 - ON  1 times firmware version 02.09
567 19-03-09T18:40:56 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3656 inp 10W fwd 613W refl 225W 
swr 4.0 21A 29C adc 271 var 225
566 19-03-09T18:37:30 OVR 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3688 inp 21W fwd 881W refl 180W 
swr 2.6 35A 29C adc 241 var 180
565 19-03-09T18:37:06 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3640 inp 8W fwd 616W refl 201W 
swr 3.6 26A 29C adc 255 var 201
564 19-03-09T18:36:51 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3640 inp 10W fwd 676W refl 213W 
swr 3.5 23A 29C adc 263 var 213
563 19-03-09T18:32:09 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3552 inp 7W fwd 484W refl 207W 
swr 4.7 10A 26C adc 259 var 207
562 19-03-09T18:31:04 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3552 inp 8W fwd 499W refl 196W 
swr 4.3 11A 25C adc 252 var 196
561 19-03-09T18:26:19 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3520 inp 4W fwd 356W refl 207W 
swr 7.4 12A 25C adc 259 var 207
560 19-03-09T18:25:37 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3504 inp 9W fwd 637W refl 204W 
swr 3.6 25A 25C adc 257 var 204
559 19-03-09T18:25:03 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3504 inp 17W fwd 1035W refl 204W 
swr 2.5 8A 25C adc 257 var 204
558 19-03-09T18:24:43 FLT 90 - PWR REFL  freq 3504 inp 14W fwd 878W refl 213W 
swr 2.9 23A 24C adc 263 var 213

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: Jamie WW3S  
Sent: Saturday, March 9, 2019 2:09 PM
To: donw...@embarqmail.com
Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Peter Dougherty 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

Any cheap bulkhead connectors in the feed? I just got burnt by one on my radial 
plate

Sent from my Verizon Motorola Smartphone On Mar 9, 2019 2:04 PM, Don Wilhelm 
 wrote:
>
> Peter,
>
> Isolate the problem to the amplifier.  Get a high power dummy load if 
> you do not already have one.  Run the amp at 1000 watts or more into 
> the dummy load.  If the amp behaves the same as it does with the 
> antenna, then the problem is in the amplifier.
> But if the amp behaves into the dummy load, look for marginal 
> connections to your antenna, PL-259 connectors not sufficiently 
> tightened, balun overload, arcing at either the center insulator or at 
> the end insulators.
> There is very high RF voltage at the antenna ends, and it may be 
> arcing over the end insulators - don't overlook that possibility.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/9/2019 1:50 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: 
> > HI guys,
> > I'm still having a serious problem on 80m with my KPA1500. 
> > 
> > With the amp inline I'm getting high reflected power fault 
> > everywhere below about 3675. My antenna (an inverted vee) is 
> > resonant at 3550, and the SWR is below 2:1 from 3500 to 3630.
> > 
> >   
> > 
> > This was happening in the past as well, and prompted me to 
> > completely rebuild the antenna last summer. The antenna is fed with 
> > 100' of brand new Davis BuryFlex feedline, a brand-new 5kW-rated 
> > Balun Designs 1:1 current balun, new 12 AWG copper-clad steel wire, even 
> > new heavy ceramic insulators!
> > 
> > 
> > Without the amp everything's fine. I can push 100W through to the 
> > antenna all day; the SWR LEDs on the amp (bypassed) show two green and 
> > that's it.
> > It's fine on every other band, including 80/75 phone. 
> > 
> >   
> > 
> > With the amp in, If I drop the drive to 10W or less, the amp is 
> > happy and I get about 450 Watts out. But the instant I drive it with 
> > ~15 Watts (when the K3s kicks the high power module in, and I hear 
> > the internal relay click, I get the HI SWR warning and the amp 
> > faults. 100% repeatable. Doesn't matter if the tuner is in or 
> > out..there's NO way to get high power out of the KPA on 80 CW.
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Grant Youngman]

Don’t overlook any F-F connector’s in the system.  The first time I hit my 
Hexbeam with the legal limit, the F-F connector joining my feed line to the 
antenna connection stub arced over.  It had always been fine at low power, but 
was a fester find that turned out not to be a bargain.  It was completely 
cooked.  Fortunately, my SWR bridge tripped off the transmit line on high SWR. 
Probably at some high but lower power level it would have only sporadically 
arced creating a much more fun diagnosis problem.

Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091 KX3 #8342

> On Mar 9, 2019, at 2:09 PM, Jamie WW3S  wrote:
> 
> Any cheap bulkhead connectors in the feed? I just got burnt by one on my 
> radial plate
> 
> Sent from my Verizon Motorola Smartphone
> On Mar 9, 2019 2:04 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
>> 

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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Jamie WW3S]

Any cheap bulkhead connectors in the feed? I just got burnt by one on my radial 
plate

Sent from my Verizon Motorola Smartphone
On Mar 9, 2019 2:04 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
>
> Peter, 
>
> Isolate the problem to the amplifier.  Get a high power dummy load if 
> you do not already have one.  Run the amp at 1000 watts or more into the 
> dummy load.  If the amp behaves the same as it does with the antenna, 
> then the problem is in the amplifier. 
> But if the amp behaves into the dummy load, look for marginal 
> connections to your antenna, PL-259 connectors not sufficiently 
> tightened, balun overload, arcing at either the center insulator or at 
> the end insulators. 
> There is very high RF voltage at the antenna ends, and it may be arcing 
> over the end insulators - don't overlook that possibility. 
>
> 73, 
> Don W3FPR 
>
> On 3/9/2019 1:50 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: 
> > HI guys, 
> > I'm still having a serious problem on 80m with my KPA1500. 
> > 
> > With the amp inline I'm getting high reflected power fault everywhere below 
> > about 3675. My antenna (an inverted vee) is resonant at 3550, and the SWR 
> > is 
> > below 2:1 from 3500 to 3630. 
> > 
> >   
> > 
> > This was happening in the past as well, and prompted me to completely 
> > rebuild the antenna last summer. The antenna is fed with 100' of brand new 
> > Davis BuryFlex feedline, a brand-new 5kW-rated Balun Designs 1:1 current 
> > balun, new 12 AWG copper-clad steel wire, even new heavy ceramic 
> > insulators! 
> > 
> > 
> > Without the amp everything's fine. I can push 100W through to the antenna 
> > all day; the SWR LEDs on the amp (bypassed) show two green and that's it. 
> > It's fine on every other band, including 80/75 phone. 
> > 
> >   
> > 
> > With the amp in, If I drop the drive to 10W or less, the amp is happy and I 
> > get about 450 Watts out. But the instant I drive it with ~15 Watts (when 
> > the 
> > K3s kicks the high power module in, and I hear the internal relay click, I 
> > get the HI SWR warning and the amp faults. 100% repeatable. Doesn't matter 
> > if the tuner is in or out..there's NO way to get high power out of the KPA 
> > on 80 CW. 
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Re: [Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Don Wilhelm]

Peter,

Isolate the problem to the amplifier.  Get a high power dummy load if 
you do not already have one.  Run the amp at 1000 watts or more into the 
dummy load.  If the amp behaves the same as it does with the antenna, 
then the problem is in the amplifier.
But if the amp behaves into the dummy load, look for marginal 
connections to your antenna, PL-259 connectors not sufficiently 
tightened, balun overload, arcing at either the center insulator or at 
the end insulators.
There is very high RF voltage at the antenna ends, and it may be arcing 
over the end insulators - don't overlook that possibility.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/9/2019 1:50 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:

HI guys,
I'm still having a serious problem on 80m with my KPA1500.

With the amp inline I'm getting high reflected power fault everywhere below
about 3675. My antenna (an inverted vee) is resonant at 3550, and the SWR is
below 2:1 from 3500 to 3630.

  


This was happening in the past as well, and prompted me to completely
rebuild the antenna last summer. The antenna is fed with 100' of brand new
Davis BuryFlex feedline, a brand-new 5kW-rated Balun Designs 1:1 current
balun, new 12 AWG copper-clad steel wire, even new heavy ceramic insulators!


Without the amp everything's fine. I can push 100W through to the antenna
all day; the SWR LEDs on the amp (bypassed) show two green and that's it.
It's fine on every other band, including 80/75 phone.

  


With the amp in, If I drop the drive to 10W or less, the amp is happy and I
get about 450 Watts out. But the instant I drive it with ~15 Watts (when the
K3s kicks the high power module in, and I hear the internal relay click, I
get the HI SWR warning and the amp faults. 100% repeatable. Doesn't matter
if the tuner is in or out..there's NO way to get high power out of the KPA
on 80 CW.

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Re: [Elecraft] Great SSB receive audio from your K3 or KX3

[Don Wilhelm]

I agree, the CM500 is not much for listening to music, but they do quite 
nicely for frequencies used for communications - and I can use them 
without removing my hearing aids - others may have different results.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/9/2019 1:39 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:

I’m not surprised that the Apple EarBuds are better.

When my Grado SR60 headphones finally died, I tried using the Yamaha CM500 to 
listen to music. That lasted about one day before I gave up and switched to the 
earbuds. I received Bose QC35 II headphones for Christmas and compared them to 
my new Grado SR225e headphones. The Bose are OK if I’m not paying attention to 
the music, but they’d never be mistaken for hi-fi headphones.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)


On Mar 9, 2019, at 6:39 AM, Michael Blake via Elecraft 
 wrote:

I use the Elecraft SP3, Bose QC25, Yamaha CM-500, HyperX Cloud Pro and Apple 
earbuds.  I have found the Apple earbuds to produce the most articulate SSB 
reception.

I am 75 years old and wear hearing aids.  With the SP3 and all of the closed 
earmuff headsets, wearing my hearing aids makes a HUGE difference in SSB 
intelligibility.  However, with the Apple earbuds the hearing aids are neither 
required nor make any difference.

Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI







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[Elecraft] 80m KPA1500 High reflected power problems

[Peter Dougherty]

HI guys, 
I'm still having a serious problem on 80m with my KPA1500.

With the amp inline I'm getting high reflected power fault everywhere below
about 3675. My antenna (an inverted vee) is resonant at 3550, and the SWR is
below 2:1 from 3500 to 3630. 

 

This was happening in the past as well, and prompted me to completely
rebuild the antenna last summer. The antenna is fed with 100' of brand new
Davis BuryFlex feedline, a brand-new 5kW-rated Balun Designs 1:1 current
balun, new 12 AWG copper-clad steel wire, even new heavy ceramic insulators!


Without the amp everything's fine. I can push 100W through to the antenna
all day; the SWR LEDs on the amp (bypassed) show two green and that's it.
It's fine on every other band, including 80/75 phone. 

 

With the amp in, If I drop the drive to 10W or less, the amp is happy and I
get about 450 Watts out. But the instant I drive it with ~15 Watts (when the
K3s kicks the high power module in, and I hear the internal relay click, I
get the HI SWR warning and the amp faults. 100% repeatable. Doesn't matter
if the tuner is in or out..there's NO way to get high power out of the KPA
on 80 CW. 


More details: If the KPA's tuner is bypassed it just faults instantly. If
the tuner is placed inline and I find a match, I can get about a second's or
two's worth of power before the SWR LEDs start lighting up, then the fault
happens.

Any idea what's going on here? This is unbelievably frustrating.

 

-
73 and Good DX
Peter, W2IRT

 

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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

As an example of how we feel about ALC with the K3 and KPA500, neither of my 
custom-made AUX-IO cables has the ALC pin (pin 15) connected. It is just not 
needed.
If the KPA500 needs to protect itself, it will.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Mar 9, 2019, at 10:23 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
> 
> I would emphasize with the K3S and KPA500, if one follows the set-up EXACTLY 
> as described in the KPA500 manual page 16 & 17, and in the K3S manual page 29 
> & 59,  all will be well with the EXT ALC engaged.Anything else will be a 
> PICNIC problem.
> 
> I suggest the set-up be done with a 50 ohm resistive dummy load connected to 
> the amplifier.   Therefore any major deviation in output load will then 
> provide a margin of safety via the ALC. Correctly set-up one can then observe 
> any excessive drive applied to the amplifier or a load which exceeds the 
> recommended load range by an indication on the transceiver ALC indicator.
> This ONLY applies to the K3S and KPA500 as described.
> 
> 73
> 
> Bob, K4TAX
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 2019-03-09 12:59 PM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote:

Some brands require a one-time ALC calibration procedure prior to
use. Once properly configured, they are usually free of the
distortion Don rightfully talks about.


Regardless of "calibration" most non-Elecraft transceivers have
significant ALC related distortion whether one is using an amp
or not.  Quite simply, most non-Elecraft transceivers develop
their ALC based on *excess drive* to the final amplifier (a carry-
over from tube based amplifiers where ALC was developed when the
tubes started to draw grid current as they moved from class AB1
to AB2) and run excess drive in order to do so.

The excess drive plus overdrive sensing creates a situation in which
some combination of IF amp, driver and final amplifier are operating
in the compression region *AND* the ALC time constant allows an initial
"overshoot" (or power "spike").

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2019-03-09 12:59 PM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote:
Along with this, it should be noted (especially for new Amateurs) that . 
. .


Don is correct (always is) concerning the non-employment of ALC with 
respect to Elecraft transceivers which produce power differently from 
other brands.  On this reflector, the recommendation not to use ALC 
pertains solely to Elecraft products.


However, many Elecraft owners own and operate other brands of 
transceivers and amplifiers.  When using those other brands, the 
instructions provided in the transceiver manual AND the instructions 
provided in the amplifier manual about using ALC should be followed, 
especially with solid state amplifiers. Those instructions often differ 
from those recommended by Elecraft.  Some brands require a one-time ALC 
calibration procedure prior to use.  Once properly configured, they are 
usually free of the distortion Don rightfully talks about.


As a friend of mine puts it, the ALC controversy borders on being a 
religious issue.


73,

Kent  K9ZTV


On 3/9/2019 11:01 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Bob,

It is important to understand that ALC does not control the amplifier, 
it is an attempt by the amplifier to control the transceiver.


ALC is sent FROM the amplifier in an attempt to control the power of 
the transceiver.


Used indiscriminately, that will cause distortion in the driving 
transciver.


Elecraft does not recommend the use of ALC for power control because 
of that.  Set the power output of the transceiver to drive the 
amplifier properly and adjust the amplifier ALC to produce no ALC at 
that point. If the amplifier has fault detection, then ALC can be used 
to drop input power if a fault occurs - that is the only legitimate 
use of ALC.


So in many cases, an ALC connection is not needed.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/8/2019 9:11 PM, Bob KD7YZ wrote:

Wondering how to do this.

I see a cable on https://www.arraysolutions.com/k3alc

A K3 ALC cable ...

or any other ideas ?

I have a W6PQL 2m SSPA with an ALC input on the back


many thanks.


--
73
Bob KD7YZ
AMSAT LM #901



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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Gary;

By now I am sure you have checked all the ribbon cable connections and are sure 
they are plugged in properly.
This sounds like a problem that needs to be addressed by the tech support guys. 
Be sure to give them a call on Monday.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Mar 9, 2019, at 9:14 AM, Gary NC3Z  wrote:
> 
> Connecting the RX directly to the antenna and the spurs are not there, 
> the spurs are coming from the KPA500, and only when the KPA500 is 
> connected to a radio (happens on all my radios connected to the KPA). 
> Have tried the amp on 220 and 120, same issue. The KPA500 can be 
> connected to a dummy load at the RF Out, and RF In to the RX and the 
> spurs are there. With out a doubt they are being generated in the KPA500 
> when the LCD backlight is on, and these are healthy spurs.
> 
> I have spent hours taking the thing apart and putting back with the same 
> results. Tripled checked all assembly with no luck. But I am 100% 
> positive it is directly related to the LCD backlighting. This is a very 
> weird issue!
> 
> Gary Mitchelson
> NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15
> NC AHIMT COML
> SHARES NCS997
> NC Deputy Auxcomm Coordinator - Statewide
> www.mitchelson.org
> 
> On 3/9/2019 09:45, Andy Durbin wrote:
>> Nothing heard or seen on 10 m with my kit built KPA500.
>> 
>> I'd suggest disconnecting the RX from the KPA500 and connecting it directly 
>> to the antenna.   Does the problem go away?
>> If not, connect the RX directly to the dummy load.  Does the problem go away?
>> If not,  disconnect everything else from the KPA500 except the power cord.  
>> Does the problem go away?
>> If not, connect the KPA500 to an outlet on a different circuit.  Does the 
>> problem go away?
>> 
>> Hopefully, one of these steps will give some information on the source of 
>> the problem.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Andy, k3wyc
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Andy Durbin]

Should have asked this one too - Does switching between OPER and STBY change 
the amplitude of the spurs?

73,
Andy, k3wyc







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Re: [Elecraft] Great SSB receive audio from your K3 or KX3

[Walter Underwood]

I’m not surprised that the Apple EarBuds are better.

When my Grado SR60 headphones finally died, I tried using the Yamaha CM500 to 
listen to music. That lasted about one day before I gave up and switched to the 
earbuds. I received Bose QC35 II headphones for Christmas and compared them to 
my new Grado SR225e headphones. The Bose are OK if I’m not paying attention to 
the music, but they’d never be mistaken for hi-fi headphones.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Mar 9, 2019, at 6:39 AM, Michael Blake via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> I use the Elecraft SP3, Bose QC25, Yamaha CM-500, HyperX Cloud Pro and Apple 
> earbuds.  I have found the Apple earbuds to produce the most articulate SSB 
> reception.
> 
> I am 75 years old and wear hearing aids.  With the SP3 and all of the closed 
> earmuff headsets, wearing my hearing aids makes a HUGE difference in SSB 
> intelligibility.  However, with the Apple earbuds the hearing aids are 
> neither required nor make any difference.
> 
> Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I would emphasize with the K3S and KPA500, if one follows the set-up 
EXACTLY as described in the KPA500 manual page 16 & 17, and in the K3S 
manual page 29 & 59,  all will be well with the EXT ALC engaged.    
Anything else will be a PICNIC problem.


I suggest the set-up be done with a 50 ohm resistive dummy load 
connected to the amplifier.   Therefore any major deviation in output 
load will then provide a margin of safety via the ALC. Correctly set-up 
one can then observe any excessive drive applied to the amplifier or a 
load which exceeds the recommended load range by an indication on the 
transceiver ALC indicator.    This ONLY applies to the K3S and KPA500 as 
described.


73

Bob, K4TAX



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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Andy Durbin]

"Connecting the RX directly to the antenna and the spurs are not there,.."

That seems to suggest that the signal is coupling through the T/R switch.   
What happens if you key the KPA500 by grounding the key line input but leave 
the transceiver in RX mode? (Need to be in OPER mode).  Look for the * on the 
left side of the KPA500 LCD to confirm keying.

Just to be clear - this is not a transmit test, just changing the state of the 
T/R switch in the KPA500.

Another test - leave the RX on 10 m and cycle through the KPA500 band  
selections using the KPA500 band switches.  Is there any change in amplitude of 
the spurs?

73,
Andy, k3wyc






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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[KENT TRIMBLE]

Along with this, it should be noted (especially for new Amateurs) that . . .

Don is correct (always is) concerning the non-employment of ALC with 
respect to Elecraft transceivers which produce power differently from 
other brands.  On this reflector, the recommendation not to use ALC 
pertains solely to Elecraft products.


However, many Elecraft owners own and operate other brands of 
transceivers and amplifiers.  When using those other brands, the 
instructions provided in the transceiver manual AND the instructions 
provided in the amplifier manual about using ALC should be followed, 
especially with solid state amplifiers. Those instructions often differ 
from those recommended by Elecraft.  Some brands require a one-time ALC 
calibration procedure prior to use.  Once properly configured, they are 
usually free of the distortion Don rightfully talks about.


As a friend of mine puts it, the ALC controversy borders on being a 
religious issue.


73,

Kent  K9ZTV


On 3/9/2019 11:01 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Bob,

It is important to understand that ALC does not control the amplifier, 
it is an attempt by the amplifier to control the transceiver.


ALC is sent FROM the amplifier in an attempt to control the power of 
the transceiver.


Used indiscriminately, that will cause distortion in the driving 
transciver.


Elecraft does not recommend the use of ALC for power control because 
of that.  Set the power output of the transceiver to drive the 
amplifier properly and adjust the amplifier ALC to produce no ALC at 
that point. If the amplifier has fault detection, then ALC can be used 
to drop input power if a fault occurs - that is the only legitimate 
use of ALC.


So in many cases, an ALC connection is not needed.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/8/2019 9:11 PM, Bob KD7YZ wrote:

Wondering how to do this.

I see a cable on https://www.arraysolutions.com/k3alc

A K3 ALC cable ...

or any other ideas ?

I have a W6PQL 2m SSPA with an ALC input on the back


many thanks.


--
73
Bob KD7YZ
AMSAT LM #901


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---
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[Elecraft] Subject: Re: Hub4Com

[Dave B via Elecraft]

If it's just a need for one bit of software, to send the same command to
two devices at the same time.  Just parallel wire some connectors together.

One Serial OUTPUT, will usually drive two INPUT's without issue.   All
you need is the TXD wired to two RXD's, and the corresponding
ground/common wire of course.  (And the same baud rate, start/stop bit
and parity settings etc.)

Now, if you want to get data /back/ from BOTH device's, then that's an
entirely different can of worms!

From one, easy.  From both /reliably/, not so, unless you can
/guarantee/ that only one device will respond at any one time and /only/
when you ask it to.

Even then, you'll need at the bare minimum two diodes and a resistor. 
(Note!  That may be troublesome at high baud rates with such a simple
scheme.)

Have Fun. ;-)

Dave G0WBX.

-- 
Created on and sent from a Unix like PC running and using free and open source 
software:

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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Gary NC3Z]

Connecting the RX directly to the antenna and the spurs are not there, 
the spurs are coming from the KPA500, and only when the KPA500 is 
connected to a radio (happens on all my radios connected to the KPA). 
Have tried the amp on 220 and 120, same issue. The KPA500 can be 
connected to a dummy load at the RF Out, and RF In to the RX and the 
spurs are there. With out a doubt they are being generated in the KPA500 
when the LCD backlight is on, and these are healthy spurs.

I have spent hours taking the thing apart and putting back with the same 
results. Tripled checked all assembly with no luck. But I am 100% 
positive it is directly related to the LCD backlighting. This is a very 
weird issue!

Gary Mitchelson
NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15
NC AHIMT COML
SHARES NCS997
NC Deputy Auxcomm Coordinator - Statewide
www.mitchelson.org

On 3/9/2019 09:45, Andy Durbin wrote:
> Nothing heard or seen on 10 m with my kit built KPA500.
>
> I'd suggest disconnecting the RX from the KPA500 and connecting it directly 
> to the antenna.   Does the problem go away?
> If not, connect the RX directly to the dummy load.  Does the problem go away?
> If not,  disconnect everything else from the KPA500 except the power cord.  
> Does the problem go away?
> If not, connect the KPA500 to an outlet on a different circuit.  Does the 
> problem go away?
>
> Hopefully, one of these steps will give some information on the source of the 
> problem.
>
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Split receiving and 2 ears

[Peter Dougherty]

Glad it's working well for you, Chuck. I'm pretty sure that's how mine was 
setup initially when I first got my K3s, but I've played around with various 
settings myself over the years, and A-Ab has been fantastic. Of course you can 
reverse it too, if you prefer to lock the DX into the right channel and use the 
Big Knob to tune the pileup for an open spot. I tried that for a while, but I 
really didn't like it.

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Chuck Guenther
Sent: Saturday, March 9, 2019 11:57 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Cc: pe...@w2irt.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Split receiving and 2 ears

Saw this excellent suggestion the other day, and waited a few days to try it 
out before commenting.  I've had the sub Rx in my K3 for a couple of years now, 
and always had it setup for a-b.  I was frequently turning off the sub Rx to 
hear the DX in both ears.  The a-ab setting helps a
lot-- don't know how I passed over this setting.  It's tips like this that make 
this Elecraft Reflector worthwhile.  Thanks, Peter!

73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3/P3, KX1, KX2


On March 6, 2019 Peter Dougherty wrote:

One thing I would add here is the L-Mix-R setting in the config menu, which 
controls which VFOs go in which ear. As a DXer who loves working pileups, I can 
tell you the best combination for me is A-Ab; meaning VFO A Audio (the DX 
station transmitting) is present in the left ear, and mixed in with the pileup 
(VFO-B) audio in the right ear.

You can adjust that setting to taste (make sure you have the Sub-RX enabled 
first when you go into that menu item), but for me, A-Ab is the way to go. Try 
the different combinations to see which works best for you.

  - pjd


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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[Don Wilhelm]

Bob,

It is important to understand that ALC does not control the amplifier, 
it is an attempt by the amplifier to control the transceiver.


ALC is sent FROM the amplifier in an attempt to control the power of the 
transceiver.


Used indiscriminately, that will cause distortion in the driving transciver.

Elecraft does not recommend the use of ALC for power control because of 
that.  Set the power output of the transceiver to drive the amplifier 
properly and adjust the amplifier ALC to produce no ALC at that point. 
If the amplifier has fault detection, then ALC can be used to drop input 
power if a fault occurs - that is the only legitimate use of ALC.


So in many cases, an ALC connection is not needed.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/8/2019 9:11 PM, Bob KD7YZ wrote:

Wondering how to do this.

I see a cable on https://www.arraysolutions.com/k3alc

A K3 ALC cable ...

or any other ideas ?

I have a W6PQL 2m SSPA with an ALC input on the back


many thanks.


--
73
Bob KD7YZ
AMSAT LM #901


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[Elecraft] Split receiving and 2 ears

[Chuck Guenther]

Saw this excellent suggestion the other day, and waited a few days to 
try it out before commenting.  I've had the sub Rx in my K3 for a couple 
of years now, and always had it setup for a-b.  I was frequently turning 
off the sub Rx to hear the DX in both ears.  The a-ab setting helps a 
lot-- don't know how I passed over this setting.  It's tips like this 
that make this Elecraft Reflector worthwhile.  Thanks, Peter!


73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3/P3, KX1, KX2


On March 6, 2019 Peter Dougherty wrote:

One thing I would add here is the L-Mix-R setting in the config menu, which 
controls which VFOs go in which ear. As a DXer who loves working pileups, I can 
tell you the best combination for me is A-Ab; meaning VFO A Audio (the DX 
station transmitting) is present in the left ear, and mixed in with the pileup 
(VFO-B) audio in the right ear.

You can adjust that setting to taste (make sure you have the Sub-RX enabled 
first when you go into that menu item), but for me, A-Ab is the way to go. Try 
the different combinations to see which works best for you.

 - pjd


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[Elecraft] K3s computer sound card and CAT control (MacLoggerDX config)

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

No Problem, thanks for putting the time into this. I contacted the MacLoggerDx 
tech support and they helped me out pretty quick. Just have to remember to 
completely quit the program after making changes to radio prefs. These are the 
working parms…


https://www.dropbox.com/s/uk3997s5bxugloj/Screen%20Shot%202019-03-08%20at%204.44.06%20PM.png?dl=0
 


73

Brian ve3bwp

> On Mar 7, 2019, at 10:41 PM, Don Wilhelm  > wrote:
> 
> Brian,
> 
> Sorry, but I can't help with Mac situations, I run only Windows.
> Make sure you have the latest FTDI drivers for your Mac.
> Start out with K3 Utility - if that works, then you have something configured 
> wrong in MacLogger DX setup.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> On 3/7/2019 8:00 PM, Brian Pietrzyk (ve3bwp) wrote:
>> Thanks Don, that gave me the confidence to proceed. The K3 utility is 
>> working through the USB connector.
>> 
>> For the life of me I can’t get MacLoggerDX to link to the rig.
>> 
>> Would you or anyone else out there using MacLoggerDX working be willing to 
>> share what setting you are using?
>> 
>> Here’s mine for starters (tried lots of settings but this is my best guess).
>> 
>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/s1ggm63snhzyehm/Screen%20Shot%202019-03-07%20at%207.49.47%20PM.jpg?dl=0
>>  
>> 
>>  > 7.49.47 PM.jpg?dl=0 
>> >
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Brian ve3bwp
>> 
>> 
>>> On Mar 7, 2019, at 5:50 PM, Don Wilhelm >>  >> >> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Brian,
>>> 
>>> Yes, the K3S has both an internal FTDI USB to serial adapter and a USB 
>>> soundcard - Usually the computer identifies it as USB AUDIO CODEC.
>>> 
>>> The connection shown on page 19 is for a basic connection using an RS232 
>>> port (or adapter).  If you do it that way, you would not use the USB cable 
>>> for PC to K3S communications, but use the RS232 connection instead.
>>> 
>>> Easiest solution is to use the CBLP3Y cable.  The way the internal USB to 
>>> serial adapter is wired, the RS-232 is split into RS-232 out and RS-232 in 
>>> at the RJ45 jack.  So with the CBLP3Y cable, the data is sent to the P3 
>>> RS232 connector, and the P3 turns it around and sends it back to the K3 for 
>>> use in the K3S itself.  The K3S to P3 connection with that cable is shown 
>>> in the P3 manual.
>>> 
>>> There is no need for any other cable for PC to P3 or PC to K3S 
>>> communication.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>> 
>>> On 3/7/2019 5:26 PM, Brian Pietrzyk (ve3bwp) wrote:
 Sorry folks this has probably been asked a 1000 times before.
 I’m connecting my new k3s to my mac for the first time. I’ve used 
 MacLogger DX lots with other radios including my kx3.
 Page 18 of the k3s manual describes the first function of the USB port as 
 “Commands from logging/contesting software” as well as sound card i/o 
 audio. Does this mean it supports CAT control as well as audio i/o on the 
 one USB connection or do I still need to KUSB cable along side it for CAT 
 control?
 I’m assuming the K3 utility only works with the KUSB to do firmware checks 
 and such?
 Also I have a P3 and I would like to keep be able to use the K3 utility 
 connected to the rig.
 P19 of the manual if I read it correctly it looks like they are suggesting 
 swapping out the (CBLP3Y) RG45 to DB9 Y cable for the (E980297) RJ45 to 
 single DB9 and then connect the KUSB PC USB cable to the computer. So I’m 
 confused why they would ever need the CBLP3Y “Y” cable in the first place?
 I’m trying to do the RTFM thing and even bought the John Cady book but 
 some of this some of the rationale is still alluding me.
 All and any help would be a appreciated.
 Brian ve3bwp
 __
>> 
> 


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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[David Cutter via Elecraft]

A pound to a pinch of salt it's a poor connector.
David G3UNA

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin
Sent: 09 March 2019 14:45
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

Nothing heard or seen on 10 m with my kit built KPA500.

I'd suggest disconnecting the RX from the KPA500 and connecting it directly
to the antenna.   Does the problem go away?
If not, connect the RX directly to the dummy load.  Does the problem go
away?
If not,  disconnect everything else from the KPA500 except the power cord.
Does the problem go away?
If not, connect the KPA500 to an outlet on a different circuit.  Does the
problem go away?

Hopefully, one of these steps will give some information on the source of
the problem.

73,
Andy, k3wyc





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[Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Andy Durbin]

Nothing heard or seen on 10 m with my kit built KPA500.

I'd suggest disconnecting the RX from the KPA500 and connecting it directly to 
the antenna.   Does the problem go away?
If not, connect the RX directly to the dummy load.  Does the problem go away?
If not,  disconnect everything else from the KPA500 except the power cord.  
Does the problem go away?
If not, connect the KPA500 to an outlet on a different circuit.  Does the 
problem go away?

Hopefully, one of these steps will give some information on the source of the 
problem.

73,
Andy, k3wyc





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[Elecraft] Great SSB receive audio from your K3 or KX3

[Michael Blake via Elecraft]

I use the Elecraft SP3, Bose QC25, Yamaha CM-500, HyperX Cloud Pro and Apple 
earbuds.  I have found the Apple earbuds to produce the most articulate SSB 
reception.

I am 75 years old and wear hearing aids.  With the SP3 and all of the closed 
earmuff headsets, wearing my hearing aids makes a HUGE difference in SSB 
intelligibility.  However, with the Apple earbuds the hearing aids are neither 
required nor make any difference.

Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI







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Re: [Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Gary:

Nothing heard on my K3S that is being produced by my KPA500 {s/n 3519} 
on 10M and nothing seen on my P3.


I would go back through each step of the assembly process and make sure 
all is correct and all hardware is tight. I do see spikes from other 
sources on 10M but these are in the order of -125 dBm. Nothing out of 
the KPA500 in Operate mode that I can see or hear.


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 3/9/2019 5:36 AM, Gary NC3Z wrote:

SN 3759 just received 2 days ago (kit form) and put in operational the
station. TX is fine, issue is on RX. It puts out strong spurs on 20-6M
with 10M being the worst. Tested on live antennas and dummy loads,
grounds on and off, all ancillary connectors removed, etc. So far this
is making the use of the upper bands very difficult. Now I know the
KPA500 has been around for a good amount of time so it cant be a design
issue.

I have a message into Elecraft but it's the weekend and wanted to just
run I by the groups to see if there are any ideas, as I mentioned it was
a kit, so I may have messed something up? But one big of diagnosis was I
turned off the backlight display and it reduced the spurs tremendously.

Hopefully this is a one off issue and it can be resolved.

Here is a video of what I am seeing: https://youtu.be/63fEFb3qIqM



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[Elecraft] Nasty spurs on RX with new KPA500

[Gary NC3Z]

SN 3759 just received 2 days ago (kit form) and put in operational the 
station. TX is fine, issue is on RX. It puts out strong spurs on 20-6M 
with 10M being the worst. Tested on live antennas and dummy loads, 
grounds on and off, all ancillary connectors removed, etc. So far this 
is making the use of the upper bands very difficult. Now I know the 
KPA500 has been around for a good amount of time so it cant be a design 
issue.

I have a message into Elecraft but it's the weekend and wanted to just 
run I by the groups to see if there are any ideas, as I mentioned it was 
a kit, so I may have messed something up? But one big of diagnosis was I 
turned off the backlight display and it reduced the spurs tremendously.

Hopefully this is a one off issue and it can be resolved.

Here is a video of what I am seeing: https://youtu.be/63fEFb3qIqM

-- 

Gary Mitchelson
NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15
NC AHIMT COML
SHARES NCS997
NC Deputy Auxcomm Coordinator - Statewide
www.mitchelson.org

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