Re: [Elecraft] KPA500+KAT500 interfacing.
I can answer this. I believe the answer to the first question is yes. The KAT500 can follow the BDC band data. The answer to the second is definitely no. The KPA500 does not output (nor does it have the capability) BCD band data. The port has input, but does not have output drive. To go further, while the KPA can talk over the Auxbus, the KAT does not have capability to decode the data. In fact the only devices with the capability to decode KPA500 Auxbus data are the K3, K3S and K4. While both can follow Kenwood-format serial data, and both will respond to a short transmission burst, there is an advantage to having the KAT500 follow the transceivers receive frequency since it keeps the antenna properly matched for the received frequency. In order to do this you really need to have the KAT receive the transceiver frequency stream. As others have noted, it can listen to Kenwood FA responses (which the KPA can poll for). Several folks have created rather interesting boxes that can receive band data from transceivers and communicate it to the KPA500 and KAT500. You might want to talk with Andy, K3WYC about his rather interesting project. 73, Jack, W6FB > On Nov 17, 2020, at 8:27 PM, Wes wrote: > > The answer may be no, but you're not responding to the question asked. > > The KPA500 can be switched with Serial or BCD data, in addition to the > Elecraft Aux Bus. I simply want to know: 1) does the KAT500 also switch with > BCD data and 2) if so, can those data come from a KPA500 that is being > controlled with serial data. (When I say Aux cable, I'm referring to the > 15-pin cable that includes BCD (band) data. > > > On 11/17/2020 12:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> Wes, >> >> The answer is NO. The KAT500 and KPA500 take their AUX commands from the >> K3(S). >> >> On 11/17/2020 1:11 PM, Wes wrote: >>> I have a K3S interfaced to the KAT500 and KPA500 using the Aux cables. >>> >>> If I was to replace the K3S with a rig with only RS232 control of the >>> KPA500, will the Kat500 still follow along using the Aux cables. The Xcvr >>> and Amp connections on the KAT500 seem to be more or less a pass through. >>> >>> I know the KAT500 will switch using RF sensing, but that doesn't help in a >>> receive only situation, which I often employ. >>> >>> Wes N7WS >>> >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500+KAT500 interfacing.
The answer may be no, but you're not responding to the question asked. The KPA500 can be switched with Serial or BCD data, in addition to the Elecraft Aux Bus. I simply want to know: 1) does the KAT500 also switch with BCD data and 2) if so, can those data come from a KPA500 that is being controlled with serial data. (When I say Aux cable, I'm referring to the 15-pin cable that includes BCD (band) data. On 11/17/2020 12:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Wes, The answer is NO. The KAT500 and KPA500 take their AUX commands from the K3(S). On 11/17/2020 1:11 PM, Wes wrote: I have a K3S interfaced to the KAT500 and KPA500 using the Aux cables. If I was to replace the K3S with a rig with only RS232 control of the KPA500, will the Kat500 still follow along using the Aux cables. The Xcvr and Amp connections on the KAT500 seem to be more or less a pass through. I know the KAT500 will switch using RF sensing, but that doesn't help in a receive only situation, which I often employ. Wes N7WS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KXPD2 screws
I have thoroughly enjoyed my KXPD2 iambic paddle. I do not consider the finger spacing “bizarrely wide”. My Kent dual lever paddle which I used happily for decades, is spaced about the same. We all have our own preferences, so when I ordered my N3ZN paddle some years ago I did opt for a model with slightly less space. We all have our preferences, and if a parameter happens to be important, great, specify that. I have used dozens of paddles in my 66 year ham career, some with wide spaces, some narrow, some with magnetic return, some spring return and made peace with nearly all of them, even with my KX1 paddle which I still use occasionally for ultra portability. Personally if I was budget constrained I could easily enjoy my KX2 paddle or even the old Kent wide spaced paddle as my only paddle. I have even tested and used some of the foreign paddles in my shack which I am sure cost well over $500 and consider the KXPD2, even with its wide spaced finger pieces, a close second choice. Perhaps this is not relevant, but I enjoy very hot sauce on nearly everything. I do not consider mild hot sauce inferior, or expect others to choke down my sauce. Just an old CW guy, Rick KL7CW Sent from Mail for Windows 10 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] FS: K2 DSP
I have an assembled and working K2 DSP looking for a new home. $175 plus $10 shipping. Payment via PayPay. Paul Gacek W6PNG/M0SNA www.nomadic.blog __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KEYOUT_LP issue
Hello group. I have some issue with KEYOUT_LP. I have use KEYOUT_LP as PTT for my transverters and PA, but have problem when powering OFF my K3S. All equipment connected to the circuit controlled by KEYOUT_LP going to transmit mode (PTT is engaged) then receive mode(PTT disengaged ) 3-5 times Looks like bipolar transistor in the KEYOUT_LP circuit got something from the micro. Current though KEYOUT_LP input about 2mA Anybody have any issue with KEYOUT_LP?? Best Wishes. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500+KAT500 interfacing.
Wes, The answer is NO. The KAT500 and KPA500 take their AUX commands from the K3(S). On 11/17/2020 1:11 PM, Wes wrote: I have a K3S interfaced to the KAT500 and KPA500 using the Aux cables. If I was to replace the K3S with a rig with only RS232 control of the KPA500, will the Kat500 still follow along using the Aux cables. The Xcvr and Amp connections on the KAT500 seem to be more or less a pass through. I know the KAT500 will switch using RF sensing, but that doesn't help in a receive only situation, which I often employ. Wes N7WS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500+KAT500 interfacing
"If I was to replace the K3S with a rig with only RS232 control of the KPA500, will the Kat500 still follow along using the Aux cables." I'm pretty sure the answer is "No". AUX cables don't do anything unless connected to an AUX compatible rig. It is, however, easy to feed the KAT500 with the rigs responses to KPA500 interrogations assuming the rig is Kenwood or Kenwood compatible. The KPA500 can be configured to poll for IF, FA, and FB. KAT500 is wired to listen to the FA responses. Email me for a cable sketch if you need it. Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500+KAT500 interfacing.
I have a K3S interfaced to the KAT500 and KPA500 using the Aux cables. If I was to replace the K3S with a rig with only RS232 control of the KPA500, will the Kat500 still follow along using the Aux cables. The Xcvr and Amp connections on the KAT500 seem to be more or less a pass through. I know the KAT500 will switch using RF sensing, but that doesn't help in a receive only situation, which I often employ. Wes N7WS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] my K3 has some issues-SOLVED- Low Power Amp MOSFETs
Replacing the final output MOSFETs in my K3's low power amp appears to have fixed its transmit power issues. Thank you everyone on the K3 forums for your shared advice and experiences. The "3 screw" tests were pointing to a bad output transistor in the LPA. The idle current increase on the K3 meter when putting the radio into XMIT (not TUNE) was only 310 ma, where at least 600ma was expected, again pointing to a FET being open. To be sure of getting the right vintage of FETs, I ordered a couple of them (and thermal insulator) from Elecraft. My order was shipped that same day and arrived via priority mail 2 days later. Great service. Following the procedure described by others, I replaced both output MOSFETs. Since one had been inoperative, the other had been carrying the whole load to produce output so may have been overworked, overstressed and hurting. Here are my additional comments on the repair process: 1) The Elecraft document "KPA3CONMDKT MOD Kit Manual" has a wonderful description of how to remove and replace the 100W amplifier to allow access to the LPA's adjustment potentiometers. 2) Turning the power to zero is a good safeguard when doing the bias adjustment. I also made sure the radio was in USB or LSB so no power output would be commanded in any case. Now with the FETs replaced and the bottom cover back on, the moment of truth.. Three LPA potentiometers turned down. Turn first pot, +200ma. Turn second pot, another 200ma. Turn third pot, yet another 200ma. Success! Put the 100W amp module back in and connected to the Elecraft K3 utility. All 3 transmitter gain tests passed, and now the power setting is stable on all bands. On 40M where the reported SWR into a dummy load before the repair was 1.4 instead of 1.0 was now down to 1.2. Still do not know why but I can certainly live with that. So. why did this even happen in the first place? I can only speculate. Older generation MOSFETs were difficult to keep in their safe operating region without snubbers. Did some transient zap it? Power semiconductor chip bonding is subject to failure after a high number of thermal cycles, and this has been a contest radio. In January during the VHF contest, my 6M antennas became badly detuned with wet snow and ice accumulation. This led to a high swr propagating thru the transmit chain to the K3 which suffered a total loss of power output on 6M with a very high swr indicated. After a rest, the K3 recovered, but did that event set this failure in motion? GOK. And a closing suggestion- if your K3 is working OK now, save a copy of its configuration: this may turn out to be quite handy in the future. TU all and 73, Chet, N8RA -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Chet S Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 4:02 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] my K3 has some issues Good afternoon K3 folks, I am new to this list and honored to be accepted. Recently my K3 has experienced a couple of issues. I have been unable to get a response from Elecraft e-mail or telephone service regarding the situation. It's been almost two weeks now so thought I'd ask here if anyone has some suggestions for me to try myself. Here is the main concern: When getting ready for CQWWDX SSB a few weeks ago, I went through setting the transmit power on each band to drive an amplifier properly. The power display seemed a bit sluggish and had a delay in indicating the SWR. Worse yet, when I got to 40M, I could not crank the power up past about 30 watts; it would momentarily display a higher number but then fall back to 30w. All other bands cold be set higher. First I reloaded all the current firmware in the main and subreceiver. No change to 40M. So next I went to the K3 Utility ver 1.20.1.15 to do a transmitter gain calibration. Starting with the 5W calibration, it stepped thru the first few bands OK but then stopped (I think on 40M) and displayed "ERR TXG" and the message "calibration settled at 3.6W, TX gain failed because transmit power did not reach the expected value". In anticipation of having to send the radio to Elecraft where it might be totally reset, I manually started recording all the configuration settings. When I looked at my filter settings, I was shocked to see that filter 1 in the subreceiver was set to 1.35. Huh? It should have been 2.80 !! Was my config info corrupted? I reset that to 2.80 and then for the heck of it tried again to set the power on 40M. That now worked "OK" and the swr and pwr display during "tune" showed instantly on all bands. Something had changed. Next, I decided to rerun the TX calibration gain routine. This time if successfully completed the 5w and 50w routines. However, with a good dummy load, 40M displays an swr of 1.4, while the other bands are 1.0 or 1.1, so something is still a little funny on 40M. What might that be? I have now been considering doing a total reset of the radio using the EE INIT function and then
