Re: [Elecraft] [kpa500] keying KPA500 with K3 attached
You may keep them both connected. That's what I do. 73 de Bob, K6XX On Aug 15, 2012, at 2:08 AM, eric norris gliderboy1...@yahoo.com wrote: I want to try keying my KPA500 with a KX3. The KPA500 is connected to my K3 via the serial-like cable. THE QUESTION: Can I just turn the K3 off and use the RCA KEY line on the KPA500 to the KX3, or do I need to disconnected the K3 control line completely? Thanks and 73, Eric WD6DBM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3/K3 Operating Tip: Working a pileup using dual watch instead of SPLIT
Yup. The KX3 dual watch is main-audio-in-left-ear/sub-audio-in-right. Just the way you'd want it. Regards, Bob Wolbert On 6/7/2012 12:22 AM, Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 wrote: This implies the KX3 will split out the dual-watch audio into different streams. If so, this is a significant improvement on the dual-watch as implemented by ICOM radios, the only one's I've tried to use it. Do I understand correctly? 73, doug On 06-Jun-12 17:06, Wayne Burdick wrote: Yes; in this case, dual watch on the KX3 is equivalent to using the K3 sub receiver. I prefer this method over SPLIT when working pileups. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jun 6, 2012, at 10:02 AM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote: Thanks Wayne I did that but pressing SUB button on my K3, then I can listen on both receivers, one in each ear. Si the same effect than doing dual watch? 73, Jorge CX6VM/CW5W __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 anomaly?
The powered-off K3 loaded down the KEY IN line, placing the KPA500 in transmit mode. It was drawing bias current, dissipating heat. After a while, the heat sink temperature rose to the FAN1 threshold and the fan came on. As you said, the solution is to turn off the KPA500 (or place it in STBY mode). 73 de Bob, K6XX On 5/31/2012 3:20 PM, Bill Hammond wrote: I had the entire K-Line on and needed to reload the P3 software. I shut down the K3 and reloaded the P3 software. It takes a while. During the reload the fans came on on the KPA500 and then cycled off several times. Apparently there was some interaction between the K3 powered off and the KPA500. Not a problem as the fix is to turn off the KPA500 too. I just thought it was odd. :) Bill Hammond wham...@aol.com Bill Hammond-AK5X a...@mac.com a...@sbcglobal.net K3 #69 P3 #817 KPA500 # 149 K2/100 #4637 K1 #2033 KX1 #1023 KX3-K someday December 28 order. T1 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: kx1 higher current draw 80m receive
The KX1 is expected to draw more current on 80m. This is documented in the manual... Regards, 73 de Bob, K6XX On 4/16/2012 8:56 AM, Bob Tomas wrote: Hi, I have had a KX1 for a couple of years now. I was running some tests after a repair recently and noticed that in receive mode, the radio draws about 0.060 amps on 80m, which is high, but only draws ~0.040 amps on 40m, 30m and 20m, which is with the specified range. Can anyone provide suggestions regarding whether this should be a concern and if so, how to begin trouble shooting? Thanks. Bob __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3-Data mode RTTY
This parameter is saved separately by band. Could that be the problem? 73 de Bob, K6XX On 4/16/2012 1:58 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: I keep setting the Data MD to 45 baud fsk and somehow the radio has gone back to 75 baud a couple of times on it's own. Anyone else seen this? Using MMTTY 1.68. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Troubel TX on K3
Karl, In the CONFIG menu, are FLTX SB and FLTX CW set to a 2.8 (or 2.7) kHz BW filter? 73 de Bob, K6XX On 4/11/2012 11:51 AM, Karl-Heinz - DL2FAG wrote: Hello, the TX isn't blinking. Have done further test and recognized, that if I chooes the FM-Mode - the Power Output was ok. Seems be the K3 does not work in CW and SSB so far. As well the TUNE-button is working as well. Karl = am Mittwoch, 11. April 2012 um 19:58 schrieben Sie: Lieber Karl-Heinz, First thing to check: Make sure TX on right side of display isn't blinking. If it is, press and hold TEST. 73, Hank, W6SX On Wed, Apr 11, 2012 at 10:53 AM, Karl-Heinz - DL2FAGdl2...@arcor.de wrote: Hello, I am running into some trouble with the K3 after playing around with the unit (macro, settigs etc.) After a while I recognized, that the K3 does not transmit - no output in CW nor in SSB - even PTT does work. Tuning with the TUNE-Button works and give the adjusted output power. Seems that maybe I have misconfigured a parameter - but doesn't find it. Any idea from the readers of the refelctors - where I have to look for? Thanks -- 73 de Karl-Heinz - DL2FAG mailto:dl2...@arcor.de __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Assembly Question
Dave, Your amp kit was shipped quite a while ago... At that time, Elecraft was in the process of converting from 4-40 x 5/16 black flathead machine screws to 1/4 for attaching the Z-bracket and left side panel to the heat sink. If you don't have enough 5/16, you should have extra 1/4. Perhaps in the Hardware Spares bag. If not, please reply to me and I'll have them shipped to you. Regards, Bob Wolbert On 3/19/2012 7:16 PM, Dave Anderson, K4SV wrote: Hi All, Thought I would bounce this question off those who have assembled the KPA500. I am building Serial #439 I am at page 22 where it says to install 5 - 5/16 Black Flat Head screws in the plate attached to the PA. I can not find any 5/16 screws in the hardware bag. I found two in the spares bag and two installed in the AC fuse block. Checked everything else. Stephanie either missed it totally or the manual is incorrect. Up to this point she has been spot on. Could this be an error where they really meant to use 3/16? I tried 3/16 and they have 4 to 5 threads into the heatsink. Suggestions? Thanks in advance, Dave Anderson, K4SV Tryon, NC 828 777-5088 www.K4SV.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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Make the Feet Stickier
Long ago, I actually cut plates of 0.25 steel and bolted them beneath the front bottom cover of my K3s so they wouldn't move when the front panel buttons were jabbed. Once the subreceivers were added, the combined weight is just about perfect, as long as the cleaning crew (me) dusts the shack occasionally. Licking my fingers wetting the rear feet and the rubber part of the front bail also keeps my rigs in place without any more exotic chemicals or devices. Regards, Bob Wolbert On 3/14/2012 12:15 PM, Dave New, N8SBE wrote: Real radios glow in the dark? Sorry, couldn't resist. 73, -- Dave, N8SBE Original Message Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Make the Feet Stickier From: Ian White GM3SEKgm3...@ifwtech.co.uk Date: Wed, March 14, 2012 3:02 pm To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Dave New, N8SBE wrote: The K3 is just too darn light -- you need a MAN'S radio, one of those YaeComWood 50-pounders. Coming soon, specially crafted for all those stay-at-home K3s: replacement top and bottom covers made from Depleted Uranium. Order code KDU3 [Insert user-configurable radioactivity joke here.] -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] FW: Need advice for K3 and RX BC AM
Another issue is the antenna input. Main-receiver path signals below 1.5MHz are attenuated to protect circuitry from ultra strong out-of-band broadcasters. There are two solutions for improved AM broadcast band reception. 1. Add the KBPF3 general coverage band pass filter option 2. Use a RX-only antenna in the KXV3's RX IN antenna jack (BNC). Both of these techniques safely bypass the protective HPF built into the main receiver path. Regards, Bob Wolbert -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 5:52 AM To: Jo, YC0LOW Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Need advice for K3 and RX BC AM Jo, Without adding the 6 kHz or 13 kHz filter, AM reception may be done using the 2.7 (or 2.8) kHz filter for Synchronous AM reception. That gives you a full 2.7 kHz audio width instead of constraining it to half that width when using regular AM demodulation. 73, Don W3FPR On 3/12/2012 5:17 AM, Jo, YC0LOW wrote: My Elecraft K3 has no AM filters installed. I tried to RX AM broadcast stations on MW band but had no success. I'd be grateful if you could advice me to add it on, or, is there a way to do it as is, now pse? I need it as features to check the 160m RX antenna directions in the coming YB8Y DXpedition (OC-221, GL PI64mh) starts in March 20th. 2012 . Tnx es 73 de Jo, YC0LOW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Subject: KX3 CW from computer
The KX3 has two independent keying inputs. I like connecting the external (computer generated) key line to the left side panel KEY-IN jack for the automatically generated stuff and use the front-side keyer paddle for manual sending. The KX3 menu allows setting either or both inputs to either paddle or 'straight key' input. I changed the left-side jack to the hand key setting on the 3.5mm TIP and left the front panel jack at its default PADDLE setting. Slick. (In my humble opinion, of course). 73 de Bob, K6XX On 3/12/2012 9:10 AM, Edward R. Cole wrote: Tony, Essentially you have it right. It will take a break-out of either RTS or DTR interfaced by a NPN transistor and one resistor connected to the KEY Jack. I can see innovated folks making the circuit inside the jack with sm transistor and resistor and adding wye jack for connecting the paddle. External keyer not required since you can use the menu CW KEY1 and CW KEY2 to switch back to using the paddle from HAND. Instant change over to the paddle then the keyboard is not possible, but why would one do that? I use keyboard CW on eme so that I do not have to deal with sending by key (mostly I have scripts made up), but I do not operate a lot of CW on HF so maybe there is a reason to go back-n-forth rapidly. For the keyboard CW program I run, you need both RTS (for PTT) and DTR (for keying), but that sw does not support QSK. So for me to implement computer CW I will also need a breakout to the mic-PTT line. PTT is needed for the digital sw I run, anyway. I have an old switch box that I am planning to use for I/F of the serial lines to the KX3, plus Tx audio. It already has 3.5mm mini-phone jacks and DB9 connectors for an old setup I used way back in time for I/F my FT-847. There are many after-market computer/radio I/F to accomplish this and a few are very small which would be appropriate for portable operation with the KX3 and a laptop. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com Kits made by KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm == __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Sudden K3 shutdown
I bet your power supply is running right at its current limit. When the supply's limit is momentarily exceeded, its output voltage drops below 11.0V and the K3 shuts down. 73 de Bob, K6XX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jay Caldis Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 3:35 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Sudden K3 shutdown Out of no where, my K3 when I key the keyer, P or memory, will just shut down (no power). I power it up and it goes right back to were I was as if nothing has happened. This will happen every now and then. Like yesterday during the CW Contest, it shut down 4 times in three hours. Does anyone out there know what the problem may be? SWR is 1/1 running 100 watts and ATU is used. I do not want to send it back if it is something I did. Any help would be appreciated. Jay KT6Y __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Normal KPA500 behavior?
Sounds like RF is getting into the temperature meter circuit. Probably not a big deal, as 5C is only one fan speed step, but might as well clean it up. 73 de Bob, K6XX On 2/10/2012 12:30 PM, Mike Walsh wrote: Hi and thanks for the replies. However, I think people are misunderstanding my question about the TEMP display. When I hit the key to send a 500 watt carrier the display instantly drops 5 degrees C and instantly goes back up to the real temperature when I release the key. It's that instant change in displayed temperature that I'm asking about, not the relatively slow increase or decrease associated with the real heating and cooling of the amp. Do others see that instant decrease on transmit?? 73 and Thanks, Mike - ke5akl From: n...@n5ge.comn...@n5ge.com To: Mike Walshke5...@yahoo.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.netelecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 1:18 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Normal KPA500 behavior? 1) With CW carrier; Temperature rises as I hold down the straight key. Temerature falls when releasing the key. While sending CW (dits and dahs) Temperature rises. When I release the keyer paddles the temp begins to fall within about 2 seconds. 73, Tom -- American Indian comment about Daylight Saving Time -- On Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:28:10 -0800 (PST), Mike Walshke5...@yahoo.com wrote: Hi, My KPA500 does a couple of things that seem a bit odd. Other KPA owners - do your KPAs also do the following? 1) When I transmit a 500 watt carrier while displaying TEMP the displayed temperature drops 5 degrees C. When I release the key the temperature goes immediately back to the real value. Lower transmit power levels cause a correspondingly lower drop in displayed temp. This behavior causes the temp display to bounce around while transmitting CW. 2) When I power down my KPA the fan turns on (as it should) and then the right most POWER LED flashes on an off quickly. Is that LED flash normal? Thanks and 73, Mike - ke5akl __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Macro to control KPA500
Here is how I toggle KPA500 power from the K3 front panel. I have used it for a couple of months on my remote station that is controlled by a prototype K3/0 terminal. It consists of a K3 macro and an additional wire in the AUX cable between the K3 and the KPA500. This simple control is all that is really necessary for remotely operating the amp, as it works along with the AuxBus communications to both enable/disable the amp and also report what the amp is doing. Amplifier status (power ON, OPER mode, power OFF), as well as any faults that occur are reported via AuxBus and show up on the K3's VFO B screen. Even **remotely** on the K3/0! When you use the KPA500's PWR ON = OPER command to immediately enable OPERate mode when power is turned ON, switching power has basically the same effect as toggling between OPER or STBY mode. The main difference is that instead of being powered ON in standby mode, the amp turns off. Since the MOSFETs have no filaments to wear during power cycling, this does not present a problem. If the amp faults, a message appears on the controlling K3's VFO B display. Press the macro key once to turn OFF the amp, then again to turn it back on. (Then turn down the drive power a watt or two so it doesn't happen again!) Implementation requires two steps. 1) Add a wire to the aux cable connecting DIGOUT1 on the K3 ACC jack to POWER ON/OFF (Pin 8) on the KPA500 AUX connector. 2) With K3 Utility, program this macro into a K3 function key. (I used PF2, but any should work). MN019;MP001;MN255;MN019;MP000;MN255 This macro turns ON DIGOUT1, waits, then turns OFF DIGOUT1. This is functionally identical to momentarily pressing the KPA500's front panel power button. Since this is the first K3 macro I have written, and since it worked the first time, I did not bother to optimize it to use the minimum reliable wait times. It is fast enough for my purposes, but you may want to reduce (eliminate?) the waits. Known Problem: DIGOUT1 is used by the PR6 6-meter preamplifier to turn it on and off. I have the PR6 and formerly used this function. With the AUX cable modified the way I describe, each time you QSY to 6m, the amp toggles power. Since this is annoying, I chose to disconnect the white power control wire on the PR6 and let it run all the time, instead of only when I am on 6m. Then, I turned OFF DIGOUT1 on 6m (in the K3 menu). Problem addressed, and as far as I'm concerned, solved... The K3+K3/0 twin remote station works great and the KPA500 was added without requiring yet another serial port to manage and access remotely. 73 de Bob, K6XX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tony Estep Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:30 AM To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] macro to control KPA500 My abject apologies if this has been posted before, but.can I create a K3 macro to toggle OPER/STDBY on my KPA500? Tony KT0NY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 :: features?
Why Per Band OPER/STBY is not really necessary... Since you use ANT2 for 30m 60m, and since you use power = PER BAND, just set both the OPER mode and STBY mode power to 100W (or 50W on 60m). The K3 will transmit at that power whether the amp is in OPERate mode or STBY or OFF. OPER mode power is not magically some low value like 30W; it is whatever you set it to be when the K3 senses the KPA500 is connected, powered up, and in OPER mode. It can be any level the K3 may transmit, from 0 to 110W, and may be different on each band. IF you were transmitting RF through the amp, then this suggestion is a VERY BAD IDEA, of course! This only works because you bypass the amplifier by using ANT 2. The amp will still be keyed when the K3 transmits, so it should have some type of load on its output, but it should be stable under these conditions. The best solution is to turn it off. After all, there aren't any filaments to wear out by excessive cycling. 73 de Bob, K6XX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Steve Jackson Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 2:34 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 :: features? Or maybe, questions ... that could end up being features: 1) Is there any way to do per-band OPER/STBY on the KPA500? For example, my K3 uses ANT2 to drive my 30 and 60 meter antennas. (The amplifier is fed from ANT1.) When I select either of those two bands, the amp stays in OPER mode, which reduces my exciter drive to the lower level. Since the amp isn't in-line on those bands, I'd prefer the K3 PA to stay at 100W. 2) Is there an architectural reason that the KPA500 band buttons can't be software-enabled to access band stacking registers? Even optionally? Thanks ... Steve KZ1X/4 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Power Output
I believe the most significant contributor to key-down power sag is the increase in MOSFET channel resistance with temperature. As the MOSFETs heat, their ON resistance increases slightly, which drops output power slightly. Fortunately this is a small effect, especially when measured in dB. 73 de Bob, K6XX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 10:18 AM To: n...@aol.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Power Output A quick way to check Jack's suggestion that the mains source voltage may be drooping is to monitor the HV on the KPA500 while transmitting to see if it decreases over time. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jack Brindle Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 9:55 AM To: n...@aol.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Power Output Are you sure it is the KPA500 that is causing the drop off? There are a lot of variables here. The exciter could be scaling back, the power source (110/220) could be limiting you or something else may be happening. As power cords heat, they tend to restrict the electron flow. Especially if you are powered from 110V, that could be the source of several problems. Be sure not to replace the supplied power cord with a smaller one - this is a recipe for reduced output in itself. We have also seen transmitters decrease their output power when keyed down for a long time. This might be due to heating in the TX, ALC action, or other things specific to the radio. I would suggest adding a wattmeter between the exciter and the KPA500 so you can monitor power between the devices. Also check the power source wiring to make sure there are no limitations there. In general, look to see if there are other factors external to the KPA causing power reduction. Jack B, W6FB On Jan 27, 2012, at 8:57 AM, n...@aol.com wrote: Sorry if this has been covered before, but I can't recall that it has. Is there any reason why power output falls off over time? Here's what I did: using MMTTY, I diddled into a 50-Ohm dummy load for one minute. I initially had a power output of 525 Watts which went to 500 W shortly and went down to about 465 W when MMTTY diddling timed out. I repeated that process later, monitoring current and noted that it also went down over time...makes sense! But my question is WHY? I was under the impression that I needed to run the amp at 500 W on RTTY for optimum efficiency because in an earlier posting I noted that at 150W output (in BPSK31), the amp was very inefficient and the fan was pretty loud. If I can't derate the output and I can't run full output, what do I do with the KPA500 in the digital modes? Bert, N4CW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] kpa500
My solution to the small OPER button? Use the menu command PWR ON OPER to tell the amp to go straight to operate mode when switched on. This way, the large power button is the only control necessary. Whenever the amp is on, it is ready and active. 73 de Bob, K6XX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andrew Faber Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 2:38 PM To: Richard Squire - HB9ANM; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kpa500 This is really a matter of personal preference. I don't have my KPA500 right in front of me, and it's hard to find the Operate button at a glance, particularly in dim light. The buttons are small and in my shack seem to blend into the black background. But it may look different to you. 73, andy ae6y -Original Message- From: Richard Squire - HB9ANM Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 10:55 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kpa500 Come on, the buttons are just below the corresponding figures/letters which are white... And these are visible even in dim light. Doesn't that provide enough contrast? 73 Richard - HB9ANM Andy Faber wrote I agree. I'd like to see a replacement kit offered (ok to charge for it) with buttons that have some contrast. Particularly in dim light, they are hard to see. 73, andy ae6y -Original Message- From: Bob Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 2:32 PM To: W2XB Cc: elecraft@.qth Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kpa500 That is nit-picking! However I had the same thought about the buttons. Even if not to get contrast between the buttons and panel just to match for esthetics so it more closely looks like the KPA500 was part of the set.. What color will they be on the KAT500? I'd buy a new set for the KPA500 if they were offered. Old eyes here too. Sure will be happy when the already ordered SVGA adapter shows up. 73, Bob K2TKex KN2TKR (1956) K2TKR On 1/19/2012 4:53 PM, W2XB wrote: Can't say enuff about the KPA500. Works like a charm. Smooth as silk!! Only one thing bugs me.. hi hi Wish the buttons were GRAY like the K3 and the P3. With my old eyes I have to get up close at times to find the on button :-)) Don...w2xb __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - Richard - HB9ANM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/kpa500-tp7205529p7208632.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 was working now it's not
You aren't getting the KEY IN signal so the amp thinks it is in receive mode. Is the asterisk in the display? 73 de Bob, K6XX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of vtnn...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 7:34 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 was working now it's not Powered up my KPA500 today for the first time today and it was working ok with my Flex-5000. Got 500 watts out on 40 to a dummy load and everything seemed ok. Powered the rig and amp off then on and all of a sudden get only 35 watts out for 35 in. Does not matter what band I Put my rig on as I only get out what I put in. Don't see any errors and the amp is in OPER. There are no faults BTW. Anyone have any thoughts as to why I no longer get any output from the amp? Zack N8FNR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
