Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Low Gain Fault and then distorted output
I have no knowledge regarding repairing your KPA1500. The KPA1500 is very inefficient at the power levels that you are using which may be causing your RF deck failures. Perhaps the KPA500 would be better suited? John KK9A wa3afs wrote: Does not look very promising. First, I experienced 2 back to back OVR 61 - LOW GAIN freq 10120 inp 7W fwd 40W refl 2W swr 1.5 9A 23C adc169 power ratio 6 and then a single FLT 61 - - LOW GAIN freq 10120 inp 7W fwd 40W refl 2W swr 1.5 9A 23C adc169 power ratio 6 After that no error indications BUT I first observed that it took double the input power to get to my expected normal output power and Then audio reports that said I had RF on my signal (when the KPA 1500 was being used). Running barefoot audio was normal. Any ideas? I generally run the KPA1500 in the range of 200 watts (30M) to 700 watts (normally around 500 watts) DisappointedThis is the 3rd failure ( 2nd for RF deck) of my KPA1500 in less than 2 years. 73 -- Bruce, WA3AFS __ 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] KPA1500 Low Gain Fault and then distorted output
Does not look very promising. First, I experienced 2 back to back OVR 61 - LOW GAIN freq 10120 inp 7W fwd 40W refl 2W swr 1.5 9A 23C adc169 power ratio 6 and then a single FLT 61 - - LOW GAIN freq 10120 inp 7W fwd 40W refl 2W swr 1.5 9A 23C adc169 power ratio 6 After that no error indications BUT I first observed that it took double the input power to get to my expected normal output power and Then audio reports that said I had RF on my signal (when the KPA 1500 was being used). Running barefoot audio was normal. Any ideas? I generally run the KPA1500 in the range of 200 watts (30M) to 700 watts (normally around 500 watts) DisappointedThis is the 3rd failure ( 2nd for RF deck) of my KPA1500 in less than 2 years. 73 -- Bruce, WA3AFS __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Folks - We've drifted way off of the original thread. Let's close the thread now. Eric /elecraft.com/ On 5/1/2019 12:56 PM, Wes wrote: +1 On 5/1/2019 11:19 AM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: I don’t tighten pl259s with pliers. I wiggle the plug so it sets into the mating grooves while tightening it with my fingers and never had them get loose. I think that’s where folks go wrong...when the plug doesn’t set into the grooves. I almost need pliers to remove the plug when disconnecting it. At least 60 years so far this works... Chuck Jack KE9UW __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Great advice. 73, Bill K9YEQ https://wrj-tech.com/ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Ron Durie Sent: Wednesday, May 1, 2019 11:08 AM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT Tightening inside PL259's with pliers is not desirable, because each Hams definition of "SNUG" occurs at different Torque levels. I want to use my hands to screw them on and off. Also, when you have SO239 chassis mounted "Round" connectors (using one large lock washer), then pliers will loosen them every time. What I do is, treat each connector center pin and threads with Caig DeOxit. I do this on all connectors. Now I can put them on and off by hand and there is no Oxidation causing High Impedance RF connections. I do the same on my outside connectors BUT I do also apply 2 inch lbs. of torque. This keeps them from working loose with vibration and prevents oxidation. Ron Durie WB4OOA Elecraft K-Line 704-843-3681 __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
+1 On 5/1/2019 11:19 AM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: I don’t tighten pl259s with pliers. I wiggle the plug so it sets into the mating grooves while tightening it with my fingers and never had them get loose. I think that’s where folks go wrong...when the plug doesn’t set into the grooves. I almost need pliers to remove the plug when disconnecting it. At least 60 years so far this works... Chuck Jack KE9UW __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
I do mostly use good adapters to bnc, but really, as I tighten to snug, then wiggle, the barrel turns farther, each time I wiggle. I think the points nestle down in the grooves a surprising amount. Try it. Chuck Jack KE9UW Sent from my iPhone, cjack > On May 1, 2019, at 1:36 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > > Yes but those are Amphenol connectors. Many "good looking" connectors we > buy today have really poor plating and poor machining tolerances. Thus all > "look alike" connectors aren't the same. 10 in a bag for $10..no > thank you. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > >> On 5/1/2019 1:32 PM, Michael Blake via Elecraft wrote: >> I agree with your process Chuck. I have never read an Amphenol document that >> suggests anything other than hand tight. >> >> Since the barrel is knurled and has no flats for a wrench it seems certain >> that a wrench was not what the designer had in mind. >> >> 73 - Mike - K9JRI >> >> >> >>> On May 1, 2019, at 2:19 PM, hawley, charles j jr >>> wrote: >>> >>> I don’t tighten pl259s with pliers. I wiggle the plug so it sets into the >>> mating grooves while tightening it with my fingers and never had them get >>> loose. I think that’s where folks go wrong...when the plug doesn’t set into >>> the grooves. I almost need pliers to remove the plug when disconnecting it. >>> At least 60 years so far this works... >>> >>> Chuck Jack >>> KE9UW >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone, cjack >>> > On May 1, 2019, at 11:46 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > > On 5/1/2019 9:08 AM, Ron Durie wrote: > Tightening inside PL259's with pliers is not desirable, because each Hams > definition of "SNUG" occurs at different Torque levels. > I want to use my hands to screw them on and off. You may like that, but mother nature likes them tight. And she always wins. > Also, when you have SO239 chassis mounted "Round" connectors (using one > large lock washer), then pliers will loosen them every time. I'd call that equipment junk. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> __ >>> 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
[Elecraft] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Some people who are actually interest in how a new KPA1500 could indicate a low gain fault keep opening these post to find they have absolutely nothing to do with the subject line. How about an update on the low gain fault? Tightening connectors has been done to death in other threads. 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Yes but those are Amphenol connectors. Many "good looking" connectors we buy today have really poor plating and poor machining tolerances. Thus all "look alike" connectors aren't the same. 10 in a bag for $10..no thank you. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 5/1/2019 1:32 PM, Michael Blake via Elecraft wrote: I agree with your process Chuck. I have never read an Amphenol document that suggests anything other than hand tight. Since the barrel is knurled and has no flats for a wrench it seems certain that a wrench was not what the designer had in mind. 73 - Mike - K9JRI On May 1, 2019, at 2:19 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: I don’t tighten pl259s with pliers. I wiggle the plug so it sets into the mating grooves while tightening it with my fingers and never had them get loose. I think that’s where folks go wrong...when the plug doesn’t set into the grooves. I almost need pliers to remove the plug when disconnecting it. At least 60 years so far this works... Chuck Jack KE9UW Sent from my iPhone, cjack On May 1, 2019, at 11:46 AM, Jim Brown wrote: On 5/1/2019 9:08 AM, Ron Durie wrote: Tightening inside PL259's with pliers is not desirable, because each Hams definition of "SNUG" occurs at different Torque levels. I want to use my hands to screw them on and off. You may like that, but mother nature likes them tight. And she always wins. Also, when you have SO239 chassis mounted "Round" connectors (using one large lock washer), then pliers will loosen them every time. I'd call that equipment junk. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
I agree with your process Chuck. I have never read an Amphenol document that suggests anything other than hand tight. Since the barrel is knurled and has no flats for a wrench it seems certain that a wrench was not what the designer had in mind. 73 - Mike - K9JRI > On May 1, 2019, at 2:19 PM, hawley, charles j jr > wrote: > > I don’t tighten pl259s with pliers. I wiggle the plug so it sets into the > mating grooves while tightening it with my fingers and never had them get > loose. I think that’s where folks go wrong...when the plug doesn’t set into > the grooves. I almost need pliers to remove the plug when disconnecting it. > At least 60 years so far this works... > > Chuck Jack > KE9UW > > Sent from my iPhone, cjack > >>> On May 1, 2019, at 11:46 AM, Jim Brown wrote: >>> >>> On 5/1/2019 9:08 AM, Ron Durie wrote: >>> Tightening inside PL259's with pliers is not desirable, because each Hams >>> definition of "SNUG" occurs at different Torque levels. >>> I want to use my hands to screw them on and off. >> You may like that, but mother nature likes them tight. And she always wins. >>> Also, when you have SO239 chassis mounted "Round" connectors (using one >>> large lock washer), then pliers will loosen them every time. >> >> I'd call that equipment junk. >> >> 73, Jim K9YC >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ > 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
I don’t tighten pl259s with pliers. I wiggle the plug so it sets into the mating grooves while tightening it with my fingers and never had them get loose. I think that’s where folks go wrong...when the plug doesn’t set into the grooves. I almost need pliers to remove the plug when disconnecting it. At least 60 years so far this works... Chuck Jack KE9UW Sent from my iPhone, cjack > On May 1, 2019, at 11:46 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > >> On 5/1/2019 9:08 AM, Ron Durie wrote: >> Tightening inside PL259's with pliers is not desirable, because each Hams >> definition of "SNUG" occurs at different Torque levels. >> I want to use my hands to screw them on and off. > You may like that, but mother nature likes them tight. And she always wins. >> Also, when you have SO239 chassis mounted "Round" connectors (using one >> large lock washer), then pliers will loosen them every time. > > I'd call that equipment junk. > > 73, Jim K9YC > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
On 5/1/2019 9:08 AM, Ron Durie wrote: Tightening inside PL259's with pliers is not desirable, because each Hams definition of "SNUG" occurs at different Torque levels. I want to use my hands to screw them on and off. You may like that, but mother nature likes them tight. And she always wins. Also, when you have SO239 chassis mounted "Round" connectors (using one large lock washer), then pliers will loosen them every time. I'd call that equipment junk. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Tightening inside PL259's with pliers is not desirable, because each Hams definition of "SNUG" occurs at different Torque levels. I want to use my hands to screw them on and off. Also, when you have SO239 chassis mounted "Round" connectors (using one large lock washer), then pliers will loosen them every time. What I do is, treat each connector center pin and threads with Caig DeOxit. I do this on all connectors. Now I can put them on and off by hand and there is no Oxidation causing High Impedance RF connections. I do the same on my outside connectors BUT I do also apply 2 inch lbs. of torque. This keeps them from working loose with vibration and prevents oxidation. Ron Durie WB4OOA Elecraft K-Line 704-843-3681 __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Just an interesting aside. Last night at the radio club meeting the guys were checking out a Yaesu controller box that will operate the az/el rotor for an ARISS contact this June from our local library. No one could get it to work until someone brought in another connecting cable (I think it was a db 9 pin USB cable). Voila! It works. Just lurking on the Elecraft site I see many problems are connected to the incorrect cable or a faulty cable. Take away: don’t throw away those cables you have been collecting over the years. I have fixed a few problems over the years by trying a different cable. David J. Wilcox K8WPE’s iPad > On Apr 30, 2019, at 7:35 PM, Gwen Patton wrote: > > I don't know if you're talking about what I do, Bob, but I guess I should > have said that I do that with the outdoor connectors, where they might > encounter weather. Indoor connectors are just snugged down tight enough > that they don't wiggle loose, since I disconnect them whenever lightning is > in the area. > > Gwen, NG3P > > On Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 7:18 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX > wrote: > >> A good approach for those PL-259 connectors outside or exposed to the >> weather. For those inside, that's a might bit aggressive. I just >> prefer to snug them tight, a bit more than hand tight, using some small >> channel lock pliers. >> >> 73 >> >> Bob, K4TAX >> >>> On 4/30/2019 5:54 PM, Gwen Patton wrote: >>> I started using a corrosion-inhibiting lube on my PL-259s, and >> religiously >>> sealing them with Coax-Seal. I tighten them very tightly as well. Since I >>> started doing that, I have no odd failures or intermittent connections in >>> my feedlines. >>> >>> 73, >>> Gwen, NG3P >>> >> >> __ >> 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 > > > > -- > > -+-+-+-+- > Jenny Everywhere's Infinite: Quark Time > http://quarktime.net > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
I don't know if you're talking about what I do, Bob, but I guess I should have said that I do that with the outdoor connectors, where they might encounter weather. Indoor connectors are just snugged down tight enough that they don't wiggle loose, since I disconnect them whenever lightning is in the area. Gwen, NG3P On Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 7:18 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > A good approach for those PL-259 connectors outside or exposed to the > weather. For those inside, that's a might bit aggressive. I just > prefer to snug them tight, a bit more than hand tight, using some small > channel lock pliers. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > On 4/30/2019 5:54 PM, Gwen Patton wrote: > > I started using a corrosion-inhibiting lube on my PL-259s, and > religiously > > sealing them with Coax-Seal. I tighten them very tightly as well. Since I > > started doing that, I have no odd failures or intermittent connections in > > my feedlines. > > > > 73, > > Gwen, NG3P > > > > __ > 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 -- -+-+-+-+- Jenny Everywhere's Infinite: Quark Time http://quarktime.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
A good approach for those PL-259 connectors outside or exposed to the weather. For those inside, that's a might bit aggressive. I just prefer to snug them tight, a bit more than hand tight, using some small channel lock pliers. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 4/30/2019 5:54 PM, Gwen Patton wrote: I started using a corrosion-inhibiting lube on my PL-259s, and religiously sealing them with Coax-Seal. I tighten them very tightly as well. Since I started doing that, I have no odd failures or intermittent connections in my feedlines. 73, Gwen, NG3P __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
I started using a corrosion-inhibiting lube on my PL-259s, and religiously sealing them with Coax-Seal. I tighten them very tightly as well. Since I started doing that, I have no odd failures or intermittent connections in my feedlines. 73, Gwen, NG3P On Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 5:13 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > I've found that hams are notorious for plugging in a multi pin > connector and not securing the connector to be tight with the provided > thumb screws. The "I'll do it later, but I've got to get it on the air > now" seems to always take precedence . The connectors will wiggle > and back out, often leaving an intermittent connection. > > Likewise with PL-259 connectors. Finger tight is simply not good enough > for a reliable RF connection. I use a pair of 4" Channel lock pliers to > snug the PL-259 connectors. And I solved many RFI issues for others > just by tightening the PL-259's in the path. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- -+-+-+-+- Jenny Everywhere's Infinite: Quark Time http://quarktime.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
I've found that hams are notorious for plugging in a multi pin connector and not securing the connector to be tight with the provided thumb screws. The "I'll do it later, but I've got to get it on the air now" seems to always take precedence . The connectors will wiggle and back out, often leaving an intermittent connection. Likewise with PL-259 connectors. Finger tight is simply not good enough for a reliable RF connection. I use a pair of 4" Channel lock pliers to snug the PL-259 connectors. And I solved many RFI issues for others just by tightening the PL-259's in the path. 73 Bob, K4TAX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Great, there is nothing that is more fun than an intermittent problem! But there could have been dirt on one of the pins of the cables, and it may never happen again. Maybe Elecraft engineers can give you some hints. See you in the CWTs tomorrow! 73, Victor, 4X6GP Rehovot, Israel Formerly K2VCO CWops no. 5 http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ On 30/04/2019 20:55, Ed gilliland wrote: Hi Vic, thanks. That's the first thing I tried, should have included my checks in the first message. Here is what I've done so far. Put a dummy load on the antenna 1 port Confirmed that the amp was on antenna port one Checked the SWR between the K3 and the amp 1.1 without the K3 tuner Re-seated all the cables on the KPA1500 rear panel Tried the amp again and it works. I have no idea what cable fixed the problem. I am using a back to back cable between the K3 and the KPA1500 AUX ports but it's been installed for months and I've experienced no problems. We'll find out in tomorrow's CWT. I think I'll run the amp at 900 watts until I gain confidence. WOW! WHAT A RELIEF! Ed On 4/30/2019 01:21, Vic Rosenthal wrote: The first thing to do with any amplifier failure is to try it with a dummy load. If the problem still occurs, you can rule out SWR or RF feedback problems. It doesn’t seem like any of the above if it occurs on all bands, but it’s easy and a good start to a systematic diagnosis. Victor 4X6GP On 30 Apr 2019, at 5:35, Ed gilliland wrote: My KPA1500 is faulting with a low gain alarm ration 6. This is with 23 watts input 160-10 meters. Any advice? Thanks, Ed W5TM __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Hi Vic, thanks. That's the first thing I tried, should have included my checks in the first message. Here is what I've done so far. Put a dummy load on the antenna 1 port Confirmed that the amp was on antenna port one Checked the SWR between the K3 and the amp 1.1 without the K3 tuner Re-seated all the cables on the KPA1500 rear panel Tried the amp again and it works. I have no idea what cable fixed the problem. I am using a back to back cable between the K3 and the KPA1500 AUX ports but it's been installed for months and I've experienced no problems. We'll find out in tomorrow's CWT. I think I'll run the amp at 900 watts until I gain confidence. WOW! WHAT A RELIEF! Ed On 4/30/2019 01:21, Vic Rosenthal wrote: The first thing to do with any amplifier failure is to try it with a dummy load. If the problem still occurs, you can rule out SWR or RF feedback problems. It doesn’t seem like any of the above if it occurs on all bands, but it’s easy and a good start to a systematic diagnosis. Victor 4X6GP On 30 Apr 2019, at 5:35, Ed gilliland wrote: My KPA1500 is faulting with a low gain alarm ration 6. This is with 23 watts input 160-10 meters. Any advice? Thanks, Ed W5TM __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
Hi Ed, Please email supp...@elecrat.com and they will dig into it immediately to help you resolve the problem. If you can use the KPA1500 utility to download the 1500's config file and attach it to that email that will also be helpful. (They can walk you through that procedure if needed.) that file includes both the amps full configuration and its detailed fault log.) 73, Eric /elecraft.com/ On 4/29/2019 7:35 PM, Ed gilliland wrote: My KPA1500 is faulting with a low gain alarm ration 6. This is with 23 watts input 160-10 meters. Any advice? Thanks, Ed W5TM __ 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
The first thing to do with any amplifier failure is to try it with a dummy load. If the problem still occurs, you can rule out SWR or RF feedback problems. It doesn’t seem like any of the above if it occurs on all bands, but it’s easy and a good start to a systematic diagnosis. Victor 4X6GP > On 30 Apr 2019, at 5:35, Ed gilliland wrote: > > My KPA1500 is faulting with a low gain alarm ration 6. This is with 23 watts > input 160-10 meters. Any advice? > > Thanks, Ed W5TM > > __ > 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] KPA1500 LOW GAIN FAULT
My KPA1500 is faulting with a low gain alarm ration 6. This is with 23 watts input 160-10 meters. Any advice? Thanks, Ed W5TM __ 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
