[Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Bob McGraw]

I'd say the switching FETs have failed.    Correctly operating, there is 
no measurable attenuation in the receive line when in OPER or STBY modes.


As to T/R switching, make sure the amp is  in receive and not in 
transmit when your radio is in receive.   Any of the items in the amp 
display preceded with a * indicates the amp is in transmit mode.   If 
so, something is pulling the KEY line to ground.


73

Bob, K4TAX



Message: 1
Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2021 17:36:48 -0400
From:
To:
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
Message-ID:<001001d7349a$f0a01570$d1e04050$@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="us-ascii"

I just purchased a used KPA500 (SN 0456) from a close friend. The amp was
just back to the factory for several repairs and was thoroughly tested. The
report reads, "KPA500 #0456 meets or exceeds all factory specifications." My
friend unboxed the amp and made several QSOs to be sure all issues were
fixed. He then personally delivered the amp to my QTH.
Over the weekend I got the amp added to my operating position and was quite
surprised to find that input signals are attenuated significantly when the
amp is switched from STBY to OPER. No, this is NOT the issue with having the
aux cable and the PA key line connected at the same time. This is with NO PA
key, and NO aux cable connected. The amp has no connection but RF input and
output. It is independent of band. This is with a matched antenna, band
switched manually with the front panel buttons. When I engage OPER the input
signal is attenuated by ~20 dB.
On the TX side, the amp is fine. On most bands I get full rated output into
a dummy load with approx. 20 Watts of drive from the K3.
I noticed on the service report, one of the tests was, "Tested receive
attenuation and IMD." I'm curious about "receive attenuation." This would
seem to be related to my problem. Looking at the block diagram, I surmise
something in the TR switch is malfunctioning.
Before I bug an already-overloaded Elecraft support, I am open to
suggestions. Am I missing something obvious?
TIA es 73,
Jim - WS6X
P.S. Yes, I have read the manual, and scoured the archives. The only thing I
can find regarding input attenuation in the OPER mode involves incorrect
cabling.


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

On Sun, Apr 18, 2021 at 5:02 PM  wrote:
>
> "When I engage OPER the input signal is attenuated by ~20 dB."
>
> Thanks to all for the prompt and informative replies. Apparently the culprit
> has been found. Several reported the exact same issue, one as recently as
> one week ago. According to one reply, an Elecraft Tech told him, "This is a
> known failure mode." (Not very encouraging!)
> Here is a copy of an Elecraft repair report:
>
> Reported problem(s):
> Receive signal is attenuated when in operate. Receive signal is normal when
> in standby.
>
> Problem(s) found:
> Confirmed problem. Found that D8, D9 and R7 in the T/R circuit had failed.
>
> Repair(s) performed:
> Replaced D8, D9, and R7 on the LPF board.
>
> Looks like my KPA500 is in for some "belly up" treatment!
> One thing has me a bit puzzled though. If this is a known weakness, why
> hasn't Elecraft designed a "beefed up" mod? My amp had 5 updates / mods done
> while it was at the factory. This "known failure" was not one of them.

There definitely has been "beefing up" of the T/R circuit over the
years. I don't know about dates.

You might find this interesting (although I think your failure is
different - I've been "lucky" enough to experience both, and more):

http://ok1rp.blogspot.com/2017/02/elecraft-kpa500-lpf-tr-switch-rework.html

Mine when back in late 2019, and had the following performed (amongst
other fixes and updates):

"Replaced Q5, D7, R3, R9 and R24 for Transmit/Receive MOD (Improves
robustness in Transmit/Receive circuitry)."


Good luck getting a response from Elecraft support now. Apparently
they don't respond to email any more (mine from April 5th has been
ignored so-far, and I've seen similar reports from others here).

73,

~iain / N6ML
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Jim Clymer]

Point taken.
FWIW: This "known failure" tech comment was in 2018.
Jim - WS6X

On Sun, Apr 18, 2021, 8:33 PM KENT TRIMBLE  wrote:

> Just because a tech says it's a known failure today doesn't mean it's
> been a known failure throughout its production run.
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[KENT TRIMBLE]

Just because a tech says it's a known failure today doesn't mean it's 
been a known failure throughout its production run.  Component 
availability and sourcing necessarily change over the years.  A robust 
component from a former supplier ten years ago may not be as robust from 
a different supplier today.  There is no way of knowing which components 
exhibit early failures until they fail early.


Consider yourself now an experienced beta-tester!

73,

Kent  K9ZTV


On 4/18/2021 6:59 PM, someone wrote:

According to one reply, an Elecraft Tech told him, "This is a
known failure mode." ... If this is a known weakness, why
hasn't Elecraft designed a "beefed up" mod?


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[ws6x.ars]

"When I engage OPER the input signal is attenuated by ~20 dB."

Thanks to all for the prompt and informative replies. Apparently the culprit
has been found. Several reported the exact same issue, one as recently as
one week ago. According to one reply, an Elecraft Tech told him, "This is a
known failure mode." (Not very encouraging!)
Here is a copy of an Elecraft repair report:

Reported problem(s):
Receive signal is attenuated when in operate. Receive signal is normal when
in standby.

Problem(s) found:
Confirmed problem. Found that D8, D9 and R7 in the T/R circuit had failed.

Repair(s) performed:
Replaced D8, D9, and R7 on the LPF board.

Looks like my KPA500 is in for some "belly up" treatment!
One thing has me a bit puzzled though. If this is a known weakness, why
hasn't Elecraft designed a "beefed up" mod? My amp had 5 updates / mods done
while it was at the factory. This "known failure" was not one of them. 
Thanks again, for all the help!
Jim - WS6X

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[marvwheeler]

What happens if you reduce the rf output on the k3 to some value below 12
watts. I have the same symptoms and thought it was the KPA500 but after
disconnecting the K3S from the rest of the station I accidently determined
that if I decreased the RF output to less that 12 watts the receiver is no
longer attenuated. I am waiting until Elecraft is on a more normal footing
before sending it back for repair.

Marv
KG7V

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Mark Goldberg
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 3:20 PM
To: ws6x@gmail.com
Cc: Elecraft Mailing List 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

Is the key line indication on all the time? This may be indicative of a
stuck key line. There was an unsoldered resistor on mine causing the issue.

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Sun, Apr 18, 2021, 2:38 PM  wrote:

> I just purchased a used KPA500 (SN 0456) from a close friend. The amp 
> was just back to the factory for several repairs and was thoroughly 
> tested. The report reads, "KPA500 #0456 meets or exceeds all factory
specifications."
> My
> friend unboxed the amp and made several QSOs to be sure all issues 
> were fixed. He then personally delivered the amp to my QTH.
> Over the weekend I got the amp added to my operating position and was 
> quite surprised to find that input signals are attenuated 
> significantly when the amp is switched from STBY to OPER. No, this is 
> NOT the issue with having the aux cable and the PA key line connected 
> at the same time. This is with NO PA key, and NO aux cable connected. 
> The amp has no connection but RF input and output. It is independent 
> of band. This is with a matched antenna, band switched manually with 
> the front panel buttons. When I engage OPER the input signal is 
> attenuated by ~20 dB.
> On the TX side, the amp is fine. On most bands I get full rated output 
> into a dummy load with approx. 20 Watts of drive from the K3.
> I noticed on the service report, one of the tests was, "Tested receive 
> attenuation and IMD." I'm curious about "receive attenuation." This 
> would seem to be related to my problem. Looking at the block diagram, 
> I surmise something in the TR switch is malfunctioning.
> Before I bug an already-overloaded Elecraft support, I am open to 
> suggestions. Am I missing something obvious?
> TIA es 73,
> Jim - WS6X
> P.S. Yes, I have read the manual, and scoured the archives. The only 
> thing I can find regarding input attenuation in the OPER mode involves 
> incorrect cabling.
>
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>
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Thomas Kluge]

Hi Jim,

Sounds like an issue with the T/R circuit, you'll find some reports in
the history of this list. I had a very similar case just one week ago -
in my case it was R7 which was blown. The original type seems to be a
51 Ohm (type 1206 SMD) resistor - I've used now two 100 Ohm 1/4 watt
resistors in parallel... Please check the diodes D8 and D9 if the
resistor is ok - but in my case it was very obvious: At least I've seen
the remainders of the SMD and not just a black spot (as others reported
earlier)...
Taking the PA apart and put everything back together took more time
than the repair ;-)

Best regards
Tom, DL3DTH


Am Sonntag, dem 18.04.2021 um 17:36 -0400 schrieb ws6x@gmail.com:
> I just purchased a used KPA500 (SN 0456) from a close friend. The amp
> was
> just back to the factory for several repairs and was thoroughly
> tested. The
> report reads, "KPA500 #0456 meets or exceeds all factory
> specifications." My
> friend unboxed the amp and made several QSOs to be sure all issues
> were
> fixed. He then personally delivered the amp to my QTH.
> Over the weekend I got the amp added to my operating position and was
> quite
> surprised to find that input signals are attenuated significantly
> when the
> amp is switched from STBY to OPER. No, this is NOT the issue with
> having the
> aux cable and the PA key line connected at the same time. This is
> with NO PA
> key, and NO aux cable connected. The amp has no connection but RF
> input and
> output. It is independent of band. This is with a matched antenna,
> band
> switched manually with the front panel buttons. When I engage OPER
> the input
> signal is attenuated by ~20 dB.
> On the TX side, the amp is fine. On most bands I get full rated
> output into
> a dummy load with approx. 20 Watts of drive from the K3.
> I noticed on the service report, one of the tests was, "Tested
> receive
> attenuation and IMD." I'm curious about "receive attenuation." This
> would
> seem to be related to my problem. Looking at the block diagram, I
> surmise
> something in the TR switch is malfunctioning.
> Before I bug an already-overloaded Elecraft support, I am open to
> suggestions. Am I missing something obvious?
> TIA es 73,
> Jim - WS6X
> P.S. Yes, I have read the manual, and scoured the archives. The only
> thing I
> can find regarding input attenuation in the OPER mode involves
> incorrect
> cabling.  
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Mark Goldberg]

Is the key line indication on all the time? This may be indicative of a
stuck key line. There was an unsoldered resistor on mine causing the issue.

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Sun, Apr 18, 2021, 2:38 PM  wrote:

> I just purchased a used KPA500 (SN 0456) from a close friend. The amp was
> just back to the factory for several repairs and was thoroughly tested. The
> report reads, "KPA500 #0456 meets or exceeds all factory specifications."
> My
> friend unboxed the amp and made several QSOs to be sure all issues were
> fixed. He then personally delivered the amp to my QTH.
> Over the weekend I got the amp added to my operating position and was quite
> surprised to find that input signals are attenuated significantly when the
> amp is switched from STBY to OPER. No, this is NOT the issue with having
> the
> aux cable and the PA key line connected at the same time. This is with NO
> PA
> key, and NO aux cable connected. The amp has no connection but RF input and
> output. It is independent of band. This is with a matched antenna, band
> switched manually with the front panel buttons. When I engage OPER the
> input
> signal is attenuated by ~20 dB.
> On the TX side, the amp is fine. On most bands I get full rated output into
> a dummy load with approx. 20 Watts of drive from the K3.
> I noticed on the service report, one of the tests was, "Tested receive
> attenuation and IMD." I'm curious about "receive attenuation." This would
> seem to be related to my problem. Looking at the block diagram, I surmise
> something in the TR switch is malfunctioning.
> Before I bug an already-overloaded Elecraft support, I am open to
> suggestions. Am I missing something obvious?
> TIA es 73,
> Jim - WS6X
> P.S. Yes, I have read the manual, and scoured the archives. The only thing
> I
> can find regarding input attenuation in the OPER mode involves incorrect
> cabling.
>
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[Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Andy Durbin]

" When I engage OPER the input signal is attenuated by ~20 dB."

I can detect no difference in received signal between OPER and STBY.  This was 
for an "on air" test.  I did not test with a signal generator.

Andy, k3wyc
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[Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[ws6x.ars]

I just purchased a used KPA500 (SN 0456) from a close friend. The amp was
just back to the factory for several repairs and was thoroughly tested. The
report reads, "KPA500 #0456 meets or exceeds all factory specifications." My
friend unboxed the amp and made several QSOs to be sure all issues were
fixed. He then personally delivered the amp to my QTH.
Over the weekend I got the amp added to my operating position and was quite
surprised to find that input signals are attenuated significantly when the
amp is switched from STBY to OPER. No, this is NOT the issue with having the
aux cable and the PA key line connected at the same time. This is with NO PA
key, and NO aux cable connected. The amp has no connection but RF input and
output. It is independent of band. This is with a matched antenna, band
switched manually with the front panel buttons. When I engage OPER the input
signal is attenuated by ~20 dB.
On the TX side, the amp is fine. On most bands I get full rated output into
a dummy load with approx. 20 Watts of drive from the K3.
I noticed on the service report, one of the tests was, "Tested receive
attenuation and IMD." I'm curious about "receive attenuation." This would
seem to be related to my problem. Looking at the block diagram, I surmise
something in the TR switch is malfunctioning.
Before I bug an already-overloaded Elecraft support, I am open to
suggestions. Am I missing something obvious?
TIA es 73,
Jim - WS6X
P.S. Yes, I have read the manual, and scoured the archives. The only thing I
can find regarding input attenuation in the OPER mode involves incorrect
cabling.   

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Nr4c]

What is your antenna like on 20 meters?  Sounds more like antenna than amp. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Dec 18, 2016, at 6:08 AM, Joe Hutchens AJ8MH-Radio 
>  wrote:
> 
> This is a question I've been wanting to ask...
> 
> I've had a KPA500 for 4 years and I've noticed that 20 meters requires more 
> drive.  Most bands require 30 watts or less, but 20 requires 35-37 for 500 
> watts out.  In the phone portion of 20, an SWR of 1.4:1 WILL cause a fault.  
> It's just real sensitive to the load on 20.  I have to use a tuner and make 
> sure I'm close to 1.1:1.  Works fine into a dummy load, but high drive is 
> still required.
> 
> I've lived with it, because I don't operate SSB very often on any band, but 
> lately I've been chasing NPOTA stations and find myself using 20 SSB.
> 
> I assembled the amp, and it's been like this from day one.  Anyone else see 
> this on 20.  Just interested.
> 
> Joe (AJ8MH)
> 
> 
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[Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Wim Dewilder via Elecraft]

I have the same 'issue' on 20m my SWR on the hustler 6BTV is 1.4but when I 
operate on that band the internal temperature seems to risemuch faster than 
other bands and I eventually get a fault.
On 40m I have similar SWR on the digital frequencies and there I don't havean 
issue what so ever. I can work long time with higher output powers (like double 
that of 20m)
It does seem a tuner is required even with lower SWR's due to some reason ..
73 de K6TE Wim
On 12/18/2016 6:08 AM, Joe Hutchens AJ8MH-Radio wrote:
> This is a question I've been wanting to ask...
>
> I've had a KPA500 for 4 years and I've noticed that 20 meters requires
> more drive.  Most bands require 30 watts or less, but 20 requires 35-37
> for 500 watts out.  In the phone portion of 20, an SWR of 1.4:1 WILL
> cause a fault.  It's just real sensitive to the load on 20.  I have to
> use a tuner and make sure I'm close to 1.1:1.  Works fine into a dummy
> load, but high drive is still required.
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[AJ8MH-Radio.Joe.Hutchens]

My antenna is a TA-33-M-WARC.  It's flat around 14.150, but goes up fast 
as you head toward .350.


I have an FT-950 and FTDX-3000, and both need increased drive to get me 
to 500 watts.  More concerned about the fault at 1.4:1. Although the two 
could be related.  Anyway, the auto tuner handles it.  Looks like .28 uH 
and 62 pf switched in.  I need to check the load with my analyzer.


73,
Joe ( AJ8MH-Radio )

On 12/18/2016 10:27 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:

I think requiring a different drive level is normal for most amplifiers.
The K3S is the only transceiver that I have owned where the output can be
set differently for each band, which is wonderful. My KPA-500 is pretty
tolerant of SWR 2:1 or less however that may depend on the load type.  What
is your 20m antenna?

John KK9A




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[Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[john]

I think requiring a different drive level is normal for most amplifiers.
The K3S is the only transceiver that I have owned where the output can be
set differently for each band, which is wonderful. My KPA-500 is pretty
tolerant of SWR 2:1 or less however that may depend on the load type.  What
is your 20m antenna?

John KK9A

From: Joe Hutchens AJ8MH
 
This is a question I've been wanting to ask...

I've had a KPA500 for 4 years and I've noticed that 20 meters requires 
more drive.  Most bands require 30 watts or less, but 20 requires 35-37 
for 500 watts out.  In the phone portion of 20, an SWR of 1.4:1 WILL 
cause a fault.  It's just real sensitive to the load on 20.  I have to 
use a tuner and make sure I'm close to 1.1:1.  Works fine into a dummy 
load, but high drive is still required.

I've lived with it, because I don't operate SSB very often on any band, 
but lately I've been chasing NPOTA stations and find myself using 20 SSB.

I assembled the amp, and it's been like this from day one.  Anyone else 
see this on 20.  Just interested.

Joe (AJ8MH)

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Don Wilhelm]

Joe,

The gain of any amplifier will not be constant across all bands.
If you are driving with the K3, there is a per band power setting so you 
can compensate.  See page 27 of the K3 manual.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/18/2016 6:08 AM, Joe Hutchens AJ8MH-Radio wrote:

This is a question I've been wanting to ask...

I've had a KPA500 for 4 years and I've noticed that 20 meters requires
more drive.  Most bands require 30 watts or less, but 20 requires 35-37
for 500 watts out.  In the phone portion of 20, an SWR of 1.4:1 WILL
cause a fault.  It's just real sensitive to the load on 20.  I have to
use a tuner and make sure I'm close to 1.1:1.  Works fine into a dummy
load, but high drive is still required.


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[Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Joe Hutchens AJ8MH-Radio]

This is a question I've been wanting to ask...

I've had a KPA500 for 4 years and I've noticed that 20 meters requires 
more drive.  Most bands require 30 watts or less, but 20 requires 35-37 
for 500 watts out.  In the phone portion of 20, an SWR of 1.4:1 WILL 
cause a fault.  It's just real sensitive to the load on 20.  I have to 
use a tuner and make sure I'm close to 1.1:1.  Works fine into a dummy 
load, but high drive is still required.


I've lived with it, because I don't operate SSB very often on any band, 
but lately I've been chasing NPOTA stations and find myself using 20 SSB.


I assembled the amp, and it's been like this from day one.  Anyone else 
see this on 20.  Just interested.


Joe (AJ8MH)


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Michael Walker]

I wish I could say it works for me.  It isn't a com port issue as those are
solid (I know what I am doing with RS232 and windows).

If I power off the AC power of the amp and then turn it on remotely it
doesn't work.  It 'will' work after about 10-15 tries to wake it up.

So, to summarize:

KPA500 with the KPA500 utility
Hardware RS232 port
The ability to turn all AC power off to the amp remotel

You power off the amp without turning off the AC and you can't just turn it
back on again without actually power cycling the AC a few times.

This shouldn't be that hard.  I'll have to talk to Elecraft tomorrow when
they get in.  I'd hate to post a poor review on eHam.

mike va3mw






On Sun, May 25, 2014 at 7:57 PM, KE8G k...@cox.net wrote:

 Hi Michael,
 I, too, use the KPA500 remotely, and have no problem turning the power on
  off.

 I take it you have the KPA500 connected to a computer?  Did you download
 the KPA500 software from the Elecraft web site?  This allows complete
 monitoring and on/off operation.

 73 de Jim - KE8G

 Sent from my iPad

  On May 25, 2014, at 4:37 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net
 wrote:
 
  I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that it
 is
  possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC
 power
  and not getting it to come back on.
 
  This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.
 
  Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.
 
  73 all
 
  Mike va3mw
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Jack Brindle]

Mike;

I guess you didn’t get the email I sent yesterday asking for more information 
from you about this topic. You might want to recheck for that email, there was 
a lot of good information in it.
Please send me detailed info about your setup, with specifics on the ACC 
connections and the data you are sending the KPA to try to turn in on.

Using the rear-panel switch on the KPA is the same as simply pulling the AC 
plug. When it is turned on, the low voltage power supply is enabled, placing 
the microcontroller into bootstrap mode. In this situation, sending a ‘P’ 
character to the KPA will cause it to come to life. This information is 
described in the KPA500 Programming Reference.

Now, if you would like to respond to my email, we will work with you to see if 
you can get your setup closer to the way you really want it.

Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering


On May 26, 2014, at 1:26 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net wrote:

 I wish I could say it works for me.  It isn't a com port issue as those are
 solid (I know what I am doing with RS232 and windows).
 
 If I power off the AC power of the amp and then turn it on remotely it
 doesn't work.  It 'will' work after about 10-15 tries to wake it up.
 
 So, to summarize:
 
 KPA500 with the KPA500 utility
 Hardware RS232 port
 The ability to turn all AC power off to the amp remotel
 
 You power off the amp without turning off the AC and you can't just turn it
 back on again without actually power cycling the AC a few times.
 
 This shouldn't be that hard.  I'll have to talk to Elecraft tomorrow when
 they get in.  I'd hate to post a poor review on eHam.
 
 mike va3mw
 
 
 
 
 
 
 On Sun, May 25, 2014 at 7:57 PM, KE8G k...@cox.net wrote:
 
 Hi Michael,
 I, too, use the KPA500 remotely, and have no problem turning the power on
  off.
 
 I take it you have the KPA500 connected to a computer?  Did you download
 the KPA500 software from the Elecraft web site?  This allows complete
 monitoring and on/off operation.
 
 73 de Jim - KE8G
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
 On May 25, 2014, at 4:37 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net
 wrote:
 
 I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that it
 is
 possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC
 power
 and not getting it to come back on.
 
 This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.
 
 Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.
 
 73 all
 
 Mike va3mw
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Jim - KE8G]

Hi Michael,
From the way you are describing things, I would suspect you have a problem 
somewhere other than the KPA500.

With my remote setup:
RS232, straight serial, no USB-to-serial
KPA500,
KPA500 software (not the utility),  are you using this software?  Here's a 
link, scroll down about midway to the Remote Software.  
http://www.elecraft.com/k2_remote.htm

I control the software via Chrome Remote desktop and it will power on  off all 
day long without missing a beat.

Question, why are you concerned with turning off all the AC to the amp?

73 de Jim - KE8G

 Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net wrote: 
 I wish I could say it works for me.  It isn't a com port issue as those are
 solid (I know what I am doing with RS232 and windows).
 
 If I power off the AC power of the amp and then turn it on remotely it
 doesn't work.  It 'will' work after about 10-15 tries to wake it up.
 
 So, to summarize:
 
 KPA500 with the KPA500 utility
 Hardware RS232 port
 The ability to turn all AC power off to the amp remotel
 
 You power off the amp without turning off the AC and you can't just turn it
 back on again without actually power cycling the AC a few times.
 
 This shouldn't be that hard.  I'll have to talk to Elecraft tomorrow when
 they get in.  I'd hate to post a poor review on eHam.
 
 mike va3mw
 
 
 
 
 
 
 On Sun, May 25, 2014 at 7:57 PM, KE8G k...@cox.net wrote:
 
  Hi Michael,
  I, too, use the KPA500 remotely, and have no problem turning the power on
   off.
 
  I take it you have the KPA500 connected to a computer?  Did you download
  the KPA500 software from the Elecraft web site?  This allows complete
  monitoring and on/off operation.
 
  73 de Jim - KE8G
 
  Sent from my iPad
 
   On May 25, 2014, at 4:37 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net
  wrote:
  
   I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that it
  is
   possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC
  power
   and not getting it to come back on.
  
   This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.
  
   Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.
  
   73 all
  
   Mike va3mw
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Michael Walker]

Well,

I figured it out.  It seems very fussy when you run it at PC baud rate of
19200.  Once I changed it back to 38400 by connecting to the amp with
PUTTY, it seems much better behaved.  On the initial first tests, on and
off work as advertised.

Mike va3mw



On Mon, May 26, 2014 at 4:49 PM, Jim - KE8G k...@cox.net wrote:

 Hi Michael,
 From the way you are describing things, I would suspect you have a problem
 somewhere other than the KPA500.

 With my remote setup:
 RS232, straight serial, no USB-to-serial
 KPA500,
 KPA500 software (not the utility),  are you using this software?  Here's a
 link, scroll down about midway to the Remote Software.
 http://www.elecraft.com/k2_remote.htm

 I control the software via Chrome Remote desktop and it will power on 
 off all day long without missing a beat.

 Question, why are you concerned with turning off all the AC to the amp?

 73 de Jim - KE8G

  Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net wrote:
  I wish I could say it works for me.  It isn't a com port issue as those
 are
  solid (I know what I am doing with RS232 and windows).
 
  If I power off the AC power of the amp and then turn it on remotely it
  doesn't work.  It 'will' work after about 10-15 tries to wake it up.
 
  So, to summarize:
 
  KPA500 with the KPA500 utility
  Hardware RS232 port
  The ability to turn all AC power off to the amp remotel
 
  You power off the amp without turning off the AC and you can't just turn
 it
  back on again without actually power cycling the AC a few times.
 
  This shouldn't be that hard.  I'll have to talk to Elecraft tomorrow when
  they get in.  I'd hate to post a poor review on eHam.
 
  mike va3mw
 
 
 
 
 
 
  On Sun, May 25, 2014 at 7:57 PM, KE8G k...@cox.net wrote:
 
   Hi Michael,
   I, too, use the KPA500 remotely, and have no problem turning the power
 on
off.
  
   I take it you have the KPA500 connected to a computer?  Did you
 download
   the KPA500 software from the Elecraft web site?  This allows complete
   monitoring and on/off operation.
  
   73 de Jim - KE8G
  
   Sent from my iPad
  
On May 25, 2014, at 4:37 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net
   wrote:
   
I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that
 it
   is
possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC
   power
and not getting it to come back on.
   
This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.
   
Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.
   
73 all
   
Mike va3mw
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[Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Michael Walker]

I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that it is
possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC power
and not getting it to come back on.

This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.

Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.

73 all

Mike va3mw
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Rick Bates, WA6NHC]

How are you controlling the amp?  I used the utility program (via TeamViewer 
when remote) and that works fine.  Occasionally they get out of sync, you have 
to exit the program, then restart it to be able to turn the power back on, but 
that isn't common.

Rick, WA6NHC

iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-)

 On May 25, 2014, at 1:37 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net wrote:
 
 I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that it is
 possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC power
 and not getting it to come back on.
 
 This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.
 
 Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.
 
 73 all
 
 Mike va3mw
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Tom]

Hi
You can turn off the amp into a low power state and turn it on 
programmatically. 
The turn on is a bit tricky,  and requires some delay and retries but it does 
work. 
However you cannot do the equivalent of turning off the power switch but that 
is really not needed. 
73s Tom 
va2fsq.com




 Original message 
From: Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net 
Date: 25/05/2014  16:37  (GMT-05:00) 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control 
 
I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that it is
possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC power
and not getting it to come back on.

This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.

Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.

73 all

Mike va3mw
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Mike va3mw]

Tom got it for me. 

Sorry, I wasn't clear that I was using the utility already and it is clear he 
has had the same issues. 

The remote power on with the utility on a locally attached computer does work, 
but it is finicky. 

You'd think with the current age of everything be handle over rs232, that this 
would be bullet proof. 

Mike va3mw 

 On May 25, 2014, at 7:57 PM, KE8G k...@cox.net wrote:
 
 Hi Michael,
 I, too, use the KPA500 remotely, and have no problem turning the power on  
 off.
 
 I take it you have the KPA500 connected to a computer?  Did you download the 
 KPA500 software from the Elecraft web site?  This allows complete monitoring 
 and on/off operation.
 
 73 de Jim - KE8G
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
 On May 25, 2014, at 4:37 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net wrote:
 
 I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that it is
 possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC power
 and not getting it to come back on.
 
 This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.
 
 Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.
 
 73 all
 
 Mike va3mw
 __
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control

[Tom]

Nothing is bulletproof except Kevlar.  Yes there are a lot of quirks but 
compared to the rest of the IT world, there's little to commit about.  Yes it's 
2014 but everything works one way or another.  Just have to massagw it a bit. 
Try programming all of the menu items then comment lol. 
73s Tom 




 Original message 
From: Mike va3mw va...@portcredit.net 
Date: 25/05/2014  20:20  (GMT-05:00) 
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control 
 
Tom got it for me. 

Sorry, I wasn't clear that I was using the utility already and it is clear he 
has had the same issues. 

The remote power on with the utility on a locally attached computer does work, 
but it is finicky. 

You'd think with the current age of everything be handle over rs232, that this 
would be bullet proof. 

Mike va3mw 

 On May 25, 2014, at 7:57 PM, KE8G k...@cox.net wrote:
 
 Hi Michael,
 I, too, use the KPA500 remotely, and have no problem turning the power on  
 off.
 
 I take it you have the KPA500 connected to a computer?  Did you download the 
 KPA500 software from the Elecraft web site?  This allows complete monitoring 
 and on/off operation.
 
 73 de Jim - KE8G
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
 On May 25, 2014, at 4:37 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net wrote:
 
 I have just installed my KPA500 on my remote base and I noticed that it is
 possible to turn it off via the computer or via just dropping the AC power
 and not getting it to come back on.
 
 This makes is sort of a challenge for remote operating.
 
 Is this normal operation or did I miss something obvious.
 
 73 all
 
 Mike va3mw
 __
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[Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Chuck Smallhouse]

For those who might be interested, I do have a ICOM PW-1, a SS 160- 
6m, 1KW+ output PA, for sale.  It will operate similarly to the 
KPA500 and KAT500 combo,  with automatic band changing and auto 
antenna tuning, with its own built in ATU.  The unit can be located 
remotely and controlled by small desk mounted Control box.


Also for those interested in getting prepared for 4M(70MHz), I have a 
PA that covers both 6M  4M.  It's a UK manufactured Discover PA. 
that uses a GS35B as the final.


Also for sale is an AL 1500.

Of course I would much prefer sales within reasonable driving range.

Contact me off line if interested.

Chuck,  W7CS

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[Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Slava Baytalskiy]

Hello everyone!
I'm a proud owner of a new K3/P3.
Almost there...
Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the KPA500? Why 500W?
Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it 
(which is what i hear KPA500 can do)?
I understand the ease of use, how the amp follows the radio. I get all that. 
But why half of max power?
Chances are i won't be buying any more amps for the foreseeable future if i get 
the KPA500 at Dayton this year, so i'd like to know that it will cover 
everything i need it to (and i have no idea what that might be).

I hope this question isn't too confusing.
I'm a new ham (almost a year new), so please be gentle.
Thanks in advance!
__
Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
w2...@arrl.net

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Richard Thorne]

Slava,

I have the KPA-500 and an AL-1200 amp.

The KPA-500 is used most of the time.  When your working dx all you want 
to do is get through one time.  The KPA-500 does that perfectly for me.  
Its so easy to bounce around from band to band chasing dx with the 
K3/P3/KAT-500/KPA-500 combo as compared to using the AL-1200 which 
requires re-tuning on every band change.


On the flip side if you like to contest 1500 watts probably helps in 
that you want to be the first call through to a dx station so you can 
move on to the next qso, quickly.


If I didn't enjoy contesting I would sell my AL-1200.  However, I am 
seriously considering selling my AL-1200 and getting a 2nd 
KAT-500/KPA-500 to go with my 2nd K3 I just purchased.  From a pure 
control stand point for SO2R a pair of K3/KAT-500/KPA-500's would make 
things very smooth and easy.  Just sit there and operate.


Of course if power is real important and $'s are not an issue an Acom 
2000a, Alpha 9500 or SPE 2k-FA would be the ticket.


Rich - N5ZC

On 5/7/2014 7:06 AM, Slava Baytalskiy wrote:

Hello everyone!
I'm a proud owner of a new K3/P3.
Almost there...
Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the KPA500? Why 500W?
Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it 
(which is what i hear KPA500 can do)?
I understand the ease of use, how the amp follows the radio. I get all that. 
But why half of max power?
Chances are i won't be buying any more amps for the foreseeable future if i get 
the KPA500 at Dayton this year, so i'd like to know that it will cover 
everything i need it to (and i have no idea what that might be).

I hope this question isn't too confusing.
I'm a new ham (almost a year new), so please be gentle.
Thanks in advance!
__
Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
w2...@arrl.net

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[David Cole]

Hi Slava,

I would guess that it is the first 500 watt rule...  The first 500 watts
is the best 500 watts you will ever use...  That and the entire device
is a lot cheaper to make, plus smaller...

-- 
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info


On Wed, 2014-05-07 at 08:06 -0400, Slava Baytalskiy wrote:
 Hello everyone!
 I'm a proud owner of a new K3/P3.
 Almost there...
 Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the KPA500? Why 500W?
 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it 
 (which is what i hear KPA500 can do)?
 I understand the ease of use, how the amp follows the radio. I get all that. 
 But why half of max power?
 Chances are i won't be buying any more amps for the foreseeable future if i 
 get the KPA500 at Dayton this year, so i'd like to know that it will cover 
 everything i need it to (and i have no idea what that might be).
 
 I hope this question isn't too confusing.
 I'm a new ham (almost a year new), so please be gentle.
 Thanks in advance!
 __
 Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
 w2...@arrl.net
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[AG0N-3055]

 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it

One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.

Gary
-- 
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3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055
NodeOp Help Page: http://ag0n.net/irlp
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Jim Brown]

On 5/7/2014 7:15 AM, AG0N-3055 wrote:

One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.


Actually, I've been told that in final test at the factory, all KPA500's 
make at least 600W before they go out the door. Like much of what 
Elecraft does, the advertised spec is conservative.


73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Stephen Bloom]

Yeah, apparently they prototyped a single tube (can't remember what the
final was) KPA-1500 years ago ..but never went anywhere with it.  I have the
KPA500 and an Expert 2k-FA and they both play perfectly with the K3.  The
KPA500 is about half the weight, a third the price, and much much quieter.
High power solid state is still newish technology for Ham Radio application.
Also remember, that a lot of the world has 400-500W output limits, so the
market for higher power amps is somewhat limited.I had discussed with
the Elecraft folks when they were at Seapac last year.

73
Steve KL7SB



-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of David
Cole
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 6:13 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

Hi Slava,

I would guess that it is the first 500 watt rule...  The first 500 watts is
the best 500 watts you will ever use...  That and the entire device is a lot
cheaper to make, plus smaller...

--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info


On Wed, 2014-05-07 at 08:06 -0400, Slava Baytalskiy wrote:
 Hello everyone!
 I'm a proud owner of a new K3/P3.
 Almost there...
 Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the KPA500? Why
500W?
 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it
(which is what i hear KPA500 can do)?
 I understand the ease of use, how the amp follows the radio. I get all
that. But why half of max power?
 Chances are i won't be buying any more amps for the foreseeable future if
i get the KPA500 at Dayton this year, so i'd like to know that it will cover
everything i need it to (and i have no idea what that might be).
 
 I hope this question isn't too confusing.
 I'm a new ham (almost a year new), so please be gentle.
 Thanks in advance!
 __
 Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
 w2...@arrl.net
 
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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 Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Stephen Bloom]

I have found this to be true as well.

73
Steve KL7SB


-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim
Brown
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 6:33 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

On 5/7/2014 7:15 AM, AG0N-3055 wrote:
 One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.

Actually, I've been told that in final test at the factory, all KPA500's
make at least 600W before they go out the door. Like much of what Elecraft
does, the advertised spec is conservative.

73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Charlie T, K3ICH]

About the same as going from a dipole to a two element beam

Chas
- Original Message - 
From: AG0N-3055 mcduf...@ag0n.net

To: sla...@nullserv.com; elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 10:15 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question





Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it


One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.

Gary
--
http://ag0n.net
3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055
NodeOp Help Page: http://ag0n.net/irlp
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[george fritkin via Elecraft]

The difference is .10Log1500/500..
 
George, W6GF
On Wednesday, May 7, 2014 7:37 AM, AG0N-3055 mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote:
  

 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it

One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.

Gary
-- 
http://ag0n.net
3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055
NodeOp Help Page: http://ag0n.net/irlp
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[d...@lightstream.net]

Increasing power from:
100W to 600W provides 7.8dB gain (1.3 S-units)
600W to 1.5KW provides 4 dB gain (0.67 S-unit)

... so that first 600W is huge.

Considering the tight integration w/ the K3 and KAT500, and the fact that
it also plays nicely w/ other transceivers, I think the KPA500 provides
great value for the investment.

73, Dale
WA8SRA




 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of
 it

 One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.

 Gary
 --



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Slava Baytalskiy]

Thanks for all the replies, gentlemen!
Certainly gives me food for thought. 
I do want the kpa500. I love building Elecraft kits. 
One more question: is there a tuner inside that amp? How does it auto-tune? And 
if so - does that mean that I will have 3 tuners? KAT3, KAT500 and whatever 
tuner is in the amp?
And also, is KAT500 pretty much a must?

Does anyone know if Elecraft actually has any plans to put out higher powered 
amp anytime soon?

Slava Baytalskiy
sla...@nullserv.com
W2RMS

On May 7, 2014, at 11:39 AM, d...@lightstream.net d...@lightstream.net 
wrote:

 Increasing power from:
 100W to 600W provides 7.8dB gain (1.3 S-units)
 600W to 1.5KW provides 4 dB gain (0.67 S-unit)
 
 ... so that first 600W is huge.
 
 Considering the tight integration w/ the K3 and KAT500, and the fact that
 it also plays nicely w/ other transceivers, I think the KPA500 provides
 great value for the investment.
 
 73, Dale
 WA8SRA
 
 
 
 
 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of
 it
 
 One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.
 
 Gary
 --
 
 
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[K8JHR]

As someone said in another thread, adding an amp is like going from a 
dipole to a small beam.  But, remember that adding a better antenna 
usually costs less and provides a two-way improvement - your amp can 
boost your transmit signal, but does nothing to boost the received 
signal.  An antenna with gain will improve matters both ways.


Now, I am not talking you out of an amp... they have their place in the 
shack for sure... I am only saying I would put an amp in the shack only 
after I had installed the best, most efficient, highest gain antenna 
system I could fit in my yard, before putting an amp on line.  That will 
assure you the best two-way improvement, and give the amp an even better 
antenna to break the pileups.


Just MY take...
--  K8JHR  

On 5/7/2014 8:06 AM, Slava Baytalskiy wrote:


Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the KPA500? Why 500W?
I'm a new ham (almost a year new), so please be gentle.



''
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Nr4c]

There is no tuner in the amp. Need for KAT500 depends on your antenna(s). If 
they are resonant and reasonably wide-band you may get away without it. How 
does K3 play with your antenna(s)? 
KAT3 is bypassed with KAT500 



Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


 On May 7, 2014, at 11:32 AM, Slava Baytalskiy sla...@nullserv.com wrote:
 
 Thanks for all the replies, gentlemen!
 Certainly gives me food for thought. 
 I do want the kpa500. I love building Elecraft kits. 
 One more question: is there a tuner inside that amp? How does it auto-tune? 
 And if so - does that mean that I will have 3 tuners? KAT3, KAT500 and 
 whatever tuner is in the amp?
 And also, is KAT500 pretty much a must?
 
 Does anyone know if Elecraft actually has any plans to put out higher powered 
 amp anytime soon?
 
 Slava Baytalskiy
 sla...@nullserv.com
 W2RMS
 
 On May 7, 2014, at 11:39 AM, d...@lightstream.net d...@lightstream.net 
 wrote:
 
 Increasing power from:
 100W to 600W provides 7.8dB gain (1.3 S-units)
 600W to 1.5KW provides 4 dB gain (0.67 S-unit)
 
 ... so that first 600W is huge.
 
 Considering the tight integration w/ the K3 and KAT500, and the fact that
 it also plays nicely w/ other transceivers, I think the KPA500 provides
 great value for the investment.
 
 73, Dale
 WA8SRA
 
 
 
 
 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of
 it
 
 One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.
 
 Gary
 --
 
 
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Jeff Cathrow]

Slava; There is no tuner inside the KPA500---that's why the KAT500 came about; 
it is optional to the amp.
 
As for it being a must have I would say that depends on your antennas and 
operating habits.  If you have resonant antennas on the bands you operate you 
can easily get by without the KAT500.  I have a K3, P3 and KPA500 and when I 
was operating my antenna farm in Hawaii the setup was great for all but one of 
my antennas that had an SWR of more than 1.71.  It would have been nice to 
have the autotuner but wasn't particularly necessary for me.
 
I liked the concept of a 600-650 watt solid state automatic band-switching amp 
so much (and the same size as the K3) that I dumped my 1200-watt Commander 6 
meter amp that I had cherished since new so that I could buy the KPA and have 
half the power (3db less) on six meters but about 7 or 8db more power on HF as 
well.  Seemed like a very acceptable tradeoff to me and I don't look back 
having done so.   Mine consistently cranks out 600-650 watts PEP on most of the 
bands without a problem and is also very quiet---silent, in fact, 95% of the 
time.  The fan settings are adjustable in the menu, too.  Nice.
 
Building the KPA500 was even easier than the K3 and every bit as much fun.  I 
can recommend one wholeheartedly.
 
As far as I know; the potential for a KPA-1500 is about the same as for a K4; 
practically nil!



73,
 
Jeff, NH7RO  EL18 Texas Gulf Coast
 
 
 
 
 

cathrowinternatio...@hotmail.com
 
 

  
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Richard Ferch]

W2RMS wrote:


One more question: is there a tuner inside that amp? How does it auto-tune? And 
if so \
- does that mean that I will have 3 tuners? KAT3, KAT500 and whatever tuner is 
in the \
amp? And also, is KAT500 pretty much a must?


There is no antenna tuner inside the KPA500. Auto-tune simply means 
that the amp switches bands automatically by detecting the frequency of 
RF. A single dit is sufficient. If you have the KPAK3AUX cable connected 
to a K3, the amp will change bands whenever you change bands on the K3, 
and conversely, the KPA500's front panel band buttons can be used to 
change bands on the K3.


The KPA500 is fairly sensitive to SWR. If you use a non-resonant 
antenna, or if you use a resonant antenna outside its comfort zone (e.g. 
CW vs phone frequencies on some bands), you will probably want the 
KAT500. The KAT500 integrates very nicely with the K3 and KPA500, and it 
works even when the KPA500 is turned off. With this setup, the KAT3 will 
be in bypass. The only time you will use the KAT3 is when you have an 
antenna connected directly to the K3, bypassing the KAT500 and KPA500.


73,
Rich VE3KI
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Harry Yingst via Elecraft]

All this bantering is getting me wanting the KPA more and more.





 From: d...@lightstream.net d...@lightstream.net
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 11:39 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
 

Increasing power from:
100W to 600W provides 7.8dB gain (1.3 S-units)
600W to 1.5KW provides 4 dB gain (0.67 S-unit)

... so that first 600W is huge.

Considering the tight integration w/ the K3 and KAT500, and the fact that
it also plays nicely w/ other transceivers, I think the KPA500 provides
great value for the investment.

73, Dale
WA8SRA





 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of
 it

 One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.

 Gary
 --



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Mike Flowers]

The K-Line = 500W transceiver when you need one

- 73 de Mike, K6MKF, W6NAG, Secretary - NCDXC, IDXG, ADXG, RRC #933,
K3-P3-KPA500-KAT500 Addict, Maui


-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Harry
Yingst via Elecraft
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 12:48 PM
To: d...@lightstream.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question



All this bantering is getting me wanting the KPA more and more.





 From: d...@lightstream.net d...@lightstream.net
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 11:39 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
 

Increasing power from:
100W to 600W provides 7.8dB gain (1.3 S-units)
600W to 1.5KW provides 4 dB gain (0.67 S-unit)

... so that first 600W is huge.

Considering the tight integration w/ the K3 and KAT500, and the fact that
it also plays nicely w/ other transceivers, I think the KPA500 provides
great value for the investment.

73, Dale
WA8SRA





 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of
 it

 One third, not a half.  The KPA is 500W.  Legal limit is 1500W.

 Gary
 --



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Bill W2BLC]

Exactly! The K-Line amounts to a fully automated (no tuning or knob 
twisting) 500 Watt HF station. Last time I saw that was a Halicrafters 
Tornado.


I changed my entire radio desk to create more storage and shelves from 
the space formerly used by a large tube amp and the large tuner I used 
with it. The K3 and P3 take about the same space the previous HF rig 
took and the KPA500 and KAT500 take just slightly more space than the K3 
by itself. In other words, the K-Line is extremely space efficient.


Bill K-Line

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Scott Manthe]

Yeah, it's pretty easy to forgo that amp and just put up a small beam 
for 40-80-160...


An amp helps you be heard no matter what kind of antenna you have. I 
worked 220 countries with a home brew G5RV about 15-20 feet off the 
ground because I had an amp and couldn't put up a better antenna. If I 
could hear them, I could almost always work them. When I got a better 
antenna, the DX got easier to work.


73,
Scott, N9AA


On 5/7/14 12:07 PM, K8JHR wrote:
As someone said in another thread, adding an amp is like going from a 
dipole to a small beam.  But, remember that adding a better antenna 
usually costs less and provides a two-way improvement - your amp can 
boost your transmit signal, but does nothing to boost the received 
signal.  An antenna with gain will improve matters both ways.


Now, I am not talking you out of an amp... they have their place in 
the shack for sure... I am only saying I would put an amp in the shack 
only after I had installed the best, most efficient, highest gain 
antenna system I could fit in my yard, before putting an amp on line.  
That will assure you the best two-way improvement, and give the amp an 
even better antenna to break the pileups.


Just MY take...


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Charlie T, K3ICH]

Well, if you want a kilowatt station the Icom IC-7600 and PW-1 offer the 
same functionality with a built-in antenna matching circuit.


Curiously, I am getting about 400 watts out of the PW-1 driving it directly 
with the KX3 at 12 watts out (no ALC).


73, Charlie k3ICH


- Original Message - 
From: Bill W2BLC w2...@nycap.rr.com

To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 4:14 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question


Exactly! The K-Line amounts to a fully automated (no tuning or knob 
twisting) 500 Watt HF station. Last time I saw that was a Halicrafters 
Tornado.


I changed my entire radio desk to create more storage and shelves from the 
space formerly used by a large tube amp and the large tuner I used with 
it. The K3 and P3 take about the same space the previous HF rig took and 
the KPA500 and KAT500 take just slightly more space than the K3 by itself. 
In other words, the K-Line is extremely space efficient.


Bill K-Line

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Dauer, Edward]

I don¹t know what the design rationale was, but I do know why I went that
way after looking at KW and 1.5 KW amps from several other manufacturers.
Pretty simple - I can run the KPA500 and the K3 from existing 117 vac
power in my home.  A KW would require either a dedicated 220 line or an
increase in my fire insurance coverage.  The on-the-air signal gain from
500 to 1000 isn¹t very much . . . cheaper to put another few DB into the
antenna system. Having decided that 500 was the right size, choosing
Elecraft wasn¹t even in doubt due to the integration of the equipment,
among other things.


Ted, KN1CBR



Message: 3
Date: Wed, 7 May 2014 08:06:42 -0400
From: Slava Baytalskiy sla...@nullserv.com
To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
Message-ID: ddb19b1b-36a7-4c80-ac5b-821bd5ebb...@nullserv.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello everyone!
I'm a proud owner of a new K3/P3.
Almost there...
Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the KPA500? Why
500W?
Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it
(which is what i hear KPA500 can do)?
I understand the ease of use, how the amp follows the radio. I get all
that. But why half of max power?
Chances are i won't be buying any more amps for the foreseeable future if
i get the KPA500 at Dayton this year, so i'd like to know that it will
cover everything i need it to (and i have no idea what that might be).

I hope this question isn't too confusing.
I'm a new ham (almost a year new), so please be gentle.
Thanks in advance!
__
Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
w2...@arrl.net




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Paul Grigorieff]

I found that the K-Line set-up (K3, P3, KAT500, and KPA500) fit very nicely
into my RV-turned-shack.  You can see my operating position in the top
picture on my QRZ.com page (click to enlarge).  After replacement of a
board sandwich early in its life, my KPA has functioned perfectly, and
usually gets me through the pileups I want to work.  I usually run it at
about 400w, and find many other KPA users do about the same.
  -Paul, N1HEL


On Wed, May 7, 2014 at 3:39 PM, Dauer, Edward eda...@law.du.edu wrote:


 I don¹t know what the design rationale was, but I do know why I went that
 way after looking at KW and 1.5 KW amps from several other manufacturers.
 Pretty simple - I can run the KPA500 and the K3 from existing 117 vac
 power in my home.  A KW would require either a dedicated 220 line or an
 increase in my fire insurance coverage.  The on-the-air signal gain from
 500 to 1000 isn¹t very much . . . cheaper to put another few DB into the
 antenna system. Having decided that 500 was the right size, choosing
 Elecraft wasn¹t even in doubt due to the integration of the equipment,
 among other things.


 Ted, KN1CBR


 
 Message: 3
 Date: Wed, 7 May 2014 08:06:42 -0400
 From: Slava Baytalskiy sla...@nullserv.com
 To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
 Message-ID: ddb19b1b-36a7-4c80-ac5b-821bd5ebb...@nullserv.com
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
 
 Hello everyone!
 I'm a proud owner of a new K3/P3.
 Almost there...
 Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the KPA500? Why
 500W?
 Is there a tremendous difference between legal limit and about half of it
 (which is what i hear KPA500 can do)?
 I understand the ease of use, how the amp follows the radio. I get all
 that. But why half of max power?
 Chances are i won't be buying any more amps for the foreseeable future if
 i get the KPA500 at Dayton this year, so i'd like to know that it will
 cover everything i need it to (and i have no idea what that might be).
 
 I hope this question isn't too confusing.
 I'm a new ham (almost a year new), so please be gentle.
 Thanks in advance!
 __
 Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
 w2...@arrl.net
 
 
 

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-- 
Paul Grigorieff
N1HEL
781-526-1911
Half Moon Bay, CA
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Joseph Carter]

I just added the KPA500 and the KAT500 last month - first amp I've ever had but 
so cannot compare but love it!
Issue for me was ability to run on 120 volts. Great fun to assemble both and as 
mentioned nice compact grouping / size for my space constraints.
Joe, w9jc


On May 7, 2014, at 6:10 PM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:

 Well, if you want a kilowatt station the Icom IC-7600 and PW-1 offer the same 
 functionality with a built-in antenna matching circuit.
 
 Curiously, I am getting about 400 watts out of the PW-1 driving it directly 
 with the KX3 at 12 watts out (no ALC).
 
 73, Charlie k3ICH
 
 
 - Original Message - From: Bill W2BLC w2...@nycap.rr.com
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 4:14 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
 
 
 Exactly! The K-Line amounts to a fully automated (no tuning or knob 
 twisting) 500 Watt HF station. Last time I saw that was a Halicrafters 
 Tornado.
 
 I changed my entire radio desk to create more storage and shelves from the 
 space formerly used by a large tube amp and the large tuner I used with it. 
 The K3 and P3 take about the same space the previous HF rig took and the 
 KPA500 and KAT500 take just slightly more space than the K3 by itself. In 
 other words, the K-Line is extremely space efficient.
 
 Bill K-Line
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Phil Wheeler]

Same here re adding the KPA500/KAT500. I did have 
an Ameriton AL-811H, and still do -- but have not 
fired it up since 2002. Worked fine, but not easy 
to use since it needed re-tuned with significant 
QSY. So mainly I did fine with my K2/100 and it 
was great until replaced by the greater K3!


The Elecraft system is pretty much like having a 
500 W. K3/P3. Once set up no need to touch the PA 
or ATU. Plus it the KAT500 handles switching among 
three antennas. I have four but #4 is a 30 m 
dipole and I mostly use that with lower power rigs 
(K2, K1 or KX3).


The main shack re-work I needed was to replace 
RG-8X in-shack coax runs with RG-213. The AL-811H 
was only used with my beam and mostly on 20 SSB, 
and had dedicated cables to the antenna port. My 
desk and shelf set up worked fine with the amp and 
atu -- and my shack looks much neater (there was a 
Kenwood TS-570DG where the KPA500 is now).


73, Phil w7ox

On 5/7/14, 4:50 PM, Joseph Carter wrote:

I just added the KPA500 and the KAT500 last month - first amp I've ever had but 
so cannot compare but love it!
Issue for me was ability to run on 120 volts. Great fun to assemble both and as 
mentioned nice compact grouping / size for my space constraints.
Joe, w9jc


On May 7, 2014, at 6:10 PM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:


Well, if you want a kilowatt station the Icom IC-7600 and PW-1 offer the same 
functionality with a built-in antenna matching circuit.

Curiously, I am getting about 400 watts out of the PW-1 driving it directly 
with the KX3 at 12 watts out (no ALC).

73, Charlie k3ICH


- Original Message - From: Bill W2BLC w2...@nycap.rr.com
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 4:14 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question



Exactly! The K-Line amounts to a fully automated (no tuning or knob twisting) 
500 Watt HF station. Last time I saw that was a Halicrafters Tornado.

I changed my entire radio desk to create more storage and shelves from the 
space formerly used by a large tube amp and the large tuner I used with it. The 
K3 and P3 take about the same space the previous HF rig took and the KPA500 and 
KAT500 take just slightly more space than the K3 by itself. In other words, the 
K-Line is extremely space efficient.

Bill K-Line


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Slava Baytalskiy]

Ok, fine. You guys convinced me.
I'm getting KPA500/KAT500 over at Dayton next week.
Elecraft guys: here i come!
__
Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
w2...@arrl.net

On May 7, 2014, at 10:14 PM, Phil Wheeler w...@socal.rr.com wrote:

 Same here re adding the KPA500/KAT500. I did have an Ameriton AL-811H, and 
 still do -- but have not fired it up since 2002. Worked fine, but not easy to 
 use since it needed re-tuned with significant QSY. So mainly I did fine with 
 my K2/100 and it was great until replaced by the greater K3!
 
 The Elecraft system is pretty much like having a 500 W. K3/P3. Once set up no 
 need to touch the PA or ATU. Plus it the KAT500 handles switching among three 
 antennas. I have four but #4 is a 30 m dipole and I mostly use that with 
 lower power rigs (K2, K1 or KX3).
 
 The main shack re-work I needed was to replace RG-8X in-shack coax runs with 
 RG-213. The AL-811H was only used with my beam and mostly on 20 SSB, and had 
 dedicated cables to the antenna port. My desk and shelf set up worked fine 
 with the amp and atu -- and my shack looks much neater (there was a Kenwood 
 TS-570DG where the KPA500 is now).
 
 73, Phil w7ox
 
 On 5/7/14, 4:50 PM, Joseph Carter wrote:
 I just added the KPA500 and the KAT500 last month - first amp I've ever had 
 but so cannot compare but love it!
 Issue for me was ability to run on 120 volts. Great fun to assemble both and 
 as mentioned nice compact grouping / size for my space constraints.
 Joe, w9jc
 
 
 On May 7, 2014, at 6:10 PM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:
 
 Well, if you want a kilowatt station the Icom IC-7600 and PW-1 offer the 
 same functionality with a built-in antenna matching circuit.
 
 Curiously, I am getting about 400 watts out of the PW-1 driving it directly 
 with the KX3 at 12 watts out (no ALC).
 
 73, Charlie k3ICH
 
 
 - Original Message - From: Bill W2BLC w2...@nycap.rr.com
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 4:14 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
 
 
 Exactly! The K-Line amounts to a fully automated (no tuning or knob 
 twisting) 500 Watt HF station. Last time I saw that was a Halicrafters 
 Tornado.
 
 I changed my entire radio desk to create more storage and shelves from the 
 space formerly used by a large tube amp and the large tuner I used with 
 it. The K3 and P3 take about the same space the previous HF rig took and 
 the KPA500 and KAT500 take just slightly more space than the K3 by itself. 
 In other words, the K-Line is extremely space efficient.
 
 Bill K-Line
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Richard Gillingham]

Yes.  
The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is the 
following:

IMPORTANT:  Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and 
above the amplifier for proper air flow.

Nuf said.

73, 
Gil, W1RG


 From: w...@bellsouth.net
 Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 23:39:00 -0400
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
 
 I do a lot of meteor scatter on 6 meters, and I've tried the tuner both above 
 and below the amp. 
 
 I've found the KPA500 runs cooler with the KAT500 tuner below the amp.
 
 73 de Sebastian, W4AS
 
 
 
 On May 26, 2013, at 6:23 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote:
 
  On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
  
  The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. 
  
  I wouldn't put it on top.  I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a 
  half
  inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds.  You can feel the 
  air
  flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening.  
  That
  means it does affect the airflow to put something that close.  I don't care 
  if
  the factory or a manual says you can do it.  I sure wouldn't run mine that 
  way.
  
  Gary
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Fred Smith]

I guess it boils down to whatever trips your trigger and the people who
designed it said to put it on top if you wanted, no problems.


73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser #'s 6730/5299--KX3 # 2573--K2/100--KAT100
P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 8:31 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

Yes.  
The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is
the following:

IMPORTANT:  Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and
above the amplifier for proper air flow.

Nuf said.

73, 
Gil, W1RG


 From: w...@bellsouth.net
 Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 23:39:00 -0400
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
 
 I do a lot of meteor scatter on 6 meters, and I've tried the tuner both
above and below the amp. 
 
 I've found the KPA500 runs cooler with the KAT500 tuner below the amp.
 
 73 de Sebastian, W4AS
 
 
 
 On May 26, 2013, at 6:23 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote:
 
  On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
  
  The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. 
  
  I wouldn't put it on top.  I can hear fan and air changes if I get
within a half
  inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds.  You can feel
the air
  flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening.
That
  means it does affect the airflow to put something that close.  I don't
care if
  the factory or a manual says you can do it.  I sure wouldn't run mine
that way.
  
  Gary
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Brian Alsop]

Keep in mind the fan may come on more and end up at higher speeds more 
ofter if you put the KAT500 on top.   That is not to say it will 
overheat.  Fan noise for some is a KPA500 issue.


73 de Brian/K3KO

On 5/27/2013 13:39, Fred Smith wrote:

I guess it boils down to whatever trips your trigger and the people who
designed it said to put it on top if you wanted, no problems.


73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser #'s 6730/5299--KX3 # 2573--K2/100--KAT100
P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 8:31 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

Yes.
The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is
the following:

IMPORTANT:  Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and
above the amplifier for proper air flow.

Nuf said.

73,
Gil, W1RG



From: w...@bellsouth.net
Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 23:39:00 -0400
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

I do a lot of meteor scatter on 6 meters, and I've tried the tuner both

above and below the amp.


I've found the KPA500 runs cooler with the KAT500 tuner below the amp.

73 de Sebastian, W4AS



On May 26, 2013, at 6:23 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote:


On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:


The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500.


I wouldn't put it on top.  I can hear fan and air changes if I get

within a half

inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds.  You can feel

the air

flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening.

That

means it does affect the airflow to put something that close.  I don't

care if

the factory or a manual says you can do it.  I sure wouldn't run mine

that way.


Gary


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[AG0N-3055]

On Mon, 27 May 2013 09:31:23 -0400, Richard Gillingham wrote:

 IMPORTANT:  Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the
 fan and above the amplifier for proper air flow.
 
 Nuf said.

Roger that!  And yes, the fan makes PLENTY of noise when it kicks up to
high speed.  It isn't enough that my cardioid mic picks it up, but it
blows the curtain about 2 feet behind it.  :o)

Gary
-- 
http://ag0n.net
3055: http://ag0n.net/irlp/3055
NodeOp Help Page: http://ag0n.net/irlp
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Aha. You caught something that needs fixing Gil. I'm not an Elecraft
employee but do write some of their manuals. The 2 spec goes way back
before the KAT500 was released. When the KAT500 came along, the engineers
insisted the smaller spacing on top afforded by the KAT500 feet was adequate
clearance.

73 Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 6:31 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

Yes.  
The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is
the following:

IMPORTANT:  Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and
above the amplifier for proper air flow.

Nuf said.

73, 
Gil, W1RG

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Richard Gillingham]

Very well.  
Generally I do try to Do as the manufacturer says.  Especially with expensive 
stuff still under warranty..
Fortunately I built my own shelving for the shack and I've got room for the 
KAT500 just above the amp.  All's well.  

Thanks for the heads up on the overly protective caution in the manual.  Maybe 
we'll see a change soon.

73
Gil, W1RG


 From: r...@cobi.biz
 To: w...@hotmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
 Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 08:03:34 -0700
 
 Aha. You caught something that needs fixing Gil. I'm not an Elecraft
 employee but do write some of their manuals. The 2 spec goes way back
 before the KAT500 was released. When the KAT500 came along, the engineers
 insisted the smaller spacing on top afforded by the KAT500 feet was adequate
 clearance.
 
 73 Ron AC7AC
 
 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Gillingham
 Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 6:31 AM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
 
 Yes.  
 The very first statement under Installation in the KPA500 owner's manual is
 the following:
 
 IMPORTANT:  Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and
 above the amplifier for proper air flow.
 
 Nuf said.
 
 73, 
 Gil, W1RG
 
  
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Don Wilhelm]

Those who know something about fluid dynamics can also tell you that if 
the air flow is restricted, the fan speed will be a bit higher (for any 
given KPA500 selected fan speed) - it is because the fan is not doing as 
much work to move air.
Try an experiment with any fan - partially block the air flow and 
observe that the fan speed increases.
That is more noticeable if the outlet side is blocked - so do maintain 
the proper clearance at the back of the KPA500.


73,
Don W3FPR

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[Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Bill]

Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of 
the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around 
would be better? Any side clearances required?


I am designing a new radio desk that will house my K3, P3, and yet to be 
purchased amp and tuner.


Thanks,  Bill W2BLC
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[mcduffie]

On Sun, 26 May 2013 16:40:48 -0400, Bill wrote:

 Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of 
 the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around 
 would be better? Any side clearances required?

You'll find out when you build the KPA that the top needs to be kept clear.  Air
intake is at the top, and exhaust at the rear.  It moves a lot of air when the
fan hits high gear :)  Others have put the tuner under the amp.  It also helps
to hold the tuner down when you hit a button.  I'm more than likely going to do
the same thing when I get mine.

Gary
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. 

From Placement on page 3 of the KAT500 manual:

The KAT500 may be placed under or above either the Elecraft K3 transceiver
or the KPA500 solid state
amplifier. The KAT500 can easily handle the weight of the KPA500 amplifier.
The KPA500's footprint
matches both units and the feet provide adequate spacing for proper cooling
of the K3 or KPA500.

--

The feet on the KAT500 provide ample clearance for all the cooling air the
KPA500 needs.

73, Ron AC7AC



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 1:41 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of the
KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around would be
better? Any side clearances required?

I am designing a new radio desk that will house my K3, P3, and yet to be
purchased amp and tuner.

Thanks,  Bill W2BLC
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[mcduffie]

On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

 The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. 

I wouldn't put it on top.  I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a half
inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds.  You can feel the air
flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening.  That
means it does affect the airflow to put something that close.  I don't care if
the factory or a manual says you can do it.  I sure wouldn't run mine that way.

Gary
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Gary, sometimes I, too, take a more cautious approach to how I set up and
operate gear than the manufacturer specifies. It's all a matter of what we
individually are comfortable doing. 

I just wanted to answer Bill's question. As far as Elecraft is concerned,
the KAT500 can go on top of the KPA500. IMX, the Elecraft engineers are very
conservative. If there's any chance of causing a problem, they won't
recommend it. 

73, Ron AC7AC


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of mcduf...@ag0n.net
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 3:23 PM
To: elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

 The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. 

I wouldn't put it on top.  I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a
half inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds.  You can feel
the air flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the
opening.  That means it does affect the airflow to put something that close.
I don't care if the factory or a manual says you can do it.  I sure wouldn't
run mine that way.

Gary
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Dick Dievendorff]

 If you put the KAT500 above the amp the fans run more often, but are able to 
 keep the amp cool enough for most normal uses. K6XX did test this early on 
 with thermometers. It comes up to fan temp more quickly, but settles at the 
 same temp. I have mine above the amp, but the amp can also be above the ATU, 
 which is what I might do except that the cover of my ATU is off most of the 
 time for a firmware debug cable. 

Putting the amp over the ATU helps keep the ATU in place if you are troubled by 
cables tending to move the ATU. 

I like the look of K3, P3, and KAT500 lined up. I don't need to operate 
controls on either the amp or ATU often enough to make it a significant 
ergonomic issue. I do care about the height of the K3 above the desk tho.

 If I were a RTTY contester in the tropics, I would allow more than minimum 
clear air space around the rig and amp. 

It's a personal choice issue.  

73 de Dick, K6KR


On May 26, 2013, at 1:40 PM, Bill b...@w2blc.net wrote:

 Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of the 
 KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around would be 
 better? Any side clearances required?
 
 I am designing a new radio desk that will house my K3, P3, and yet to be 
 purchased amp and tuner.
 
 Thanks,  Bill W2BLC
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[John Bastin]

On 26 May 2013, at 4:47 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote:
 On Sun, 26 May 2013 16:40:48 -0400, Bill wrote:
 
 Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of 
 the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around 
 would be better? Any side clearances required?
 
 You'll find out when you build the KPA that the top needs to be kept clear.  
 Air
 intake is at the top, and exhaust at the rear.  It moves a lot of air when the
 fan hits high gear :)  Others have put the tuner under the amp.  It also helps
 to hold the tuner down when you hit a button.  I'm more than likely going to 
 do
 the same thing when I get mine.

I thought that, too, so when I set up my K-Line I put the KAT500 under the 
KPA500 on the desk. Then I saw the setup at Dayton, where they had the KPA500 
with the KAT500 on top.

I asked the person at the booth and he told me that there is no problem running 
the amp with the tuner on top, that they are designed to have adequate cooling 
when installed in that position.

Hope this helps.

John K8AJS
jbast...@me.com



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling

[Sebastian, W4AS]

I do a lot of meteor scatter on 6 meters, and I've tried the tuner both above 
and below the amp. 

I've found the KPA500 runs cooler with the KAT500 tuner below the amp.

73 de Sebastian, W4AS



On May 26, 2013, at 6:23 PM, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote:

 On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
 
 The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500. 
 
 I wouldn't put it on top.  I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a 
 half
 inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds.  You can feel the air
 flow considerably at high speed with your hand an inch over the opening.  That
 means it does affect the airflow to put something that close.  I don't care if
 the factory or a manual says you can do it.  I sure wouldn't run mine that 
 way.
 
 Gary

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Joe Hutchens]

The issue I was having with the BAND CHANGE parameter has been resolved 
with KPA500 test load V1.16.
__

Hi Jack...  Thanks for the reply.

Yes, RADIO has been set to BCD since I put the AMP online today.  The 
band changes just fine under the control of the FT-950, so the amp is 
getting the correct info.  I checked to make sure the amp changed with 
each band selected on the FT-950.  It's just when I change bands, the 
amp will not go from OPER to STBY automatically with the BAND CHANGE 
parameter set to STBY.  The amp is serial number 1041 and the firmware 
is 1.11 from August 21, 2012.

It would be nice for the amp to go to STBY, so I can make sure the 
auto-tuner is good to go.

Joe Hutchens  ( AJ8MH )
http://webpages.charter.net/aj8mh-radio/


On Sat, Sep 8, 2012 at 9:46 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:

 Make sure you set the menu parameter RADIO to BCD. The Band Change 
 parameter should work just fine with the Yaesu.
 Let me know if you continue to have problems with this.

 Jack Brindle, W6FB
 Elecraft Engineering

 On Sep 8, 2012, at 5:46 PM, Joe Hutchens aj8mh-ra...@charter.net 
 wrote:

 I just finished building the KPA500 and have it interfaced to my 
 Yaesu FT-950.  The KPA500 follows the 950 band changes and keys fine. 
 However, I have changed menu item Band Change to STBY from NOR 
 which should automatically switch the amp to STBY from OPER after a 
 band change.  Is this option just for the K3 or is there a software 
 glitch in the amp?

 Thanks,
 Joe Hutchens  ( AJ8MH )
 http://webpages.charter.net/aj8mh-radio/
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[Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Joe Hutchens]

I just finished building the KPA500 and have it interfaced to my Yaesu 
FT-950.  The KPA500 follows the 950 band changes and keys fine. 
However, I have changed menu item Band Change to STBY from NOR 
which should automatically switch the amp to STBY from OPER after a band 
change.  Is this option just for the K3 or is there a software glitch in 
the amp?

Thanks,
Joe Hutchens  ( AJ8MH )
http://webpages.charter.net/aj8mh-radio/
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Jack Brindle]

Make sure you set the menu parameter RADIO to BCD. The Band Change parameter 
should work just fine with the Yaesu.
Let me know if you continue to have problems with this.

Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering

On Sep 8, 2012, at 5:46 PM, Joe Hutchens aj8mh-ra...@charter.net wrote:

 I just finished building the KPA500 and have it interfaced to my Yaesu 
 FT-950.  The KPA500 follows the 950 band changes and keys fine. 
 However, I have changed menu item Band Change to STBY from NOR 
 which should automatically switch the amp to STBY from OPER after a band 
 change.  Is this option just for the K3 or is there a software glitch in 
 the amp?
 
 Thanks,
 Joe Hutchens  ( AJ8MH )
 http://webpages.charter.net/aj8mh-radio/
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Joe Hutchens]

Hi Jack...  Thanks for the reply.

Yes, RADIO has been set to BCD since I put the AMP online today.  The 
band changes just fine under the control of the FT-950, so the amp is 
getting the correct info.  I checked to make sure the amp changed with 
each band selected on the FT-950.  It's just when I change bands, the 
amp will not go from OPER to STBY automatically with the BAND CHANGE 
parameter set to STBY.  The amp is serial number 1041 and the firmware 
is 1.11 from August 21, 2012.

It would be nice for the amp to go to STBY, so I can make sure the 
auto-tuner is good to go.

Joe Hutchens  ( AJ8MH )
http://webpages.charter.net/aj8mh-radio/


On Sat, Sep 8, 2012 at 9:46 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:

 Make sure you set the menu parameter RADIO to BCD. The Band Change 
 parameter should work just fine with the Yaesu.
 Let me know if you continue to have problems with this.

 Jack Brindle, W6FB
 Elecraft Engineering

 On Sep 8, 2012, at 5:46 PM, Joe Hutchens aj8mh-ra...@charter.net 
 wrote:

 I just finished building the KPA500 and have it interfaced to my 
 Yaesu FT-950.  The KPA500 follows the 950 band changes and keys fine. 
 However, I have changed menu item Band Change to STBY from NOR 
 which should automatically switch the amp to STBY from OPER after a 
 band change.  Is this option just for the K3 or is there a software 
 glitch in the amp?

 Thanks,
 Joe Hutchens  ( AJ8MH )
 http://webpages.charter.net/aj8mh-radio/
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[Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Gary]

I have a question for the KPA500 owners:

I've been reading through the manuals and exchanging some emails with
Elecraft support over whether or not a directly connected KPA500 amp can be
turned ON/OFF in concert with the K3 it's connected to. It appears this
capability doesn't exist however looking through the available I/O I've come
up with the following idea;

I see a provision in the KPA500 for a pulsed low input at the KPA's AUX
connector pin 8 to turn the amp ON or OFF. For those not using transverters
could a K3 menu option be added to pulse low the K3's ACC connector pin 7
(K3 ON) for KPA500 control? If I add a KPA500 to my K3/P3 station I would
like to be able to turn all ON/OFF using only the K3's power switch. I
realize the KPAUX cable set may not support this idea but aside from that
can it work? I'm mostly concerned about the turn OFF command and whether or
not it can be made to function as I suggested while the radio is in the
process of shutting itself down. If this does work then perhaps we can
persuade Wayne to add the option into a future K3 firmware upgrade.

73,
Gary

N6LRV

 

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

HI Gary,

This was discussed recently. See:

http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/macro-to-control-KPA500-td7240517.html#a7243817

73,

~iain / N6ML



On Sat, Feb 11, 2012 at 5:58 PM, Gary n6...@cox.net wrote:
 I have a question for the KPA500 owners:

 I've been reading through the manuals and exchanging some emails with
 Elecraft support over whether or not a directly connected KPA500 amp can be
 turned ON/OFF in concert with the K3 it's connected to. It appears this
 capability doesn't exist however looking through the available I/O I've come
 up with the following idea;

 I see a provision in the KPA500 for a pulsed low input at the KPA's AUX
 connector pin 8 to turn the amp ON or OFF. For those not using transverters
 could a K3 menu option be added to pulse low the K3's ACC connector pin 7
 (K3 ON) for KPA500 control? If I add a KPA500 to my K3/P3 station I would
 like to be able to turn all ON/OFF using only the K3's power switch. I
 realize the KPAUX cable set may not support this idea but aside from that
 can it work? I'm mostly concerned about the turn OFF command and whether or
 not it can be made to function as I suggested while the radio is in the
 process of shutting itself down. If this does work then perhaps we can
 persuade Wayne to add the option into a future K3 firmware upgrade.

 73,
 Gary

 N6LRV



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Bruce Beford]

This is the first semi-official news we have received on the KAT500 in some
time. Originally, I believe a design target was the same size as the P3, not
the K3 or KPA500. I wonder if the new case dimensions actually contain a
larger volume than the P3 box? A low-profile design with the same footprint
as the K3 will still integrate nicely. 

Given that the feedlines will come from the KAT500, and given that the
KPA500 is top-cooled wouldn't it seem that more likely the KPA500 would
sit -under- the KPA500? The mass of the amp would keep it from being pulled
around by the feedlines. Hmm. Maybe the case would need extra structural
support for the weight of the KPA500, though. Hmmm, just daydreaming here...

One (previously announced) very interesting option will be for those K3
users with a sub receiver- the ability to have the second non-tuned antenna
pass through to the sub RX aux input to support diversity reception. I
imagine that the amount of hardware/shielding needed for the required
isolation between the active TX port (at 500W+) and the RX port may have
added to the volume required to house it all. 

Thanks for the morsel, Lyle.

73,
Bruce, N1RX

 Lyle, KK7P wrote:
 The KAT500 is external to the KPA500.  It will have the same footprint 
 as the KPA500 and K3, but is very low profile and will sit nicely on top 
 of either unit.



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[Elecraft] KPA500 question (actually re KAT500...)

[Richard Squire - HB9ANM]

Thanks for the news about the KAT500. But it says in the KPA500 Owner's
Manual (yes, I do read manuals!):

IMPORTANT: Provide at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance behind the fan and
above the amplifier for proper air flow.

This may hold true – to a lesser extent – for the K3...

How come the KAT500 is supposed to be put on top of them?

73
Richard


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Richard - HB9ANM
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[Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Joe K2UF]

When the tuner comes out will it be internal to the KPA500 or will it be an
outboard unit like the P3?  I am getting ready to order a KPA500 and want to
know if I should wait. If the tuner is inside the KPA case I will wait and
order it all at once but if it is an outboard unit then it makes no
difference when I order the amp.

Joe K2UF

No trees were harmed in the sending of this e-mail; however, many electrons
were inconvenienced.


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Lyle Johnson]

The KAT500 is external to the KPA500.  It will have the same footprint 
as the KPA500 and K3, but is very low profile and will sit nicely on top 
of either unit.

73,

Lyle KK7P

 When the tuner comes out will it be internal to the KPA500 or will it be an
 outboard unit...
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[n5ge]

I have never had the problems you guys have described with the OPER and STBY
power settings on my KPA500 #119.

What do they say at Elecraft Support when you ask them?  Have you ever talked
with anyone at Elecraft about this?

Thanks for ending the thread.

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

On Sun, 14 Aug 2011 08:03:46 -0400, John E. Reiser reis...@optonline.net
wrote:

Many thanks to Fred, K6DGW, Paul, NF8J, Frank,W6NEK, and Tom, W1TXT, who 
responded to my post regarding this problem.

They have all concurred that the K3 does not retain the dual power settings 
correctly when KPA500 MENU: BAND CHG is set to STBY.

I'm now confident that Elecraft will fix this in a future firmware release.  
Accordingly, I wish to end this thread.

73,  John, W2GW
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[Phil Debbie Salas]

I occasionally saw this problem in earlier KPA firmware.  It seemed 
intermittant and I was unsure if it was me or the firmware that was causing 
this - sounds like it was the firmware.  I'm currently testing the latest 
1.11 and don't see the problem at all.  Be patient - I think the latest 
KPA500 firmware will be released soon.

Phil - AD5X
K3 SN308
KPA500 SN12 

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[John E. Reiser]

Many thanks to Fred, K6DGW, Paul, NF8J, Frank,W6NEK, and Tom, W1TXT, who 
responded to my post regarding this problem.

They have all concurred that the K3 does not retain the dual power settings 
correctly when KPA500 MENU: BAND CHG is set to STBY.

I'm now confident that Elecraft will fix this in a future firmware release.  
Accordingly, I wish to end this thread.

73,  John, W2GW
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[D Joyce]

GM John:

I'm not seeing that problem here with KPA500 s/n 234 and a recent K3/10 (s/n 
54xx).  I'm using FW 4.39 in the K3 and FW 1.11 in the KPA500.  (Gary sent 
me this most recent FW for the Amp on Fri).

I changed the PWR ON config in the KPA500 to STBY and the only thing it 
affects is the power setting when turning the Amp On.  Changing bands from 
either the K3 or the Amp doesn't change OPER to STBY or STBY to OPER.  I've 
set the STBY power level to be 5 W and the OPER power level to be 125W 
(approx 8 W from the K3) on all bands (all in CW mode).  Then regardless of 
which unit is used to change bands and whether the Amp is in OPER or STBY 
the power levels are as just indicated.  It works as expected.

Hope that helps.

73,  Doug  VE3MV

- Original Message - 
From: John E. Reiser reis...@optonline.net
To: D Joyce d_jo...@sympatico.ca; Elecraft List 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2011 6:24 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Yes, that much works here too.

 What doesn't work is setting the KPA500 MENU: BAND CHG to STBY and 
 expecting that the power out from the K3 will reliably switch to higher 
 power whenever the amp is in STANDBY mode, both whether invoked by the 
 button on the amp or by simply changing bands on the K3, and then reliably 
 dropping to an appropriate lower level whenever the amp is put  in OPERATE 
 mode by tapping the operate/standby button on the amp.

 Whew!  I got it all into one sentence.  With 300+ KPA500s out there, am I 
 the only one to observe this?  Come on guys, can't anyone test this for me 
 with their setup?  How about it W4TV?

 73, John, W2GW

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[Nels Anderson]

I reported this same issue way back in May when I first got my KPA500, 
but at the time there were so few amps out there that no one really 
cared. I still think it's a bug, but I was told my Elecraft that it was 
intended to work that way.

73 Nels K1UR


On 8/13/2011 6:24 PM, John E. Reiser wrote:
 Yes, that much works here too.

 What doesn't work is setting the KPA500 MENU: BAND CHG to STBY and expecting
 that the power out from the K3 will reliably switch to higher power whenever
 the amp is in STANDBY mode, both whether invoked by the button on the amp or
 by simply changing bands on the K3, and then reliably dropping to an
 appropriate lower level whenever the amp is put  in OPERATE mode by tapping
 the operate/standby button on the amp.

 Whew!  I got it all into one sentence.  With 300+ KPA500s out there, am I
 the only one to observe this?  Come on guys, can't anyone test this for me
 with their setup?  How about it W4TV?

 73, John, W2GW


 - Original Message -
 From: D Joyced_jo...@sympatico.ca
 To: Elecraft Listelecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2011 5:19 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Just to bring everyone up to date on the problem I reported last evening -
 doing the K3 Config:Power Set --  per band (as suggested by Ken K3IU)
 fixed
 the problem.  Band control works from either the K3 or the KPA500 and K3
 power settings are rememberd for all bands.  Works slick.

 73,  Doug

 - Original Message -
 From: D Joyced_jo...@sympatico.ca
 To: Elecraft Listelecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 11:41 PM
 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Group:  I'm checking out a recently completed KPA500 (#234) running FW
 V1.11 with a K3/10 running FW Ver 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will
 eventually be used is otherwise tied up and I wanted to confirm the the
 per-band power control feature when used with the K3.  (I'm using the AUX
 interface cable.)

 It doesn't seem to work as described in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev B -
 see page 9 Item 4 under Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in Standby and
 set
 the K3 for 5 W as a low power level and then turn the Amp to Operate and
 run the K3 up to a drive level of about 8 W to produce about 100 Watts
 from the KPA500, then when I turn the Amp back to Standby the power level
 is 8 W not 5W.

 Perhaps the per-band power control is dependent on using a K3/100 not a
 K3/10.

 Anyone else seeing the same thing?

 73,  Doug  VE3MV




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[John E. Reiser]

Hi Nels, K1UR,

I agree.  It has to be a bug.  For it to be intended to work the way it does 
with the current firmware is simply illogical.

Being the weekend, I have not heard from anyone at Elecraft yet.  But I 
expect they will agree with us when they do respond tomorrow.

Thanks for your support.

73,  John, W2GW


- Original Message - 
From: Nels Anderson n...@flightsim.com
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2011 10:15 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


I reported this same issue way back in May when I first got my KPA500,
 but at the time there were so few amps out there that no one really
 cared. I still think it's a bug, but I was told my Elecraft that it was
 intended to work that way.

 73 Nels K1UR


 On 8/13/2011 6:24 PM, John E. Reiser wrote:
 Yes, that much works here too.

 What doesn't work is setting the KPA500 MENU: BAND CHG to STBY and 
 expecting
 that the power out from the K3 will reliably switch to higher power 
 whenever
 the amp is in STANDBY mode, both whether invoked by the button on the amp 
 or
 by simply changing bands on the K3, and then reliably dropping to an
 appropriate lower level whenever the amp is put  in OPERATE mode by 
 tapping
 the operate/standby button on the amp.

 Whew!  I got it all into one sentence.  With 300+ KPA500s out there, am I
 the only one to observe this?  Come on guys, can't anyone test this for 
 me
 with their setup?  How about it W4TV?

 73, John, W2GW


 - Original Message -
 From: D Joyced_jo...@sympatico.ca
 To: Elecraft Listelecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2011 5:19 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Just to bring everyone up to date on the problem I reported last 
 evening -
 doing the K3 Config:Power Set --  per band (as suggested by Ken K3IU)
 fixed
 the problem.  Band control works from either the K3 or the KPA500 and K3
 power settings are rememberd for all bands.  Works slick.

 73,  Doug

 - Original Message -
 From: D Joyced_jo...@sympatico.ca
 To: Elecraft Listelecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 11:41 PM
 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Group:  I'm checking out a recently completed KPA500 (#234) running FW
 V1.11 with a K3/10 running FW Ver 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will
 eventually be used is otherwise tied up and I wanted to confirm the the
 per-band power control feature when used with the K3.  (I'm using the 
 AUX
 interface cable.)

 It doesn't seem to work as described in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev 
 B -
 see page 9 Item 4 under Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in Standby and
 set
 the K3 for 5 W as a low power level and then turn the Amp to Operate 
 and
 run the K3 up to a drive level of about 8 W to produce about 100 Watts
 from the KPA500, then when I turn the Amp back to Standby the power 
 level
 is 8 W not 5W.

 Perhaps the per-band power control is dependent on using a K3/100 not a
 K3/10.

 Anyone else seeing the same thing?

 73,  Doug  VE3MV




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[Richard Squire - HB9ANM]

I remember reading a post by someone at Elecraft (can't remember who it was)
saying it was a timing problem (well, call it a bug if you like) which would
be solved in the next FW release.
Someone wrote on this reflector he already had pre-beta release 1.11 and no
problem.
Let be patient!
73

-
Richard - HB9ANM
--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Question-re-the-K3s-per-band-power-control-tp6682550p6685495.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[Ken Wagner K3IU]

Make sure that you turned on the Aux Bus 
in the KPA menu.
73,
Ken K3IU

On 8/12/2011 11:41 PM, D Joyce wrote:
 Group:  I'm checking out a recently completed KPA500 (#234) running FW V1.11 
 with a K3/10 running FW Ver 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will eventually 
 be used is otherwise tied up and I wanted to confirm the the per-band power 
 control feature when used with the K3.  (I'm using the AUX interface cable.)

 It doesn't seem to work as described in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev B - see 
 page 9 Item 4 under Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in Standby and set the K3 
 for 5 W as a low power level and then turn the Amp to Operate and run the K3 
 up to a drive level of about 8 W to produce about 100 Watts from the KPA500, 
 then when I turn the Amp back to Standby the power level is 8 W not 5W.

 Perhaps the per-band power control is dependent on using a K3/100 not a K3/10.

 Anyone else seeing the same thing?

 73,  Doug  VE3MV




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[Ken Wagner K3IU]

And... make sure the K3 CONFIG:PWR SET 
is on Per Band.

Does the KPA500 really have Firmware 
version 1.11???

73, Ken K3IU


On 8/13/2011 6:42 AM, Ken Wagner K3IU 
wrote:
 Make sure that you turned on the Aux 
 Bus in the KPA menu.
 73,
 Ken K3IU

 On 8/12/2011 11:41 PM, D Joyce wrote:
 Group:  I'm checking out a recently 
 completed KPA500 (#234) running FW 
 V1.11 with a K3/10 running FW Ver 
 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will 
 eventually be used is otherwise tied 
 up and I wanted to confirm the the 
 per-band power control feature when 
 used with the K3.  (I'm using the AUX 
 interface cable.)

 It doesn't seem to work as described 
 in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev B - 
 see page 9 Item 4 under 
 Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in 
 Standby and set the K3 for 5 W as a 
 low power level and then turn the Amp 
 to Operate and run the K3 up to a 
 drive level of about 8 W to produce 
 about 100 Watts from the KPA500, then 
 when I turn the Amp back to Standby 
 the power level is 8 W not 5W.

 Perhaps the per-band power control is 
 dependent on using a K3/100 not a K3/10.

 Anyone else seeing the same thing?

 73,  Doug  VE3MV




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[Richard Griest]

Ken,

All good points and must be done to take full advantage of the KPA's 
capabilities.   The V1.11 threw me too.  I have been communicating with 
Elecraft on a separate issue on the K3/PR6/KPA compatibility and they have 
noted the highest (Non Released) Version is 1.09.  I even checked earlier this 
AM to see what was actually on the Elecraft Site as far as Firmware Download 
Version and it is still as V1.02.   This is what my KPA came with about two 
weeks ago.   I do not know where the 1.11 came from unless Elecraft generated 
another Beta Version and sent it out seperately.

Good comments...

73's
Richard Griest - WB4VMH

On Aug 13, 2011, Ken Wagner K3IU  wrote: 

And... make sure the K3 CONFIG:PWR SET 
is on Per Band.

Does the KPA500 really have Firmware 
version 1.11???

73, Ken K3IU


On 8/13/2011 6:42 AM, Ken Wagner K3IU 
wrote:
 Make sure that you turned on the Aux 
 Bus in the KPA menu.
 73,
 Ken K3IU

 On 8/12/2011 11:41 PM, D Joyce wrote:
 Group:  I'm checking out a recently 
 completed KPA500 (#234) running FW 
 V1.11 with a K3/10 running FW Ver 
 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will 
 eventually be used is otherwise tied 
 up and I wanted to confirm the the 
 per-band power control feature when 
 used with the K3.  (I'm using the AUX 
 interface cable.)

 It doesn't seem to work as described 
 in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev B - 
 see page 9 Item 4 under 
 Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in 
 Standby and set the K3 for 5 W as a 
 low power level and then turn the Amp 
 to Operate and run the K3 up to a 
 drive level of about 8 W to produce 
 about 100 Watts from the KPA500, then 
 when I turn the Amp back to Standby 
 the power level is 8 W not 5W.

 Perhaps the per-band power control is 
 dependent on using a K3/100 not a K3/10.

 Anyone else seeing the same thing?

 73,  Doug  VE3MV




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[John E. Reiser]

Hi Doug VE3MV,

I have noticed a similar anomaly with the per-band power control.  I suspect 
a bug in the firmware.

I run FW 4.39 on my K3/100 with the AUX cable to the KPA500 (#192) running 
FW 1.02.  (Where did you find version 1.11?)

I have set  the K3 CONFIG:PWR SET  to PER BAND, and I have set the KPA500 
MENU: AUXBUS to ON, as Richard, WB4VMH and Ken, K3IU have responded to you. 
Additionally, I have set the KPA500 MENU: BAND CHG to STBY.  This is 
supposed to switch the amp to standby after a band change, which it does.

I set two power levels per band.  When the amp is on STANDBY, I set 100 
watts on the K3.  And, when the amp is on OPERATE, I set the power out of 
the K3 to whatever it takes to produce 500 watts out from the amp (25 to 31 
watts depending on the band).

My expectation is that the power out from the K3 will switch to 100 watts 
whenever the amp is in STANDBY mode and then drop to the appropriate lower 
level whenever I put the amp in OPERATE mode by tapping the operate/standby 
switch on the amp.

This works perfectly as long as I use the switch on the amp to go back and 
forth from STANDBY to OPERATE.

*** But, If I change bands on the K3, and the amp automatically goes into 
STANDBY mode as a result, as it should because I have set the KPA500 MENU: 
BAND CHG to STBY, the dual power switching feature doesn't work. ***

The K3 seems to remember the last power level that was set.  This anomaly 
persists even if you return to the original band and put the amp in OPERATE 
mode.  This is wrong.

It risks over driving the amp for anyone who reasonably expects a low power 
level whenever the amp is in OPERATE mode, and high power whenever the amp 
is in STANDBY mode, whether it is invoked by a button tap on the amp or a 
band change.  I did it twice before I figured out what was happening. 
Luckily, there was no damage.  Now I don't trust the dual power level 
feature.  I have to check the power on the K3 whenever I change bands.

I realize that my situation is slightly different from yours Doug.  But I 
think they are related.  I took the time to describe it as best I could 
because I have confidence that Elecraft will let me know what I have missed, 
or fix this in a future firmware release.  Having dual K3 power levels per 
band dependent on whether the KPA500 is in STANDBY or OPERATE mode is a 
superb feature_ if only I could get it to work properly.

Many thanks to all, and 73,

John, W2GW




- Original Message - 
From: D Joyce d_jo...@sympatico.ca
To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 11:41 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Group:  I'm checking out a recently completed KPA500 (#234) running FW 
 V1.11 with a K3/10 running FW Ver 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will 
 eventually be used is otherwise tied up and I wanted to confirm the the 
 per-band power control feature when used with the K3.  (I'm using the AUX 
 interface cable.)

 It doesn't seem to work as described in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev B - 
 see page 9 Item 4 under Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in Standby and set 
 the K3 for 5 W as a low power level and then turn the Amp to Operate and 
 run the K3 up to a drive level of about 8 W to produce about 100 Watts 
 from the KPA500, then when I turn the Amp back to Standby the power level 
 is 8 W not 5W.

 Perhaps the per-band power control is dependent on using a K3/100 not a 
 K3/10.

 Anyone else seeing the same thing?

 73,  Doug  VE3MV




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[Fred Jensen]

I notice the same thing.  I would love to have VFO B show the K3 power 
out when I change bands.  Right now KPA500 and OPERATE of STANDBY 
are spelled out.  They could be abbreviated leaving room for the actual 
power my K3 is going to make the first time I press the key.  I'm always 
wary that something didn't change the power and I'm going fry the 500 
with a full 100W of drive.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011
- www.cqp.org

Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean something really isn't out to 
get me.

On 8/13/2011 7:11 AM, John E. Reiser wrote:
 Hi Doug VE3MV,

 This works perfectly as long as I use the switch on the amp to go back and
 forth from STANDBY to OPERATE.

 *** But, If I change bands on the K3, and the amp automatically goes into
 STANDBY mode as a result, as it should because I have set the KPA500 MENU:
 BAND CHG to STBY, the dual power switching feature doesn't work. ***
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[John E. Reiser]

Hi Fred, K6DGW,

Many thanks for letting me know that I'm not alone.  With over 300 KPA500s 
out there, no one else has responded to my post.  That made me start to 
think that maybe I had missed some necessary setting.  (Not really.)

By the way, could someone please send me the url for the KPA500 beta 
firmware directory?

73, John, W2GW


- Original Message - 
From: Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2011 1:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


I notice the same thing.  I would love to have VFO B show the K3 power
 out when I change bands.  Right now KPA500 and OPERATE of STANDBY
 are spelled out.  They could be abbreviated leaving room for the actual
 power my K3 is going to make the first time I press the key.  I'm always
 wary that something didn't change the power and I'm going fry the 500
 with a full 100W of drive.

 73,

 Fred K6DGW
 - Northern California Contest Club
 - CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011
 - www.cqp.org

 Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean something really isn't out to
 get me.

 On 8/13/2011 7:11 AM, John E. Reiser wrote:
 Hi Doug VE3MV,

 This works perfectly as long as I use the switch on the amp to go back 
 and
 forth from STANDBY to OPERATE.

 *** But, If I change bands on the K3, and the amp automatically goes into
 STANDBY mode as a result, as it should because I have set the KPA500 
 MENU:
 BAND CHG to STBY, the dual power switching feature doesn't work. ***
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[D Joyce]

Just to bring everyone up to date on the problem I reported last evening - 
doing the K3 Config:Power Set -- per band (as suggested by Ken K3IU) fixed 
the problem.  Band control works from either the K3 or the KPA500 and K3 
power settings are rememberd for all bands.  Works slick.

73,  Doug

- Original Message - 
From: D Joyce d_jo...@sympatico.ca
To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 11:41 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Group:  I'm checking out a recently completed KPA500 (#234) running FW 
 V1.11 with a K3/10 running FW Ver 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will 
 eventually be used is otherwise tied up and I wanted to confirm the the 
 per-band power control feature when used with the K3.  (I'm using the AUX 
 interface cable.)

 It doesn't seem to work as described in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev B - 
 see page 9 Item 4 under Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in Standby and set 
 the K3 for 5 W as a low power level and then turn the Amp to Operate and 
 run the K3 up to a drive level of about 8 W to produce about 100 Watts 
 from the KPA500, then when I turn the Amp back to Standby the power level 
 is 8 W not 5W.

 Perhaps the per-band power control is dependent on using a K3/100 not a 
 K3/10.

 Anyone else seeing the same thing?

 73,  Doug  VE3MV




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[John E. Reiser]

Yes, that much works here too.

What doesn't work is setting the KPA500 MENU: BAND CHG to STBY and expecting 
that the power out from the K3 will reliably switch to higher power whenever 
the amp is in STANDBY mode, both whether invoked by the button on the amp or 
by simply changing bands on the K3, and then reliably dropping to an 
appropriate lower level whenever the amp is put  in OPERATE mode by tapping 
the operate/standby button on the amp.

Whew!  I got it all into one sentence.  With 300+ KPA500s out there, am I 
the only one to observe this?  Come on guys, can't anyone test this for me 
with their setup?  How about it W4TV?

73, John, W2GW


- Original Message - 
From: D Joyce d_jo...@sympatico.ca
To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2011 5:19 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Just to bring everyone up to date on the problem I reported last evening -
 doing the K3 Config:Power Set -- per band (as suggested by Ken K3IU) 
 fixed
 the problem.  Band control works from either the K3 or the KPA500 and K3
 power settings are rememberd for all bands.  Works slick.

 73,  Doug

 - Original Message - 
 From: D Joyce d_jo...@sympatico.ca
 To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 11:41 PM
 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control


 Group:  I'm checking out a recently completed KPA500 (#234) running FW
 V1.11 with a K3/10 running FW Ver 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will
 eventually be used is otherwise tied up and I wanted to confirm the the
 per-band power control feature when used with the K3.  (I'm using the AUX
 interface cable.)

 It doesn't seem to work as described in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev B -
 see page 9 Item 4 under Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in Standby and 
 set
 the K3 for 5 W as a low power level and then turn the Amp to Operate and
 run the K3 up to a drive level of about 8 W to produce about 100 Watts
 from the KPA500, then when I turn the Amp back to Standby the power level
 is 8 W not 5W.

 Perhaps the per-band power control is dependent on using a K3/100 not a
 K3/10.

 Anyone else seeing the same thing?

 73,  Doug  VE3MV




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[Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control

[D Joyce]

Group:  I'm checking out a recently completed KPA500 (#234) running FW V1.11 
with a K3/10 running FW Ver 4.36.   The K3/100 with which it will eventually be 
used is otherwise tied up and I wanted to confirm the the per-band power 
control feature when used with the K3.  (I'm using the AUX interface cable.)

It doesn't seem to work as described in the KPA500 Owner's Manual Rev B - see 
page 9 Item 4 under Transmitting.  If I put the Amp in Standby and set the K3 
for 5 W as a low power level and then turn the Amp to Operate and run the K3 up 
to a drive level of about 8 W to produce about 100 Watts from the KPA500, then 
when I turn the Amp back to Standby the power level is 8 W not 5W.

Perhaps the per-band power control is dependent on using a K3/100 not a K3/10.

Anyone else seeing the same thing?

73,  Doug  VE3MV


 

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

.. and, by the way, the per-band power settings are set and stored in
the K3, not the KPA500.

73,

~iain / N6ML



On Sun, Aug 7, 2011 at 5:40 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:
 Stored in EEPROM - no need for a battery.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 On 8/7/2011 1:25 PM, r miles wrote:
 Had mine 2 months  love it. Curious abt. one thing. Programed the
 barefoot/amp setting for all bands. My question is about the memory for
 that function. Not had power failure of the mains yet. Is the setting
 stored in a battery back- uped internal memory? I  found no mention  of
 an internal battery or access to one in my manual.Not a big deal  but
 curious.

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[Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[r miles]

Had mine 2 months  love it. Curious abt. one thing. Programed the 
barefoot/amp setting for all bands. My question is about the memory for 
that function. Not had power failure of the mains yet. Is the setting 
stored in a battery back- uped internal memory? I  found no mention  of 
an internal battery or access to one in my manual.Not a big deal  but 
curious.

K9IL
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question

[Don Wilhelm]

Stored in EEPROM - no need for a battery.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/7/2011 1:25 PM, r miles wrote:
 Had mine 2 months  love it. Curious abt. one thing. Programed the
 barefoot/amp setting for all bands. My question is about the memory for
 that function. Not had power failure of the mains yet. Is the setting
 stored in a battery back- uped internal memory? I  found no mention  of
 an internal battery or access to one in my manual.Not a big deal  but
 curious.

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[Elecraft] KPA500 question

[r miles]

Only my 2nd day using it. Operation manual  on page 8, item 4 under 
transmitting says you can have two power settings per band. One  at any 
power you want  one to drive the amp at the proper level. Assuming the 
radio is a K3. Which it is in my case. OK how is this done? I can't find 
any mention of this in the manual. Is it done in the K3 menu? Or am I 
missing something?

K9IL
KPA 66
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

Hi r,

See the K3 firmware release notes:

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm

You need to have version 4.36, the accessory cable in place between
the K3 and KPA-500, and CONFIG:PWR SET = PEr bAnd.

73,

~iain / N6ML



On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 6:57 PM, r miles greenacres...@charter.net wrote:

 Only my 2nd day using it. Operation manual  on page 8, item 4 under
 transmitting says you can have two power settings per band. One  at any
 power you want  one to drive the amp at the proper level. Assuming the
 radio is a K3. Which it is in my case. OK how is this done? I can't find
 any mention of this in the manual. Is it done in the K3 menu? Or am I
 missing something?

 K9IL
 KPA 66
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Ed Muns]

This feature is automatic if you have a K3 with firmware 4.35 or later and
the KPA500AUX cable connected, or equivalent.  The K3 will store its power
level with the KPA500 in Operate mode and an independent value when not in
Operate mode, i.e., Standby or power off.

Ed - W0YK
 

K9IL asked:
 Only my 2nd day using it. Operation manual  on page 8, item 4 
 under transmitting says you can have two power settings per 
 band. One  at any power you want  one to drive the amp at 
 the proper level. Assuming the radio is a K3. Which it is in 
 my case. OK how is this done? I can't find any mention of 
 this in the manual. Is it done in the K3 menu? Or am I 
 missing something?

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Ed Muns]

Correct ... more complete than my parallel reply.

Ed - W0YK

Iain, N6ML, wrote:
 See the K3 firmware release notes:
 
 http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm
 
 You need to have version 4.36, the accessory cable in place 
 between the K3 and KPA-500, and CONFIG:PWR SET = PEr bAnd.

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

This is done at the K3 so it's described in the K3 instructions. If you
haven't already, you need to install Firmware 4.36 in your K3, and you'll
find details for the new setting in the release notes with the firmware.

Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-

Only my 2nd day using it. Operation manual  on page 8, item 4 under 
transmitting says you can have two power settings per band. One  at any 
power you want  one to drive the amp at the proper level. Assuming the 
radio is a K3. Which it is in my case. OK how is this done? I can't find 
any mention of this in the manual. Is it done in the K3 menu? Or am I 
missing something?

K9IL
KPA 66

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