[Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
"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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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. > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > marklgoldb...@gmail.com > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to marvwhee...@nwlink.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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. > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to thomas.kl...@gmx.de __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
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. > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to marklgoldb...@gmail.com > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Question
" 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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) > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@widomaker.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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. > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control
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 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 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 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 > > > 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 > > > > __ > > > > Elecraft mailing list > > > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > > > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > > Message delivered to k...@cox.net > > > > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > Message delivered to k...@cox.net > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control
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 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 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 > > 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 > > > __ > > > Elecraft mailing list > > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > Message delivered to k...@cox.net > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to k...@cox.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control
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 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 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 >> 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 >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> Message delivered to k...@cox.net >> > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control
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 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 > 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 > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > Message delivered to k...@cox.net > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control
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 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 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 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 >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to k...@cox.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 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 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 >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to k...@cox.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control
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 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tom...@videotron.ca __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question 2 - remote power control
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 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 > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to happymooseph...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 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" >>> To: >>> 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 > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to sla...@nullserv.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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" To: 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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" > To: > 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 >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to pin...@erols.com > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to j...@case.edu __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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 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 > >To: elecraft > >Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 question > >Message-ID: > >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 > > > > > >> > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n1helra...@gmail.com > -- Paul Grigorieff N1HEL 781-526-1911 Half Moon Bay, CA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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 >To: elecraft >Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 question >Message-ID: >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 > > >> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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" To: 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to pin...@erols.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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" 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 > -- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to hlyin...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to mike.flow...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
All this bantering is getting me wanting the KPA more and more. From: "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 > -- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to hlyin...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 1.7>1. 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 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" >> 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 >>> -- >> >> >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to sla...@nullserv.com > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@widomaker.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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. '' __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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" 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 >> -- > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to sla...@nullserv.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 > -- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
The difference is .10Log1500/500.. George, W6GF On Wednesday, May 7, 2014 7:37 AM, AG0N-3055 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to georgefrit...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
About the same as going from a dipole to a two element beam Chas - Original Message - From: "AG0N-3055" To: ; "elecraft" 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to pin...@erols.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to sbl...@acsalaska.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to sbl...@acsalaska.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rtho...@rthorne.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3184/6360 - Release Date: 05/26/13 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3184/6360 - Release Date: 05/26/13 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3184/5861 - Release Date: 05/27/13 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3184/5861 - Release Date: 05/27/13 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3184/6360 - Release Date: 05/26/13 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3184/6360 - Release Date: 05/26/13 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
> 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 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 > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
BIll, The KAT500 Elecraft page shows a photo from Visalia with the KAT500 placed on top of the amp. http://www.elecraft.com/KAT500/kat500.html I'm planning on stacking one on top of the other, myself, when I add them both to my shack. 73, Hoop K9QJS On May 26, 2013, at 1:40 PM, 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? I am designing a new radio desk that will house my K3, P3, and yet to be purchased amp and tuner. Thanks, Bill W2BLC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question about cooling
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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 > 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/ >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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 > 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/ >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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 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/ > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 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 > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500 question (actually re KAT500...)
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 - Richard - HB9ANM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-question-actually-re-KAT500-tp6992589p6992589.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500 question
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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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" 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 >__ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > >This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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" To: 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 Joyce" >> To: "Elecraft List" >> 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" >>> To: "Elecraft List" >>> 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 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> __ >>>> Elecraft mailing list >>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>>> >>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>>> >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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 Joyce" > To: "Elecraft List" > 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" >> To: "Elecraft List" >> 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 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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" To: "D Joyce" ; "Elecraft List" 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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 - Original Message - From: "D Joyce" To: "Elecraft List" 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" > To: "Elecraft List" > 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 >> >> >> >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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" To: "Elecraft List" 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 > > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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" To: 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. *** > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 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. *** __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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" To: "Elecraft List" 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 > > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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 >> >> >> >> >> __ >> >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: >> http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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 >> >> >> >> >> __ >> >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: >> http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question re the K3s per band power control
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 > > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
.. 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 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. >> > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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. > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500 Question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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". __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 question
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 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 > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html