Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Failure
It sounds like blown FETs. It may be time to ship it to CA where any/all upgrades can be done as well as repair. They're a little backed up, so it may take a few weeks. Parts and shop time too of course. Call the techs to discuss it and get an RSA and ask if they want you to pull the transformer to save shipping weight/cost. You MUST have the RSA (write it on the box, a cover letter inside and with any email discussion once it's issued). The tech indicated that damage to the FETs may be cumulative over time, so it may not be THIS event. But it won't hurt to go through the entire antenna and feed system to be sure. Or you can dive in to repair it; if you feel qualified. Sorry, been there too. Rick nk7i On 4/23/2024 6:52 PM, Dick Bingham wrote: Greeting to everyone I have read the KPA500 operator manual in hopes of solving my issue and have found nothing that solves/fixes the problem. This amplifier has been a workhorse for many years and today after the KAT500 antenna tuner searched/found a 'match' for a new antenna, I selected OPER on the KPA500, and applied drive power to the amplifier. Immediately, the amplifier displayed a momentary overload indicated by the top row of LEDs (power indicator ones) all flashing ON after which, the amp FAULTED and shut down. The RF drive level was around 20-watts and should have provided about 300-watts output at the time this occurred. I tapped the OPER/STBY button and tried to activate the amplifier and found there is no response to incoming RF drive. I removed/reapplied 'mains' power, pressed the 'EDIT' and ON keys simultaneously to reset everything and that did not correct the problem. The power supply voltage is in spec so no issue there. With the OPER light GREEN and slowly increasing the RF drive level to the amp, there is a point where an internal relay 'click' can be heard, the 50-watt LED on the top row of LEDs turns red and the FAULT light turns red. I could not detect any sign of smoke (nose/eyes) so have not opened the case to look for burned parts. Before I open the 'case' and look for obvious problems, any observations or suggestions received here will be appreciated. Kinda looks like blown amp power FETs. Dick - w7wkr __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 rick.n...@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] KPA 500 Question
Also, many people forget that the KAT500 works on RX as well as TX and provides a band-pass filter which changes position across tuning segments. If you’re using the KAT500 without the Aux cable and the main TX antenna for RX, as soon as you tune the RX away from the current tuned segment, the RX path is no longer at optimum. 73, Alan - G4GNX South Coast UK Elecraft K4D / KPA500 / KAT500 / IC-9700 > On 14 Nov 2023, at 02:52, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote: > > I have a KPA-1500, and followed the manual's instruction to run an Aux cable > between my K-3's ACC jack (on the KIO3B) and the KPA-1500. I prefer to have > the band changing already accomplished before I go key down, even for just a > dit. > > 73, Pete N4ZR > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 Question
I have a KPA-1500, and followed the manual's instruction to run an Aux cable between my K-3's ACC jack (on the KIO3B) and the KPA-1500. I prefer to have the band changing already accomplished before I go key down, even for just a dit. 73, Pete N4ZR On 11/13/2023 7:14 PM, Jim Brown wrote: I have cables that control the amplifier for each radio. By default, the KPA500, KPA1500, and KAT500 all have near-instantaneous frequency-detection. They switch very quickly to the right band, and the tuners will recall previous antenna tunings for the detected frequency. All it takes is a dit or a tap on the mic. That's in addition to the front panel band switches. I own all three, and have never used an AUX cable with any of them. 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 pete.n...@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] KPA 500 Question
I have cables that control the amplifier for each radio. By default, the KPA500, KPA1500, and KAT500 all have near-instantaneous frequency-detection. They switch very quickly to the right band, and the tuners will recall previous antenna tunings for the detected frequency. All it takes is a dit or a tap on the mic. That's in addition to the front panel band switches. I own all three, and have never used an AUX cable with any of them. 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] KPA 500 Question
Doug, You will have to use a switch that changes all 15 conductors. VGA switches may not implement all conductors and worse yet, some may be connected together to common (ground). 73, Don W3FPR On 11/13/2023 3:18 PM, Doug Millar via Elecraft wrote: I am trying to use my K3 and a Yaesu FTDX10 with my KPA 500. I have cables that control the amplifier for each radio. What can I use for a switch box to switch the cables into the amp? A VGA switch did not work. Doug K6JEY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 Erratic Band Changes
Dave; Do you get the Operate message on the K3 display before the band change? Might the K3 be transmitting when you hit the OPER button on the KPA? Use the KPA Utility to get a fast log file and send it my way. I am very interested in seeing the KPA’s current settings. I’m really puzzled at what might be going on. 73, Jack, W6FB > On Mar 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Dave wrote: > > K3 – KAT500 – KPA500 setup using AUX cables (2) to interconnect. All 3 > devices seem to be talking to each other just fine but when I go from STBY to > OPER on the amp, it changes bands and changes the band on the K3. It most > often goes to 28Mhz but not every time. I checked both cables for continuity > before connecting everything and they look fine. Has anyone seen anything > similar to this or experienced the same thing? Tnx es 73, Dave N8AG > > Sent from Mail for Windows > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA 500: No Output
Dave - Looking at your very nice website and the "Radio-end station setup," I'm wondering why you are using an external antenna switch? In my experience, especially for remote operation, you'll generally have a much more fool-proof installation using the KAT500's internal antenna switch. The way you're doing it, the KAT has no way to know which antenna it is supposed to be matching - and thereby could lead to many problems - including damage to the finals. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of dave ingebright Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2022 9:47 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA 500: No Output Hello-- I have a 3 yr old KPA500 that has just exhibited it's first problem. No amplification! I am remote controlling it via the remote client over the internet from 2000 miles away. Nothing has changed in the remote shack and no wiring has been disturbed. There is no output from the KPA on any band. I can see the 72 Volt B+, and the temp of the heatsink, and I can control the fan speed, so I have control of the unit. The client shows the exciter power through the amp and the SWR. There are no alarms and I have hit alarm reset and had the power plug pulled and reset. I'd guess the PTT line is somehow open but... asking if anyone has had a similar problem. tnx de dave WB7ELY My KPA500 page: https://www.valhallatreefarm.com/WB7ELY/kpa500/kpa500.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to l...@lnainc.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] KPA 500: No Output
If you have a camera pointing at the amp, look for the "*" when you key down... 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 12/13/22 07:47, dave ingebright wrote: Hello-- I have a 3 yr old KPA500 that has just exhibited it's first problem. No amplification! I am remote controlling it via the remote client over the internet from 2000 miles away. Nothing has changed in the remote shack and no wiring has been disturbed. There is no output from the KPA on any band. I can see the 72 Volt B+, and the temp of the heatsink, and I can control the fan speed, so I have control of the unit. The client shows the exciter power through the amp and the SWR. There are no alarms and I have hit alarm reset and had the power plug pulled and reset. I'd guess the PTT line is somehow open but... asking if anyone has had a similar problem. tnx de dave WB7ELY My KPA500 page: https://www.valhallatreefarm.com/WB7ELY/kpa500/kpa500.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 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] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300
FWIW, the FTdx101 series has among the very best CW bandwidths when set to 8 msec risetime. It beats the Kenwood TS890S by a good margin. I have a 60wpm spectrum analyzer sweep showing that. It was improved with the May 2021 firmware release which was after ARRL testing. This is a far cry from most all prior Yaesu rigs. On Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 11:05:08 AM MDT, Lyn Norstad wrote: Thanks for the data, Jim (and Victor) - Even though it significantly pre-dates the IC-7300, I respect your work and will assume it has relevance. So I am resetting the CW Rise Time to 8ms ... its slowest setting. That being said, I so seldom use CW it's pretty much a non-issue for me. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2022 2:55 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300 On 7/27/2022 12:08 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote: > CW Rise Time set to the default, 4ms (range 2ms - 8ms). This is MUCH too fast, very clicky. Even the slowest is much too clicky. See my analysis of ARRL Lab Test results done in 2014. This is all THEIR data, that they sent me in electronic form. http://k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf Kenwood is the cleanest of the JA transceivers, but the cleanest ones by a lot are Elecraft K3 and later, where they developed non-adjustable keying which Wayne has describes as "sigmoidal" or "raised cosine" shaping. He introduced it in 2007; Flex 6000 series when tested by ARRL (after my report) was pretty nasty, but they subsequently followed Elecraft's lead and got a LOT cleaner. What we CALL CW is really 100% amplitude modulation of a carrier by a rectangular wave train, and the harmonics from the transition excite IMD that is heard as clicks. I demonstrated this in another report presented using Power Point, but not intented as a Power Point talk. It's simply a convenient way of presenting the data. http://k9yc.com/FTDX5000_Report.pdf Slide 13 shows the unmodulated carrier, slide 14 shows an FTDX5000 sending dits at roughly 30 wpm. I purposely leaked an early version of this report to someone I suspected would make sure that Yaesu saw it. Within days of my publishing it, Yaesu released the firmware update documented by later slides. The only reason for giving hams adjustable rise time is MARKETING! BTW -- there are other very slick elements of Wayne's designs that drastically reduce their transmitted and received phase noise, most of which date back to 2007 in the earliest K3. You can see my earlier measurements of a neighbor's 7600 as he varied rise time. He's a GOOD neighbor; I have another with a 7600 who, for years, chewed up 10-20 kHz of the band on CW; K6XX and I, both running a K3 legal limit, 3 miles apart, can work within 500 Hz of each other and hear each other as simply another loud signal. These data are with the original K3, long before the improved synth board. 73, Jim K9YC 73, Jim K9YC 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 l...@lnainc.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 louand...@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] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300
Thanks for the data, Jim (and Victor) - Even though it significantly pre-dates the IC-7300, I respect your work and will assume it has relevance. So I am resetting the CW Rise Time to 8ms ... its slowest setting. That being said, I so seldom use CW it's pretty much a non-issue for me. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2022 2:55 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300 On 7/27/2022 12:08 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote: > CW Rise Time set to the default, 4ms (range 2ms - 8ms). This is MUCH too fast, very clicky. Even the slowest is much too clicky. See my analysis of ARRL Lab Test results done in 2014. This is all THEIR data, that they sent me in electronic form. http://k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf Kenwood is the cleanest of the JA transceivers, but the cleanest ones by a lot are Elecraft K3 and later, where they developed non-adjustable keying which Wayne has describes as "sigmoidal" or "raised cosine" shaping. He introduced it in 2007; Flex 6000 series when tested by ARRL (after my report) was pretty nasty, but they subsequently followed Elecraft's lead and got a LOT cleaner. What we CALL CW is really 100% amplitude modulation of a carrier by a rectangular wave train, and the harmonics from the transition excite IMD that is heard as clicks. I demonstrated this in another report presented using Power Point, but not intented as a Power Point talk. It's simply a convenient way of presenting the data. http://k9yc.com/FTDX5000_Report.pdf Slide 13 shows the unmodulated carrier, slide 14 shows an FTDX5000 sending dits at roughly 30 wpm. I purposely leaked an early version of this report to someone I suspected would make sure that Yaesu saw it. Within days of my publishing it, Yaesu released the firmware update documented by later slides. The only reason for giving hams adjustable rise time is MARKETING! BTW -- there are other very slick elements of Wayne's designs that drastically reduce their transmitted and received phase noise, most of which date back to 2007 in the earliest K3. You can see my earlier measurements of a neighbor's 7600 as he varied rise time. He's a GOOD neighbor; I have another with a 7600 who, for years, chewed up 10-20 kHz of the band on CW; K6XX and I, both running a K3 legal limit, 3 miles apart, can work within 500 Hz of each other and hear each other as simply another loud signal. These data are with the original K3, long before the improved synth board. 73, Jim K9YC 73, Jim K9YC 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 l...@lnainc.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] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300
On 7/27/2022 12:08 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote: CW Rise Time set to the default, 4ms (range 2ms - 8ms). This is MUCH too fast, very clicky. Even the slowest is much too clicky. See my analysis of ARRL Lab Test results done in 2014. This is all THEIR data, that they sent me in electronic form. http://k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf Kenwood is the cleanest of the JA transceivers, but the cleanest ones by a lot are Elecraft K3 and later, where they developed non-adjustable keying which Wayne has describes as "sigmoidal" or "raised cosine" shaping. He introduced it in 2007; Flex 6000 series when tested by ARRL (after my report) was pretty nasty, but they subsequently followed Elecraft's lead and got a LOT cleaner. What we CALL CW is really 100% amplitude modulation of a carrier by a rectangular wave train, and the harmonics from the transition excite IMD that is heard as clicks. I demonstrated this in another report presented using Power Point, but not intented as a Power Point talk. It's simply a convenient way of presenting the data. http://k9yc.com/FTDX5000_Report.pdf Slide 13 shows the unmodulated carrier, slide 14 shows an FTDX5000 sending dits at roughly 30 wpm. I purposely leaked an early version of this report to someone I suspected would make sure that Yaesu saw it. Within days of my publishing it, Yaesu released the firmware update documented by later slides. The only reason for giving hams adjustable rise time is MARKETING! BTW -- there are other very slick elements of Wayne's designs that drastically reduce their transmitted and received phase noise, most of which date back to 2007 in the earliest K3. You can see my earlier measurements of a neighbor's 7600 as he varied rise time. He's a GOOD neighbor; I have another with a 7600 who, for years, chewed up 10-20 kHz of the band on CW; K6XX and I, both running a K3 legal limit, 3 miles apart, can work within 500 Hz of each other and hear each other as simply another loud signal. These data are with the original K3, long before the improved synth board. 73, Jim K9YC 73, Jim K9YC 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] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300
The KPA would be fine with 8ms delay, and 4ms rise time is most likely clicky. 6 would be better. Victor 4X6GP On Wed, Jul 27, 2022, 22:10 Lyn Norstad wrote: > Tom - > > I am running the 7300 with KPA/KAT500 and have the TX Delay on the 7300 > set for 15ms on both HF and 50MHz (the range is 0 - 30ms), and the CW Rise > Time set to the default, 4ms (range 2ms - 8ms). > > On the KPA500, I have TR set to 00. > > Hope that helps. > > 73 > Lyn, WØLEN > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto: > elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tom N4LSJ > Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 8:39 PM > To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300 > > I've been on the internet and can find IC-7300 TX Delay, CW Rise Time > settings for other amplifiers pretty easily. There don't appear to be > any for -specifically- the IC-7300 and KPA-500. Are there "officially > sanctioned" settings for that combination? I feel it may be overkill to > use 30ms when 10ms TX delay may suffice. Is there also a suggested CW > rise time from Elecraft? > > The KPA-500 also has a "TR TIME" settings from 0 to 50 as well. Does > that need to be set for the 7300? > > I -DO- have a KAT-500 and the whole get-up is hooked as per the > documentation on Elecraft's FTP site, e.g. the key line going to the > tuner, then the amp. That document says nothing regarding timing. > > 73 to all! > > Tom N4LSJ. > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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 l...@lnainc.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 k2vco@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] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300
Tom - I am running the 7300 with KPA/KAT500 and have the TX Delay on the 7300 set for 15ms on both HF and 50MHz (the range is 0 - 30ms), and the CW Rise Time set to the default, 4ms (range 2ms - 8ms). On the KPA500, I have TR set to 00. Hope that helps. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tom N4LSJ Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 8:39 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300 I've been on the internet and can find IC-7300 TX Delay, CW Rise Time settings for other amplifiers pretty easily. There don't appear to be any for -specifically- the IC-7300 and KPA-500. Are there "officially sanctioned" settings for that combination? I feel it may be overkill to use 30ms when 10ms TX delay may suffice. Is there also a suggested CW rise time from Elecraft? The KPA-500 also has a "TR TIME" settings from 0 to 50 as well. Does that need to be set for the 7300? I -DO- have a KAT-500 and the whole get-up is hooked as per the documentation on Elecraft's FTP site, e.g. the key line going to the tuner, then the amp. That document says nothing regarding timing. 73 to all! Tom N4LSJ. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 l...@lnainc.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] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300
t5he ic7300 does have an RF tail, which has recently been discussed in the ic7300 group on groups.io extract from there: Hello Adam, As you requested, I have updated the page with the new 'scope trace. http://wb6bbb.com/Icom_IC-7300/index.html The entire web page, including thumbnail and full-size images, is available in this 52.1 MB zip file: http://wb6bbb.com/Icom_IC-7300/Icom%20IC-7300%20Hot-switch%20Mitigation.zip Thank you for your support. Best regards, Larry WB6BBB PS: I've attached a PDF file of the main page (without the Disclaimer page), but unlike Adam's PDF, the images do not link to the web page when clicked. Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote: > The TRTime parameter sets the time the KPA takes to transition from TX to > RX - this is specifically for transmitters that may continue to output RF > for a short time after their PTT line becomes inactive. For the K3, K3S > and K4 that time is very short, which means the KPA can transition > immediately from RX to TX (it takes less than 1 mSec). There are some > transceivers that start the key up process when the PTT line becomes > inactive. I don’t know what the 7300 does in this case - hopefully others > on the list have this information and can tell us. > -- Brian D G3VGZ G8AOE G3T IO94im __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300
The KPA500 is a QSK amplifier. It switches from RX to TX very rapidly (about 2 mSec) in order to allow QSK operation of the station. The TRTime parameter sets the time the KPA takes to transition from TX to RX - this is specifically for transmitters that may continue to output RF for a short time after their PTT line becomes inactive. For the K3, K3S and K4 that time is very short, which means the KPA can transition immediately from RX to TX (it takes less than 1 mSec). There are some transceivers that start the key up process when the PTT line becomes inactive. I don’t know what the 7300 does in this case - hopefully others on the list have this information and can tell us. 73, Jack, W6FB > On Jul 26, 2022, at 8:39 PM, Tom N4LSJ wrote: > > I've been on the internet and can find IC-7300 TX Delay, CW Rise Time > settings for other amplifiers pretty easily. There don't appear to be any > for -specifically- the IC-7300 and KPA-500. Are there "officially > sanctioned" settings for that combination? I feel it may be overkill to use > 30ms when 10ms TX delay may suffice. Is there also a suggested CW rise time > from Elecraft? > > The KPA-500 also has a "TR TIME" settings from 0 to 50 as well. Does that > need to be set for the 7300? > > I -DO- have a KAT-500 and the whole get-up is hooked as per the documentation > on Elecraft's FTP site, e.g. the key line going to the tuner, then the amp. > That document says nothing regarding timing. > > 73 to all! > > Tom N4LSJ. > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 Line-Voltage Issues
I had to add a soft-start relay to my Astron RS-70A power supply to keep it from popping a 16a breaker when using it on 50 Hz. But otherwise it works fine with the transformer wired for 240v. 73, Victor, 4X6GP Rehovot, Israel Formerly K2VCO CWops no. 5 http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ On 07-Jul-2022 01:01, Josh Fiden wrote: Transformer core can saturate if line frequency is too low. Except I’d be certain KPA-500 uses the same transformer for export to 50Hz countries so your variations are fine. Many years ago when I was young & dumb discovered this the hard way. Customers would take products with 120v/60Hz line xfrs and run them in Europe 240V/50Hz with a step-down transformer. They would saturate, overheat & pop fuses. 73, Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device On Jul 6, 2022, at 12:51 PM, Dick Bingham wrote: Greetings everyone I hesitate to use my KPA-500 here at this CN98pi QTH. LIne frequency here varies daily between 58.xx-to-61.yy Hz __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 k2vco@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] KPA-500 Line-Voltage Issues
and, though not always well known, ferrite cores in transformers for feeding antennas can also saturate with excess RF power. The resulting RF din can be discouraging to neighbor hams and folks watching TV. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County Josh Fiden wrote on 7/6/2022 3:01 PM: Transformer core can saturate if line frequency is too low. Except I’d be certain KPA-500 uses the same transformer for export to 50Hz countries so your variations are fine. Many years ago when I was young & dumb discovered this the hard way. Customers would take products with 120v/60Hz line xfrs and run them in Europe 240V/50Hz with a step-down transformer. They would saturate, overheat & pop fuses. 73, Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device -- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.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] KPA-500 Line-Voltage Issues
Transformer core can saturate if line frequency is too low. Except I’d be certain KPA-500 uses the same transformer for export to 50Hz countries so your variations are fine. Many years ago when I was young & dumb discovered this the hard way. Customers would take products with 120v/60Hz line xfrs and run them in Europe 240V/50Hz with a step-down transformer. They would saturate, overheat & pop fuses. 73, Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device > On Jul 6, 2022, at 12:51 PM, Dick Bingham wrote: > > Greetings everyone > > I hesitate to use my KPA-500 here at this CN98pi QTH. LIne frequency here > varies daily between 58.xx-to-61.yy Hz __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
With all the various pieces of information in this discussion, let’s answer things correctly. First, is hardwired cabling needed? The answer is no, it is definitely not. The KPA500 always counts the RF frequency and will switch to the counted band if it does not agree with whatever else it sees. If the input frequency from a cable says 10 meters, but the counted frequency is for 15 meters, the amplifier _will_ switch to 15 meters. This is to make sure that we are always on the band for which RF iS coming in. So, is there any advantage to having the hard-wired cable? Yes, a slight one. To answer this, let me explain how the band switching occurs. When the amplifier detects, and confirms that RF is coming into the input port on a band different than what it was last using, it will institute a band change. This causes the KPA to drop out of amplifying, then switch bands, and then re-enable amplification. This takes 17 milliseconds to accomplish. What this means is that you will lose a portion of the first CW character. If you were sending a W, you will get a shortened dit. If you were sending at high speed, you might end up with an M. Considering that this happens rarely (just on band changes), you probably won’t object to the shortened dit (or dah). Note that the count is always verified (at least two valid counts must match as I recall). So, what is the recommended usage? As I note, it works with a cable, or without. You just need the PTT input connected to the transceiver so that the KPA knows when to go into transmit. Can there be problems with not using a frequency cable? The KPA does a remarkable job of protecting itself. You don’t want to make a habit of transmitting into the amplifier at 100 watts, or you could damage the front end protection. But, in general it works just fine without problems. So, what do _I_ use? I have the very first KPA, and another that is a couple of years old. I use a K3-compatible band cable with my amplifiers. The biggest reason is that I am constantly testing my amplifiers (even while using them in a contest), and want to make sure everything is working just fine. After more than ten years, no problems. I do test them without the cable at times as well.In general, when you hear me in a contest, it is with the cables in use. Thus, both ways work great. If you try it without a band cable and are troubled by the shortened dit, then build (or buy) a cable. Otherwise, just enjoy the KPA500. We worked very hard on the protection circuits and processor code, and it does a very good job of taking care of itself. 73, Jack, W6FB > On Mar 22, 2022, at 4:24 AM, F5vjc wrote: > > What is the advantage of using a band switching cable between the > transceiver and the KPA500 over just relying on the RF sensing function? > > I want to drive my KPA500 from an FTDX 101D, is a cable the better way to > go? > > 73 F5VJC > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
Ken You got me thinking. With my pair of K3’s and KPA500 and 1500 I can’t remember the last time I used a rig or amp to select a band. I usually use a logging or contesting program to click on a callout or type in a freq. N2TK, Tony Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 23, 2022, at 5:00 PM, Ken K6MR wrote: > > "They are a "bandaid" for the lack of band buttons on the K3." > > I've always considered "band buttons" on any radio to be the worst possible > use of front panel space I can think of. I always operate with a logging > program open, and it's far easier to just type in the frequency I want > without removing my hands from the keyboard. > > I think with the amplifier they just had so much front panel space available > that they just couldn't think of anything else to put there. In the years > I've had KPA500s and a KPA1500 I have yet to touch them. To each his own. > > Ken K6MR > > > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net on > behalf of Andy Durbin > Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2022 1:18 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] KPA 500 > > "It’s also worth mentioning that if the radio and the amp are hard wired > together, changing the band using the buttons on the front of the amp > automatically changes the band on the radio." > > It should be possible to disable the KPA 500 band buttons but it isn't. They > are a "bandaid" for the lack of band buttons on the K3. The best I could do > was set the KPA 500 back to TS-590 TX frequency in under 1 second if a KPA > 500 band button was accidentally pressed. > > 0:06:08.474 New KPA_band - ^BN03; > 0:06:08.590 Sending ^BN08; to KPA500 > 0:06:08.975 New KPA_band - ^BN08; > > > 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 k...@outlook.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 tony@verizon.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] KPA 500
During field day, I've seen unwanted leakage change the band on the amp from another transmitter during the receiving cycle. Another good reason to hard-wire it. email: b...@wjschmidt.com -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Wes Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2022 4:26 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Hmm. I used to joke that I bought a KPA500 just so I could switch bands on my K3 without accidentally changing the VOX setting. N7WS On 3/23/2022 1:58 PM, Ken K6MR wrote: > "They are a "bandaid" for the lack of band buttons on the K3." > > I've always considered "band buttons" on any radio to be the worst possible > use of front panel space I can think of. I always operate with a logging > program open, and it's far easier to just type in the frequency I want > without removing my hands from the keyboard. > > I think with the amplifier they just had so much front panel space available > that they just couldn't think of anything else to put there. In the years > I've had KPA500s and a KPA1500 I have yet to touch them. To each his own. > > Ken K6MR > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 b...@wjschmidt.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] KPA 500
Hmm. I used to joke that I bought a KPA500 just so I could switch bands on my K3 without accidentally changing the VOX setting. N7WS On 3/23/2022 1:58 PM, Ken K6MR wrote: "They are a "bandaid" for the lack of band buttons on the K3." I've always considered "band buttons" on any radio to be the worst possible use of front panel space I can think of. I always operate with a logging program open, and it's far easier to just type in the frequency I want without removing my hands from the keyboard. I think with the amplifier they just had so much front panel space available that they just couldn't think of anything else to put there. In the years I've had KPA500s and a KPA1500 I have yet to touch them. To each his own. Ken K6MR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
"They are a "bandaid" for the lack of band buttons on the K3." I've always considered "band buttons" on any radio to be the worst possible use of front panel space I can think of. I always operate with a logging program open, and it's far easier to just type in the frequency I want without removing my hands from the keyboard. I think with the amplifier they just had so much front panel space available that they just couldn't think of anything else to put there. In the years I've had KPA500s and a KPA1500 I have yet to touch them. To each his own. Ken K6MR From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net on behalf of Andy Durbin Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2022 1:18 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA 500 "It’s also worth mentioning that if the radio and the amp are hard wired together, changing the band using the buttons on the front of the amp automatically changes the band on the radio." It should be possible to disable the KPA 500 band buttons but it isn't. They are a "bandaid" for the lack of band buttons on the K3. The best I could do was set the KPA 500 back to TS-590 TX frequency in under 1 second if a KPA 500 band button was accidentally pressed. 0:06:08.474 New KPA_band - ^BN03; 0:06:08.590 Sending ^BN08; to KPA500 0:06:08.975 New KPA_band - ^BN08; 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 k...@outlook.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] KPA 500
It’s also worth mentioning that if the radio and the amp are hard wired together, changing the band using the buttons on the front of the amp automatically changes the band on the radio. Richard W4KBX > With the band switching cable between the radio and amp, the amp follows the > receiver frequency/band. Thus it is not necessary key the radio or to > transmit anything. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
Although I have a K3 and a K3S, they are relegated to backup service to my Kenwood TS-890. A number of us Kenwood users also have KPA500 and KAT500s. We are using mostly home-built cables for interconnection. If you don't have the KAT500 then RF sensing is probably good enough. The advantage to the cable when the KAT500 is employed is that it can be preset to the band and tuning solution, when the transceiver changes frequency, without transmitting. This is particularly handy when just listening. Wes N7WS On 3/22/2022 11:31 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote: A long time ago I used a KPA500 with a Yaesu FT1000MP and the RF sensing worked perfectly. Perhaps if you have a KAT500 and are using different antenna ports or have very out of tune antennas there may be an advantage to having cable control but otherwise I would not worry about it. John KK9A F5vjc wrote: transceiver and the KPA500 over just relying on the RF sensing function? I want to drive my KPA500 from an FTDX 101D, is a cable the better way to go? 73 F5VJC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 wes_n...@triconet.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
A long time ago I used a KPA500 with a Yaesu FT1000MP and the RF sensing worked perfectly. Perhaps if you have a KAT500 and are using different antenna ports or have very out of tune antennas there may be an advantage to having cable control but otherwise I would not worry about it. John KK9A F5vjc wrote: transceiver and the KPA500 over just relying on the RF sensing function? I want to drive my KPA500 from an FTDX 101D, is a cable the better way to go? 73 F5VJC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
On 3/22/2022 2:24 AM, F5vjc wrote: What is the advantage of using a band switching cable between the transceiver and the KPA500 over just relying on the RF sensing function? I've never used one. A tap on the mic or a dit is all that is needed. 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] KPA 500
On 2022-03-22 02:24, F5vjc wrote: What is the advantage of using a band switching cable between the transceiver and the KPA500 over just relying on the RF sensing function? Do you trust that RF sensing function? REALLY trust it? Because if you transmit into the wrong LPF, it can be Game Over for the PA transistors. I went through three sets of expensive LDMOS devices on my Medium Linear project before I bit the bullet and hooked up the band data from my FTDX10. With the band data hooked up, the linear is always set to the correct band. Even before you transmit. - Jerry KF6VB I want to drive my KPA500 from an FTDX 101D, is a cable the better way to go? 73 F5VJC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 je...@tr2.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] KPA 500 for Sale
Do you have a price in mind? On Tue, Oct 19, 2021, 16:47 John Pierce via Elecraft < elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote: > Excellent Condition, light usage. > > > > AD2F > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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 ju...@juliatuttle.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] KPA-500 270V ERR
Well, at the risk of offending Fred ... A PIN diode has an intrinsic (I) region between the P and N junctions. The I region is almost completely undoped and therefore the carrier lifetimes are long relative to the frequency of the signal being switched. A PIN diode is turned on with CURRENT bias, and as long as the signal current is less than the bias current the carriers live long enough in the I region that the signal just swishes the carriers back and forth without the diode ever becoming reverse biased ... and that holds pretty much no matter what the signal peak to peak voltage is. You turn off a PIN by removing the bias current ... or better yet, reversing it to pull out the carriers. The hard part of making a normal PIN diode is that you have to start with an intrinsic wafer and then diffuse first from one side and then the other side ... and while you're diffusing the second side the dopant from the first side wants to contaminate the I region. (There are other techniques but they get even weirder). A PN diode, on the other hand, is forward biased (i.e., "on") as long as the control VOLTAGE exceeds the signal voltage. As soon as the voltage across the diode reverses, mobile carriers are soon swept out of the junction area and the diode becomes reverse biased and shuts off. As you say, that reverse bias could from either the control voltage OR a higher than expected signal voltage if the reverse peaks of the signal voltage exceed the control voltage. How fast all of that that happens depends upon the carrier lifetimes in the junction region and the frequency of the signal being switched. Fast switching diodes are built with high doping levels to give a narrow junction and short carrier lifetimes, but some high voltage diodes have low doping levels, wide junctions, and therefore moderately slow carrier recombination times. If it just happens that the carrier lifetimes are long enough compared to the signal frequency, it can work. However, I think it's generally bad practice to use a standard diode as a PIN because unexpectedly high signal voltages can reverse bias the diode and create signal distortion ... plus the fact that diode manufacturers are NOT designing standard diodes for use as a PIN diode, and they are NOT specifically trying to control carrier lifetimes during fabrication. A pair of high voltage switching diodes can both fully meet the data sheet specs, while one works quite a bit better than the other when used as a PIN. That which works with today's batch might not work with tomorrow's. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 3:58 PM, jerry wrote: On 2021-08-26 15:19, David Gilbert wrote: Pedantic? If those were truly PIN diodes like you called them the 270v bias wouldn't have been used there. Actually, I'm finding this interesting. So with real PIN diodes, you don't have to strongly bias them off? The HV is obtained in various ways. W6JL does diode switching with a tube amp, so he has ample HV available. My K2 has a crystal oscillator feeding a toroid transformer and a voltage multiplier. Hans Summers uses a voltage doubler running off the RF output of his amplifier. I have heard discussions of people using fluorescent ballast transformers. A complication is that the voltage at a transmitter output - even though it's nominal 50 ohms - can rise quite high with high SWR, especially in the "looks like an open circuit" direction. So even though modern LDMOS PA transistors are rated to tolerate extremely high SWRs, your equipment is limited to the SWR that produces a voltage lower than the diode bias. Hans Summers' design is elegant - since he's rectifying and multiplying the RF itself, the DC is guaranteed to be higher than the RF itself. Only thing is - there is surely a delay in creating that bias. I will say that the QRP-labs approach somehow results in the cleanest, most transparent-sounding QSK I've ever heard. Better than my K2. But it's only one band, the selectivity is just ok, and it has no AGC... - Jerry KF6VB Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 2:56 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: This morphed into a pedantic discussion of solid state diodes. Chuck's original question was about the 270 V error. I'm fairly sure the only purpose for the 270 V in a KPA500 is bias for the T-R switch. He asked for suggestions. The T-R switch and the source for the 270 V might be a good place to start troubleshooting. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 2:23 PM, David Gilbert wrote: High voltage rectifier diodes would have very low doped N-regions, which means fairly long carrier lifetimes so no doubt they work somewhat like a PIN diode if properly biased. But they aren't really the same thing, and I still say that a PIN diode has performance advantages in many situations. They are more difficult and costly to build, though. I used to manage a large
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 270V ERR
On 2021-08-26 15:19, David Gilbert wrote: Pedantic? If those were truly PIN diodes like you called them the 270v bias wouldn't have been used there. Actually, I'm finding this interesting. So with real PIN diodes, you don't have to strongly bias them off? The HV is obtained in various ways. W6JL does diode switching with a tube amp, so he has ample HV available. My K2 has a crystal oscillator feeding a toroid transformer and a voltage multiplier. Hans Summers uses a voltage doubler running off the RF output of his amplifier. I have heard discussions of people using fluorescent ballast transformers. A complication is that the voltage at a transmitter output - even though it's nominal 50 ohms - can rise quite high with high SWR, especially in the "looks like an open circuit" direction. So even though modern LDMOS PA transistors are rated to tolerate extremely high SWRs, your equipment is limited to the SWR that produces a voltage lower than the diode bias. Hans Summers' design is elegant - since he's rectifying and multiplying the RF itself, the DC is guaranteed to be higher than the RF itself. Only thing is - there is surely a delay in creating that bias. I will say that the QRP-labs approach somehow results in the cleanest, most transparent-sounding QSK I've ever heard. Better than my K2. But it's only one band, the selectivity is just ok, and it has no AGC... - Jerry KF6VB Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 2:56 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: This morphed into a pedantic discussion of solid state diodes. Chuck's original question was about the 270 V error. I'm fairly sure the only purpose for the 270 V in a KPA500 is bias for the T-R switch. He asked for suggestions. The T-R switch and the source for the 270 V might be a good place to start troubleshooting. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 2:23 PM, David Gilbert wrote: High voltage rectifier diodes would have very low doped N-regions, which means fairly long carrier lifetimes so no doubt they work somewhat like a PIN diode if properly biased. But they aren't really the same thing, and I still say that a PIN diode has performance advantages in many situations. They are more difficult and costly to build, though. I used to manage a large semiconductor entity that manufactured these things. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 2:05 PM, jerry wrote: Using 1N4007's and 1N5208's ( I could have the last # wrong ) as "Poor Man PIN diodes" is pretty established practice in the amateur community. Look up W6JL on QRZ.com. He has an extensive article about it on his page there. Also Hans Summers of qrp-labs uses them in his 50W QSK amplifier. Apparently, these kilovolt rectifiers behave very much like PIN diodes, at speed. - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-08-26 11:46, David Gilbert wrote: That sounds odd to me. True PIN diodes are current actuated devices. The carrier lifetimes are long enough that the devices are "on" even if the signal peaks exceed the voltage of the control current ... as long, of course, as the control current exceeds the signal current. On the other hand, I've heard that Elecraft has sometimes used regular switching diodes instead of PINs, and for those you need a voltage that exceeds the peak voltage of whatever you're switching. Both types of diodes have their place ... using one where the other works better is not good practice. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 11:33 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: I think the 270 V circuit is DC bias for the PIN diodes in the TR-switch. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 10:32 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote: My KPA-500 has been running great for several years. Recently I noticed it was making the occasional extra "click" or "thunk" upon powering up or down. Usually it would "click" when powered up and again when powered down, but recently a few seconds after the first click there would be another one, maybe more of a thunk sound. This afternoon I turned it on and when I pushed the Operate/Standby button I got a fault light and the 270V ERR message on the display. The menu HV option shows 68.4V, varying a bit, on my 240V line. I put it on the bench and opened up the top cover. There is a smell of overheated components, maybe burnt but more like too hot. I've submitted the contact form on the Elecraft support page. Any suggestions? For now, I'm running barefoot... 73 de Chuck, WS1L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 ab7e...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://m
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 270V ERR
Pedantic? If those were truly PIN diodes like you called them the 270v bias wouldn't have been used there. Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 2:56 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: This morphed into a pedantic discussion of solid state diodes. Chuck's original question was about the 270 V error. I'm fairly sure the only purpose for the 270 V in a KPA500 is bias for the T-R switch. He asked for suggestions. The T-R switch and the source for the 270 V might be a good place to start troubleshooting. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 2:23 PM, David Gilbert wrote: High voltage rectifier diodes would have very low doped N-regions, which means fairly long carrier lifetimes so no doubt they work somewhat like a PIN diode if properly biased. But they aren't really the same thing, and I still say that a PIN diode has performance advantages in many situations. They are more difficult and costly to build, though. I used to manage a large semiconductor entity that manufactured these things. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 2:05 PM, jerry wrote: Using 1N4007's and 1N5208's ( I could have the last # wrong ) as "Poor Man PIN diodes" is pretty established practice in the amateur community. Look up W6JL on QRZ.com. He has an extensive article about it on his page there. Also Hans Summers of qrp-labs uses them in his 50W QSK amplifier. Apparently, these kilovolt rectifiers behave very much like PIN diodes, at speed. - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-08-26 11:46, David Gilbert wrote: That sounds odd to me. True PIN diodes are current actuated devices. The carrier lifetimes are long enough that the devices are "on" even if the signal peaks exceed the voltage of the control current ... as long, of course, as the control current exceeds the signal current. On the other hand, I've heard that Elecraft has sometimes used regular switching diodes instead of PINs, and for those you need a voltage that exceeds the peak voltage of whatever you're switching. Both types of diodes have their place ... using one where the other works better is not good practice. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 11:33 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: I think the 270 V circuit is DC bias for the PIN diodes in the TR-switch. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 10:32 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote: My KPA-500 has been running great for several years. Recently I noticed it was making the occasional extra "click" or "thunk" upon powering up or down. Usually it would "click" when powered up and again when powered down, but recently a few seconds after the first click there would be another one, maybe more of a thunk sound. This afternoon I turned it on and when I pushed the Operate/Standby button I got a fault light and the 270V ERR message on the display. The menu HV option shows 68.4V, varying a bit, on my 240V line. I put it on the bench and opened up the top cover. There is a smell of overheated components, maybe burnt but more like too hot. I've submitted the contact form on the Elecraft support page. Any suggestions? For now, I'm running barefoot... 73 de Chuck, WS1L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 ab7e...@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] KPA-500 270V ERR
This morphed into a pedantic discussion of solid state diodes. Chuck's original question was about the 270 V error. I'm fairly sure the only purpose for the 270 V in a KPA500 is bias for the T-R switch. He asked for suggestions. The T-R switch and the source for the 270 V might be a good place to start troubleshooting. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 2:23 PM, David Gilbert wrote: High voltage rectifier diodes would have very low doped N-regions, which means fairly long carrier lifetimes so no doubt they work somewhat like a PIN diode if properly biased. But they aren't really the same thing, and I still say that a PIN diode has performance advantages in many situations. They are more difficult and costly to build, though. I used to manage a large semiconductor entity that manufactured these things. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 2:05 PM, jerry wrote: Using 1N4007's and 1N5208's ( I could have the last # wrong ) as "Poor Man PIN diodes" is pretty established practice in the amateur community. Look up W6JL on QRZ.com. He has an extensive article about it on his page there. Also Hans Summers of qrp-labs uses them in his 50W QSK amplifier. Apparently, these kilovolt rectifiers behave very much like PIN diodes, at speed. - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-08-26 11:46, David Gilbert wrote: That sounds odd to me. True PIN diodes are current actuated devices. The carrier lifetimes are long enough that the devices are "on" even if the signal peaks exceed the voltage of the control current ... as long, of course, as the control current exceeds the signal current. On the other hand, I've heard that Elecraft has sometimes used regular switching diodes instead of PINs, and for those you need a voltage that exceeds the peak voltage of whatever you're switching. Both types of diodes have their place ... using one where the other works better is not good practice. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 11:33 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: I think the 270 V circuit is DC bias for the PIN diodes in the TR-switch. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 10:32 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote: My KPA-500 has been running great for several years. Recently I noticed it was making the occasional extra "click" or "thunk" upon powering up or down. Usually it would "click" when powered up and again when powered down, but recently a few seconds after the first click there would be another one, maybe more of a thunk sound. This afternoon I turned it on and when I pushed the Operate/Standby button I got a fault light and the 270V ERR message on the display. The menu HV option shows 68.4V, varying a bit, on my 240V line. I put it on the bench and opened up the top cover. There is a smell of overheated components, maybe burnt but more like too hot. I've submitted the contact form on the Elecraft support page. Any suggestions? For now, I'm running barefoot... 73 de Chuck, WS1L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 270V ERR
High voltage rectifier diodes would have very low doped N-regions, which means fairly long carrier lifetimes so no doubt they work somewhat like a PIN diode if properly biased. But they aren't really the same thing, and I still say that a PIN diode has performance advantages in many situations. They are more difficult and costly to build, though. I used to manage a large semiconductor entity that manufactured these things. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 2:05 PM, jerry wrote: Using 1N4007's and 1N5208's ( I could have the last # wrong ) as "Poor Man PIN diodes" is pretty established practice in the amateur community. Look up W6JL on QRZ.com. He has an extensive article about it on his page there. Also Hans Summers of qrp-labs uses them in his 50W QSK amplifier. Apparently, these kilovolt rectifiers behave very much like PIN diodes, at speed. - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-08-26 11:46, David Gilbert wrote: That sounds odd to me. True PIN diodes are current actuated devices. The carrier lifetimes are long enough that the devices are "on" even if the signal peaks exceed the voltage of the control current ... as long, of course, as the control current exceeds the signal current. On the other hand, I've heard that Elecraft has sometimes used regular switching diodes instead of PINs, and for those you need a voltage that exceeds the peak voltage of whatever you're switching. Both types of diodes have their place ... using one where the other works better is not good practice. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 11:33 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: I think the 270 V circuit is DC bias for the PIN diodes in the TR-switch. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 10:32 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote: My KPA-500 has been running great for several years. Recently I noticed it was making the occasional extra "click" or "thunk" upon powering up or down. Usually it would "click" when powered up and again when powered down, but recently a few seconds after the first click there would be another one, maybe more of a thunk sound. This afternoon I turned it on and when I pushed the Operate/Standby button I got a fault light and the 270V ERR message on the display. The menu HV option shows 68.4V, varying a bit, on my 240V line. I put it on the bench and opened up the top cover. There is a smell of overheated components, maybe burnt but more like too hot. I've submitted the contact form on the Elecraft support page. Any suggestions? For now, I'm running barefoot... 73 de Chuck, WS1L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 ab7e...@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 je...@tr2.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] KPA-500 270V ERR
Using 1N4007's and 1N5208's ( I could have the last # wrong ) as "Poor Man PIN diodes" is pretty established practice in the amateur community. Look up W6JL on QRZ.com. He has an extensive article about it on his page there. Also Hans Summers of qrp-labs uses them in his 50W QSK amplifier. Apparently, these kilovolt rectifiers behave very much like PIN diodes, at speed. - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-08-26 11:46, David Gilbert wrote: That sounds odd to me. True PIN diodes are current actuated devices. The carrier lifetimes are long enough that the devices are "on" even if the signal peaks exceed the voltage of the control current ... as long, of course, as the control current exceeds the signal current. On the other hand, I've heard that Elecraft has sometimes used regular switching diodes instead of PINs, and for those you need a voltage that exceeds the peak voltage of whatever you're switching. Both types of diodes have their place ... using one where the other works better is not good practice. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 11:33 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: I think the 270 V circuit is DC bias for the PIN diodes in the TR-switch. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 10:32 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote: My KPA-500 has been running great for several years. Recently I noticed it was making the occasional extra "click" or "thunk" upon powering up or down. Usually it would "click" when powered up and again when powered down, but recently a few seconds after the first click there would be another one, maybe more of a thunk sound. This afternoon I turned it on and when I pushed the Operate/Standby button I got a fault light and the 270V ERR message on the display. The menu HV option shows 68.4V, varying a bit, on my 240V line. I put it on the bench and opened up the top cover. There is a smell of overheated components, maybe burnt but more like too hot. I've submitted the contact form on the Elecraft support page. Any suggestions? For now, I'm running barefoot... 73 de Chuck, WS1L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 ab7e...@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 je...@tr2.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] KPA-500 270V ERR
My schematic shows TR Switch diode type is S1M. Datasheet easily found on-line. I doubt this has any influence of 270 V failure. 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 270V ERR
That sounds odd to me. True PIN diodes are current actuated devices. The carrier lifetimes are long enough that the devices are "on" even if the signal peaks exceed the voltage of the control current ... as long, of course, as the control current exceeds the signal current. On the other hand, I've heard that Elecraft has sometimes used regular switching diodes instead of PINs, and for those you need a voltage that exceeds the peak voltage of whatever you're switching. Both types of diodes have their place ... using one where the other works better is not good practice. 73, Dave AB7E On 8/26/2021 11:33 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: I think the 270 V circuit is DC bias for the PIN diodes in the TR-switch. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 10:32 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote: My KPA-500 has been running great for several years. Recently I noticed it was making the occasional extra "click" or "thunk" upon powering up or down. Usually it would "click" when powered up and again when powered down, but recently a few seconds after the first click there would be another one, maybe more of a thunk sound. This afternoon I turned it on and when I pushed the Operate/Standby button I got a fault light and the 270V ERR message on the display. The menu HV option shows 68.4V, varying a bit, on my 240V line. I put it on the bench and opened up the top cover. There is a smell of overheated components, maybe burnt but more like too hot. I've submitted the contact form on the Elecraft support page. Any suggestions? For now, I'm running barefoot... 73 de Chuck, WS1L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 ab7e...@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] KPA-500 270V ERR
I think the 270 V circuit is DC bias for the PIN diodes in the TR-switch. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 8/26/2021 10:32 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote: My KPA-500 has been running great for several years. Recently I noticed it was making the occasional extra "click" or "thunk" upon powering up or down. Usually it would "click" when powered up and again when powered down, but recently a few seconds after the first click there would be another one, maybe more of a thunk sound. This afternoon I turned it on and when I pushed the Operate/Standby button I got a fault light and the 270V ERR message on the display. The menu HV option shows 68.4V, varying a bit, on my 240V line. I put it on the bench and opened up the top cover. There is a smell of overheated components, maybe burnt but more like too hot. I've submitted the contact form on the Elecraft support page. Any suggestions? For now, I'm running barefoot... 73 de Chuck, WS1L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 Codan Envoy
maybe the real questions are will the KPA500 work withan ALE requirement Band jumping and other cool stuff are essential for ALE. On 6/29/2020 11:52 AM, Mark Goldberg wrote: I think as a Ham, you can use anything you want on the Ham bands. As a manufacturer to sell it, it may need type acceptance for the service it is intended to be used in. Lots of people use aviation HF rigs on the Ham bands and you can use an amp that works on 11M or with more than the allowable gain. A manufacturer can't sell that for use in the Ham bands, but an individual Ham can use anything as long as it is operated within the regulations. I know a friend that has a huge amplifier capable of maybe 10kW. He got a visit from the FCC (long ago, don't think they care now). He showed them how it was correctly operated within the regs and how he had the ability to measure it and assure it was. The FCC guy wished him a good day. Other services where the operator is not technical and has not passed a technical exam require radios type accepted for that service as I understand things. 73, Mark W7MLG On Mon, Jun 29, 2020 at 7:47 AM Lyn Norstad wrote: Maybe Bob wants to use the Envoy 2 on the ham bands. I'm not familiar with the Codan line of military/business transceivers, but I see that model does have transmit coverage from 1.6 to 30 MHz. Perhaps the real question is whether it would be legal to use that rig on the ham bands. Since it can apparently cover the 160 - 10m bands without modification, wouldn't it need to be type accepted? 73 Lyn, W0LEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mark Goldberg Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 9:09 AM To: Bob Morgan Cc: Elecraft Mailing List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Codan Envoy That is not a Ham radio. Is it legal to use an amplifier type accepted for Ham radio for other services? 73, Mark W7MLG On Mon, Jun 29, 2020 at 6:49 AM Bob Morgan wrote: I would like to know if any in the group has used the KPA 500 with a Codan Envoy 2. Any help would be much appreciated. Bob Morgan KJ4SV 865 207 9568 -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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 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 l...@lnainc.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...@arrl.net -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 Codan Envoy
" Perhaps the real question is whether it would be legal to use that rig on the ham bands. Since it can apparently cover the 160 - 10m bands without modification, wouldn't it need to be type accepted?" Only if the company's intention was to sell specifically to the HAM community. They of course, have the OK for their existing market. Also, any licensed ham could use this radio if it was obtained on the "used" market. If this were NOT legal, we could therefore, not use commercial an old BC transmitter for legal limit AM. Or, for that matter ANY radio not designated for HAM use.obviously, NOT the case. 73, Charlie k3ICH -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Lyn Norstad Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 10:47 AM To: 'Mark Goldberg' ; 'Bob Morgan' Cc: 'Elecraft Mailing List' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Codan Envoy Maybe Bob wants to use the Envoy 2 on the ham bands. I'm not familiar with the Codan line of military/business transceivers, but I see that model does have transmit coverage from 1.6 to 30 MHz. Perhaps the real question is whether it would be legal to use that rig on the ham bands. Since it can apparently cover the 160 - 10m bands without modification, wouldn't it need to be type accepted? 73 Lyn, W0LEN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 Codan Envoy
I think as a Ham, you can use anything you want on the Ham bands. As a manufacturer to sell it, it may need type acceptance for the service it is intended to be used in. Lots of people use aviation HF rigs on the Ham bands and you can use an amp that works on 11M or with more than the allowable gain. A manufacturer can't sell that for use in the Ham bands, but an individual Ham can use anything as long as it is operated within the regulations. I know a friend that has a huge amplifier capable of maybe 10kW. He got a visit from the FCC (long ago, don't think they care now). He showed them how it was correctly operated within the regs and how he had the ability to measure it and assure it was. The FCC guy wished him a good day. Other services where the operator is not technical and has not passed a technical exam require radios type accepted for that service as I understand things. 73, Mark W7MLG On Mon, Jun 29, 2020 at 7:47 AM Lyn Norstad wrote: > > Maybe Bob wants to use the Envoy 2 on the ham bands. I'm not familiar with > the Codan line of military/business transceivers, but I see that model does > have transmit coverage from 1.6 to 30 MHz. > > Perhaps the real question is whether it would be legal to use that rig on > the ham bands. Since it can apparently cover the 160 - 10m bands without > modification, wouldn't it need to be type accepted? > > 73 > Lyn, W0LEN > > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mark Goldberg > Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 9:09 AM > To: Bob Morgan > Cc: Elecraft Mailing List > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Codan Envoy > > That is not a Ham radio. Is it legal to use an amplifier type accepted > for Ham radio for other services? > > 73, > > Mark > W7MLG > > > On Mon, Jun 29, 2020 at 6:49 AM Bob Morgan wrote: > > > > I would like to know if any in the group has used the KPA 500 with a Codan > > Envoy 2. Any help would be much appreciated. > > Bob Morgan > > KJ4SV > > 865 207 9568 > > > > > > > > -- > > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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 > > 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 l...@lnainc.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] KPA 500 Codan Envoy
Maybe Bob wants to use the Envoy 2 on the ham bands. I'm not familiar with the Codan line of military/business transceivers, but I see that model does have transmit coverage from 1.6 to 30 MHz. Perhaps the real question is whether it would be legal to use that rig on the ham bands. Since it can apparently cover the 160 - 10m bands without modification, wouldn't it need to be type accepted? 73 Lyn, W0LEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mark Goldberg Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 9:09 AM To: Bob Morgan Cc: Elecraft Mailing List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Codan Envoy That is not a Ham radio. Is it legal to use an amplifier type accepted for Ham radio for other services? 73, Mark W7MLG On Mon, Jun 29, 2020 at 6:49 AM Bob Morgan wrote: > > I would like to know if any in the group has used the KPA 500 with a Codan > Envoy 2. Any help would be much appreciated. > Bob Morgan > KJ4SV > 865 207 9568 > > > > -- > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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 > 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 l...@lnainc.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] KPA 500 Codan Envoy
That is not a Ham radio. Is it legal to use an amplifier type accepted for Ham radio for other services? 73, Mark W7MLG On Mon, Jun 29, 2020 at 6:49 AM Bob Morgan wrote: > > I would like to know if any in the group has used the KPA 500 with a Codan > Envoy 2. Any help would be much appreciated. > Bob Morgan > KJ4SV > 865 207 9568 > > > > -- > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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 > 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 clicking as the temperature changes
I have KPA500 SN 00149. Mine is a kit and it hasn’t had a lid off since I finished building it July 2, 2011, almost 9 years ago,. Like the rest, I heard clicking for a while and all of a sudden it stopped or I just no longer hear it. I think it stopped. Whatever was clicking found its happy spot. The build: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ak5x/albums/72157626974789347/with/5894606802/ 73, Bill-AK5X > On Jun 25, 2020, at 9:34 AM, Nr4c wrote: > > I think it’s the “Z” bracket inside. > > Sent from my iPhone > ...nr4c. bill > > >> On Jun 25, 2020, at 10:12 AM, Howard Sherer wrote: >> >> I have had a KPA500 for many years and the only annoying thing is that I >> hear clicking of the metal case parts as it heats up and cools down. all of >> the case screws are tight and I had this problem from the early days even >> before I had to remove the RF deck and send it to the factory for minor >> repairs 2 years ago. >> >> I don't think there is a way to find the source of the clicking unless I >> bypass the interlock and run it with the case panels off. Have others had >> this occur and if so did you find the source and solution? >> >> Howard >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto: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 a...@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] KPA-500 clicking as the temperature changes
I think it’s the “Z” bracket inside. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Jun 25, 2020, at 10:12 AM, Howard Sherer wrote: > > I have had a KPA500 for many years and the only annoying thing is that I > hear clicking of the metal case parts as it heats up and cools down. all of > the case screws are tight and I had this problem from the early days even > before I had to remove the RF deck and send it to the factory for minor > repairs 2 years ago. > > I don't think there is a way to find the source of the clicking unless I > bypass the interlock and run it with the case panels off. Have others had > this occur and if so did you find the source and solution? > > Howard > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 Fault - follow up
You will need the KAT500 Utility to perform a reset to factory values. That software is a free download on the Elecraft site. While you are at it, download all the various software's for each piece of equipment. i.e. K3, P3, KPA500, KAT500. They allow you to save parameters, change parameters, update firmware, and reset to factory values. And always make a backup after you make changes. That way should things get screwy, you can go back to your previous values. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 5/16/2020 2:28 PM, Edward via Elecraft wrote: All, I tried to firmly seat all of the connectors. No change. I finally pulled them out and only used the keying cable (RCA to RCA). No change. One thing I noticed is that the KAT 500 was giving me Power and SWR reading, but no amplification from the amplifier. And if I had any more than 12w of drive power from the K3, the amp would not give me any reading at all. Dropping it back to under 12w, the Pwr/SWR readings would be visible again. I decided to disconnect the antenna from the KAT 500 altogether and connected straight into the amp. Low and behold, I now have the amp working again! Hence, the problem is with the KAT500 tuner. I am thinking that a factory reset would do the trick. Question is, how do you reset a KAT 500 to factory default? The manual states to do it with a computer. Any buttons I can push on the tuner itself for restoring the factory defaults? Thanks, Ed NI6S __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 rmcg...@blomand.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] KPA-500 Issues
What is the SWR? If above the KAT500 set value it inhibits the amp from being keyed. Check the KAT500 using the ATU utility. Bob, K4TAX Sent from my iPhone > On May 15, 2020, at 1:50 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft > wrote: > > > Check the cable connections, including making sure that none of the pins are > bent in the AuxIO connectors in both cables (K3S - KAT500, KAT500 - KPA500). > Also, make sure that the PTT line is actually being asserted. The asterisk is > displayed when the Key In is asserted. If it isn’t displayed that means the > KPA is not seeing that input active. Also realize that when the KAT500 is in > tune mode it blocks the key line going to the KPA. > > It is fairly common for someone to move something and the cable comes loose. > Be sure the screws are tightened down on the connectors and any adapters to > avoid this. > > 73! > Jack, W6FB > > >> On May 15, 2020, at 11:07 AM, Edward via Elecraft >> wrote: >> >> I have the combo K3S/KAT500/KPA500 with all of the optional interconnection >> cables. >> >> I am not able to key the amp though it was working earlier. The asterisk >> does not appear in the display. >> >> I went through the menu and everything is set accordingly. The inhibit is >> disabled. >> >> Any help would be appreciated. >> >> 73, >> Ed NI6S >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto: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 rmcg...@blomand.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] KPA-500 Issues
Check the cable connections, including making sure that none of the pins are bent in the AuxIO connectors in both cables (K3S - KAT500, KAT500 - KPA500). Also, make sure that the PTT line is actually being asserted. The asterisk is displayed when the Key In is asserted. If it isn’t displayed that means the KPA is not seeing that input active. Also realize that when the KAT500 is in tune mode it blocks the key line going to the KPA. It is fairly common for someone to move something and the cable comes loose. Be sure the screws are tightened down on the connectors and any adapters to avoid this. 73! Jack, W6FB > On May 15, 2020, at 11:07 AM, Edward via Elecraft > wrote: > > I have the combo K3S/KAT500/KPA500 with all of the optional interconnection > cables. > > I am not able to key the amp though it was working earlier. The asterisk does > not appear in the display. > > I went through the menu and everything is set accordingly. The inhibit is > disabled. > > Any help would be appreciated. > > 73, > Ed NI6S > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 Issues
That implies that the AUX cable is not working. Cycle the gear power and make sure each connector is properly seated. Rick NK7I On 5/15/2020 11:07 AM, Edward via Elecraft wrote: I have the combo K3S/KAT500/KPA500 with all of the optional interconnection cables. I am not able to key the amp though it was working earlier. The asterisk does not appear in the display. I went through the menu and everything is set accordingly. The inhibit is disabled. Any help would be appreciated. 73, Ed NI6S __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 rick.n...@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] KPA 500 fault!
Thanks! I found the earlier manual online, and am back operational! Thanks! Tom W4KX > On May 3, 2020, at 4:14 PM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote: > > On my early model, the interlock switch is actuated by an assembly > including a 13mm 4-40 standoff (and some other hardware), which is > attached to the inside of the top cover. I'll attempt to send you the > old (rev C) assembly manual off-list. > > 73, > >~iain / N6ML > > > On Sun, May 3, 2020 at 1:07 PM Tom Doligalski via Elecraft > wrote: >> >> Problem is definitely the interlock switch not being engaged correctly: if I >> close it manually (with a wooden rod!) the amp operates normally. >> >> Anyone have an assembly manual for the older type KPA500, so I can see how >> the top-panel interlock switch is supposed to be engaged? Again, this a >> fairly old amp, and Elecraft changed things in later versions (like the one >> covered in the assembly manual currently on the website). >> >> Thanks! >> >> Tom W4KX >> >>> On May 3, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft >>> wrote: >>> >>> Hi Jack! >>> >>> After cycling the main power the HV in standby is back to 70 V. But, every >>> time I go to operate mode, the error reoccurs. >>> >>> This is with what I believe was the old style interlock switch (has a shaft >>> attached to the top cover to engage the switch when the top is screwed >>> down). Can’t tell if it is properly engaging. But the behavior is the same >>> when the top cover is totally removed. >>> >>> How picky is this switch. I bought the amp used, and the assembly manual >>> online at elecraft doesn’t cover the old interlock switch. >>> >>> Thanks for your help! >>> >>> Tom W4KX >>> >>> Sent from my iPad >>> On May 3, 2020, at 3:06 PM, Jack Brindle wrote: A “270V ERR” fault indicates that the TR switch bias supply is not working. This may be caused by the top cover being removed, the safety switch attached to the top cover becoming loose or an actual failure of the 270V supply. Since your main HV supply is now down close to 0V, it looks like you have power supply issues. You should call technical support on Monday to get help. 73 and good luck getting your KPA going again. Jack, W6FB > On May 3, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft > wrote: > > My KPA500 has been working fine waited for 115 V. Just now it has been > throwing a “25=70 VAC” fault! > > Can anyone lead me in helping this? Fuses look good. HV read 0.1 v when > in standby, which is FAR from the 70 some volts it used to read. > > Thanks! > > Tom W4KX > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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 w...@mac.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 a...@dseven.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 fault!
Ian, Could you also send me a copy, I have an older amp as well. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 5/3/20 1:14 PM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote: On my early model, the interlock switch is actuated by an assembly including a 13mm 4-40 standoff (and some other hardware), which is attached to the inside of the top cover. I'll attempt to send you the old (rev C) assembly manual off-list. 73, ~iain / N6ML On Sun, May 3, 2020 at 1:07 PM Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote: Problem is definitely the interlock switch not being engaged correctly: if I close it manually (with a wooden rod!) the amp operates normally. Anyone have an assembly manual for the older type KPA500, so I can see how the top-panel interlock switch is supposed to be engaged? Again, this a fairly old amp, and Elecraft changed things in later versions (like the one covered in the assembly manual currently on the website). Thanks! Tom W4KX On May 3, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote: Hi Jack! After cycling the main power the HV in standby is back to 70 V. But, every time I go to operate mode, the error reoccurs. This is with what I believe was the old style interlock switch (has a shaft attached to the top cover to engage the switch when the top is screwed down). Can’t tell if it is properly engaging. But the behavior is the same when the top cover is totally removed. How picky is this switch. I bought the amp used, and the assembly manual online at elecraft doesn’t cover the old interlock switch. Thanks for your help! Tom W4KX Sent from my iPad On May 3, 2020, at 3:06 PM, Jack Brindle wrote: A “270V ERR” fault indicates that the TR switch bias supply is not working. This may be caused by the top cover being removed, the safety switch attached to the top cover becoming loose or an actual failure of the 270V supply. Since your main HV supply is now down close to 0V, it looks like you have power supply issues. You should call technical support on Monday to get help. 73 and good luck getting your KPA going again. Jack, W6FB On May 3, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote: My KPA500 has been working fine waited for 115 V. Just now it has been throwing a “25=70 VAC” fault! Can anyone lead me in helping this? Fuses look good. HV read 0.1 v when in standby, which is FAR from the 70 some volts it used to read. Thanks! Tom W4KX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 w...@mac.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 a...@dseven.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 fault!
On my early model, the interlock switch is actuated by an assembly including a 13mm 4-40 standoff (and some other hardware), which is attached to the inside of the top cover. I'll attempt to send you the old (rev C) assembly manual off-list. 73, ~iain / N6ML On Sun, May 3, 2020 at 1:07 PM Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote: > > Problem is definitely the interlock switch not being engaged correctly: if I > close it manually (with a wooden rod!) the amp operates normally. > > Anyone have an assembly manual for the older type KPA500, so I can see how > the top-panel interlock switch is supposed to be engaged? Again, this a > fairly old amp, and Elecraft changed things in later versions (like the one > covered in the assembly manual currently on the website). > > Thanks! > > Tom W4KX > > > On May 3, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft > > wrote: > > > > Hi Jack! > > > > After cycling the main power the HV in standby is back to 70 V. But, every > > time I go to operate mode, the error reoccurs. > > > > This is with what I believe was the old style interlock switch (has a shaft > > attached to the top cover to engage the switch when the top is screwed > > down). Can’t tell if it is properly engaging. But the behavior is the same > > when the top cover is totally removed. > > > > How picky is this switch. I bought the amp used, and the assembly manual > > online at elecraft doesn’t cover the old interlock switch. > > > > Thanks for your help! > > > > Tom W4KX > > > > Sent from my iPad > > > >> On May 3, 2020, at 3:06 PM, Jack Brindle wrote: > >> > >> A “270V ERR” fault indicates that the TR switch bias supply is not > >> working. This may be caused by the top cover being removed, the safety > >> switch attached to the top cover becoming loose or an actual failure of > >> the 270V supply. Since your main HV supply is now down close to 0V, it > >> looks like you have power supply issues. You should call technical support > >> on Monday to get help. > >> > >> 73 and good luck getting your KPA going again. > >> Jack, W6FB > >> > >> > >>> On May 3, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft > >>> wrote: > >>> > >>> My KPA500 has been working fine waited for 115 V. Just now it has been > >>> throwing a “25=70 VAC” fault! > >>> > >>> Can anyone lead me in helping this? Fuses look good. HV read 0.1 v when > >>> in standby, which is FAR from the 70 some volts it used to read. > >>> > >>> Thanks! > >>> > >>> Tom W4KX > >>> __ > >>> Elecraft mailing list > >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > >>> Post: mailto: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 w...@mac.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 a...@dseven.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 fault!
Problem is definitely the interlock switch not being engaged correctly: if I close it manually (with a wooden rod!) the amp operates normally. Anyone have an assembly manual for the older type KPA500, so I can see how the top-panel interlock switch is supposed to be engaged? Again, this a fairly old amp, and Elecraft changed things in later versions (like the one covered in the assembly manual currently on the website). Thanks! Tom W4KX > On May 3, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft > wrote: > > Hi Jack! > > After cycling the main power the HV in standby is back to 70 V. But, every > time I go to operate mode, the error reoccurs. > > This is with what I believe was the old style interlock switch (has a shaft > attached to the top cover to engage the switch when the top is screwed down). > Can’t tell if it is properly engaging. But the behavior is the same when the > top cover is totally removed. > > How picky is this switch. I bought the amp used, and the assembly manual > online at elecraft doesn’t cover the old interlock switch. > > Thanks for your help! > > Tom W4KX > > Sent from my iPad > >> On May 3, 2020, at 3:06 PM, Jack Brindle wrote: >> >> A “270V ERR” fault indicates that the TR switch bias supply is not working. >> This may be caused by the top cover being removed, the safety switch >> attached to the top cover becoming loose or an actual failure of the 270V >> supply. Since your main HV supply is now down close to 0V, it looks like you >> have power supply issues. You should call technical support on Monday to get >> help. >> >> 73 and good luck getting your KPA going again. >> Jack, W6FB >> >> >>> On May 3, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft >>> wrote: >>> >>> My KPA500 has been working fine waited for 115 V. Just now it has been >>> throwing a “25=70 VAC” fault! >>> >>> Can anyone lead me in helping this? Fuses look good. HV read 0.1 v when in >>> standby, which is FAR from the 70 some volts it used to read. >>> >>> Thanks! >>> >>> Tom W4KX >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto: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 w...@mac.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] KPA 500 fault!
Hi Jack! After cycling the main power the HV in standby is back to 70 V. But, every time I go to operate mode, the error reoccurs. This is with what I believe was the old style interlock switch (has a shaft attached to the top cover to engage the switch when the top is screwed down). Can’t tell if it is properly engaging. But the behavior is the same when the top cover is totally removed. How picky is this switch. I bought the amp used, and the assembly manual online at elecraft doesn’t cover the old interlock switch. Thanks for your help! Tom W4KX Sent from my iPad > On May 3, 2020, at 3:06 PM, Jack Brindle wrote: > > A “270V ERR” fault indicates that the TR switch bias supply is not working. > This may be caused by the top cover being removed, the safety switch attached > to the top cover becoming loose or an actual failure of the 270V supply. > Since your main HV supply is now down close to 0V, it looks like you have > power supply issues. You should call technical support on Monday to get help. > > 73 and good luck getting your KPA going again. > Jack, W6FB > > >> On May 3, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft >> wrote: >> >> My KPA500 has been working fine waited for 115 V. Just now it has been >> throwing a “25=70 VAC” fault! >> >> Can anyone lead me in helping this? Fuses look good. HV read 0.1 v when in >> standby, which is FAR from the 70 some volts it used to read. >> >> Thanks! >> >> Tom W4KX >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 fault!
A “270V ERR” fault indicates that the TR switch bias supply is not working. This may be caused by the top cover being removed, the safety switch attached to the top cover becoming loose or an actual failure of the 270V supply. Since your main HV supply is now down close to 0V, it looks like you have power supply issues. You should call technical support on Monday to get help. 73 and good luck getting your KPA going again. Jack, W6FB > On May 3, 2020, at 11:32 AM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft > wrote: > > My KPA500 has been working fine waited for 115 V. Just now it has been > throwing a “25=70 VAC” fault! > > Can anyone lead me in helping this? Fuses look good. HV read 0.1 v when in > standby, which is FAR from the 70 some volts it used to read. > > Thanks! > > Tom W4KX > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
"60 deg C with fan not running is not normal. 60 deg C is the nominal temperature for start of fan speed 3." The conversation was continued off "list" but there are a few points that I'd like to be in the archive - There would appear to be two possible failure conditions. Either the fan is not being commanded on when temperature exceeds 50 deg C or the fan is commanded on and does not run. Fan speed 1 is easily heard by anyone with normal hearing. The fan isn't quiet. Fan operation at all speeds can be tested by using the KPA500 menu to select FAN CTL and cycling though the speeds. Commanded fan speed can be checked by using the KPA500 utility to send command "^FS;". It will return "^FS0x;" where x is the fan speed setting. 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500
This is going to cause a big sh*t storm :) and about 900 emails before Wayne shuts it down. However, having been in RF for a bit less then most of you (only 1974), I have had connectors fail and not fail in my HF world (60Mhz or less). No Name ones have worked wonderfully for decades. Amphenol's have failed in a year. Amphenol T's in a phasing harness seem to fail the most (fell apart). But, then, who knows who makes them. What I can say is that there is, based on my personal experience, no 100% guarantee on any particular one. Install it. Visually inspect it. Make sure it is clean, dry and waterproof and a year from now, if it is outside, open it up and make sure it is still dry. It isn't eve 'you get what you pay for' any more. Next, we can have another 200 emails on how to solder a PL259. :) Mike va3mw On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 4:37 PM Ed Pflueger wrote: > Well I was told by an unreliable source that the military had to have their > Amphenol's manufactured in the USA but were sent to Mexico for packaging. > Whether that's true or not I cannot confirm. All I know is the ones I buy > are stamped in black lettering saying "Amphenol 83-1sp and below that is > 74868 PL259 49190" and they can run around 4 bucks apiece depending on when > and where I get them. > > Ed... AB4IQ > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown > Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 11:27 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 > > On 4/10/2020 8:45 AM, Irwin Darack wrote: > > In my experience, coax connectors, barrel connectors, etc. are always > > fail points when there is a sudden increase in SWR as power is > > increased. They oxidize over time and sometimes just reconnecting or > > replacing is the first step before taking the amp apart. > > If this is happening, I'd suspect 1) the connectors have gotten wet or > 2) the are JUNK connectors. If they aren't labeled "Amphenol," they're > JUNK. > > 73, Jim K9YC > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message > delivered to ab...@comcast.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 va...@portcredit.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] KPA 500
Well I was told by an unreliable source that the military had to have their Amphenol's manufactured in the USA but were sent to Mexico for packaging. Whether that's true or not I cannot confirm. All I know is the ones I buy are stamped in black lettering saying "Amphenol 83-1sp and below that is 74868 PL259 49190" and they can run around 4 bucks apiece depending on when and where I get them. Ed... AB4IQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 11:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 On 4/10/2020 8:45 AM, Irwin Darack wrote: > In my experience, coax connectors, barrel connectors, etc. are always > fail points when there is a sudden increase in SWR as power is > increased. They oxidize over time and sometimes just reconnecting or > replacing is the first step before taking the amp apart. If this is happening, I'd suspect 1) the connectors have gotten wet or 2) the are JUNK connectors. If they aren't labeled "Amphenol," they're JUNK. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ab...@comcast.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] KPA 500
That just goes to prove the point: Chinese manufacturers will build to whatever quality level you specify. Consider things like the iPhone and other similar devices. Most people don't complain about the quality of their iPhone or iPad. 73 de RayK2ULR -Original Message- From: Buck To: elecraft Sent: Fri, Apr 10, 2020 1:23 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 A vendor at Dayton told me *all* are made in China, even the ones marked Amphenol. k4ia, Buck K3s# 11497 Honor Roll 8B DXCC EasyWayHamBooks.com On 4/10/2020 12:43 PM, Irwin Darack wrote: > Agreed. Many people buy the cheap ones made in Chinaand they fail. > > Irwin KD3TB > >>> step before taking the amp apart. >> >> If this is happening, I'd suspect 1) the connectors have gotten wet or >> 2) the are JUNK connectors. If they aren't labeled "Amphenol," they're >> JUNK. >> >> 73, Jim K9YC >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to idar...@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 raysil...@verizon.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] KPA 500
That’s likely true. But if he’s saying they’re the same as Chinese brand, that’s nonsense. I use a lot of connectors from Amphenol Audio which are made in China. The difference between Amphenol & equivalent Chinese is obvious on inspection. Mating is very solid and contact plating looks much nicer. Price difference about double. I think the Amphenol connectors are very fairly priced considering the quality differences. I believe the same about their RF connectors. 73 Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device > On Apr 10, 2020, at 10:20 AM, Buck wrote: > > A vendor at Dayton told me *all* are made in China, even the ones marked > Amphenol. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
Many thanks to all who offered me solutions both on and off the list. But let me clarify ... I wasn't looking for help. My system and my station are performing very well, and I love it. I was merely offering up my experience in response to Alan, G4GNX's question (below). 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: Lyn Norstad [mailto:l...@lnainc.com] Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 8:59 AM To: 'Alan - G4GNX'; 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA 500 At 100w on 20m, my KAT500 Utility shows an SWR of 1.00 with the KPA500 on Standby and temp around 38ºC. But as I switch the KPA to Operate and increase the power to 300w the SWR goes up as high as 1.10. If I hold it there (key down) long enough the KPA temp starts rising slowly. At about 50ºC I can hear the fan picking up speed. By the time I get to 60ºC the fan is at probably level 2 or 3. SWR is still at 1.10 (max). Right or wrong, I've always assumed there is some slight heating in the antenna system (Tuner, Balun, Lightning protection) although all components after the tuner are rated at 5 KW. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Alan - G4GNX Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 6:27 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] KPA 500 I have a strange fault a couple of times recently, where the SWR starts to increase during the time of a single 'over'. I've been using the K3S set at 100W out, via the KPA500 (in standby) and the KAT500 tuner, without any problem, but after I've switched the linear to Operate and driving it to 200W, the SWR creeps up. I don't think it's an antenna issue, but a possible heat problem with the KPA500. I watched the temperature display on the KPA500 and initially on Standby it shows about 38 degrees C. After transmitting at 200W the temperature slowly rises above 60 degrees C, but the fan doesn't cut in. Does anyone know if this is normal behavior and what temperatures I should expect to see? I have tested the fan via the Menu function and it works as expected. 73, Alan. G4GNX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
On 4/10/2020 10:19 AM, Buck wrote: A vendor at Dayton told me *all* are made in China, even the ones marked Amphenol. Um, Apple products have long been made in China. Fair-Rite has had one or more factories in China for more than a decade. "Made in China" does NOT define the product as junk. Last I heard, Amphenol is making connectors in Mexico. Having bought and installed several hundred in the last decade, the only faults I've found are a few whose screw threads were short. And you trust someone working in a trade show booth to know this? Someone selling junk connectors who disparages a competitor? 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] KPA 500
Randy – I’m not the one with issues, it was Alan. I just offered up my experience for his comparison. 73 Lyn, WØLEN From: Ted Edwards W3TB [mailto:w3tb@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 10:32 AM To: Randy Farmer Cc: l...@lnainc.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 I am watching this with great interest. If running stations on CW my KPA500 shows low-mid 50sC and I have never known what it should be. Thanks everyone. On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 10:27 Randy Farmer wrote: If the initial VSWR is really measuring 1.00:1 with low power, that means the detected reflected power is exceptionally low. I'm sure the algorithm used to compute SWR sets it to 1:1 if there's zero reflected power. If the load is not really perfectly flat, as the incident power is increased the detector will finally see enough reflected energy to give an indication. You have absolutely nothing to worry about in your system. 73... Randy, W8FN On 4/10/2020 9:59 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote: > At 100w on 20m, my KAT500 Utility shows an SWR of 1.00 with the KPA500 on > Standby and temp around 38ºC. But as I switch the KPA to Operate and > increase the power to 300w the SWR goes up as high as 1.10. If I hold it > there (key down) long enough the KPA temp starts rising slowly. At about > 50ºC I can hear the fan picking up speed. By the time I get to 60ºC the fan > is at probably level 2 or 3. SWR is still at 1.10 (max). > Right or wrong, I've always assumed there is some slight heating in the > antenna system (Tuner, Balun, Lightning protection) although all components > after the tuner are rated at 5 KW. > 73 > Lyn, WØLEN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 w3tb@gmail.com -- 73 de Ted Edwards, W3TB and GØPWW and thinking about operating CW: "Do today what others won't, so you can do tomorrow what others can't." __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
I try and spend the time to recover OLD PL-259 connectors. I have some which I've owned for 30 to 40 years. They are ugly, tarnished, and may have phenolic insulatorsbut are darn good connectors. When I encounter a bad or connector, I usually chop the connector off with about 1" of cable remaining and toss it in a box. Speaking of which, I'd say there are 10 to 15 pieces of RG-8 type cable in my junk cable box that I could recover today. Worthwhile project. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 4/10/2020 12:19 PM, Buck wrote: A vendor at Dayton told me *all* are made in China, even the ones marked Amphenol. k4ia, Buck K3s# 11497 Honor Roll 8B DXCC EasyWayHamBooks.com On 4/10/2020 12:43 PM, Irwin Darack wrote: Agreed. Many people buy the cheap ones made in Chinaand they fail. Irwin KD3TB On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 12:28 PM Jim Brown wrote: On 4/10/2020 8:45 AM, Irwin Darack wrote: In my experience, coax connectors, barrel connectors, etc. are always fail points when there is a sudden increase in SWR as power is increased. They oxidize over time and sometimes just reconnecting or replacing is the first step before taking the amp apart. If this is happening, I'd suspect 1) the connectors have gotten wet or 2) the are JUNK connectors. If they aren't labeled "Amphenol," they're JUNK. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to idar...@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 rmcg...@blomand.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] KPA 500
Amphenol more than likely does QC... So I would expect the majority of their connectors to be better than the possibly non QC tested connectors. I doubt most resellers QC the connectors. I am sure some do, but I would love to know which ones do. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 4/10/20 10:19 AM, Buck wrote: A vendor at Dayton told me *all* are made in China, even the ones marked Amphenol. k4ia, Buck K3s# 11497 Honor Roll 8B DXCC EasyWayHamBooks.com On 4/10/2020 12:43 PM, Irwin Darack wrote: Agreed. Many people buy the cheap ones made in Chinaand they fail. Irwin KD3TB On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 12:28 PM Jim Brown wrote: On 4/10/2020 8:45 AM, Irwin Darack wrote: In my experience, coax connectors, barrel connectors, etc. are always fail points when there is a sudden increase in SWR as power is increased. They oxidize over time and sometimes just reconnecting or replacing is the first step before taking the amp apart. If this is happening, I'd suspect 1) the connectors have gotten wet or 2) the are JUNK connectors. If they aren't labeled "Amphenol," they're JUNK. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to idar...@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 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] KPA 500
A vendor at Dayton told me *all* are made in China, even the ones marked Amphenol. k4ia, Buck K3s# 11497 Honor Roll 8B DXCC EasyWayHamBooks.com On 4/10/2020 12:43 PM, Irwin Darack wrote: Agreed. Many people buy the cheap ones made in Chinaand they fail. Irwin KD3TB On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 12:28 PM Jim Brown wrote: On 4/10/2020 8:45 AM, Irwin Darack wrote: In my experience, coax connectors, barrel connectors, etc. are always fail points when there is a sudden increase in SWR as power is increased. They oxidize over time and sometimes just reconnecting or replacing is the first step before taking the amp apart. If this is happening, I'd suspect 1) the connectors have gotten wet or 2) the are JUNK connectors. If they aren't labeled "Amphenol," they're JUNK. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to idar...@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] KPA 500
My first question is "what does it do on a dummy load?" Sounds like
something related to a bad or questionable jumper cable, loose connector
or bad connectors. I find many of today's connectors have machining
tolerance errors and more so, have only "good looking" plating. While
in fact, many of these are poor quality.
I find that PL-259 connectors must be mated correctly in that the body
of the connector has 2 small triangle shaped protrusions from the body
of the connector that must be mated with the notches on the SO-239
connector. Failure to do this will allow the connector to loosen under
use. And then the shell of the connector must be tightened a bit more
than finger tight. I keep a 4" pair of Channel Locks on the desk to
help remove and tighten connectors. If not done so, the heating and
cooling of the connector will allow it to loosen and not make good contact.
Regarding the KPA500 temperature: With my amp this morning { S/N 3519
Firmware 01.54 } at turn on 18C, I then held it at 500 watts carrier
output into a 50 ohm dummy load. At 50C fan on 1 speed, at 55C fan on 2
speed. This took about 210 seconds (3.5 minutes) from cold start to
55C on 80M into the dummy load. Other bands are less efficient and one
could expect a faster temperature rise in less time. It does vary from
band to band and antenna load to load. I did not observe any change in
SWR indication, either on the amp LED display or my Bird 43 between the
amp output and the dummy load.
Hope this helps.
73
Bob, K4TAX
On 4/10/2020 6:26 AM, Alan - G4GNX wrote:
I have a strange fault a couple of times recently, where the SWR
starts to increase during the time of a single 'over'. I've been using
the K3S set at 100W out, via the KPA500 (in standby) and the KAT500
tuner, without any problem, but after I've switched the linear to
Operate and driving it to 200W, the SWR creeps up. I don't think it's
an antenna issue, but a possible heat problem with the KPA500. I
watched the temperature display on the KPA500 and initially on Standby
it shows about 38 degrees C. After transmitting at 200W the
temperature slowly rises above 60 degrees C, but the fan doesn't cut
in. Does anyone know if this is normal behavior and what temperatures
I should expect to see? I have tested the fan via the Menu function
and it works as expected.
73,
Alan. G4GNX
__
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500
Agreed. Many people buy the cheap ones made in Chinaand they fail. Irwin KD3TB On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 12:28 PM Jim Brown wrote: > On 4/10/2020 8:45 AM, Irwin Darack wrote: > > In my experience, coax connectors, barrel connectors, etc. are always > fail > > points when there is a sudden increase in SWR as power is increased. They > > oxidize over time and sometimes just reconnecting or replacing is the > first > > step before taking the amp apart. > > If this is happening, I'd suspect 1) the connectors have gotten wet or > 2) the are JUNK connectors. If they aren't labeled "Amphenol," they're > JUNK. > > 73, Jim K9YC > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to idar...@gmail.com > -- Irwin KD3TB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
On 4/10/2020 8:45 AM, Irwin Darack wrote: In my experience, coax connectors, barrel connectors, etc. are always fail points when there is a sudden increase in SWR as power is increased. They oxidize over time and sometimes just reconnecting or replacing is the first step before taking the amp apart. If this is happening, I'd suspect 1) the connectors have gotten wet or 2) the are JUNK connectors. If they aren't labeled "Amphenol," they're JUNK. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500
In my experience, coax connectors, barrel connectors, etc. are always fail points when there is a sudden increase in SWR as power is increased. They oxidize over time and sometimes just reconnecting or replacing is the first step before taking the amp apart. Irwin KD3TB On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 11:24 AM Don Wilhelm wrote: > Alan, > > That does sound like an antenna problem - balun heating, a loose or bad > connection somewhere. > > Try that same test into a dummy load - if it shows the same behavior, > then you can blame the KPA500, but if not blame the antenna system. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 4/10/2020 7:26 AM, Alan - G4GNX wrote: > > > > I have a strange fault a couple of times recently, where the SWR starts > > to increase during the time of a single 'over'. I've been using the K3S > > set at 100W out, via the KPA500 (in standby) and the KAT500 tuner, > > without any problem, but after I've switched the linear to Operate and > > driving it to 200W, the SWR creeps up. I don't think it's an antenna > > issue, but a possible heat problem with the KPA500. I watched the > > temperature display on the KPA500 and initially on Standby it shows > > about 38 degrees C. After transmitting at 200W the temperature slowly > > rises above 60 degrees C, but the fan doesn't cut in. Does anyone know > > if this is normal behavior and what temperatures I should expect to see? > > I have tested the fan via the Menu function and it works as expected. > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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 idar...@gmail.com > -- Irwin KD3TB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
I am watching this with great interest. If running stations on CW my KPA500 shows low-mid 50sC and I have never known what it should be. Thanks everyone. On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 10:27 Randy Farmer wrote: > If the initial VSWR is really measuring 1.00:1 with low power, that > means the detected reflected power is exceptionally low. I'm sure the > algorithm used to compute SWR sets it to 1:1 if there's zero reflected > power. If the load is not really perfectly flat, as the incident power > is increased the detector will finally see enough reflected energy to > give an indication. You have absolutely nothing to worry about in your > system. > > 73... > Randy, W8FN > > > On 4/10/2020 9:59 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote: > > At 100w on 20m, my KAT500 Utility shows an SWR of 1.00 with the KPA500 on > > Standby and temp around 38ºC. But as I switch the KPA to Operate and > > increase the power to 300w the SWR goes up as high as 1.10. If I hold it > > there (key down) long enough the KPA temp starts rising slowly. At about > > 50ºC I can hear the fan picking up speed. By the time I get to 60ºC the > fan > > is at probably level 2 or 3. SWR is still at 1.10 (max). > > Right or wrong, I've always assumed there is some slight heating in the > > antenna system (Tuner, Balun, Lightning protection) although all > components > > after the tuner are rated at 5 KW. > > 73 > > Lyn, WØLEN > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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 w3tb@gmail.com -- 73 de Ted Edwards, W3TB and GØPWW and thinking about operating CW: "Do today what others won't, so you can do tomorrow what others can't." __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
I think this is a lot of worry about normal behavior. Although it's not directly discussed, some insight might be gleaned by reading through this old thread: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SWR-Numerical-Indication-td7643839.html Wes N7WS On 4/10/2020 6:59 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote: At 100w on 20m, my KAT500 Utility shows an SWR of 1.00 with the KPA500 on Standby and temp around 38ºC. But as I switch the KPA to Operate and increase the power to 300w the SWR goes up as high as 1.10. If I hold it there (key down) long enough the KPA temp starts rising slowly. At about 50ºC I can hear the fan picking up speed. By the time I get to 60ºC the fan is at probably level 2 or 3. SWR is still at 1.10 (max). Right or wrong, I've always assumed there is some slight heating in the antenna system (Tuner, Balun, Lightning protection) although all components after the tuner are rated at 5 KW. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Alan - G4GNX Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 6:27 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] KPA 500 I have a strange fault a couple of times recently, where the SWR starts to increase during the time of a single 'over'. I've been using the K3S set at 100W out, via the KPA500 (in standby) and the KAT500 tuner, without any problem, but after I've switched the linear to Operate and driving it to 200W, the SWR creeps up. I don't think it's an antenna issue, but a possible heat problem with the KPA500. I watched the temperature display on the KPA500 and initially on Standby it shows about 38 degrees C. After transmitting at 200W the temperature slowly rises above 60 degrees C, but the fan doesn't cut in. Does anyone know if this is normal behavior and what temperatures I should expect to see? I have tested the fan via the Menu function and it works as expected. 73, Alan. G4GNX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
If the initial VSWR is really measuring 1.00:1 with low power, that means the detected reflected power is exceptionally low. I'm sure the algorithm used to compute SWR sets it to 1:1 if there's zero reflected power. If the load is not really perfectly flat, as the incident power is increased the detector will finally see enough reflected energy to give an indication. You have absolutely nothing to worry about in your system. 73... Randy, W8FN On 4/10/2020 9:59 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote: At 100w on 20m, my KAT500 Utility shows an SWR of 1.00 with the KPA500 on Standby and temp around 38ºC. But as I switch the KPA to Operate and increase the power to 300w the SWR goes up as high as 1.10. If I hold it there (key down) long enough the KPA temp starts rising slowly. At about 50ºC I can hear the fan picking up speed. By the time I get to 60ºC the fan is at probably level 2 or 3. SWR is still at 1.10 (max). Right or wrong, I've always assumed there is some slight heating in the antenna system (Tuner, Balun, Lightning protection) although all components after the tuner are rated at 5 KW. 73 Lyn, WØLEN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
Alan, That does sound like an antenna problem - balun heating, a loose or bad connection somewhere. Try that same test into a dummy load - if it shows the same behavior, then you can blame the KPA500, but if not blame the antenna system. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/10/2020 7:26 AM, Alan - G4GNX wrote: I have a strange fault a couple of times recently, where the SWR starts to increase during the time of a single 'over'. I've been using the K3S set at 100W out, via the KPA500 (in standby) and the KAT500 tuner, without any problem, but after I've switched the linear to Operate and driving it to 200W, the SWR creeps up. I don't think it's an antenna issue, but a possible heat problem with the KPA500. I watched the temperature display on the KPA500 and initially on Standby it shows about 38 degrees C. After transmitting at 200W the temperature slowly rises above 60 degrees C, but the fan doesn't cut in. Does anyone know if this is normal behavior and what temperatures I should expect to see? I have tested the fan via the Menu function and it works as expected. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500
My experience is that slowly increasing SWR is from a component heating up, usually an inductor in a tuner or balun. You don't see it with lower power. Ferrite cores change their inductance radically as they heat up near their Curie temperature. If they get to their Curie temperature, they lost their magnetic properties. As the SWR goes up, they get even hotter, SWR goes up more and if you don't stop transmitting, they will fail. All SWRs with the same number are not equal in terms of losses in a tuner or balun. As Victor described, when the load it highly reactive, there are more losses in the tuner or balun. If you have an IR thermometer, you should be able to point it at inductors and see what is getting hot. I've got a horizontal loop that is slightly too small for 160. I have an added shunt inductor in the line to allow my tuner to tune it, but the inductor, which is on a 2.4" core still gets hot. Most tuners have smaller inductors than that. My home built balun also has 2.4" cores. Many baluns use smaller cores. 73, Mark W7MLG On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 7:16 AM Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote: > I would be more likely to suspect something after the KPA500, such as > the tuner or a balun. I've experienced significant balun heating, > especially when using a balun other than a straight-through 1:1 balun, > or when the load is highly reactive. Balun power ratings assume a > non-reactive load. > > 73, > Victor, 4X6GP > Rehovot, Israel > Formerly K2VCO > CWops no. 5 > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ > On 10/04/2020 14:26, Alan - G4GNX wrote: > > > > I have a strange fault a couple of times recently, where the SWR starts > > to increase during the time of a single 'over'. I've been using the K3S > > set at 100W out, via the KPA500 (in standby) and the KAT500 tuner, > > without any problem, but after I've switched the linear to Operate and > > driving it to 200W, the SWR creeps up. I don't think it's an antenna > > issue, but a possible heat problem with the KPA500. I watched the > > temperature display on the KPA500 and initially on Standby it shows > > about 38 degrees C. After transmitting at 200W the temperature slowly > > rises above 60 degrees C, but the fan doesn't cut in. Does anyone know > > if this is normal behavior and what temperatures I should expect to see? > > I have tested the fan via the Menu function and it works as expected. > > > > 73, > > > > Alan. G4GNX > > > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto: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 k2vco@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 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500
I would be more likely to suspect something after the KPA500, such as the tuner or a balun. I've experienced significant balun heating, especially when using a balun other than a straight-through 1:1 balun, or when the load is highly reactive. Balun power ratings assume a non-reactive load. 73, Victor, 4X6GP Rehovot, Israel Formerly K2VCO CWops no. 5 http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ On 10/04/2020 14:26, Alan - G4GNX wrote: I have a strange fault a couple of times recently, where the SWR starts to increase during the time of a single 'over'. I've been using the K3S set at 100W out, via the KPA500 (in standby) and the KAT500 tuner, without any problem, but after I've switched the linear to Operate and driving it to 200W, the SWR creeps up. I don't think it's an antenna issue, but a possible heat problem with the KPA500. I watched the temperature display on the KPA500 and initially on Standby it shows about 38 degrees C. After transmitting at 200W the temperature slowly rises above 60 degrees C, but the fan doesn't cut in. Does anyone know if this is normal behavior and what temperatures I should expect to see? I have tested the fan via the Menu function and it works as expected. 73, Alan. G4GNX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 k2vco@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] KPA 500
At 100w on 20m, my KAT500 Utility shows an SWR of 1.00 with the KPA500 on Standby and temp around 38ºC. But as I switch the KPA to Operate and increase the power to 300w the SWR goes up as high as 1.10. If I hold it there (key down) long enough the KPA temp starts rising slowly. At about 50ºC I can hear the fan picking up speed. By the time I get to 60ºC the fan is at probably level 2 or 3. SWR is still at 1.10 (max). Right or wrong, I've always assumed there is some slight heating in the antenna system (Tuner, Balun, Lightning protection) although all components after the tuner are rated at 5 KW. 73 Lyn, WØLEN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Alan - G4GNX Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 6:27 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] KPA 500 I have a strange fault a couple of times recently, where the SWR starts to increase during the time of a single 'over'. I've been using the K3S set at 100W out, via the KPA500 (in standby) and the KAT500 tuner, without any problem, but after I've switched the linear to Operate and driving it to 200W, the SWR creeps up. I don't think it's an antenna issue, but a possible heat problem with the KPA500. I watched the temperature display on the KPA500 and initially on Standby it shows about 38 degrees C. After transmitting at 200W the temperature slowly rises above 60 degrees C, but the fan doesn't cut in. Does anyone know if this is normal behavior and what temperatures I should expect to see? I have tested the fan via the Menu function and it works as expected. 73, Alan. G4GNX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 Switch from STBY to OPER
Bill, No relays in the T/R switching path for the KPA500 - all solid state switching. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/10/2020 6:39 PM, Bill Weaver wrote: If there is a relay in the rx signal path, check the contacts. I had that happen with my Alpha recently. Of all the possibilities that was the easiest thing to fix. Thankfully that was the problem :-). __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 Switch from STBY to OPER
If there is a relay in the rx signal path, check the contacts. I had that happen with my Alpha recently. Of all the possibilities that was the easiest thing to fix. Thankfully that was the problem :-). 73, Bill WE5P Get BlueMail for Android On Feb 10, 2020, 17:52, at 17:52, afpac...@gmail.com wrote: >I am looking for thoughts and suggestions to diagnosis what I am >seeing. >When the amp is changed from STBY to OPER the receive signal drops by >multiple db and the general background seems to increase significantly. >The >tuner seems to work the same with or without the amp. When I transmit >it >appears I am getting full power output. I am driving the KPA-500 with a >K3. > > > >Thanks in advance > > > >Allan > >WA7BKD > > > > > > > > > >__ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto: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 weave...@usermail.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] KPA-500 Switch from STBY to OPER
Sounds as though the TR switching has failed. Contact Elecraft support. Bob, K4TAX Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 10, 2020, at 5:05 PM, afpac...@gmail.com wrote: > > I am looking for thoughts and suggestions to diagnosis what I am seeing. > When the amp is changed from STBY to OPER the receive signal drops by > multiple db and the general background seems to increase significantly. The > tuner seems to work the same with or without the amp. When I transmit it > appears I am getting full power output. I am driving the KPA-500 with a K3. > > > > Thanks in advance > > > > Allan > > WA7BKD > > > > > > > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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 rmcg...@blomand.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] KPA 500 glitch
I ran into this exact issue caused by cable connections, specifically the Y-cable that didn't allow the connector screws to join the cables. Getting the Y-box from N6TV solved the loose cable problem. 73, Dennis NJ6G On 10/30/2019 13:26, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote: Jim; Check the AUXIO cable to make sure it connects to the K3S and the KPA500 (or KAT500) properly. This sounds like the Band1 signal may not be making proper contact. The KPA500 watches the K3S’s Band signals for its band selection when RADIO is set to K3. If doesn’t see the combination for a band, then it will select the wrong band. It is possible that the K3 is outputting transverter band info, but since it changes with HF band, it doesn’t seem likely. The cable issue seems most likely at present. You might remove the connectors and make sure no pins are bent and that the pins are making proper contact. 73! Jack, W6FB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 glitch
Jim; Check the AUXIO cable to make sure it connects to the K3S and the KPA500 (or KAT500) properly. This sounds like the Band1 signal may not be making proper contact. The KPA500 watches the K3S’s Band signals for its band selection when RADIO is set to K3. If doesn’t see the combination for a band, then it will select the wrong band. It is possible that the K3 is outputting transverter band info, but since it changes with HF band, it doesn’t seem likely. The cable issue seems most likely at present. You might remove the connectors and make sure no pins are bent and that the pins are making proper contact. 73! Jack, W6FB > On Oct 30, 2019, at 12:57 PM, Jim Sheldon wrote: > > Having a bit of trouble with the KPA500 following the bands out of the K3S. > For some reason, the other day I accidentally hit a button combination on the > K3S (not sure what I hit) and the KPA500 is now thinking 7.0 MHz is 1.8 and > some of the other bands aren't switching correctly either. I can't find the > command or whatever might cause this in the documentation I have. It's been > working properly since I got it some years ago. > > Anybody have any ideas before I call Elecraft and bother the busy support > staff? > > Thanks, > > Jim Sheldon, W0EB > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 glitch
Jim, I would suggest doing a Direct Frequency Entry into each of the ham bands - no guarantee, but it has a chance of setting things straight. 73, Don W3FPR On 10/30/2019 3:57 PM, Jim Sheldon wrote: Having a bit of trouble with the KPA500 following the bands out of the K3S. For some reason, the other day I accidentally hit a button combination on the K3S (not sure what I hit) and the KPA500 is now thinking 7.0 MHz is 1.8 and some of the other bands aren't switching correctly either. I can't find the command or whatever might cause this in the documentation I have. It's been working properly since I got it some years ago. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 Attenuated Receive Signals
I had the exact same problem with my KPA500. I inadvertently left it connected in a lightning storm in the Caribbean and, after some diagnosis on my RF bench, I found that the PIN diodes on the receive side were blown. Replacing them cured the problem. While in there be advised that there is an upgrade kit for some components in that circuit. Contact Elecraft techs for more info. Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ email: b...@wjschmidt.com -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Barry Simpson Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2019 1:34 AM To: Elecraft Mailing List Subject: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Attenuated Receive Signals My KPA 500, which is several years old, has just developed an issue which so far I have been unable to resolve. What has happened is that when I put the amplifier into OPER, the received signal strength drops by several S units. It transmits normally and also receives normally in STBY. The issue occurred when I was changing rigs to use with the KPA500. Specifically I connected a Ten Tec Omni 6 but I cannot see how that could have caused the issue. However, the KPA500 now exhibits the same issue with my TS990 which it never has before. I believe that some considerable time ago, I did experience a similar situation and after reading all the manuals etc I found a way to resolve it. However, I have read the manual until I am blue in the face but I cannot find an answer this time. Of course I may have initiated a fault in the KPA500 but I would be surprised as it has taken all the mistakes I have thrown at it over the years and it has not so much as blinked. Any suggestions on how to sort the issue out, or what damage I might have caused to the switching circuitry, would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Barry Simpson VK2BJ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 b...@wjschmidt.com --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.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] KPA 500 Attenuated Receive Signals
I had the issue with my 1500 several months ago and it was traced to one of the PIN diodes. Good news is after trip to the left coast for repair and all ECO updates applied the amp has been perfect. Dave wo2x -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Barry Simpson Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2019 8:22 AM To: donw...@embarqmail.com Cc: Elecraft Mailing List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Attenuated Receive Signals Thanks Don That's what I thought. I will email them tomorrow. 73 Barry VK2BJ On Sun, 8 Sep 2019 at 21:36, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Barry, > > I think you may find a problem in the KPA500 T/R switch area. > Email supp...@elecraft.com for further checks and resolution. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/8/2019 2:34 AM, Barry Simpson wrote: > > My KPA 500, which is several years old, has just developed an issue > > which so far I have been unable to resolve. > > > > What has happened is that when I put the amplifier into OPER, the > received > > signal strength drops by several S units. It transmits normally and > > also receives normally in STBY. > > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 rocke...@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] KPA 500 Attenuated Receive Signals
Thanks Don That's what I thought. I will email them tomorrow. 73 Barry VK2BJ On Sun, 8 Sep 2019 at 21:36, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Barry, > > I think you may find a problem in the KPA500 T/R switch area. > Email supp...@elecraft.com for further checks and resolution. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/8/2019 2:34 AM, Barry Simpson wrote: > > My KPA 500, which is several years old, has just developed an issue which > > so far I have been unable to resolve. > > > > What has happened is that when I put the amplifier into OPER, the > received > > signal strength drops by several S units. It transmits normally and also > > receives normally in STBY. > > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 Attenuated Receive Signals
Barry, I think you may find a problem in the KPA500 T/R switch area. Email supp...@elecraft.com for further checks and resolution. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/8/2019 2:34 AM, Barry Simpson wrote: My KPA 500, which is several years old, has just developed an issue which so far I have been unable to resolve. What has happened is that when I put the amplifier into OPER, the received signal strength drops by several S units. It transmits normally and also receives normally in STBY. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA 500 HV Problem.
I recently had the same error on my kpa500 recently. Investigation revealed the PSU board multiplier could produce 210V OFF LOAD with the PSU>LPF jumper disconnected but only 60v when the jumper was connected. Simulating the pin diode current consumption with a resistor also produced the same result. Turned out that R16 which should have been 100 ohm was now 1.2Mohm. Replacing it fixed that problem While talking to elecraft support it transpired that there was an upgrade kit (E850607) that replaces the Q5 FET on the LPF board with a transistor (as usual no reference could be found to it on the elecraft web site!). This upgrade has also now been done Dave Ww2r Subject: [Elecraft] Fw: KPA 500 HV Problem. Message-ID: <931749743.2948576.1556653953...@mail.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 - Forwarded Message - From: Mike Streeter To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: ?Tuesday?, ?April? ?30?, ?2019? ?02?:?50?:?12? ?PM? ?CDTSubject: KPA 500 HV Problem. My KPA 500 has been running ok for several years on 120 Volts. Today I turned it off on the back , unplugged it and opened the top because I thought I might need to change the voltage tap. I did not need to change it. I replaced the top cover, plugged it in and turned it on at the back. All ok, but when I turned it on with the front panel button the HV reads .1 in standby. If I tap OPER it shows a hard fault and "270V error" .The Manual says this is a 270V supply failure and to recycle the mains power KPA 500 after it is corrected. I tried recycling the power but still faults. I don't have any 270V power from the mains, if I did it would be 240ish, not 270. The fuse block on the back is set to 115V.Any advice would be welcome.Mike, WM5DX. ? --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.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] KPA 500 HV Problem
BTW - the top cover safety interlock switch controls 60 V and 270 V supplies. Is it adjusted properly so the top cover closes it? 73, Andy k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 No Power out on 80 meters
This happened to me too on 40 meters with an antenna that was less than 2:1 SWR. There are a lot of factors that can impact the longevity of the parts in the amp... over voltage/ over current can happen depending on the components of the impedance. -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tom KG3V Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2019 2:30 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-500 No Power out on 80 meters I believe I have fried the 80 meter circuitry in my KPA-500. I am contacting Elecraft about possible repairs, but would also be interested in other's input. Here is what happened: I was using a multi-band antenna and the SWR was high on 80m. I use a KAT-500 with the Amp at all times. My (naive) thinking was that if the KAT-500 could successfully tune it, the Amp was safe. In the past, this seemed to have been the case. I use an IC-7600 and have the KEY line connected, as well as the PA KEY line between the Tuner and the Amp. Every time I changed frequencies on the 80 meter Band, I would TUNE before operating. At one point, I noticed "that smell" of hot components, and was then unable to transmit on 80 meters. In testing this morning, I get no output from the Amp on 80 meters only. All other Bands seem to be fine. I can use 80 meters with the Amp in Bypass mode, so I do not suspect a problem with the Tuner. Today, it continues to work fine on several other bands with full power output. Thanks for any suggestions 73, Tom, KG3V -- Get on the Air and make some noise Ham Blog at WWW.KG3V.COM --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.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] KPA-500 No Power out on 80 meters
Tom I did something similar on 6M, but I fixed it myself. 2 things. One, pull the logs off the Amp and that will tell the story. Next, you will have to open it up and see if you have burned anything in the LPF board. It will be pretty obvious. If you are ok with working on that, it is fixable. If not, you'll have to send it home for a repair. Mike va3mw On Sun, Mar 31, 2019 at 3:30 PM Tom KG3V wrote: > I believe I have fried the 80 meter circuitry in my KPA-500. I am > contacting Elecraft about possible repairs, but would also be interested > in other's input. Here is what happened: > > I was using a multi-band antenna and the SWR was high on 80m. I use a > KAT-500 with the Amp at all times. My (naive) thinking was that if the > KAT-500 could successfully tune it, the Amp was safe. In the past, this > seemed to have been the case. I use an IC-7600 and have the KEY line > connected, as well as the PA KEY line between the Tuner and the Amp. > Every time I changed frequencies on the 80 meter Band, I would TUNE > before operating. At one point, I noticed "that smell" of hot > components, and was then unable to transmit on 80 meters. > > In testing this morning, I get no output from the Amp on 80 meters only. > All other Bands seem to be fine. I can use 80 meters with the Amp in > Bypass mode, so I do not suspect a problem with the Tuner. Today, it > continues to work fine on several other bands with full power output. > > Thanks for any suggestions > > > 73, > > Tom, KG3V > > -- > Get on the Air and make some noise > Ham Blog at WWW.KG3V.COM > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
On 3/8/2019 9:04 AM, Edward R Cole wrote: House has the EU6500i for standby power. Runs everything in the house including the well and the ham shack. Bands are amazingly quiet when the neighborhood is without commercial power. My 6500 is NOT RF quiet. I don't usually run the radios when it's running, but am building a common mode choke to put on it. 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
I bought the 2200i twins for running >4000w for my RV last spring, so less than a year old. Ended up not running them so only test-run by the selling dealer before I took delivery. Guess I will check the SN's to see if they are on the recall. Presently stored in the RV which is surrounded by waist-high snow so that will have wait a few more months. I might check with the dealer in meantime as he probably recorded the SN in the sale. If my generators were part of the recall, glad I did not fuel or run them. We logged 11K miles last summer with them in the storage area. I have several Honda power tools which I really like the quality. Always start easy and run well. House has the EU6500i for standby power. Runs everything in the house including the well and the ham shack. Bands are amazingly quiet when the neighborhood is without commercial power. Thanks for the heads-up on the recall. 73, Ed - KL7UW From: Bob McGraw K4TAX To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Correct.? I was just speaking with the Sales person at Hondashop.com.? The units are on a recall / hold.? They have quite a back order list.? Their price is $899.00 delivered in USA.? CA residents pay 7.375 tax.? They do not have the EU2000i as it is discontinued. 73 Bob, K4TAX 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
While it isn’t troubled by investors, it also rather likes inverters… Sorry, I got spell-corrected… 73! Jack, W6FB > On Mar 7, 2019, at 7:30 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft > wrote: > > The KPA500 does quite well with generators, especially the Honda family. > These days it is the amplifier of choice for many DXpeditions who’s only > power is provided by generators. > > Since the KPA500 has a linear supply, it is not troubled as much by modified > sine wave generators and investors as those using a switching supply. > > 73! > Jack, W6FB > > >> On Mar 7, 2019, at 5:58 PM, Mark Forsyth wrote: >> >> That'd probably be fine. >> >> The el-cheapo generators I refer to usually specify "modified sine wave" >> output which when looked at on a CRO looks more like a square wave with >> slightly rounded corners. Some or even most switch mode power supplies can >> cope quite badly with a wave form that's more square than sine. >> >> >> Cheers, >> Mark F... >> VK3ZMF / VK3KW >> KX3 with the lot # 1675 >> KXPA100 # 530 >> PX3 # 233 >> >> >> >>> -Original Message- >>> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX >>> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 12:35 PM >>> To: Mark Forsyth >>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator >>> >>> Mark: >>> >>> What would be the acceptable distortion limits for good vs. not so good >>> inverter generator? My conventional constant speed generator runs about >>> 3% THD. I recall the AC line from the utility is about the same. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> Bob, K4TAX >>> >>> >>> On 3/7/2019 7:22 PM, Mark Forsyth wrote: >>>> If you're thinking of using a generator at the cheaper end of the scale >>>> make >>> sure that its output is pure sine wave and NOT modified sine wave. >>>> >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> Mark F... >>>> VK3ZMF / VK3KW >>>> KX3 with the lot # 1675 >>>> KXPA100 # 530 >>>> PX3 # 233 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> -Original Message- >>>>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net >>>> boun...@mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Raymond Sills via Elecraft >>>>> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 7:58 AM >>>>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator >>>>> >>>>> Honda generators are usually pretty good.. but nothing is perfect. >>>>> Leaking fuel is a big red flag. >>>>> There's always that Harbor Freight clone... which ought to do the >>>>> job... and presumably is not affected by a fuel leak. >>>>> 73 de RayK2ULRKX3 #211 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -Original Message- >>>>> From: John Evans >>>>> To: elecraft >>>>> Sent: Thu, Mar 7, 2019 2:44 pm >>>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator >>>>> >>>>> Honda just issued a stop sell order for the 2200 due to some hardware >>> issues. >>>>> >>>>> https://rvdailyreport.com/industry/honda-issues-stop-sell-order-for- >>>>> eu2200i-generators/?fbclid=IwAR0e810z_ppbrXdUdY6egI8F- >>>>> MvVtSTwZE_cDQq9ILLMEZPUT96P4J8E5_8 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Thu, Mar 7, 2019 at 12:29 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX >>>>> >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> The Honda EU2200i will handle the KPA500 quite well and provide >>>>>> power for other items.... >>>>> >>> __ >>>>> >>>>> Elecraft mailing list >>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>>>> Post: mailto: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/mmfa
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
The KPA500 does quite well with generators, especially the Honda family. These days it is the amplifier of choice for many DXpeditions who’s only power is provided by generators. Since the KPA500 has a linear supply, it is not troubled as much by modified sine wave generators and investors as those using a switching supply. 73! Jack, W6FB > On Mar 7, 2019, at 5:58 PM, Mark Forsyth wrote: > > That'd probably be fine. > > The el-cheapo generators I refer to usually specify "modified sine wave" > output which when looked at on a CRO looks more like a square wave with > slightly rounded corners. Some or even most switch mode power supplies can > cope quite badly with a wave form that's more square than sine. > > > Cheers, > Mark F... > VK3ZMF / VK3KW > KX3 with the lot # 1675 > KXPA100 # 530 > PX3 # 233 > > > >> -Original Message- >> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX >> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 12:35 PM >> To: Mark Forsyth >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator >> >> Mark: >> >> What would be the acceptable distortion limits for good vs. not so good >> inverter generator? My conventional constant speed generator runs about >> 3% THD. I recall the AC line from the utility is about the same. >> >> 73 >> >> Bob, K4TAX >> >> >> On 3/7/2019 7:22 PM, Mark Forsyth wrote: >>> If you're thinking of using a generator at the cheaper end of the scale make >> sure that its output is pure sine wave and NOT modified sine wave. >>> >>> >>> Cheers, >>> Mark F... >>> VK3ZMF / VK3KW >>> KX3 with the lot # 1675 >>> KXPA100 # 530 >>> PX3 # 233 >>> >>> >>> >>>> -Original Message- >>>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net >>> boun...@mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Raymond Sills via Elecraft >>>> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 7:58 AM >>>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator >>>> >>>> Honda generators are usually pretty good.. but nothing is perfect. >>>> Leaking fuel is a big red flag. >>>> There's always that Harbor Freight clone... which ought to do the >>>> job... and presumably is not affected by a fuel leak. >>>> 73 de RayK2ULRKX3 #211 >>>> >>>> >>>> -Original Message- >>>> From: John Evans >>>> To: elecraft >>>> Sent: Thu, Mar 7, 2019 2:44 pm >>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator >>>> >>>> Honda just issued a stop sell order for the 2200 due to some hardware >> issues. >>>> >>>> https://rvdailyreport.com/industry/honda-issues-stop-sell-order-for- >>>> eu2200i-generators/?fbclid=IwAR0e810z_ppbrXdUdY6egI8F- >>>> MvVtSTwZE_cDQq9ILLMEZPUT96P4J8E5_8 >>>> >>>> >>>> On Thu, Mar 7, 2019 at 12:29 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX >>>> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> The Honda EU2200i will handle the KPA500 quite well and provide >>>>> power for other items.... >>>> >> __ >>>> >>>> Elecraft mailing list >>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>>> Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
That'd probably be fine. The el-cheapo generators I refer to usually specify "modified sine wave" output which when looked at on a CRO looks more like a square wave with slightly rounded corners. Some or even most switch mode power supplies can cope quite badly with a wave form that's more square than sine. Cheers, Mark F... VK3ZMF / VK3KW KX3 with the lot # 1675 KXPA100 # 530 PX3 # 233 > -Original Message- > From: Bob McGraw K4TAX > Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 12:35 PM > To: Mark Forsyth > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator > > Mark: > > What would be the acceptable distortion limits for good vs. not so good > inverter generator? My conventional constant speed generator runs about > 3% THD. I recall the AC line from the utility is about the same. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > > On 3/7/2019 7:22 PM, Mark Forsyth wrote: > > If you're thinking of using a generator at the cheaper end of the scale make > sure that its output is pure sine wave and NOT modified sine wave. > > > > > > Cheers, > > Mark F... > > VK3ZMF / VK3KW > > KX3 with the lot # 1675 > > KXPA100 # 530 > > PX3 # 233 > > > > > > > >> -Original Message- > >> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net >> boun...@mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Raymond Sills via Elecraft > >> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 7:58 AM > >> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator > >> > >> Honda generators are usually pretty good.. but nothing is perfect. > >> Leaking fuel is a big red flag. > >> There's always that Harbor Freight clone... which ought to do the > >> job... and presumably is not affected by a fuel leak. > >> 73 de RayK2ULRKX3 #211 > >> > >> > >> -Original Message- > >> From: John Evans > >> To: elecraft > >> Sent: Thu, Mar 7, 2019 2:44 pm > >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator > >> > >> Honda just issued a stop sell order for the 2200 due to some hardware > issues. > >> > >> https://rvdailyreport.com/industry/honda-issues-stop-sell-order-for- > >> eu2200i-generators/?fbclid=IwAR0e810z_ppbrXdUdY6egI8F- > >> MvVtSTwZE_cDQq9ILLMEZPUT96P4J8E5_8 > >> > >> > >> On Thu, Mar 7, 2019 at 12:29 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX > >> > >> wrote: > >> > >>> The Honda EU2200i will handle the KPA500 quite well and provide > >>> power for other items. ... > >> > __ > >> > >> Elecraft mailing list > >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > >> Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
If you're thinking of using a generator at the cheaper end of the scale make sure that its output is pure sine wave and NOT modified sine wave. Cheers, Mark F... VK3ZMF / VK3KW KX3 with the lot # 1675 KXPA100 # 530 PX3 # 233 > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net boun...@mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Raymond Sills via Elecraft > Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 7:58 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator > > Honda generators are usually pretty good.. but nothing is perfect. Leaking > fuel is a big red flag. > There's always that Harbor Freight clone... which ought to do the job... and > presumably is not affected by a fuel leak. > 73 de RayK2ULRKX3 #211 > > > -Original Message- > From: John Evans > To: elecraft > Sent: Thu, Mar 7, 2019 2:44 pm > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator > > Honda just issued a stop sell order for the 2200 due to some hardware issues. > > https://rvdailyreport.com/industry/honda-issues-stop-sell-order-for- > eu2200i-generators/?fbclid=IwAR0e810z_ppbrXdUdY6egI8F- > MvVtSTwZE_cDQq9ILLMEZPUT96P4J8E5_8 > > > On Thu, Mar 7, 2019 at 12:29 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX > > wrote: > > > The Honda EU2200i will handle the KPA500 quite well and provide power > > for other items. ... > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
Honda generators are usually pretty good.. but nothing is perfect. Leaking fuel is a big red flag. There's always that Harbor Freight clone... which ought to do the job... and presumably is not affected by a fuel leak. 73 de RayK2ULRKX3 #211 -Original Message- From: John Evans To: elecraft Sent: Thu, Mar 7, 2019 2:44 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with Portable Generator Honda just issued a stop sell order for the 2200 due to some hardware issues. https://rvdailyreport.com/industry/honda-issues-stop-sell-order-for-eu2200i-generators/?fbclid=IwAR0e810z_ppbrXdUdY6egI8F-MvVtSTwZE_cDQq9ILLMEZPUT96P4J8E5_8 On Thu, Mar 7, 2019 at 12:29 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > The Honda EU2200i will handle the KPA500 quite well and provide power > for other items. ... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
I'm not familiar with the 2200i, but our CQP and 7QP county expedition groups have used the 2000i for years to run a K3/P3/KPA500/KAT500 station on both CW and SSB. At times we have been able to run in ECO mode without issues, while at other times we've had issues voltage regulation with the KPA500. Short, beefy copper between the KPA500 and the generator helps. We mostly work CW, but also do SSB. 73, Jim K9YC On 3/7/2019 11:28 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: The Honda EU2200i will handle the KPA500 quite well and provide power for other items. You should run the generator in the ECO throttle in the OFF position as CW and SSB will have it trying to keep up with load changes. And the new ones are rated at 2200 watts max, 1800 watts rated where as the older one was 2000 watts max. With the EU2200i you should not need a UPS. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 3/7/2019 1:20 PM, k...@chesbayva.com wrote: Does anyone have any experience using their KPA-500 with a small, portable generator? I was thinking about using a generator and an UPS, but I am finding that my small UPS does not like generator power. I am guessing some of you may have tried this at Field Day. What did you find? 73, Tom, KG3V __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA-500 with Portable Generator
Correct. I was just speaking with the Sales person at Hondashop.com. The units are on a recall / hold. They have quite a back order list. Their price is $899.00 delivered in USA. CA residents pay 7.375 tax. They do not have the EU2000i as it is discontinued. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 3/7/2019 1:43 PM, John Evans wrote: Honda just issued a stop sell order for the 2200 due to some hardware issues. https://rvdailyreport.com/industry/honda-issues-stop-sell-order-for-eu2200i-generators/?fbclid=IwAR0e810z_ppbrXdUdY6egI8F-MvVtSTwZE_cDQq9ILLMEZPUT96P4J8E5_8 On Thu, Mar 7, 2019 at 12:29 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: The Honda EU2200i will handle the KPA500 quite well and provide power for other items.... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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
