Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Hi, our clubs K2/100 has the same problem with high curent at full power on 160m, but my own is ok. Has anyone found a cure? 73 Fraser G4BJM From: John Reiser [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED],Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Date: Thu, 07 Dec 2006 10:42:56 -0500 Hi Julius, Both my K2/100s, #4970 and #5570 exhibit excessive current draw on 160 meters, as indicated by the ammeter on my 30 watt Astron PS. It gets up to 27 or 28 amps. I use a 30 amp fuse. In every other respect, my two K2/100's work perfectly. Current draw on all the other bands is less than 20 amps. I don't have an antenna for 160, so I never transmit on that band anyway, and this is not a big problem for me. Still, being a bit of a perfectionist, it bothers me that it exists. I mentioned it on the reflector a while ago. Someone said they had the same experience, but had no solution. Someone else suggested that I retune the 80 meter bandpass filter to represent a compromise between 80 and 160. I tried that, but the excessive current draw continued regardless of the bandpass tuning. (Could it be due to the KPA100 going into oscillation at the 160 frequency?) When I saw your post, I became hopeful that it might evoke a response from someone who had come up with the definitive solution. But so far there hasn't been any. Good luck and 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 5:49 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Well ARRL 160 is history now. As usual, with the K2 I heard more than I could get to hear me ;o) Evidently I heard and worked more than some of the local contesters with other brand equipment heheh. Anyway I have a problem... I use the KPA100 with the KAT100, and there may be no connection between the two, to stretch the bandwith of my antenna. If I set the K2 for 100 watts (or just twist the knob far clockwise), the ALC does not kick in. In a key down situation, the current keeps climbing until the fuse blows. If I set it for 99 watts (I realize this is not that precise) the ALC does function somewhat. I've not tried it with a dummy load. The antenna was fairly well matched (1.2:1 at it best point)and has a current balun on it. So this really shouldn't be happening. Do I have a problem with the KPA? Thanks, Julius n2wn Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _ It's Hotmail's 10th Birthday! Come and play Pass the Parcel http://www.msnpasstheparcel.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Fraser, What is the power level at 'full power'? I have seen K2/100s that could easily develop 160 watts on 160. To be consistent, measure the current drawn from the power supply while the KPA100 is delivering 100 watts to a 50 ohm dummy load. All other comparisons are filled with unknown variables. There is a difference between a Hi Cur message (base K2 drawing more than the CAL CUR limit) and a high current being drawn from the supply powering the KPA100 (amplifier is drawing excessive current). Also, measure the voltage delivered by the power supply to the KPA100 APP connector during transmit. If the voltage drops, the K2 will crank up the power (draw more current) to attempt to provide the full requested power output - and if the PS voltage drops significantly the problem is in the power supply and the connecting cable rather than in the K2/100. Sorry for the longish answer, but there are several variables that should be sorted out before determining if a problem exists and if so where it is located. In general an amplifier that draws excessive current AND has lower than expected power output, one can point to the LPF for the source of the problem, BUT excessive current with proper power output is usually caused by too low a power supply voltage or bad power supply connections. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi, our clubs K2/100 has the same problem with high curent at full power on 160m, but my own is ok. Has anyone found a cure? 73 Fraser G4BJM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/580 - Release Date: 12/8/2006 12:53 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Thanks Tom! I checked my second K2/100 on 160 into a dummy load and it looks like it draws about 18A at 12.5 VDC. So I'm guessing I miscounted turns. Will check it out over the weekend, assuming 10 isn't hopping. Cheers, Julius n2wn --- Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Fellas: For what it's probably worth, I just checked my K2/100 on 160M into a known good BW 50-Ohm dummyload/wattmeter. At 14.2VDC supply (out of the P/S) my KPA100 draws 16A of current at a measured 100W into the dummyload. Just to muck up the discussion a bit more. 73, Tom N0SS Previous thread trail deleted to save a bit of bandwidth. Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try it now. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Here is some more muck. I just checked my K2/100 on 160M into a dummy load and measured 14.5A @ 13.5V on my Astron RS-20M, although I'm not sure how accurate the meters are on the PS. I don't have the Kat100. I do get some strange readings on my 160 inv-v and my inv-L but that can be due to the snow and ice we have just had here in Western MI. Russ, N3CO - Original Message - From: Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; John Reiser [EMAIL PROTECTED]; J F [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 2:38 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Fellas: For what it's probably worth, I just checked my K2/100 on 160M into a known good BW 50-Ohm dummyload/wattmeter. At 14.2VDC supply (out of the P/S) my KPA100 draws 16A of current at a measured 100W into the dummyload. Just to muck up the discussion a bit more. 73, Tom N0SS Previous thread trail deleted to save a bit of bandwidth. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.14/578 - Release Date: 12/7/2006 1:27 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Hi Julius, Both my K2/100s, #4970 and #5570 exhibit excessive current draw on 160 meters, as indicated by the ammeter on my 30 watt Astron PS. It gets up to 27 or 28 amps. I use a 30 amp fuse. In every other respect, my two K2/100's work perfectly. Current draw on all the other bands is less than 20 amps. I don't have an antenna for 160, so I never transmit on that band anyway, and this is not a big problem for me. Still, being a bit of a perfectionist, it bothers me that it exists. I mentioned it on the reflector a while ago. Someone said they had the same experience, but had no solution. Someone else suggested that I retune the 80 meter bandpass filter to represent a compromise between 80 and 160. I tried that, but the excessive current draw continued regardless of the bandpass tuning. (Could it be due to the KPA100 going into oscillation at the 160 frequency?) When I saw your post, I became hopeful that it might evoke a response from someone who had come up with the definitive solution. But so far there hasn't been any. Good luck and 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 5:49 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Well ARRL 160 is history now. As usual, with the K2 I heard more than I could get to hear me ;o) Evidently I heard and worked more than some of the local contesters with other brand equipment heheh. Anyway I have a problem... I use the KPA100 with the KAT100, and there may be no connection between the two, to stretch the bandwith of my antenna. If I set the K2 for 100 watts (or just twist the knob far clockwise), the ALC does not kick in. In a key down situation, the current keeps climbing until the fuse blows. If I set it for 99 watts (I realize this is not that precise) the ALC does function somewhat. I've not tried it with a dummy load. The antenna was fairly well matched (1.2:1 at it best point)and has a current balun on it. So this really shouldn't be happening. Do I have a problem with the KPA? Thanks, Julius n2wn Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Hi John, Do you use the KAT100 with yours? Or is it just straight to the load? I do see a lot of RF in the shack with my sniffer on 160. It seems like it is coming from the sides of the KAT100. I'm going to experiment this weekend, hopefully, taking the tuner out of the line altogether and see if it makes a difference. I'll post as soon as I can. Cheers, Julius n2wn --- John Reiser [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Julius, Both my K2/100s, #4970 and #5570 exhibit excessive current draw on 160 meters, as indicated by the ammeter on my 30 watt Astron PS. It gets up to 27 or 28 amps. I use a 30 amp fuse. In every other respect, my two K2/100's work perfectly. Current draw on all the other bands is less than 20 amps. I don't have an antenna for 160, so I never transmit on that band anyway, and this is not a big problem for me. Still, being a bit of a perfectionist, it bothers me that it exists. I mentioned it on the reflector a while ago. Someone said they had the same experience, but had no solution. Someone else suggested that I retune the 80 meter bandpass filter to represent a compromise between 80 and 160. I tried that, but the excessive current draw continued regardless of the bandpass tuning. (Could it be due to the KPA100 going into oscillation at the 160 frequency?) When I saw your post, I became hopeful that it might evoke a response from someone who had come up with the definitive solution. But so far there hasn't been any. Good luck and 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 5:49 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Well ARRL 160 is history now. As usual, with the K2 I heard more than I could get to hear me ;o) Evidently I heard and worked more than some of the local contesters with other brand equipment heheh. Anyway I have a problem... I use the KPA100 with the KAT100, and there may be no connection between the two, to stretch the bandwith of my antenna. If I set the K2 for 100 watts (or just twist the knob far clockwise), the ALC does not kick in. In a key down situation, the current keeps climbing until the fuse blows. If I set it for 99 watts (I realize this is not that precise) the ALC does function somewhat. I've not tried it with a dummy load. The antenna was fairly well matched (1.2:1 at it best point)and has a current balun on it. So this really shouldn't be happening. Do I have a problem with the KPA? Thanks, Julius n2wn Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try it now. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
FWIW late in the 160m contest I noticed the K2/100 was a little warm. I switched to the current reading on my power supply and saw numbers in the 27-30 A range. I realized that a couple hours before I had cranked the power all the way up to 111 watts (as high as it went) and hadn't turned it back down to 100. When I turned it down to 100 the current draw looked normal (maxing out around 20 A). I was transmitting into an antenna that was 3:1 SWR without the KAT100; 1:1 with the tuner. I didn't notice any bad behavior otherwise. Just thought I'd throw this into the discussion for a data point. Craig NZ0R -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Reiser Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 9:43 AM To: J F; Elecraft Discussion List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Hi Julius, Both my K2/100s, #4970 and #5570 exhibit excessive current draw on 160 meters, as indicated by the ammeter on my 30 watt Astron PS. It gets up to 27 or 28 amps. I use a 30 amp fuse. In every other respect, my two K2/100's work perfectly. Current draw on all the other bands is less than 20 amps. I don't have an antenna for 160, so I never transmit on that band anyway, and this is not a big problem for me. Still, being a bit of a perfectionist, it bothers me that it exists. I mentioned it on the reflector a while ago. Someone said they had the same experience, but had no solution. Someone else suggested that I retune the 80 meter bandpass filter to represent a compromise between 80 and 160. I tried that, but the excessive current draw continued regardless of the bandpass tuning. (Could it be due to the KPA100 going into oscillation at the 160 frequency?) When I saw your post, I became hopeful that it might evoke a response from someone who had come up with the definitive solution. But so far there hasn't been any. Good luck and 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 5:49 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Well ARRL 160 is history now. As usual, with the K2 I heard more than I could get to hear me ;o) Evidently I heard and worked more than some of the local contesters with other brand equipment heheh. Anyway I have a problem... I use the KPA100 with the KAT100, and there may be no connection between the two, to stretch the bandwith of my antenna. If I set the K2 for 100 watts (or just twist the knob far clockwise), the ALC does not kick in. In a key down situation, the current keeps climbing until the fuse blows. If I set it for 99 watts (I realize this is not that precise) the ALC does function somewhat. I've not tried it with a dummy load. The antenna was fairly well matched (1.2:1 at it best point)and has a current balun on it. So this really shouldn't be happening. Do I have a problem with the KPA? Thanks, Julius n2wn Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Hi Julius and Craig, Ordinarilly, I have my KAT100 in line to flatten my antennas. During the alignment and test phase on the bench it was not used. I just had a watt meter and dummy load connected. I usually have the power set to 100 watts out I will experiment to see if there is a power-out point below which the current draw seems normal (15-20 amps) and report back. John, W2GW - Original Message - From: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: John Reiser [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 10:49 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Hi John, Do you use the KAT100 with yours? Or is it just straight to the load? I do see a lot of RF in the shack with my sniffer on 160. It seems like it is coming from the sides of the KAT100. I'm going to experiment this weekend, hopefully, taking the tuner out of the line altogether and see if it makes a difference. I'll post as soon as I can. Cheers, Julius n2wn --- John Reiser [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Julius, Both my K2/100s, #4970 and #5570 exhibit excessive current draw on 160 meters, as indicated by the ammeter on my 30 watt Astron PS. It gets up to 27 or 28 amps. I use a 30 amp fuse. In every other respect, my two K2/100's work perfectly. Current draw on all the other bands is less than 20 amps. I don't have an antenna for 160, so I never transmit on that band anyway, and this is not a big problem for me. Still, being a bit of a perfectionist, it bothers me that it exists. I mentioned it on the reflector a while ago. Someone said they had the same experience, but had no solution. Someone else suggested that I retune the 80 meter bandpass filter to represent a compromise between 80 and 160. I tried that, but the excessive current draw continued regardless of the bandpass tuning. (Could it be due to the KPA100 going into oscillation at the 160 frequency?) When I saw your post, I became hopeful that it might evoke a response from someone who had come up with the definitive solution. But so far there hasn't been any. Good luck and 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 5:49 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Well ARRL 160 is history now. As usual, with the K2 I heard more than I could get to hear me ;o) Evidently I heard and worked more than some of the local contesters with other brand equipment heheh. Anyway I have a problem... I use the KPA100 with the KAT100, and there may be no connection between the two, to stretch the bandwith of my antenna. If I set the K2 for 100 watts (or just twist the knob far clockwise), the ALC does not kick in. In a key down situation, the current keeps climbing until the fuse blows. If I set it for 99 watts (I realize this is not that precise) the ALC does function somewhat. I've not tried it with a dummy load. The antenna was fairly well matched (1.2:1 at it best point)and has a current balun on it. So this really shouldn't be happening. Do I have a problem with the KPA? Thanks, Julius n2wn Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try it now. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
John, Julius, The normal thing to look at in a high current situation is the low pass filter. Check both on the base K2 and the KPA100. First thing is to count the turns on the toroids - count only the turns that pass through the center of the core or you might end up with an extra turn. On the 160 meter band, one extra turn is all it takes to create a high current situation because the cutoff frequency of the LPF moves down into the 160 meter band and shunts some of the signal to ground. The KAP100 LPF is easy to sweep with an antenna analyzer - connect the ribbon cable to the K2 and select the band of interest, put a 50 ohm resistor into the input cable and attach the analyzer to the SO-239. If you do not find a low SWR throughout the band, the LPF is to blame. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of John Reiser Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 10:43 AM To: J F; Elecraft Discussion List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Hi Julius, Both my K2/100s, #4970 and #5570 exhibit excessive current draw on 160 meters, as indicated by the ammeter on my 30 watt Astron PS. It gets up to 27 or 28 amps. I use a 30 amp fuse. In every other respect, my two K2/100's work perfectly. Current draw on all the other bands is less than 20 amps. I don't have an antenna for 160, so I never transmit on that band anyway, and this is not a big problem for me. Still, being a bit of a perfectionist, it bothers me that it exists. I mentioned it on the reflector a while ago. Someone said they had the same experience, but had no solution. Someone else suggested that I retune the 80 meter bandpass filter to represent a compromise between 80 and 160. I tried that, but the excessive current draw continued regardless of the bandpass tuning. (Could it be due to the KPA100 going into oscillation at the 160 frequency?) When I saw your post, I became hopeful that it might evoke a response from someone who had come up with the definitive solution. But so far there hasn't been any. Good luck and 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 5:49 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Well ARRL 160 is history now. As usual, with the K2 I heard more than I could get to hear me ;o) Evidently I heard and worked more than some of the local contesters with other brand equipment heheh. Anyway I have a problem... I use the KPA100 with the KAT100, and there may be no connection between the two, to stretch the bandwith of my antenna. If I set the K2 for 100 watts (or just twist the knob far clockwise), the ALC does not kick in. In a key down situation, the current keeps climbing until the fuse blows. If I set it for 99 watts (I realize this is not that precise) the ALC does function somewhat. I've not tried it with a dummy load. The antenna was fairly well matched (1.2:1 at it best point)and has a current balun on it. So this really shouldn't be happening. Do I have a problem with the KPA? Thanks, Julius n2wn __ __ Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.11/575 - Release Date: 12/6/2006 12:22 PM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/579 - Release Date: 12/7/2006 1:31 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Hi Don, thank you very much, I will definitely take a look at that. It certainly is easy to miscount a densely wound toroid when distracted. Cheers, Julius n2wn --- Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: John, Julius, The normal thing to look at in a high current situation is the low pass filter. Check both on the base K2 and the KPA100. First thing is to count the turns on the toroids - count only the turns that pass through the center of the core or you might end up with an extra turn. On the 160 meter band, one extra turn is all it takes to create a high current situation because the cutoff frequency of the LPF moves down into the 160 meter band and shunts some of the signal to ground. The KAP100 LPF is easy to sweep with an antenna analyzer - connect the ribbon cable to the K2 and select the band of interest, put a 50 ohm resistor into the input cable and attach the analyzer to the SO-239. If you do not find a low SWR throughout the band, the LPF is to blame. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of John Reiser Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 10:43 AM To: J F; Elecraft Discussion List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Hi Julius, Both my K2/100s, #4970 and #5570 exhibit excessive current draw on 160 meters, as indicated by the ammeter on my 30 watt Astron PS. It gets up to 27 or 28 amps. I use a 30 amp fuse. In every other respect, my two K2/100's work perfectly. Current draw on all the other bands is less than 20 amps. I don't have an antenna for 160, so I never transmit on that band anyway, and this is not a big problem for me. Still, being a bit of a perfectionist, it bothers me that it exists. I mentioned it on the reflector a while ago. Someone said they had the same experience, but had no solution. Someone else suggested that I retune the 80 meter bandpass filter to represent a compromise between 80 and 160. I tried that, but the excessive current draw continued regardless of the bandpass tuning. (Could it be due to the KPA100 going into oscillation at the 160 frequency?) When I saw your post, I became hopeful that it might evoke a response from someone who had come up with the definitive solution. But so far there hasn't been any. Good luck and 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: J F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 5:49 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Well ARRL 160 is history now. As usual, with the K2 I heard more than I could get to hear me ;o) Evidently I heard and worked more than some of the local contesters with other brand equipment heheh. Anyway I have a problem... I use the KPA100 with the KAT100, and there may be no connection between the two, to stretch the bandwith of my antenna. If I set the K2 for 100 watts (or just twist the knob far clockwise), the ALC does not kick in. In a key down situation, the current keeps climbing until the fuse blows. If I set it for 99 watts (I realize this is not that precise) the ALC does function somewhat. I've not tried it with a dummy load. The antenna was fairly well matched (1.2:1 at it best point)and has a current balun on it. So this really shouldn't be happening. Do I have a problem with the KPA? Thanks, Julius n2wn __ __ Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.11/575 - Release Date: 12/6/2006 12:22 PM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/579 - Release Date: 12/7/2006 1:31 PM Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Hi Don, Thanks for your help. I will do as you suggest. (Not today though_ too many honey-dos.) What gives me pause: how could I screw up twice the same way? I suppose it's possible. 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: John Reiser [EMAIL PROTECTED]; J F [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 1:25 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current John, Julius, The normal thing to look at in a high current situation is the low pass filter. Check both on the base K2 and the KPA100. First thing is to count the turns on the toroids - count only the turns that pass through the center of the core or you might end up with an extra turn. On the 160 meter band, one extra turn is all it takes to create a high current situation because the cutoff frequency of the LPF moves down into the 160 meter band and shunts some of the signal to ground. The KAP100 LPF is easy to sweep with an antenna analyzer - connect the ribbon cable to the K2 and select the band of interest, put a 50 ohm resistor into the input cable and attach the analyzer to the SO-239. If you do not find a low SWR throughout the band, the LPF is to blame. 73, Don W3FPR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Fellas: For what it's probably worth, I just checked my K2/100 on 160M into a known good BW 50-Ohm dummyload/wattmeter. At 14.2VDC supply (out of the P/S) my KPA100 draws 16A of current at a measured 100W into the dummyload. Just to muck up the discussion a bit more. 73, Tom N0SS Previous thread trail deleted to save a bit of bandwidth. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current
Hi Tom, That is indeed valuable input. Thanks! 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; John Reiser [EMAIL PROTECTED]; J F [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 2:38 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100/KAT100 on 160 Hi Current Fellas: For what it's probably worth, I just checked my K2/100 on 160M into a known good BW 50-Ohm dummyload/wattmeter. At 14.2VDC supply (out of the P/S) my KPA100 draws 16A of current at a measured 100W into the dummyload. Just to muck up the discussion a bit more. 73, Tom N0SS Previous thread trail deleted to save a bit of bandwidth. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
