On Thu, 21 Jan 2016 10:12:08 -0800, Fred Jensen wrote:
> I know the original KPA500 field testers were encouraged to run the amp
> at "full bars."
I had also heard that, and it was run on RTTY at up to 700W during a contest.
Gary - AG0N
On Thu, 21 Jan 2016 11:26:27 -0500, Irwin Darack wrote:
> The fans on mine do come on high and I keep an eye on the temp reading. I
> do need to stop occasionally to allow the amp to cool down. I am not sure
> if there is a way to add an addition external fan to increase the air flow?
I don't
> Yes, he's also the originator of the amateur form of AMTOR and PSK31.
Yes. Peter was the father of AMTOR, one of the most fun modes there ever was,
in my opinion. Too bad it died off, especially when today's rigs would handle
it so well. The throughput rate was just right to keep you
> An amusing side thing: I had my K3 tuned to 14.070 upper side band and I
> booted up FLDIGI on my laptop with no physical connection between them. To my
> amazement, I saw a waterfall display and, when I placed the cursor on a
> nice strong signal, I saw decoded text. I can only assume
> Is JT9 rockin' the lower bands - 160, 80 and 40???
Can't answer that, but JT9g is going strong on 10 meters (28.148). It's a high
speed version of JT9 used on both meteor scatter and Es. A slightly higher
bandwidth version, JT9h, is used on 6 meters, and is quite popular (50.280).
> My KPA-500 rests comfortably on top of my KAT-500 right beside my K3s
> and P3( and K3 held in reserve). My modes of operation are principally
> digital, either meteor scatter, PSK31, RTTY, and WSJTx and its many
> variations. All of these are what I would term 100% duty cycle.
Pretty much
On Wed, 21 Oct 2015 07:49:26 -0500, DaleJ wrote:
> Yes, the book says normal, but it's annoying.
This is an interesting topic and the explanation I saw on it some time back made
perfect sense. However, I also find it interesting that I have never
experienced the ticking at all on mine. Over
On Tue, 20 Oct 2015 08:58:17 -0700 (MST), ok1rp wrote:
> if your KPA500 has LPF board rev. D or earlier then You will need to make
> LPF TR Switch Rework REV5 modification, Elecraft parts kit: E850607. But
> maybe there is another issue in your case.
Apparently, I missed the OP on this. What is
On Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:16:43 -0500, Grant Youngman wrote:
> The difference better 800W and 500W is about 2 dB. Barely noticeable.
Two db is quite noticeable when you are in the noise.
Gary
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On Wed, 9 Sep 2015 17:18:33 -0700, Chris Johnson wrote:
> I just noticed that if I flip my KPA500 into OPER, the band sensitivity drops
> by a huge amount. I have a KAT500 between it and my rig. If I flip it back
> to STBY, the band reception is back to normal. The amp still puts out power
On Sat, 25 Apr 2015 07:09:23 + (UTC), Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:
I think some people take this HOBBY way to serious ;)
Define too serious. I take it very seriously. It's been with me since high
school and has been responsible for my entire career. It's what I do.
Gary
This stuff isn't as sexy as a radio or big antenna, but it's equally
important. The way to economize on things like this is to find good
stuff used/surplus, not cheap junk.
Try sticking a network analyzer on a home brew dummy load and see what it looks
like.
Gary
Has anybody asked Elecraft support for a schematic?
I was about to ask the same thing. This thread is just plain silly. When I got
my KPA, I simply called them up and asked for one. They obliged. So simple. I
do happen to agree that it should have been provided in the package though.
Gary
My KPA500 has light from the LCD display leaking around the HV and Current
buttons
I'm considering putting a strip of foam weather stripping between the buttons
and
the display to block it
I had never noticed it, so had to go check mine. Yes, it does the same thing.
What have others
Is there any reason he can't use an old computer power cord we have
lying around for the KPA500, if it will fit the amp's power block?
Yes! A computer cord is not heavy enough, especially if you are converting to
120 from 240 configuration. Current will be DOUBLE. Just buy the cable from
This is a relatively minor issue for me given that I rarely operate on 6m,
but I'm anal enough that I'd prefer to solve rather than accommodate the
problem.
Joe, this WILL be a problem for me, since almost all of my activity of late is
6m MS, and the amp is almost always used. I've noticed
On Thu, 26 Feb 2015 13:15:09 -0700, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote:
This is a relatively minor issue for me given that I rarely operate on 6m,
but I'm anal enough that I'd prefer to solve rather than accommodate the
problem.
Joe, this WILL be a problem for me, since almost all of my
On Sat, 14 Feb 2015 23:57:18 + (UTC), Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:
There must be something special about 40 meters and micro-controllers.
I learned years ago that there is something special about 40 meter RF. I've
gotten into more stuff when on 40 meters than anything else since 21 MHz
FYI, streaming to the Phonak ComPilot does wear the battery down in a few
hours, you can keep it plugged in to the charger while using it (provided
you are not moving around, of course!).
I've mentioned this on at least one other group, but will repeat it here for
those who haven't heard it.
It is time that RTTY contest sponsors make a strong effort to educate
their participants about other digital activity below xx.080 (between
xx.070 and xx.080) particularly on 20 and 15 meters.
Amen, Joe. And let's not forget that many of these non-RTTY modes are supposed
to be QRP modes.
RF may be switched with PIN diodes, but there are some relays in there
someplace.
No TR relay. Amp is quiet as a mouse when keying/unkeying, even in QSK. There
IS a STBY/OPER relay, I assume, as I can hear it when I go in and out of OPER.
Also, band switching, of course.
There are ticks
On Fri, 5 Dec 2014 12:01:46 -0500, George via Elecraft wrote:
Is there a procedure for this, or could a macro be built to do this? Or
could this be incorporated into a firmware upgrade?
IIRC:
I don't have a K3, but do have the KAT and KPA. Mine drops the amp when tuning
and brings it
If you find yourself confronted with a paddle that's counter to your
handed ness, simply turn it around 180 degrees and reach over the top to
send.
Absolutely. I've done this for years if I find myself in the midst of doing
something else with the sending hand. You may have to slow down
On Fri, 28 Nov 2014 19:19:31 -0600, Nate Bargmann wrote:
It's possible that the shack clock is a victim of this change but the
other two were purchased around the same time. One difference is that
the shack clock is set to GMT and the others are set to local time. As
I recall the clocks
On Tue, 18 Nov 2014 09:12:30 -0500, mtn...@hartcom.net wrote:
How to you guys, using the KPA500, run 2 antennas? The picture of this unit
doesnt show any extra antenna ports
.is there an option for that?
Normally, the output of the amplifier would go to a tuner, like the KAT500, or
whatever
I tune up with 20 watts, all is fine, 1.0 swr. But then I transmit with
power at around 5 watts, in a digital transmission, the KAT500 starts a
tuning cycle, then ends in a fault condition. If I transmit with the power
above about 10 watts, clear up to 100, everything works perfect?
As
On Tue, 11 Nov 2014 00:06:53 -0800, Jim Brown wrote:
Huh? Full linearity would be zero distortion.
I knew I shouldn't have used that word. :o)
Gary
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On Tue, 11 Nov 2014 04:30:17 -0600, Michael Eberle wrote:
I cannot get my KPA500 to run more than about 200W on 6M without getting
a PA DISS fault. Temp is not even up to 60C yet.
Between that and the KAT500 coming 'untuned' and faulting in the middle
of a QSO on 10M, I'm about ready to
I would submit that if they're no good for QRO, they're no good for QRP as
well (where every erg counts). Buy then use quality materials, it matters.
This discussion reminds me of the problem Radio Shack introduced when they sold
some elbows that actually used a small diameter coil spring
On Mon, 10 Nov 2014 09:34:09 -0800, Jim Brown wrote:
During KPA500 beta, I was loaned one for a major RTTY contest weekend
and told to run it with all the lights lit. I did, and it worked fine.
In the 3-4 years I've owned one, I regularly run it at full power in
digital modes on all bands,
On Mon, 10 Nov 2014 19:30:01 -0500, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
Note that JT65 and JT9 are designed to be suitable for saturated
amplifiers as there is only a single tone at a time and one tone
ramps down before the next tone ramps up. *DO NOT* try running
PSK, MFSK, etc. modes at 600W average
On Mon, 10 Nov 2014 16:56:57 -0700, mcduf...@ag0n.net wrote:
I'm not one
to push much beyond that, as that's all the warmer it gets in JT exchanges
running power. No lectures on low power for JT, I run power depending on
propagation, or lack thereof, mostly on a dead six meter band.
I
On Mon, 3 Nov 2014 19:04:27 -0500, Barry Boothe via Elecraft wrote:
Is it normal for the amp to
be warm all the time whether it is on or off? Mine feels warm on the
bottom and shows about 32C when everything else in the shack is 24C to 26C.
I have not turned mine over to see how warm it
On Fri, 5 Sep 2014 21:09:59 -0500, GRANT YOUNGMAN wrote:
I got a tip from someone on a boatanchor list several years ago about RCA
(sold by Radio Shack) 40-5035 bookshelf speakers.
I've just been reading along on this thread, and one speaker I would mention is
another RS model, albeit an
Just does not have enough
isolation from ground. yet it presents a good match. Go figure.
A dummy load presents a good match. It just doesn't get out well.
Trying to have one antenna do 160-6 meters is just too much if you care about
getting out. One antenna can do a fair job on two bands,
On Mon, 30 Jun 2014 20:40:45 -0600, Mike Lewis wrote:
He removed the
transformer, counted the turns, removed the old wire, found some new magnet
wire of the proper gauge, rewound the toroid, and replaced both it and the
straight through portion (which had gotten pretty hot from the proximity
If this comes to fruition there will be a mass exodus of
regular hams and this will affect not only Elecraft but all ham radio
manufacturers
Which means it is off topic for this ELECRAFT related forum. Take it to some
wider forum and have at it.
Gary
The problem with any wire antennas, (as you can see on this map
https://goo.gl/maps/MFdXQ) is a complete lack of places to attach the ends
of the dipole to...
I don't see a problem with that property. A single tower or a pole will support
the center of any number of inverted vees. The ends
As long as people are polite and don't resort to childish name calling, OT
forums can bring up interesting and useful topics for discussion. If the
List Operator doesn't want manufacturers names to be used, then that should
be stated up front.
But this isn't a general topic forum. It is an
Many have given their opinion on this, some with actual experience. Listen to
them. I'm not currently doing what you are wanting to do, but did for many
years.
Don't go with a handheld. They don't have enough power. Opt for a full power
single or dual band VHF/UHF FM radio. Even then,
On Sun, 4 May 2014 18:49:42 -0700, Russell Conner wrote:
Except I keep saying over and over we ARE IN THOSE TWISTIES.
and the hand helds are effective only part of the time. And yet, no one
seems to be listening to me on that point. It gets frustrating. Hell, I am
very frustrated.
You're
On Sun, 4 May 2014 16:35:16 -0700, Russell Conner wrote:
Well, I thought I mentioned we were all using Comet or Diamond, I think the
worse is a Db5.1 gain anntena and the Elmer has a SWR meter, and we are all
losing less than 10% on most of the bands we use.
Are you aware of the radiation
Yes, definitely coming from the K3
You say audio...but is it really audio, as in demodulated sideband? Or, is it
undemodulated single sideband you are hearing? Big difference. If
undemodulated, then it is likely a change in your grounding or something else
that has affected the RF levels
For 2013 CQ WW contest N6TV did an analysis.
The answer was 30+ WPM average.
The top speeds were in excess of 50 WPM!
So are you saying 30wpm is now called QRQ? When did it creep that low? I
suppose it is a victim of the lack of CW requirement or something like that.
Gary
Not at all. There were a number of posters here who simply could not
believe anybody could copy 30 WPM.
Really? :o(
I thought it would be interesting to point out that several 1000
contesters consider 30 WPM to a routine speed.
Agree.
Of course to a no-coder, many Generals and Extras
Callsign Gary?
It's in the address! Also in the sig when I reply normally, which I didn't do
that time.
Gary
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How about the new digital audio mode Freedv that uses simultaneous PSK streams
to give noise free digital audio on the HF bands at decreased bandwidth?
I'm like the other guy. First, I don't like digital audio, but will admit never
having heard whatever this mode your talking about is.
On Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:16:41 -0700, Frank Precissi wrote:
I'm just learning CW and know enough to be dangerous (and annoying) on
the air.
Which is one of the main indicators that you need to work more of it. :)
Gary
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On Fri, 21 Mar 2014 16:54:32 +0100, F5vjc wrote:
Hi Walter, yes I agree
Nice job of trimming - NOT! :)
Gary
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On Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:02:33 -0700, Phil Kane wrote:
For sure. A law school classmate of mine made some joke about
hi-jacking and they wrote him up. Kept him from being admitted to the
bar for a year until it was expunged from his record.
One would have to question the intelligence of an
I went to the Configuration tab to save the configuration, and it starts
the save and then hangs.
I'm running the same util version. I'd reload the firmware, or even go back a
version, and see if it still fails. It works fine here.
By the way, mine wants com5 on the USB to RS232 cable.
I am also interested in this topic. I am in the process of getting a Davis
Vantage Pro and wonder where this should be located relative to proximity
to an antenna?
I'm running mine mounted right at the top of the tower, within a few feet of the
tribander (see picture on QRZ page). I've
This begs the question. The original poster said he was getting ready
for the hurricane season. Given what you say, I doubt the Davis
anemometer cups would survive a near hurricane blow.
Hard to say. I would expect any hail or flying debris to be ample to killing
the anemometer, but
Gary,
I am surprised to hear they are cheaply built, as depending on the model
and options that are selected, these could run nearly $1000.
The cheaply built comment is about my weather station. I sells for less than
$100 when available.
Gary
I'm basically a SP operator, especially in contests.
Salt Pepper?
Gary
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This
Apparently, the KAT500 Utility (v1.14.2.20) doesn't send the requisite wake
up commands.
As far as the coarse tuning speed, I would say that it is much faster than
1.58. I erased all memories and tried tuning antennas where the SWR is over
5 (e.g. 18 on my 80 dipole) and the KAT500 was
On Wed, 19 Feb 2014 10:15:42 -0800, Phil Hystad wrote:
Anyone have ideas of the cause.
The first thing to look at is your own house, of course. If you can very
temporarily power your radio from a battery, even a UPS (but not one you are
currently using, just to make sure that isn't the
On Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:43:33 -0800, Wayne Burdick wrote:
If you have any difficulty with the instructions below, please post a question
to the Elecraft list, or contact customer support.
I didn't expect this, but I'm having a bit of a problem with the beta version.
When I put it in, I could
On Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:43:33 -0800, Wayne Burdick wrote:
The K3, KPA500, and KAT500 all have new beta firmware releases available.
All three must be updated to take advantage of these major improvements to
the KAT500 and KPA500. All known problems with unwanted re-tuning and
faults have been
On Tue, 11 Feb 2014 10:34:20 -0800 (PST), John Saxon wrote:
I am experimenting with two different antennas and would like to switch bet=
ween them with a relay. =A0I am considering getting an isolator that permit=
s placing the DC control voltage on the rf coax. =A0Any thoughts on this? =
On Sat, 18 Jan 2014 19:55:58 -0500, Bill W2BLC wrote:
I did a similar test using a dummy load (Mil-Spec 2 kW) with the KAT500
in line and carried on a QSO while watching all the meters. After
about 45 seconds the tuner went nuts and started a retune - with no
change in frequency etc.
On Fri, 17 Jan 2014 16:06:28 +1300, Gary Hinson wrote:
Google knows several!
As does your basic handbook. Dirt simple, transformer, diodes, cap(s),
regulator chip, pass transistors.
Gary
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On Tue, 10 Dec 2013 15:30:01 -0800 (PST), Neal Enault wrote:
Reminds me of the classic discussions I have had over the years regarding
band/frequency changes. You're going up? down?
In over 50 yrs of ham radio, I've never heard ANYONE on a lower band say they
are going down to 10 meters, or 6
On Sat, 30 Nov 2013 15:08:27 -0500, W4GRJ wrote:
Garyyou are incorrect, because you have no idea what the duty cycle is on
my boat.
You're right. I have no idea what you do or how you do it with your boat. I
was under the (apparently mistaken) assumption that we were talking about
On Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:32:27 -0800, Jim Brown wrote:
Real hams don't buy pre-made coax cables, they make their own. Pre-made
cables are often made with cheap coax with junk connectors. And that
includes big name vendors who have big ads in QST and CQ.
I'm sure you'll get some flak for
On Mon, 11 Nov 2013 17:31:29 -0800, Nicklas Johnson wrote:
any tips for getting a nice, solid solder
connection on the shield in a reasonable amount of time?
Plenty of mass in your heat source. One person already suggested a large iron.
I use a 300+ watt gun. I also make sure that the coax
On Sun, 20 Oct 2013 06:36:00 -0700 (PDT), Sverre Holm (LA3ZA) wrote:
Based on this result, it would be interesting to zoom in on the frequencies
between 250 and 500 Hz for further testing, also higher speeds would be
interesting to test as 40 and 80 is the same as 8 and 16 wpm. Peter
On Thu, 17 Oct 2013 13:46:46 -0700 (PDT), W5UXH wrote:
My daily sked has had his amp for a year or more and he experiences the same
behavior, he also leaves his at level 3 for the same reason.
Very interesting usage and heating results. You've obviously done your
homework. I think for most
On Sat, 17 Aug 2013 18:12:39 -0700 (PDT), KC6CNN wrote:
I did find a heavy key, I ordered the K8RA Big Dog P5 key at 7 lbs. I hope
it stays put.
Any suggestions about tips to help me send lighter and or the number of
Elecraft hex keys made I would appreciated it.
First, the desk surface
On Sat, 17 Aug 2013 19:30:01 -0700, Rick Tavan N6XI wrote:
http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-1696/sticky-gummy-dashboard-mat/Detail
This and related products solve all my paddle jitter problems. Much
stickier than the rubber shelving liners I'd used in the past.
Good steer, Rick. Same
On Wed, 7 Aug 2013 22:45:41 -0700 (PDT), Mark Petiford wrote:
OK, just gotta tell my hearing aids story again.
I know this thread is a bit off-topic for the group, but I think it contains
some very important information for all of us aging adults, and I've been
following it with interest.
I
On Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:08:14 -0700, Chris Johnson wrote:
Does the KPA500 make a much cleaner signal than the built in barefoot amp
because
its running at such a higher voltage?
No. As the other person told you, the quality will not be made better by going
through another amplifier. Every
On Tue, 9 Jul 2013 16:14:47 -0700, PGrig wrote:
Does the unit, after the fan has stopped, draw any power
when the back panel switch is ON and the front panel switch is OFF?
Leave the switch on. It draws 6 watts, as measured by my Kill A Watt. With it
turned on at the front switch, it draws
On Tue, 09 Jul 2013 17:06:31 -0700, Fred Jensen wrote:
I'm assuming that the back panel switch is for use when wanting to kill
power to
the chassis altogether, e.g., when servicing it.
Yes, assuming you do all the other things.
Procedure:
Turn off front panel switch
Wait
How true, Ken. I'll toss one out to you. Last year, I started digging into 10
digit grid squares. My shack is in a different square than my antenna, and
other antennas are in even different squares. ;o)
Gary - DN81fv37ab
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On Sun, 23 Jun 2013 11:33:53 +0200, Arie Kleingeld PA3A wrote:
Running 330W output in RTTY, 50% duty cycle.
SWR is OK: 1 : 1.1 or so.
Ambiant temp = 25C
Fan runs at speed 4, occasionally 5
PA TMP hovers between 65 and 70 C
I'm guessing would be fairly normal. I sure wouldn't run it that
On Sun, 26 May 2013 16:40:48 -0400, Bill wrote:
Is it necessary that the top of the amp be unblocked? I was thinking of
the KAT500 being placed on top of the amp. Perhaps the other way around
would be better? Any side clearances required?
You'll find out when you build the KPA that the top
On Sun, 26 May 2013 15:06:25 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
The KAT500 may be placed on TOP or under the KPA500.
I wouldn't put it on top. I can hear fan and air changes if I get within a half
inch of the intake slots with my hand at higher speeds. You can feel the air
flow considerably at
On Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:34:18 -0700 (PDT), VE3NFK wrote:
now working - after removing everything and starting over; it is ok
But you don't say what fixed it. :o(
Gary
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On Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:35:40 +, Barry Simpson wrote:
Does anyone know if there is a way to implement auto band change on the
KAT500 with Kenwood equipment so that it changes at the same time as the
KPA500 ?
I await any responses with interest.
I'd be interested in this also, as my plan
enough.
Dick,
Any word on a change to allow the TS-590 band information to be properly read by
the KPA when using memories? As previously reported, it works fine in VFO mode,
but does not when operating in memory mode.
Gary McDuffie
AG0N
Any word on a change to allow the TS-590 band information to be properly
read by the KPA when using memories? As previously reported, it works fine
in VFO mode, but does not when operating in memory mode.
Gary McDuffie
AG0N
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Web: http://ag0n.net
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Node 3055
On Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:53:42 -0300, Phil Irons wrote:
I have just purchased a KPA500 kit, and while I'm waiting for it to be
delivered--a pal is bringing it across the border for me to avoid
outlandish shipping costs
Congratulations. I think you'll enjoy it. I sure like mine.
I note that
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