Hi guys! Seems I found the solution to my problem. I put ferrite cores next to the amp AND I forgot the PTT line so that was added. Added one to the AC line, there's two now. Now I'm able to get acceptable VSWR and run 350 watts out. I never really thought that it was the amp's fault but my installation. That's good cuz 6 meter prop is in so I'll work a few more Q's today!
I suppose that there is a lesson learned here, ISOLATE your installation either by distance and/or add ferrite. I was pretty suspect that the problem was the close proximity to the antennas. FYI, but thanks to all for your technical support! It wasn't the product, it was the guy (that would be me) and my installation that was the culprit. Having said that, does the 500 maybe need a little more RF hardening? Not a EE major, just asking the question. 73, Kent, K6FQ -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Kent Tiburski Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2012 11:28 AM To: 'Bob'; [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Issues Thanks Bob! I actually did that and added those snap-on ferrite cores. I cleaned up things a lot! I'm starting to think that there may be other things going on. I took the advice of others that replied. Things such as using a dummy load, no problems. I put the amp in STBY and when running 100 watts thru it the VSWR was less than 1.5 to 1 and forward power was 100 watts (indicated on the amp). I put the dummy load on the other end of my run of coax and it was fine. Even with the extra balun and ferrite cores me thinks that it's either the length of the coax or I have the antennas too close to the shack. My 6 meter yagi is laterally about 30 feet from the rig/amp and the R8 about 36 feet. Anyone else have any ideas? Thanks! 73, Kent, K6FQ -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bob Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2012 10:59 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Issues The R-8 is a radial-less vertical. Unfortunately it has a tendency to put all sorts of RF down the coax as the "counterpoise" system is too short given the wavelengths involved. You might want to buy a heavy-duty coaxial choke from DX-Engineering like the http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=1474&PLID=166&SecID=81&DeptID={112 450B5-E9E3-4F36-9166-E52FA128D019}&PartNo=DXE%2DFCC050%2DH05%2DA<http://www. dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=1474&PLID=166&SecID=81&DeptID=%7B112450B5-E9E 3-4F36-9166-E52FA128D019%7D&PartNo=DXE%2DFCC050%2DH05%2DA> I used a R8 for years and had trouble even with 100 watts of power. I can't imagine how bad it would be at 500 watts. Your station ground is going to have to be top notch if you want to avoid trouble. Good luck! 73, Bob, WB4SON ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] 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:[email protected] 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:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
