Amazing isn't it Hugh? What hypricrits !!!!
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 6:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Elecraft Digest, Vol 178, Issue 14 Send Elecraft mailing list submissions to [email protected] To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to [email protected] You can reach the person managing the list at [email protected] When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Elecraft digest..." Today's Topics: 1. KX3 and SDR IQ ( Spectravue) question (Viggo Magnus Nilsen Nilsen) 2. Re: KPA1500 Failed (Dave Agsten) 3. W8ZR Station Pro I for K3/K2 ([email protected]) 4. KPA-1500 failed! ([email protected]) 5. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (Bob McGraw K4TAX) 6. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft) 7. Re: KPA3A Failure & related (Bob McGraw K4TAX) 8. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (Peter Dougherty) 9. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (Jim Brown) 10. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (John Stengrevics) 11. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (Wes) 12. Re: KPA3A Failure & related (Don Wilhelm) 13. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (Peter Dougherty) 14. Re: KX3 and SDR IQ ( Spectravue) question (Don Wilhelm) 15. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (Jorge Diez - CX6VM) 16. Searching for Noise (i.e., Samples Thereof) (Wayne Burdick) 17. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (Drew AF2Z) 18. Re: KPA-1500 failed! ([email protected]) 19. Re: KPA-1500 failed! (hawley, charles j jr) 20. Re: Removing/connecting PL-259s (Don Wilhelm) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 18:03:44 +0100 From: Viggo Magnus Nilsen Nilsen <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 and SDR IQ ( Spectravue) question Message-ID: <CAF2nHKeo8EC=jtehxlr2euulswagzl4efnhzkaqyaiysja8...@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Hello Elecrafters., Have some of you connected an SDR IQ to the KX3,, ( use as an Panadapter with Spectravue) ? Work very well with the K3........ 73' Viggo LA9NEA., KX3,K3 and KPA500 owner. ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 12:03:40 -0500 From: Dave Agsten <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Failed Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 12:26:33 -0500 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] W8ZR Station Pro I for K3/K2 Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Selling master station controller which integrates the switching and control functions of amateur stations consisting of two transceivers (or receiver/transmitter pairs)+ two linear amps. See W8ZR.net/stationpro/index.htm or review in QST August 2010 for complete description. Handles legal limit up to 30MHz and 800w @ 54MHz. Works great with modern and boat anchor rigs. Complete with cables and two breakout pods. You supply 12v wall wart. Pictures on request. Shipped CONUS $285 from FL. Tom, K2GO/HP1XT 305-767-1927 ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 12:35:10 -0500 From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <004201d4c61d$f7dc53f0$e794fbd0$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Sorry to hear this happen Peter, especially during a contes. LDMOS devices are suppose to be pretty tough and the KPA1500 is not pushing their limits. There are videos of a different LDMOS showing it to be indestructible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ziYqjMQGEQ Is the KPA1500 cooling and heat sink adequate? Personally if I owned this amp I would leave the fan on at a tolerable speed 100% of the time. Did you use the amp during the RTTY contest last weekend? John KK9A Paul Baldock wrote: It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half power out is usually the indicator. A number here have reported this happening. It would be nice to know why this problem is occurring and if Elecraft are working on a fix. - Paul > >On 2/16/2019 7:28 AM, lists at w2irt.net wrote: > > I was operating in the ARRL-CW contest this morning and on 20m, with a > > 1.2:1 SWR on the Yagi, all of a sudden I saw my power drop to about > > 450-500W with about 40W in. Worked a few stations but not as easily as > > when I turned everything on this morning. Switched over to phone > and made a few contacts. > > Audio is fine barefoot with 100W out of the K3s-which suffered blown > > finals itself during CQWW SSB last fall, but with the amp in I got > > reports that my audio was badly distorted. > > > > Before I send it in, is there anything I should look at or any > > diagnostics I can easily perform? For the cost of this, I'd have > > thought protection would have kicked in to prevent anything untoward > > from happening. I'm in complete disbelief, to be honest. > > > > --------------------------------------------- > > 73 and Good DX > > Peter, W2IRT ------------------------------ Message: 5 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 11:39:13 -0600 From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[email protected]> To: [email protected], wrayplace <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed only "finger tight". Today many of those PL-259 connectors "look good" but are really poor quality connectors.??? ALWAYS snug the PL-259's with a pair of 4" channel lock pliers.?? You'd be amazed how many strange issues will go away. Not saying this is or was the cause of failure, but I've seen it and experienced it too many times. Also, for other reasons, I run the ALC from my KPA500 to my K3S.?? Again, another issue of concern resolved. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 2/16/2019 10:13 AM, Dave wrote: > His radio blew one final while driving the KPA1500 in the fall. > > Now his amp blew one LDMOS. > > I?ve been to Peter?s house and used a TDR to check all of his antennas, cabling, and switching. Cable connectors replaced last year. > > I agree it is good idea to check everything again. Looking at the amp fault log today did not show signs of anything arcing > > Dave wo2x > > Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. > >> On Feb 16, 2019, at 11:01 AM, Mark Goldberg <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> It's been said there are no coincidences. Have you checked your coaxes / connectors? I agree that protection built in should not allow radios to blow finals, but this sounds like too much of a coincidence with two different radios blowing to not be an external intermittent connection. Try wiggling all the cables with low power. Unfortunately, sometimes a problem will only show up as arcing at high power. Is there another HAM near you with a powerful amp and antenna close to yours? >> >> Best of luck, >> >> Mark >> W7MLG >> >> >>> On Sat, Feb 16, 2019 at 8:50 AM <[email protected]> wrote: >>> Exact same thing happened to my K3s in October, now my KPA-1500. Yeah, So >>> done here. Once repaired and confirmed working it will be up for sale. Going >>> back to a tube amp after this. >>> >>> - pjd >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On >>> Behalf Of Paul Baldock >>> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:28 AM >>> To: [email protected]; [email protected] >>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! >>> >>> It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half power out is >>> usually the indicator. A number here have reported this happening. >>> It would be nice to know why this problem is occurring and if Elecraft are >>> working on a fix. >>> >>> - Paul >>> >>> At 07:10 AM 2/16/2019, [email protected] wrote: >>>> I talked to Peter on the phone. He has no bias current when amp is >>>> transmitting with no power applied (key on SSB without talking. He is >>>> reading 54 volts and has tried power cycling amp from power supply >>>> switch and reseated all cables. Definitely BAD distortion on SSB (we >>>> are close enough to hear each other). Looks like one RF device let >>>> loose and it is dragging down the bias voltage. That is my guess. >>>> >>>> Dave wo2x >>>> >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: [email protected] >>>> <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Wes >>>> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 9:49 AM >>>> To: [email protected] >>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! >>>> >>>> I think a two-tone test is the best evaluation tool.. The generator is >>>> built into the K3 if you have another receiver that you can use to >>>> listen to the amp output. I use an SDR-IQ which is a very nice tool >>>> for this but any other SDR would do. >>>> >>>> Sorry for your pain. >>>> >>>> Wes N7WS >>>> >>>> On 2/16/2019 7:28 AM, [email protected] wrote: >>>>> I was operating in the ARRL-CW contest this morning and on 20m, with >>>>> a >>>>> 1.2:1 SWR on the Yagi, all of a sudden I saw my power drop to about >>>>> 450-500W with about 40W in. Worked a few stations but not as easily >>>>> as when I turned everything on this morning. Switched over to phone >>>> and made a few contacts. >>>>> Audio is fine barefoot with 100W out of the K3s-which suffered blown >>>>> finals itself during CQWW SSB last fall, but with the amp in I got >>>>> reports that my audio was badly distorted. >>>>> >>>>> Before I send it in, is there anything I should look at or any >>>>> diagnostics I can easily perform? For the cost of this, I'd have >>>>> thought protection would have kicked in to prevent anything untoward >>>>> from happening. I'm in complete disbelief, to be honest. >>>>> >>>>> --------------------------------------------- >>>>> 73 and Good DX >>>>> Peter, W2IRT >>>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> 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 Message delivered to >>>> [email protected] >>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> 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 Message delivered to >>>> [email protected] >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> 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 Message >>> delivered to [email protected] >>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> Message delivered to [email protected] > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] ------------------------------ Message: 6 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 10:13:19 -0800 From: "Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi Peter, I'm sorry to hear about this failure and deeply apologize for the problem. I'll follow up with another email to you to diagnose what actually happened. In any case we'll deal with it quickly and get your amp repaired asap. Eric elecraft.com _..._ > On Feb 16, 2019, at 6:28 AM, <[email protected]> <[email protected]> wrote: > > I was operating in the ARRL-CW contest this morning and on 20m, with a 1.2:1 > SWR on the Yagi, all of a sudden I saw my power drop to about 450-500W with > about 40W in. Worked a few stations but not as easily as when I turned > everything on this morning. Switched over to phone and made a few contacts. > Audio is fine barefoot with 100W out of the K3s-which suffered blown finals > itself during CQWW SSB last fall, but with the amp in I got reports that my > audio was badly distorted. > > Before I send it in, is there anything I should look at or any diagnostics I > can easily perform? For the cost of this, I'd have thought protection would > have kicked in to prevent anything untoward from happening. I'm in complete > disbelief, to be honest. > > --------------------------------------------- > 73 and Good DX > Peter, W2IRT > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] ------------------------------ Message: 7 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 12:43:47 -0600 From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA3A Failure & related Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed This discussion has risen its nasty head earlier.? Wes and I exchanged several private e-mails on the topic.? Here is what I've learned: My purchased new from the factory my K3S -100 in August of 2015. With it I drove my AL-80B with 60 to 80 watts for some two years.?? Absolute no issues of concern.??? In April of 2018 I purchased a new KPA500 and put it in place of the AL-80B.?? I drove the KPA500 with my K3S at 15 watts for some 2 weeks.? Then reports of "fuzzy audio" surfaced.? The 2 tone test revealed excessive IMD.? I contacted Tech Support and they arranged to send me a LPA3 and a KPA3A.?? These were installed and all was well for about one week.? Then again the reports of "fuzzy audio".? I contacted Tech Support again and they said "send it in".?? The service report indicated they replaced the KPA3A with a rev E which is reported to be more stable.? An interesting comment on the Elecraft Service report; "Due to failure of the stable rev E amp, this indicates something in the shack.?? Possible kickback from and amplifier.?? It is likely to happen again if the root cause is not found. ........"??? UGH...folks, the amp is a KPA500!???? >> HOUSTON - DO WE HAVE A PROBLEM?>> In the discussions via e-mail and here on the reflector which followed, I learned of others which experienced the same type issues.? I asked "what's the solution".?? Interestingly the answer came back [I don't recall from whom}? "stay away from 15 watts". Since then I have driven my KPA500 with 20 watts .....PLUS? I have connected and engaged the ALC from the KPA500 to my K3S.? This is a menu item in the K3S.? Now some may not like the ALC connection and activation. My thinking is that IF there are any spikes originated with the rise of the CW signal or voice signal this may overdrive the amp.?? With my P3 I see this A LOT on SSB signals on the bands which exhibit initial ALC overshoot.? This is both on CW and SSB. ?? Makes me wonder what does the input impedance of the KPA500 does when hit with a millisecond or so of excessive drive? ? Not long enough to activate the attenuator or throw a fault signal. I do know that tube amps reflect to their input the effective tuning of the output. ? Could this be an issue with solid state amps where the input impedance goes to zero thus placing in effect short on the driving transceiver? ? Mind you not long enough to throw a fault signal but........what does it do to the driving stage? ? ? I've not measured it and am not exactly sure how to accomplish this.? It may not be the issue at all.?? Perhaps some of you more technical gurus can expound further on the topic. I do know factually since the change to the KPA3A? rev E, and I activated the ALC between the KPA500 and my K3S the issue has not reared its ugly head. ? Lets hope it doesn't. All in all, I am VERY pleased with Elecraft Tech support and extremely pleased with my K3S, P3, KPA500 and KAT500.? A winning combination.?? But I'm still walking on eggs? and hoping none break. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 2/16/2019 10:24 AM, Wes wrote: > Unfortunately, you're wrong.? My K3S has failed multiple times.? > Fortunately, my KPA500 has not.? I'm not in the market for a KPA1500. > > Wes? N7WS > > ------------------------------ Message: 8 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 14:08:38 -0500 From: "Peter Dougherty" <[email protected]> To: "'Bob McGraw K4TAX'" <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, "'wrayplace'" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" I agree with you re PL-259s. I follow best practices in this regard. Quarter-turn with channel-locks after finger tight, Amphenol 83-1SP, assembled correctly, with cables swept by a TDR. - pjd -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 12:39 PM To: [email protected]; wrayplace <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed only "finger tight". Today many of those PL-259 connectors "look good" but are really poor quality connectors. ALWAYS snug the PL-259's with a pair of 4" channel lock pliers. You'd be amazed how many strange issues will go away. Not saying this is or was the cause of failure, but I've seen it and experienced it too many times. Also, for other reasons, I run the ALC from my KPA500 to my K3S. Again, another issue of concern resolved. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 2/16/2019 10:13 AM, Dave wrote: > His radio blew one final while driving the KPA1500 in the fall. > > Now his amp blew one LDMOS. > > I?ve been to Peter?s house and used a TDR to check all of his antennas, cabling, and switching. Cable connectors replaced last year. > > I agree it is good idea to check everything again. Looking at the amp fault log today did not show signs of anything arcing > > Dave wo2x > > Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. > >> On Feb 16, 2019, at 11:01 AM, Mark Goldberg <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> It's been said there are no coincidences. Have you checked your coaxes / connectors? I agree that protection built in should not allow radios to blow finals, but this sounds like too much of a coincidence with two different radios blowing to not be an external intermittent connection. Try wiggling all the cables with low power. Unfortunately, sometimes a problem will only show up as arcing at high power. Is there another HAM near you with a powerful amp and antenna close to yours? >> >> Best of luck, >> >> Mark >> W7MLG >> >> >>> On Sat, Feb 16, 2019 at 8:50 AM <[email protected]> wrote: >>> Exact same thing happened to my K3s in October, now my KPA-1500. Yeah, So >>> done here. Once repaired and confirmed working it will be up for sale. Going >>> back to a tube amp after this. >>> >>> - pjd >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On >>> Behalf Of Paul Baldock >>> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:28 AM >>> To: [email protected]; [email protected] >>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! >>> >>> It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half power out is >>> usually the indicator. A number here have reported this happening. >>> It would be nice to know why this problem is occurring and if Elecraft are >>> working on a fix. >>> >>> - Paul >>> >>> At 07:10 AM 2/16/2019, [email protected] wrote: >>>> I talked to Peter on the phone. He has no bias current when amp is >>>> transmitting with no power applied (key on SSB without talking. He is >>>> reading 54 volts and has tried power cycling amp from power supply >>>> switch and reseated all cables. Definitely BAD distortion on SSB (we >>>> are close enough to hear each other). Looks like one RF device let >>>> loose and it is dragging down the bias voltage. That is my guess. >>>> >>>> Dave wo2x >>>> >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: [email protected] >>>> <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Wes >>>> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 9:49 AM >>>> To: [email protected] >>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! >>>> >>>> I think a two-tone test is the best evaluation tool.. The generator is >>>> built into the K3 if you have another receiver that you can use to >>>> listen to the amp output. I use an SDR-IQ which is a very nice tool >>>> for this but any other SDR would do. >>>> >>>> Sorry for your pain. >>>> >>>> Wes N7WS >>>> >>>> On 2/16/2019 7:28 AM, [email protected] wrote: >>>>> I was operating in the ARRL-CW contest this morning and on 20m, with >>>>> a >>>>> 1.2:1 SWR on the Yagi, all of a sudden I saw my power drop to about >>>>> 450-500W with about 40W in. Worked a few stations but not as easily >>>>> as when I turned everything on this morning. Switched over to phone >>>> and made a few contacts. >>>>> Audio is fine barefoot with 100W out of the K3s-which suffered blown >>>>> finals itself during CQWW SSB last fall, but with the amp in I got >>>>> reports that my audio was badly distorted. >>>>> >>>>> Before I send it in, is there anything I should look at or any >>>>> diagnostics I can easily perform? For the cost of this, I'd have >>>>> thought protection would have kicked in to prevent anything untoward >>>>> from happening. I'm in complete disbelief, to be honest. >>>>> >>>>> --------------------------------------------- >>>>> 73 and Good DX >>>>> Peter, W2IRT >>>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> 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 Message delivered to >>>> [email protected] >>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> 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 Message delivered to >>>> [email protected] >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> 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 Message >>> delivered to [email protected] >>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> 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 >>> Message delivered to [email protected] > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected] ------------------------------ Message: 9 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 11:47:39 -0800 From: Jim Brown <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed On 2/16/2019 9:39 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed only "finger tight". Today > many of those PL-259 connectors "look good" but are really poor > quality connectors. If you live in North America, the ONLY good PL-259 connector is one that labeled Amphenol 83-1SP.? Most others are JUNK.? I'm told there are some other decent brands sold in EU. > ALWAYS snug the PL-259's with a pair of 4" channel lock pliers. RIGHT. And always be VERY careful about how you solder them, especially the shield. 73, Jim K9YC ------------------------------ Message: 10 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 15:55:32 -0500 From: John Stengrevics <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Who uses PL-259s? They suck. I ordered my K3S with Ns and really should have specified DINs. But, that is a retrofit project for another day. John WA1EAZ > On Feb 16, 2019, at 2:47 PM, Jim Brown <[email protected]> wrote: > > On 2/16/2019 9:39 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: >> Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed only "finger tight". Today many of those PL-259 connectors "look good" but are really poor quality connectors. > > If you live in North America, the ONLY good PL-259 connector is one that labeled Amphenol 83-1SP. Most others are JUNK. I'm told there are some other decent brands sold in EU. > >> ALWAYS snug the PL-259's with a pair of 4" channel lock pliers. > > RIGHT. And always be VERY careful about how you solder them, especially the shield. > > 73, Jim K9YC > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] ------------------------------ Message: 11 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 14:19:48 -0700 From: Wes <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Thousands of people; without issue. Wes? N7WS On 2/16/2019 1:55 PM, John Stengrevics wrote: > Who uses PL-259s? ------------------------------ Message: 12 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 16:29:22 -0500 From: Don Wilhelm <[email protected]> To: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[email protected]>, [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA3A Failure & related Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Bob and all, I think this problem is not so much with the amplifier, but the K3/K3S. Consider that the switchover from the low power amplifier to the KPA3 is in the 12 to 15 watt range. That is where the LPA is generating about all the power it can produce. Above that range, the KPA3 kicks in and everything is "loafing along". Oh yes, aside from that, some amplifiers do fail for various reasons - and I think we are mixing failures of the K3/K3S with amplifier failures in this thread. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/16/2019 1:43 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > This discussion has risen its nasty head earlier.? Wes and I exchanged > several private e-mails on the topic.? Here is what I've learned: > > My purchased new from the factory my K3S -100 in August of 2015. With it > I drove my AL-80B with 60 to 80 watts for some two years.?? Absolute no > issues of concern.??? In April of 2018 I purchased a new KPA500 and put > it in place of the AL-80B.?? I drove the KPA500 with my K3S at 15 watts > for some 2 weeks.? Then reports of "fuzzy audio" surfaced.? The 2 tone > test revealed excessive IMD.? I contacted Tech Support and they arranged > to send me a LPA3 and a KPA3A.?? These were installed and all was well > for about one week.? Then again the reports of "fuzzy audio".? I > contacted Tech Support again and they said "send it in".?? The service > report indicated they replaced the KPA3A with a rev E which is reported > to be more stable.? An interesting comment on the Elecraft Service > report; "Due to failure of the stable rev E amp, this indicates > something in the shack.?? Possible kickback from and amplifier.?? It is > likely to happen again if the root cause is not found. ........" > UGH...folks, the amp is a KPA500!???? >> HOUSTON - DO WE HAVE A PROBLEM?>> > > In the discussions via e-mail and here on the reflector which followed, > I learned of others which experienced the same type issues.? I asked > "what's the solution".?? Interestingly the answer came back [I don't > recall from whom}? "stay away from 15 watts". Since then I have driven > my KPA500 with 20 watts .....PLUS? I have connected and engaged the ALC > from the KPA500 to my K3S.? This is a menu item in the K3S.? Now some > may not like the ALC connection and activation. > > My thinking is that IF there are any spikes originated with the rise of > the CW signal or voice signal this may overdrive the amp.?? With my P3 I > see this A LOT on SSB signals on the bands which exhibit initial ALC > overshoot.? This is both on CW and SSB. ?? Makes me wonder what does the > input impedance of the KPA500 does when hit with a millisecond or so of > excessive drive? ? Not long enough to activate the attenuator or throw a > fault signal. I do know that tube amps reflect to their input the > effective tuning of the output. ? Could this be an issue with solid > state amps where the input impedance goes to zero thus placing in effect > short on the driving transceiver? ? Mind you not long enough to throw a > fault signal but........what does it do to the driving stage? ? ? I've > not measured it and am not exactly sure how to accomplish this.? It may > not be the issue at all.?? Perhaps some of you more technical gurus can > expound further on the topic. > > I do know factually since the change to the KPA3A? rev E, and I > activated the ALC between the KPA500 and my K3S the issue has not reared > its ugly head. ? Lets hope it doesn't. > > All in all, I am VERY pleased with Elecraft Tech support and extremely > pleased with my K3S, P3, KPA500 and KAT500.? A winning combination. But > I'm still walking on eggs? and hoping none break. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX ------------------------------ Message: 13 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 16:45:20 -0500 From: "Peter Dougherty" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]>, <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" I don't contest in RTTY (I don't use that mode other than for Dxpeditions) and rarely even do FT8. I mostly operate CW and a bit of SSB and that's it. I have no idea why it would fail. I did have some issues in the past with antennas going stupid on me or the HF-Auto tuner failing to match when it was supposed to, but those always hard-faulted instantly. I never attempted to push RF through more than about a 2:1 without a tuner, and for CW, all my antennas are resonant on the bottom of all the bands. That it happened on 20 where I'm about 1.2:1 is very strange. - pjd -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 12:35 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Sorry to hear this happen Peter, especially during a contes. LDMOS devices are suppose to be pretty tough and the KPA1500 is not pushing their limits. There are videos of a different LDMOS showing it to be indestructible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ziYqjMQGEQ Is the KPA1500 cooling and heat sink adequate? Personally if I owned this amp I would leave the fan on at a tolerable speed 100% of the time. Did you use the amp during the RTTY contest last weekend? John KK9A Paul Baldock wrote: It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half power out is usually the indicator. A number here have reported this happening. It would be nice to know why this problem is occurring and if Elecraft are working on a fix. - Paul > >On 2/16/2019 7:28 AM, lists at w2irt.net wrote: > > I was operating in the ARRL-CW contest this morning and on 20m, with > > a > > 1.2:1 SWR on the Yagi, all of a sudden I saw my power drop to about > > 450-500W with about 40W in. Worked a few stations but not as easily > > as when I turned everything on this morning. Switched over to phone > and made a few contacts. > > Audio is fine barefoot with 100W out of the K3s-which suffered blown > > finals itself during CQWW SSB last fall, but with the amp in I got > > reports that my audio was badly distorted. > > > > Before I send it in, is there anything I should look at or any > > diagnostics I can easily perform? For the cost of this, I'd have > > thought protection would have kicked in to prevent anything untoward > > from happening. I'm in complete disbelief, to be honest. > > > > --------------------------------------------- > > 73 and Good DX > > Peter, W2IRT ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected] ------------------------------ Message: 14 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 17:04:09 -0500 From: Don Wilhelm <[email protected]> To: Viggo Magnus Nilsen Nilsen <[email protected]>, [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and SDR IQ ( Spectravue) question Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Viggo, How do you propose to connect the SDR IQ to the KX3? The KX3 does not have an IF output - in fact the KX3 IF is either at baseband or 8kHz if you turn on the 8kHz shift in the menu. The KX3 DOES have the RX I/Q output which you can connect to a computer soundcard or the KX3 for a panadapter display. Yes, the SDR IQ works fine with the K3 which has an IF output at 8.215MHz. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/16/2019 12:03 PM, Viggo Magnus Nilsen Nilsen wrote: > Hello Elecrafters., > > Have some of you connected an SDR IQ to the KX3,, ( use as an Panadapter > with Spectravue) ? > > Work very well with the K3........ > > 73' Viggo LA9NEA., > > KX3,K3 and KPA500 owner. > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] > ------------------------------ Message: 15 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 19:20:05 -0300 From: Jorge Diez - CX6VM <[email protected]> To: Wes <[email protected]> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <CA+h_a7LCu0N6+PB5G-55HX1aUPD7ckFWVHgnZ=c6z0_ajfj...@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Guys the problem here is not who use PL259 or what coaxial is using. I think Peter and most of us, and mostly if you do contests, is not that, we are using good coax and connectors over the years and no problem with other radios or amplifiers, thats what Peter said. If you are in a contest, you prepear your station to not fail. Robust radios and amplifiers, not only pretty ones Hopefully guys in USA will have this problem solved *easily* But what about if you dont live in USA? I didnt buy Expert 1.3K amplifier because many owners told me about it?s fail. Is very expensive and dificult to deal with customs to take it to USA and back to Uruguay to repair it. So, KPA1500 is a robust amplifier? Of course always will be a problem, but is 1% or 25% of the cases? And I dont want parts sent by Elecraft to fix it, I want an amp that not fail 73, Jorge CX6VM/CW5W El s?b., 16 feb. 2019 a las 18:20, Wes (<[email protected]>) escribi?: > Thousands of people; without issue. > > Wes N7WS > > On 2/16/2019 1:55 PM, John Stengrevics wrote: > > Who uses PL-259s? > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] -- 73, Jorge CX6VM/CW5W ------------------------------ Message: 16 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 14:56:15 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick <[email protected]> To: Elecraft Reflector <[email protected]> Subject: [Elecraft] Searching for Noise (i.e., Samples Thereof) Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii As time permits, we're trying to better characterize the RF noise that plagues stations at various locations. So far, data collected during this informal survey has taken the form of verbal descriptions. Scope traces or digitized samples would be much more helpful, since they'd show the actual waveforms. We could then look at how to better suppress the noise profiles, pulse widths, and rep rates encountered by stations surrounded by modern appliances, vehicles, peripherals, lighting, etc. Many of these didn't exist decades ago when the first noise blankers were designed. On a K3 or K3S, the best place to capture noise signals would be at the output of the first MC1350 in the KNB3's amplifier chain. In the presence of strong noise, the signal at this point is likely to produce a visible scope trace, or a good sample using an RF digitizer. The latter would have to do a good job at the IF, 8.215 MHz. On a KX3, the RX IQ outputs should work, assuming the noise signal is quite strong. As the RX IQ signal occurs at base band, a much lower-bandwidth scope or an audio-class A-to-D converter would suffice. Spectral data would also be of use in both cases. I don't have any specific recommendations for equipment or software. But if you have the means in hand, as well as a noise problem worth capturing, feel free to contact me directly. Please include photos or screen captures as well as details on what remediation techniques work -- and don't. 73, Wayne N6KR ------------------------------ Message: 17 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 18:07:08 -0500 From: Drew AF2Z <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed FWIW, I use NO-OX-ID contact grease on my PL259 connectors. This allows very tight snugging by hand, no need of wrenching. During lightning season I frequently connect/disconnect my rig and tuner cables. The fine film of lube on the connector threads makes a big difference. Without it? A real PITA, not to mention wear and tear on the the SO-239's. 73, Drew AF2Z On 02/16/19 14:08, Peter Dougherty wrote: > I agree with you re PL-259s. I follow best practices in this regard. Quarter-turn with channel-locks after finger tight, Amphenol 83-1SP, assembled correctly, with cables swept by a TDR. > > - pjd > > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX > Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 12:39 PM > To: [email protected]; wrayplace <[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! > > Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed only "finger tight". Today many of those PL-259 connectors "look good" but are really poor quality connectors. ALWAYS snug the PL-259's with a pair of 4" channel lock pliers. You'd be amazed how many strange issues will go away. > > Not saying this is or was the cause of failure, but I've seen it and experienced it too many times. > > Also, for other reasons, I run the ALC from my KPA500 to my K3S. Again, another issue of concern resolved. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > > On 2/16/2019 10:13 AM, Dave wrote: >> His radio blew one final while driving the KPA1500 in the fall. >> >> Now his amp blew one LDMOS. >> >> I?ve been to Peter?s house and used a TDR to check all of his antennas, cabling, and switching. Cable connectors replaced last year. >> >> I agree it is good idea to check everything again. Looking at the amp fault log today did not show signs of anything arcing >> >> Dave wo2x >> >> Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. >> >>> On Feb 16, 2019, at 11:01 AM, Mark Goldberg <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> It's been said there are no coincidences. Have you checked your coaxes / connectors? I agree that protection built in should not allow radios to blow finals, but this sounds like too much of a coincidence with two different radios blowing to not be an external intermittent connection. Try wiggling all the cables with low power. Unfortunately, sometimes a problem will only show up as arcing at high power. Is there another HAM near you with a powerful amp and antenna close to yours? >>> >>> Best of luck, >>> >>> Mark >>> W7MLG >>> >>> >>>> On Sat, Feb 16, 2019 at 8:50 AM <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> Exact same thing happened to my K3s in October, now my KPA-1500. Yeah, So >>>> done here. Once repaired and confirmed working it will be up for sale. Going >>>> back to a tube amp after this. >>>> >>>> - pjd >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On >>>> Behalf Of Paul Baldock >>>> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:28 AM >>>> To: [email protected]; [email protected] >>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! >>>> >>>> It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half power out is >>>> usually the indicator. A number here have reported this happening. >>>> It would be nice to know why this problem is occurring and if Elecraft are >>>> working on a fix. >>>> >>>> - Paul >>>> >>>> At 07:10 AM 2/16/2019, [email protected] wrote: >>>>> I talked to Peter on the phone. He has no bias current when amp is >>>>> transmitting with no power applied (key on SSB without talking. He is >>>>> reading 54 volts and has tried power cycling amp from power supply >>>>> switch and reseated all cables. Definitely BAD distortion on SSB (we >>>>> are close enough to hear each other). Looks like one RF device let >>>>> loose and it is dragging down the bias voltage. That is my guess. >>>>> >>>>> Dave wo2x >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: [email protected] >>>>> <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Wes >>>>> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 9:49 AM >>>>> To: [email protected] >>>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! >>>>> >>>>> I think a two-tone test is the best evaluation tool.. The generator is >>>>> built into the K3 if you have another receiver that you can use to >>>>> listen to the amp output. I use an SDR-IQ which is a very nice tool >>>>> for this but any other SDR would do. >>>>> >>>>> Sorry for your pain. >>>>> >>>>> Wes N7WS >>>>> >>>>> On 2/16/2019 7:28 AM, [email protected] wrote: >>>>>> I was operating in the ARRL-CW contest this morning and on 20m, with >>>>>> a >>>>>> 1.2:1 SWR on the Yagi, all of a sudden I saw my power drop to about >>>>>> 450-500W with about 40W in. Worked a few stations but not as easily >>>>>> as when I turned everything on this morning. Switched over to phone >>>>> and made a few contacts. >>>>>> Audio is fine barefoot with 100W out of the K3s-which suffered blown >>>>>> finals itself during CQWW SSB last fall, but with the amp in I got >>>>>> reports that my audio was badly distorted. >>>>>> >>>>>> Before I send it in, is there anything I should look at or any >>>>>> diagnostics I can easily perform? For the cost of this, I'd have >>>>>> thought protection would have kicked in to prevent anything untoward >>>>>> from happening. I'm in complete disbelief, to be honest. >>>>>> >>>>>> --------------------------------------------- >>>>>> 73 and Good DX >>>>>> Peter, W2IRT >>>>>> >>>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>>> 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 Message delivered to >>>>> [email protected] >>>>> >>>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>>> 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 Message delivered to >>>>> [email protected] >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> 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 Message >>>> delivered to [email protected] >>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> 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 >>>> Message delivered to [email protected] >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 >> Message delivered to [email protected] > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] > ------------------------------ Message: 18 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 18:16:32 -0500 From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <000001d4c64d$a7cf7740$f76e65c0$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Amphenol 83-1SP connectors are great however I have a number of Andrew 44ASP, L44P and L45P connectors in my system and I also consider to be very high quality UHF connectors. John KK9A Jim Brown jim at audiosystemsgroup.com If you live in North America, the ONLY good PL-259 connector is one that labeled Amphenol 83-1SP. Most others are JUNK. I'm told there are some other decent brands sold in EU. 73, Jim K9YC ------------------------------ Message: 19 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 23:16:26 +0000 From: "hawley, charles j jr" <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Message-ID: <dm6pr11mb3514721247b37cc5b9aeb64dfb...@dm6pr11mb3514.namprd11.prod.outlook. com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" I never wrench. I just wiggle the connector as I tighten it and it tightens down into the v grooves tightly. Almost have to use a pliers to unscrew it. Chuck Hawley [email protected] Amateur Radio, KE9UW aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles ________________________________ From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Drew AF2Z <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 5:07 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! FWIW, I use NO-OX-ID contact grease on my PL259 connectors. This allows very tight snugging by hand, no need of wrenching. During lightning season I frequently connect/disconnect my rig and tuner cables. The fine film of lube on the connector threads makes a big difference. Without it? A real PITA, not to mention wear and tear on the the SO-239's. 73, Drew AF2Z On 02/16/19 14:08, Peter Dougherty wrote: > I agree with you re PL-259s. I follow best practices in this regard. Quarter-turn with channel-locks after finger tight, Amphenol 83-1SP, assembled correctly, with cables swept by a TDR. > > - pjd > > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX > Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 12:39 PM > To: [email protected]; wrayplace <[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! > > Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed only "finger tight". Today many of those PL-259 connectors "look good" but are really poor quality connectors. ALWAYS snug the PL-259's with a pair of 4" channel lock pliers. You'd be amazed how many strange issues will go away. > > Not saying this is or was the cause of failure, but I've seen it and experienced it too many times. > > Also, for other reasons, I run the ALC from my KPA500 to my K3S. Again, another issue of concern resolved. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > > On 2/16/2019 10:13 AM, Dave wrote: >> His radio blew one final while driving the KPA1500 in the fall. >> >> Now his amp blew one LDMOS. >> >> I?ve been to Peter?s house and used a TDR to check all of his antennas, cabling, and switching. Cable connectors replaced last year. >> >> I agree it is good idea to check everything again. Looking at the amp fault log today did not show signs of anything arcing >> >> Dave wo2x >> >> Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. >> >>> On Feb 16, 2019, at 11:01 AM, Mark Goldberg <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> It's been said there are no coincidences. Have you checked your coaxes / connectors? I agree that protection built in should not allow radios to blow finals, but this sounds like too much of a coincidence with two different radios blowing to not be an external intermittent connection. Try wiggling all the cables with low power. Unfortunately, sometimes a problem will only show up as arcing at high power. Is there another HAM near you with a powerful amp and antenna close to yours? >>> >>> Best of luck, >>> >>> Mark >>> W7MLG >>> >>> >>>> On Sat, Feb 16, 2019 at 8:50 AM <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> Exact same thing happened to my K3s in October, now my KPA-1500. Yeah, So >>>> done here. Once repaired and confirmed working it will be up for sale. Going >>>> back to a tube amp after this. >>>> >>>> - pjd >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On >>>> Behalf Of Paul Baldock >>>> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:28 AM >>>> To: [email protected]; [email protected] >>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! >>>> >>>> It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half power out is >>>> usually the indicator. A number here have reported this happening. >>>> It would be nice to know why this problem is occurring and if Elecraft are >>>> working on a fix. >>>> >>>> - Paul >>>> >>>> At 07:10 AM 2/16/2019, [email protected] wrote: >>>>> I talked to Peter on the phone. He has no bias current when amp is >>>>> transmitting with no power applied (key on SSB without talking. He is >>>>> reading 54 volts and has tried power cycling amp from power supply >>>>> switch and reseated all cables. Definitely BAD distortion on SSB (we >>>>> are close enough to hear each other). Looks like one RF device let >>>>> loose and it is dragging down the bias voltage. That is my guess. >>>>> >>>>> Dave wo2x >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: [email protected] >>>>> <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Wes >>>>> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 9:49 AM >>>>> To: [email protected] >>>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! >>>>> >>>>> I think a two-tone test is the best evaluation tool.. The generator is >>>>> built into the K3 if you have another receiver that you can use to >>>>> listen to the amp output. I use an SDR-IQ which is a very nice tool >>>>> for this but any other SDR would do. >>>>> >>>>> Sorry for your pain. >>>>> >>>>> Wes N7WS >>>>> >>>>> On 2/16/2019 7:28 AM, [email protected] wrote: >>>>>> I was operating in the ARRL-CW contest this morning and on 20m, with >>>>>> a >>>>>> 1.2:1 SWR on the Yagi, all of a sudden I saw my power drop to about >>>>>> 450-500W with about 40W in. Worked a few stations but not as easily >>>>>> as when I turned everything on this morning. Switched over to phone >>>>> and made a few contacts. >>>>>> Audio is fine barefoot with 100W out of the K3s-which suffered blown >>>>>> finals itself during CQWW SSB last fall, but with the amp in I got >>>>>> reports that my audio was badly distorted. >>>>>> >>>>>> Before I send it in, is there anything I should look at or any >>>>>> diagnostics I can easily perform? For the cost of this, I'd have >>>>>> thought protection would have kicked in to prevent anything untoward >>>>>> from happening. I'm in complete disbelief, to be honest. >>>>>> >>>>>> --------------------------------------------- >>>>>> 73 and Good DX >>>>>> Peter, W2IRT >>>>>> >>>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>>> 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 Message delivered to >>>>> [email protected] >>>>> >>>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>>> 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 Message delivered to >>>>> [email protected] >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> 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 Message >>>> delivered to [email protected] >>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> 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 >>>> Message delivered to [email protected] >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 >> Message delivered to [email protected] > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] > ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected] ------------------------------ Message: 20 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 18:24:51 -0500 From: Don Wilhelm <[email protected]> To: [email protected], [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Removing/connecting PL-259s Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Drew and all, I have changed the subject line to something more akin to the current discussion. Have you considered adding a coax switch? Turning to switch to an open position (or better yet to a dummy load) when the radio is not in use will provide protection and is a lot easier than removing the connectors. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/16/2019 6:07 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote: > FWIW, I use NO-OX-ID contact grease on my PL259 connectors. This allows > very tight snugging by hand, no need of wrenching. > > During lightning season I frequently connect/disconnect my rig and tuner > cables. The fine film of lube on the connector threads makes a big > difference. Without it? A real PITA, not to mention wear and tear on the > the SO-239's. ------------------------------ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must be a subscriber to post. Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com End of Elecraft Digest, Vol 178, Issue 14 ***************************************** ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected]
