I had a similar, if not worse, problem during the CW DX contest a week ago.
On Day 1 everything worked perfectly, including 15 meters. On Day 2 everything
except 15 meters worked perfectly. On that band the KPA1500 would show a
full-scale over-range power output and then shut itself down. The SWR was
never more than 1.2:1. In standby mode everything was just right. No problems.
Thinking the amp might have been at fault, I reloaded the firmware, to no
effect. Numerous tries with the power on the K3 set as low as 5 watts using
the front panel control resulted in the same overdrive fault. Same thing
whether I keyed the rig, spoke into the mike, or pressed "tune." The display
on the KPA said 72 watts input when it faulted.
No problem on any other band. I noticed, after a while, that the power output
indicator on the K3 display on key down would very briefly jump to near the top
of its range and then quickly fold back to nearly zero, probably the result of
the amp sending it a significant ALC voltage. And again, same thing no matter
where the K3 power control was set. Shut the rigs off, went out for a walk and
a ponder, came back, turned 'em on, and all was good again.
I would like not to have that happen during the SSB portion this coming
weekend. Any ideas, anyone? Is it the K3 misbehaving? The KPA sending the K3
the wrong status info? The operator doing something wrong? Hacking by contest
competitors? (hardly necessary)
Ted, KN1CBR
Message: 2
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2019 20:07:13 +0000
From: Jim McCook <[email protected]>
To: Elecraft Reflector <[email protected]>
Subject: [Elecraft] K-3 Power Output
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
One of the features I liked with the K-3/KPA-1500 combo was having power
setting in the K-3 remain at 100w for barefoot or amplifier STBY
position.? When the KPA-1500 was set to OPER, the power from the K-3
reverted to the low drive level, such as 32w.? Now it remains at one
power setting either way.? I can't figure out what caused that change.?
The cable between both units is secure in place and they are
communicating with each other.? As I tune the K-3 the KPA-1500 tuner
settings change normally.? Any idea why this changed?? -Jim
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2019 14:10:57 -0600
From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-3 Power Output
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
Check the Power Set Per Band setting in the K3 config menu. Should not
be set to NORmal.
73
Bob, K4TAX
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