Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 no PC comms

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The KAT500 does not use the same cable as the K3 or K4 or, for that matter, the 
KPA500. It needs a cable with stereo mini-phone connector. Elecraft has a USB 
cable that plugs into the KAT500 and works quite well.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Mar 10, 2024, at 12:33 PM, Mike Dodd  wrote:
> 
> Elecraft is taking a l_o_n_g time to repair the USB port on my K4d, so I 
> bought a used K3 (non-s) as a backup rig. It works fine, and interfaces 
> correctly with my KPA500 and KAT500. (The KAT is already configured for all 
> frequency steps on all bands, and I can hear the KAT relays click when I 
> change bands.)
> 
> But the KAT Utility doesn't connect to the KAT.
> 
> I'm using the same Computer interface cable plugged into the same USB port on 
> the PC. Windows Device manager says it's working.
> 
> With a K4, does the KAT communicate with the PC via the K4's USB connection, 
> which he K3 doesn't have?
> 
> What am I missing?
> 
> 73, Mike N4CF
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT 500 Loses Match

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

That antenna is rated for 250 watts, which is most likely the cause of the 
problem. This is common, we upgrade from low power to high and don’t realize 
that we need to upgrade out antenna system as well.
For use with the KPA500, you should replace it with an antenna with a higher 
rating. These are easy to fabricate - I am currently using a 110 foot long 
dipole with ladder line feed which is tunes quite nicely by the KAT500, and has 
no issues with either of my KPA500s. Just take a look at examples in the 
current ARRL Antenna book for better info.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Jan 12, 2024, at 11:28 PM, Michael Reynolds, NO6O  wrote:
> 
> Greetings,
> 
> I joined this list today, after sending a message to Elecraft support, 
> describing a similar problem.  I have an Icom IC-7610, with the KPA500 and 
> KAT500, and my SWR spontaneously climbs into the red sometimes during 
> transmissions.  It takes some effort to correct it, and I typically lose a 
> QSO in the process.  The relays go nuts trying to re-tune, and sometimes 
> produces a fault condition. Usually, I can correct it by restarting both the 
> amplifier and tuner.  I have a Comet CHA-250HD, which has a almost a flat 1.1 
> SWR from 80m to 6m.  I don't need a tuner while barefoot.  However, when I 
> first hooked up the KPA500, the SWR was not flat, and added the KAT500 this 
> week, which led to my SWR issue.
> 
> I hope the cause and resolution can be determined.
> 
> Michael
> NO6O
> 
> 
> On 2024-01-12 10:36 PM, Bill Johnson wrote:
>> Good advice
>> 
>> Bill
>> K9YEQ
>> 
>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  on 
>> behalf of Ken WA8JXM 
>> Sent: Friday, January 12, 2024 5:52:52 PM
>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT 500 Loses Match
>> 
>> It's possible that something is arcing and, of course changing the  tuning.
>> 
>> Do you have the internal tuner in the K4?  If so, does it behave the
>> same way?
>> 
>> Why do you have the amplifier running?  30m is as restricted power band.
>> 
>> If you leave the amp and tuner out of the circuit and transmit with the
>> K4 directly, does the SWR meter stay steady, or does it fluctuate at
>> full power?
>> 
>> Ken WA8JXM
>> 
>> Why is the amplifier connected?  30m is a restricted powerband.
>> 
>> On 1/12/2024 4:46 PM, Paul Ecker wrote:
>>> I am experiencing a new problem for me, with my KAT 500. So far I've
>>> noticed this issue on 30M. I am using a dipole cut only for 30M with an SWR
>>> of 1.2 to 1.3 max SWR across the band. I “trained the tuner” at 20khz
>>> segments on 30M.
>>> 
>>> Setup is K4D, KAT 500 & KPA 500. Win 10 pc.
>>> 
>>> Running CW, I can start transmitting and all is fine- my LP100A is showing
>>> 1.2 SWR and am getting max power out of the radio. Then all of sudden the
>>> SWR jumps to >9.0. The KAT starts chattering and finds a new match. But if
>>> I start transmitting again – pwr out is only about 10 W at that new match,
>>> and eventually the tuner becomes untuned again. Sometimes, it will then
>>> hold the tune but still only getting abt 9-10w power out. The issue occurs
>>> with KPA500 both on and off.
>>> 
>>> Does this sound like a KAT 500 problem or maybe an RFI problem.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 73 Paul
>>> 
>>> w2eck
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Re: [Elecraft] K3+KPA500+KAT500 RFI Revisited

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Please describe the aux cables you have in use between the equipment. It is 
highly unusual for the BCD lines to change state during transmission, on any 
other time without actually changing the band on the K3.
If you are using very long Aux cables, or have other equipment connected to the 
cable (that uses the Band lines), it could account for issues. There is at 
least one band decoder kit on the market that uses
poorly designed receivers that will adversely affect the band lines in a K3 or 
K4 system to the point that the KPA receives incorrect band indication.

Are you directly monitoring the band lines with an external indicator? If so, 
please describe the indicator.
The KPA _will_ change bands due to a signal on another band (such as a 
harmonic). We have not seen that to this point with K3 or K4, but it is 
certainly possible. Not that the RF signal count always overrides the band 
signals - it counts the strongest signal at its input.

This situation may be due to RFI, but I am suspecting something else at 
present, such as very long AuxBus cables or an issue in the system. Any further 
info you can provide would be very helpful - is there another transmitter near 
by, or anything else that may be injecting alternate signals into the amplifier 
(usually on the xcvr input side, but if strong enough it could come in through 
the antenna). Note that a very strong signal coming into the antenna port would 
also affect the SWR calculations and display.

Something is going on, but it may surprise you when you discover it.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jan 12, 2024, at 2:18 PM, Jeff Wandling  wrote:
> 
> Dear Elecraft aficionados:
> 
> The symptom is KPA switching bands during Tx.
> 
> Seems like a while ago I was troubleshooting the RFI problem between the 
> equipment.
> 
> K3 + KPA500 + KAT500
> 
> Using the "enhanced" configuration where serial cable between the K3 to KAT 
> to KPA assisted in communicating band changes as well as key-down event and 
> so on.
> 
> I own two KPA-500's. Both are less than 6mo old.
> 
> Let me refer to them as KPA-1 and KPA-2. KPA-1 is in the hands of Elecraft 
> for repair. It worked flawlessly (until needing repair), but the RFI issue I 
> will write about did not exist when that KPA-1 was in the chain.
> 
> KPA-2 was purchased in December as a backup. Since putting KPA-2 in-line, the 
> RFI problems I will describe have gone unresolved.
> 
> Scenario is with KPA-2 in-line.
> 
> Even running tiny power (< 10W, <15 W) I can routinely and 100% reproduce the 
> problem where the BCD data in the AUX line that carries the information about 
> which band the KPA should be set on will change during Tx.
> 
> For example I can put KAT into MAN, put KPA in bypass. Tune the antenna via 
> K3 and witness the search resolve to a 1:1 on the SWR. That sometimes will 
> trigger the effect -- I can see in the KPA, even in bypass that the band the 
> KPA is set on is changed from the band the K3 is set on. Even more insidious 
> is that if the KPA winds up on a different band after the tune (or after 
> "VVV" CW testing after tune), that pressing the band button on the KPA to 
> bring it back does not bring the KPA back to the right band. It is as if the 
> KPA has two states of band-awareness.. The awareness of the band displayed in 
> the LCD and the band that the input is set for.
> 
> Here's an example:
> K3 on 40m
> Tune per usual (KAT MANUAL, KPA Bypass)
> KPA remains on 40m.
> K3 power output 14W
> Then put the KPA into Operate
> Tap "VVV" out on the key.
> Witness the KPA operate but then switch band to 30m or 17m or 20m, etc.. (not 
> expected)
> Then on the KPA tap (Band) 7 (for the 40m band) and nothing happens (not 
> expected)
> Tap on the KPA 14 then the whole chain switches to 20m (expected)
> 
> Suppose the TUNE did not yield a band-switch during Tx, repeating the test 
> but this time putting the KPA into Operate after the tune is sure-fire going 
> to cause the bandswitch.
> 
> (I configured the KPA to go to Bypass in the event of a band-change event in 
> order to have some sense of protection while the key-down test Tx occurs).
> 
> That's the scenario where after Tx the KPA is out of sync with the K3. 
> Whether or not the KPA is attempting to frequency-count is not evident, the 
> KPA:RADIO setting is "K3" which means leverage the BCD data from the K3 
> vis-a-vis the KAT path.
> 
> I can replicate this band-inconsistency at will. I don't think I can safely 
> operate the equipment if the BCD encoded band data is fluctuating during Tx. 
> What would happen if I switched bands (N1MM) and hit the keyer and the KPA 
> got confused on the last Tx? Magic smoke I imagine.
> 
> Only happened with KPA-2 not KPA-1. But I'm wondering if KPA-1 suffered a 
> catastrophe caused by this scenario and I didn't notice the clicking 
> band-switch because I had not expected it to switch bands during Tx.
> 
> What have I done to remedy? I think I've tried everything but obviously I 
> 

Re: [Elecraft] What minimum temperature should the K station be kept at during a hard freeze

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Usually the limiting factor for low temperature in modern equipment is the LCD. 
They have a problem crystalizing much below freezing and thus are not usable in 
very cold temperatures.

I hope thing don’t get too cold in your area - we are forecast to see 19F here 
in SW LA on Tuesday morning. Yuck!

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jan 13, 2024, at 1:13 PM, William Hammond via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Doug, You didn’t specify which “K” radio you were inquiring about.  My K4D 
> manual page 45 says:  0 C to 50 C  or 32 F  to 122 F.  The K3s manual 
> specifics 0-50 C for frequency stability.   The K2 manual does not mention 
> operating temperatures. The KX3 manual does not specify.  I checked the non 
> “K”,  IC-7300 manual and  operating range is stated as: -10 C to +60 C or +14 
> F to +140 F just for a sanity check.   To be safe, keeping the radio above 
> freezing is a good idea.  I would think that condensation or moisture of any 
> kind is the enemy in the cold.  Storing and operating are different things.
> 
> That said, I worked on a military radio that mounted in the 47 section of the 
> B-52D, F  with no environmental controls. It was subjected to 50,000‘ 
> altitude and  -50 C, F .  The failure rate of that radio was much greater 
> than the same radio that was in the pressurized and air-conditioned in a 
> forward section of the aircraft.  I might add that these radios were 
> electrically tuned to a frequency using DC motors and heterodyned crystals 
> (the AN/ARC-34) and it was almost always the tuning that failed.  These 
> radios were in tropical conditions in Guam or Thailand when not flying.  They 
> used sub-miniature tubes about a third the size of a miniature tube.
> 
> 73, Bill-AK5X
> 
>> On Jan 13, 2024, at 9:22 AM, Doug Hensley > > wrote:
>> 
>> What minimum temperature should a K station be kept at during a hard freeze
>> and is there a cold temperature point at which it should not be powered up?
>> 
>> Please reply to the list and as always do not reply to a digest.  Thanks in 
>> advance
>> for any information.
>> 
>> 73, Doug W5JV
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Visit https://www.qrz.com/db/W5JV for some great vacuum tube finds.
>> 
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT-500 + KPA-500 / SWR Thresholds

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

KPA inhibit SWR? The KPA500 uses Reflected Power for all of its protections 
except for one item - if the SWR is above 18:1, it will throw an immediate 
fault.
There is no adjustment for these thresholds. As far as the Auxbus, the KPA does 
not listen but only talks on it, conveying band, mode and power on/off status.
The KPA gets its band data from the K3 using the BAND lines. The KPA always 
does a frequency count of the input signal, and will change bands if the
count indicates a band other than what was expected. And yes, we have seen 
instances where parasitics from a transceiver triggered the band change.
It turns out they were much higher in amplitude than the fundamental frequency. 
I don’t remember the  transceiver manufacturer, but it was not an Elecraft.

The KAT500 has adjustments for SWR for tuning requirement. I don’t recall any 
others, but there may be. The manual should state them. The KAT does
listen to the Auxbus, getting frequency info. As you know, if the calculated 
SWR is above the threshold, the KAT will disable the PTT signal to the KPA, and 
if
in the AUTO mode, it will initiate a tune. Because of timing differences with 
measuring forward and reflected power, we do not recommend leaving the KAT
in AUTO mode, especially for SSB transmissions.

One other thing to consider is that the KAT has an internal bypass, which 
leaves the KAT Ls & Cs in-line, which is separate from the front-panel BYPASS 
mode,
which completely bypasses the Ls and Cs. Also, if the KAT sees too much power 
at its input when it starts a tune, it will add a resistive pad to lower the 
power
it sees so that it does not hot-switch the relays.

I hope this helps explain what you are seeing. I wonder if you have the two 
thresholds spaced too closely. 1.4:1 and 1.6:1 are awfully close for 
calculations.

Also, I would be really interested in hearing more about the loop antenna you 
are driving, along with the coax feed, and all connectors. We see an amazingly 
large
amount of problems in the KAT & KPA due to issues that are actually in the 
antenna system.

73,
Jack, W6FB



> On Jan 1, 2024, at 6:46 PM, Jeff Wandling  wrote:
> 
> Thanks.  That's good detail.  I'll recheck the manual once more.  I made a 
> common mistake of assuming too much and not reading enough.   I have 
> tremendous respect and faith in the engineering put into the system of the 
> Elecraft line..  That's a  long way of saying, It works brilliantly.
> 
> I just want to avoid a mistake in where the ATU-500 and KPA-500 are trying to 
> resolve a tune whilst the CW spews forth.
> 
> This comment and the prior comment about the Kenwood aspect (and related 
> command-set mentioned) are interesting.   Thanks.
> 
> Aside from all that -- when folks here use the "SWR Thresholds" and use the 
> K3+KAT+KPA chain via Aux Serial data sharing -- what do you use for the three 
> metrics in SWR Thresholds?
> 
> There's a KPA Inhibit SWR,   Re-tune SWR and Bypass SWR value.  The 
> recommended values in the manuals seem frightfully high for my nerves to 
> handle.
> 
> Any advice on *that* would be welcomed.
> 
> HNY, Thanks.
> 
> ---
> 73, Jeff  W7BRS
> https://blog.w7brs.com 
> 
> 
> 
> On Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 4:37 PM, G4GNX  > wrote:
> 
> 
>> AFAICR the manual says that if an AUX cable is connected between the KAT500 
>> and the radio, the KAT500 will follow any frequency/band change and if a 
>> tuning solution has already been stored for that frequency/band it will be 
>> employed before the radio goes into TX. In other words, whilst the radio is 
>> still in RX mode.
>> 
>> However, elsewhere in the manual it says that when the KAT500 receives RF, 
>> it will also pickup the nearest tuning solution, which is a fail-safe action 
>> in case the KAT500 does not receive data from the radio, for any reason.
>> 
>> This is only if the radio is a K3, K3S or K4 and if a KPA500 is in use, RF 
>> from it is sent to the KAT500 but the AUX cable must be connected AFTER the 
>> KAT500. i.e. K3———KAT500———KPA500.
>> 
>> I make no comment about using the KAT500 with a Kenwood (or other) rig.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Alan - G4GNX
>> South Coast UK
>> Elecraft K4D / KPA500 / KAT500 / IC-9700
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On 1 Jan 2024, at 21:56, Andy Durbin a.dur...@msn.com wrote:
>>> 
>>> "> How does your KAT500 know what frequency to use? Does it have a serial 
>>> data interface or does it depend only on the internal RF counter?
>>> 
>>> W7BRS> AUX cable between K3 to KAT-500 and KAT-500 to KPA-500. They are in 
>>> serial communication per Elecraft protcol(s), whatever those are.
>>> 
 What KAT500 mode (AUTO, MAN, BYP) is selected when you observe this 
 anomaly?
>>> 
>>> W7BRS> Per manual for KAT-500/KPA-500 the stated "nominal" mode is MAN. So 
>>> I leave the KAT-500 in MAN after tuning the antenna to 1.1."
>>> 
>>> Your problem sounded a bit like the conflict between serial data frequency 
>>> and RF count when operating 

Re: [Elecraft] K3s power level macro

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Is 17mSec not fast enough? When you hit the OP button on the KPA, it tells the 
K3 to make the adjustment, and the power is very quickly changed. Same is true 
when you go from OP to STBY, the K3 goes back to 100 watts.
I seriously question whether you can do things as fast with a macro and having 
to hit a second button (besides the OP/STBY on the KPA.
If you don’t know about this, you need to give it a try.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Dec 5, 2023, at 10:35 PM, Robert Strickland via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Mike and Jack...
> 
> Thanks for your suggestions.
> Mike, I'm not clear "where" you are implementing your macro; perhaps you are 
> using the K3 utility. I'd like to avoid that and interact with the radio 
> directly. Jack, what I'm looking for is not different drive levels on 
> different bands, but switching drive levels on the same band 
> "instantaneously." For example, I'm chasing DX and not getting through at 
> 100w; turn on the amp, hit the macro button, and transmit; no adjustment. You 
> might have noticed that the power level knob changes the K3s power out very 
> slowly, and I'm trying to get around that with a macro. Thanks much. Looking 
> forward to your replies.
> 
> ...robertKE2WY
> 
> On 12/5/2023 18:35, Robert Strickland via Elecraft wrote:
>> Is there a way to program a macro within the K3s to set power
>> level(s)? My goal is to be able to shift between low power barefoot
>> [100w] and a drive level for the KPA500 [15-20w]. Thanks
>> ..robert   KE2WY
> 
> -- 
> Robert G. Strickland, PhD ABPH KE2WY
> rc...@verizon.net
> Syracuse, New York FN13xa
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Re: [Elecraft] K3s power level macro

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

We thought about that when we designed the KPA500. Take a look at page 29 of 
the K3S Rev A manual - "Per-band Power Control”.
You need to have the KPA500 communicating with the K3 through the Aux I/O cable.

It works amazingly well, no macros needed!

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Dec 5, 2023, at 12:35 PM, Robert Strickland via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Is there a way to program a macro within the K3s to set power level(s)? My 
> goal is to be able to shift between low power barefoot [100w] and a drive 
> level for the KPA500 [15-20w]. Thanks
> 
> ...robert   KE2WY
> -- 
> Robert G. Strickland, PhD ABPH KE2WY
> rc...@verizon.net
> Syracuse, New York FN13xa
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Re: [Elecraft] Noise from KAT500?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I remember those days. I still have my Heath SB-303 and SB-401 pair, both of 
which run from 117VAC. I didn’t have to get a 12V supply until I started 
upgrading back around 2000.
You might want to invest in a small Astron linear supply (or similar). You will 
slowly start acquiring equipment that runs on 12 - 13.8VDC, so getting one now 
would be a good thing.
What kind of things? I love my Heath HM102, but modern SWR/Power bridge meters 
provide so much better info. This is just one example…

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Dec 3, 2023, at 1:16 PM, W2HX  wrote:
> 
> ?  I don't have any 12v transceivers. This is the only 12 device I have in 
> the shack.
> Thanks
> Eugene W2HX
> Sent from Nine
> 
> 
> From: Bob McGraw mailto:rmcg...@benlomand.net>>
> Sent: Sunday, December 3, 2023 12:11 PM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
> Subject: [Elecraft] Noise from KAT500?
> 
> Just power it from the transceiver power supply and all will be
> resolved.   There is no point in making life complex.
> 
> 73
> 
> Bob, K4TAX
> 
> 
> On 12/3/2023 9:52 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
>> Message: 8
>> Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2023 01:48:45 +
>> From: W2HX
>> To: Michael Carter, Elecraft Reflector Reflector
>>   
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Noise from KAT500?
>> Message-ID:
>>   
>> 
>> 
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>> 
>> Mike, K8CN wins the cigar!
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> The issue is the power supply ? I took some spectrum analyzer plots to 7
>>  MHz and you can see what I saw. The set up is spectrum analyzer ->
>> KAT500 -> Dummy Load. First picture are two "max hold" traces
>> superimposed where the problem can be seen.
>> 
>> https://w2hx.com/x/Elecraft/KAT500/Noise-Issue/KAT500-AC-Power.png
>> 
>> The "lower" trace is what I saw with the kat500 in bypass. The "top"
>> trace is with the kat500 inline (auto or manual).
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I then replaced the wall-wart power supply with a 12V battery. And this
>> is what I saw for BOTH bypass and inline. Clearly the problem.
>> 
>> https://w2hx.com/x/Elecraft/KAT500/Noise-Issue/KAT500-battery.png
>> 
>> using a battery, the noise is about -80 dBm. Using the wall-wart, in some 
>> cases the noise is as high as -60 dBm
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> My task now is to either leave it on battery or preferably, find a low noise 
>> PS.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks everyone for the ideas.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 73 Eugene W2HX
>> 
>> Subscribe to my Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@w2hx/videos
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Re: [Elecraft] USB/3.5mm Extension?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Andy’s point that the KXUSB actually has 0 to 5V output on its TxD line is 
correct. This is most likely the limiter in how long of a cable you can have 
between the KXUSB and the KAT500.
The actual length is probably best derived by trial and error. As K9YC points 
out, the rise and fall times of the signals will be the limiting factor, and 
will actually determine the
maximum length. The rise and fall times need to be pretty short due to the data 
rate used by the KAT500 (38400 bps).

As an educated guess, I would suspect that an extension of 5 or maybe even 10 
feet should work, depending on the cable capacitance. If you see any 
strangeness to the communications, use a shorter cable.

One other thing - Andy is a good friend, someone with whom I enjoy having deep 
technical discussions. We learn a lot from each other, and he contributes quite 
a bit to the
technical nature of the list. His presence here is very much welcome.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Nov 28, 2023, at 10:14 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> "Indeed, it is NOT true that the KAT500 uses TTL signal levels for the serial 
> port. "
> 
> Ah, but I said "Isn't it true that the KAT500 USB cable uses RS-232 protocol 
> but TTL signal levels? "   Perhaps I should have been more specific.  My 
> recollection is that the USB/Serial cable transmits a TTL signal.  I have no 
> way to know the receiver characteristics of that interface dongle.  I did 
> study the KAT500 I/O schematic to understand that end of the connection.
> 
> Anyway, not posting to "keep you on your toes".  I was confused by this 
> interface when I first decided to work with it so didn't want people to 
> assume it was RS-232 compliant.
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc

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Re: [Elecraft] USB/3.5mm Extension?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

So that everyone reading understands, the KAT500 IS RS-232/IEEE-232 compatible 
in its voltage levels. It is NOT TTL (0,5v) compatible.

73, Jack, W6FB


Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 28, 2023, at 10:14 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> 
> "Indeed, it is NOT true that the KAT500 uses TTL signal levels for the serial 
> port. "
> 
> Ah, but I said "Isn't it true that the KAT500 USB cable uses RS-232 protocol 
> but TTL signal levels? "   Perhaps I should have been more specific.  My 
> recollection is that the USB/Serial cable transmits a TTL signal.  I have no 
> way to know the receiver characteristics of that interface dongle.  I did 
> study the KAT500 I/O schematic to understand that end of the connection.
> 
> Anyway, not posting to "keep you on your toes".  I was confused by this 
> interface when I first decided to work with it so didn't want people to 
> assume it was RS-232 compliant.
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] USB/3.5mm Extension?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Andy, you do a great job of keeping me on my toes. But...

Indeed, it is NOT true that the KAT500 uses TTL signal levels for the serial 
port. The KAT500 has voltage translation circuitry that allows for the use of 
quasi-RS232 signal levels.
Quasi? Yes, the transmit data goes to +12 Volts, but it only goes down to 
chassis ground levels. This actually gets the RS-232 specification which has a 
transition band in the 1-2 volt range.
The receive circuitry is fully capable of translating RS-232 signal levels to 
the +5, ground levels used internally to the KAT500. Note that the KAT500 can 
receive TTL-level signals, but it does not drive them.

What this means is that if you were to drive TTL chips directly from the 
KAT500’s data port you would probably have to replace a lot of those chips 
until you realize they cannot withstand the +12V on their inputs.

So yes, the extension cable may be used. Just don’t use a high-capacitance 
cable (which usually means a very long one), as the KAT may not be able to  
drive the load on the far end.

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Nov 28, 2023, at 8:46 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> "Yes. At the point for the extension, the signals are RS-232, not USB. You 
> should be able to use a much longer cable if need-be."
> 
> Isn't it true that the KAT500 USB cable uses RS-232 protocol but TTL signal 
> levels?  TTL may not be as tolerant of length extension as true RS-232.   
> Certainly no problem with about 10 ft extension though as my KAT500 
> USB/Serial extension is close to that long when my KAT500 is connected to the 
> PC .
> 
> The KAT500 PC interface is a bit unusual as it seems to be designed to use 
> TLL but also accepts true RS-232 levels with no problem.   A true RS-232 
> receiver may not operate with a single ended TTL input.  RS-232 signals swing 
> positive and negative and are only zero volts when the driver is not powered. 
>  TTL swings between 0 V and 5 V.  RS-232 compliant transmitters are also 
> required to tolerate continuous short circuit without damage.
> 
> Elecraft was careful not to describe the KAT500 PC port, or the USB cable, as 
> RS-232.
> 
> These details will only be of interest to anyone considering making a device 
> that interfaces directly with KAT500.
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] USB/3.5mm Extension?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Yes. At the point for the extension, the signals are RS-232, not USB. You 
should be able to use a much longer cable if need-be.  Be sure to read through 
the manual - it should give you a much better feel for each connection.

Enjoy the KAT500!

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Nov 25, 2023, at 2:59 PM, W2HX  wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> I have acquired my KAT500 and I am starting to play with it. I am trying to 
> use the KAT utility to control it which it does fine. Now I want to place it 
> between a transmitter and cable. Can I use a 10 foot 3.5mm TRS male to female 
> extension cable to extend the USB connector? My computer is farther away from 
> the antenna switching than the included cable can stretch. I think the REMOTE 
> capability might be in my future, but for now just trying a simple set up.
> 
> 
> 73 Eugene W2HX
> Subscribe to my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@w2hx/videos
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Display flashes "thr 4 OFF" intermittently

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

 the behavior I might expect if a macro was being executed. Is it possible that 
you have one saved, either in the K3 or the computer that is set to trigger at 
the times you noted? Mostly they execute so fast you don’t see the activity, 
but if the K3 is busy it might slow down a ways. Band change is one of those 
times.

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Nov 8, 2023, at 1:04 PM, Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 
> Has your K3 received the coveted Golden Connector Pins?  Mine [S/N 642] began 
> doing things like that, especially on the BAND+/- and MODE +/- buttons.  
> Pressing really hard would sometimes make it work.  The K-POD proved to be a 
> work around, but the new connector pins on a trip to the factory for another 
> problem solved it.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
> Dave Fugleberg wrote on 11/8/2023 9:16 AM:
>> Thanks Keith - I totally missed that in the manual, as it's been a long
>> time since I've used the decode feature. I tried changing the threshold to
>> Auto...now I get the same behavior as before, except when it flashes it
>> says thr Auto.  So it's definitely showing me that menu setting, but I have
>> no idea why.
>> I should mention that the behavior does not occur every time. It happens
>> nearly any time i use the REV button, but maybe only one of of every 4-5
>> band changes will trigger it.  As noted, this happens sometimes when
>> changing bands via CAT, so it's not just from poking the front panel.
>> 73 de W0ZF
>> 
>> On Wed, Nov 8, 2023 at 10:50 AM Keith Trinity WE6R 
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> That "thr  4" is from the TEXT DEC  settings.
>>> Long press CWT/0 (zero) button to see the setting.
>>> I would think it would not do anything if "OFF", but try setting the
>>> upper to AUTO or something.
>>> There is a ton of info in the manual...
>>> Keith WE6R K3/K4 Tech
>>> 
>>> 
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> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 and KAT connections without a KPA500

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

This is pretty simple, Jim. The AuxIO cable goes from the K3 to the KAT500. 
Then one of the Antenna outputs of the K3 goes to the RF input of the KAT500.
Of course the antennas connect to the KAT500 then (as they did before).
That is pretty much it.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Nov 4, 2023, at 3:03 PM, Jim Cary  wrote:
> 
> I’ve had to take my KPA500 out of service and want to operate just with the 
> K3 and KAT.  I’ve tired different cabling configurations but can’t seem to 
> get the k3 to communicate.  The manuals show all sorts of connections with 
> amps, but not without an amp.
> 
> I know it has to be simple, but sure is beating me!
> 
> Jim
> 
> W2SM
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 / KAT500 and W2 watt meter question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

If you use the key-line interrupter, then you must use the phono-plug cables to 
connect the K3, KPA and KAT. Otherwise PTT will not get to the amplifier.
Of course using both without the key line interrupter is very redundant. You 
just don’t want to use both if an external device is included.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Oct 12, 2023, at 11:35 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> SteppIR will accept up to 200 W without damage and opening the amplifier key 
> line is the standard way protect SteppIR antennas.
> 
> It has been asserted that "NO key line interrupter is needed".  However, 
> Elecraft recognizes that they may be such a need and sells an adapter to 
> disable keying by AUX cable.  The description even mentions including the W2 
> is the protection system.
> 
> https://ftp.elecraft.com/KPA/Manuals%20Downloads/E740160%20-%20KPAK3AUX%20Cable%20Set%20Instructions%20Rev%201E.pdf
> 
> Andy, k3wyc
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 / KAT500 and W2 watt meter question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Key line interrupt would probably not be a good way since the transceiver is 
still transmitting, but at a lower level. All key line interrupt does is to 
disable the amplifier.
I would think a better way would be to use the K3’s inhibit input signal if you 
really need no tx power coming out.

Note that this has been handled in many, many stations to this point with few 
(or no) issues.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Oct 12, 2023, at 10:32 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> "In the KAT500 manual, page 5, Figure 1 Cabling Diagram, is the better and 
> safer way to configure the system.  NO key line interrupter is needed.
> 
> How does an Elecraft station that controls KPA500 and KAT500 using AUX cables 
> inhibit keying when a SteppIR antenna is moving the tapes?  This protection 
> must be provided or element tapes and brushes can be damaged.
> 
> Andy, k3wyc
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 / KAT500 and W2 watt meter question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Glenn;

You will want the two Aux cables to connect the K3S to the KAT500, then the 
KAT500 to the KPA500. The cables are described in the equipment manuals.
When the KAT500 is in a tune or finds some error situation, it will negate the 
key line to the KPA500 until the KAT is able to correct the situation.

With this setup, you don’t need the key line interrupter that the W2 provides 
since the KAT500 is doing it for you.

If you need any help, just ask. We hope you really enjoy your KPA500/KAT500 
combination!

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Oct 10, 2023, at 7:17 AM, Glenn Maclean  wrote:
> 
> I just ordered the KPA500/KAT500 combo and W2 watt meter for my K3S. Should I 
> use the key line interrupt connected to the W2 watt meter or should I connect 
> the key line interrupt to the KAT500? Do I even need to use key line 
> interrupt with the K line set up?
> Thanks in advance
> Glenn WA7SPY
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Band Data

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

As far as I know, the transceivers have Auxbus (K2, K3, K4, but not K1). Not 
sure if the KX transceivers bring it out to a connector, though.
The KPA500 sends data out to the transceiver using Auxbus, but does not listen, 
the KAT500 only receives data. The KPA1500 does both.

I believe you are using the TXBPF filters, Jim (as am I). They need low-drive 
individual band signals, although they also can use the K3’s 
BAND outputs.

I hope this answers the question…

73,
Jack, W6FB



> On Sep 2, 2023, at 1:07 AM, Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
> On 9/1/2023 7:21 PM, Michael Carter wrote:
>> One clarification on the AUXBUS signal: the
>> 'auxbus' is Elecraft's proprietary 1-wire
>> signaling scheme by which the main MCU
>> on the K2 Control board talks to all of the
>> other controller ICs on the various option
>> modules and the I/O controller (relay driver,
>> among other functions) on the K2 RF board.
>> The 'auxbus' signal is made available via the
>> KIO2 interface, if installed, for use with
>> external Elecraft modules (e.g. the KAT100
>> ATU, KPA100 PA, and the transverter modules).
> 
> One caution -- I was told by someone at Elecraft years ago that not all later 
> products implement it. I think I remember KAT500 and/or KPA500. I'm using 
> Auxbus from K3s KRC2s to generate band data to switch bandpass filters. Very 
> nice - a single coax from K3 to KRC2. I don't remember what format the 
> filters wanted. That was W6FB's project, I think.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Band Data

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I would suggest that the Elecraft KRC2 would provide the information quite 
well. It was designed for use with the K2,
receiving band data and providing the ability to select bands with both high 
and low drive outputs. It also
outputs the BCD data on four terminals.

Take a look at the ELecraft web site.

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Sep 1, 2023, at 2:55 PM, Michael Carter  wrote:
> 
> Hi Jerry,
> 
> There is no simple access to band data in
> the K2 unless you want to reverse engineer
> the AUXBUS protocol.  Depending on how
> your homebrew amp selects its lowpass
> filter options, you may be able to pick up
> the relay control signals for the K2's bandpass
> and lowpass filter banks and use those
> to encode a band data word in the format
> used by Yaesu.  There is no isolated connector
> on the K2 Front Panel, Control, or RF boards
> that makes available those relay control lines,
> so you would have to tap the traces where
> those control signals are exposed.
> 
> Perhaps you can comment more on the
> homebrew amp design with regard to
> lowpass filter selection?
> 
> 73,
> Mike, K8CN
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Re: [Elecraft] Interesting observations after installing antenna switch

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Ken;

I just did an analysis of the circuit you described using the RAAS-4A schematic 
from the WA4MCM web site, and my local docs for both the K3S and KPA500.
This is rather interesting, but with the antenna selector in the circuit, the 
band voltage will never go above about 0.6 volts. Thus, if you use the BCD or K3
settings on the KPA500, it will always think it is on 60 meters. That isn’t 
completely true. As K9YC states, the KPA500 always does a frequency count of
the input signal, and will change to that band, ignoring the BAND inputs, if it 
is different. Thus you have been transmitting on the correct bands, but the band
inputs have pretty much been ignored.

The analysis:
The K3S band outputs use a 2.2K resistor in series with a BAT-54 schottky diode 
to the +5V rail. The diode will drop just a few tenths of a volt. The band lines
have a 220 ohm resistor in series for RFI protection. This needs to be 
considered whenever an external device has a pull-up or pulldown resistor, as 
the RAAS-4A does.
All this is driven by a TPIC6C595 I/O chip, which has open-drain outputs. Thus 
it switches between ground and float. When floating, the pull-up is the main 
source of 5V
for the band lines. For the record, the 2.2K pull-up resistor is not in play 
when the TPIC drives the BAND line to ground, but the 220 series resistor is 
still in play.
The KPA-500’s inputs are a bit more simple since they do not drive the BAND 
lines. The input goes through a 100 uH RF choke, to the cathode of a BAT-54 
diode. 
The anode is connected to the microcontroller input with a 10K pull-up applied 
to +5V. This does a very good job of isolating the micro from the band lines - 
it either sees
a ground or the +5V pull-up. This really means that the “ground” (low input) 
MUST go below the microcontroller’s input threshold for it to be recognized at 
being low. 
The voltage drop of the diode (somewhere around 0.3 volts or so) must also be 
considered.
The RAAS-4A itself has circuitry that modifies the band levels. It has a 1K 
series resistor to a 3V zener diode in parallel with a 10K resistor to ground. 
This protects
the base of a 2N3904 transistor from extraneous voltage excursions. The diode 
clamps the input voltage at 3 volts.
When the K3S indicates the band voltage is high, we have a circuit thus: +5V - 
2.2K - 220 - 1K - +3V. The voltage at the junction of the 220 and 1K resistors 
will go
no higher than about 0.6 ohms. The KPA500 and other devices are listening at 
this junction, and will never see a BAND input go high. (The threshold is about
2 volts per spec). 
The correction would be to eliminate any low-value resistance that will modify 
the K3S’s BAND levels. A series diode with pull-up on its anode does this quite 
nicely.
You might also consider driving the band outputs with a non-inverting quad 
driver, with the outputs going to the band switch. And be sure to add 
significant RFI protection
(0.01 cap to ground, 100 uH RF choke, etc).

By the way, when BAND is low, the line will actually be about 0.1V. That is 
from the KPA500 providing a 10K pull-up to +5V, through a schottky diode drop to
the 220 ohm resistor in the K3S to ground. That 220 ohm resistor really does 
have an effect on the band lines when third-party devices come into play!

This isn’t the first time we have come across this problem with external 
equipment in the system, and won’t be the last. I just hope that in the future, 
designers will 
give a lot more thought to how they do things (and why).

I think the question here isn’t how WA4MCM should fix his design (he should), 
but how Ken will get his device to work the way he wants it to work.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Aug 29, 2023, at 2:25 PM, ken.k...@gmail.com wrote:
> 
> Hi Ray.  Either I was unclear in my description, or it was mis-read.  
> According to the display of the amplifier, it is ALWAYS set for the 60 meter 
> band, regardless of what band I am actually operating.
> 
> 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Ken, KJ9B
> 
> 
> 
> From: Ray  
> Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2023 3:06 PM
> To: ken.k...@gmail.com; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Interesting observations after installing antenna 
> switch
> 
> 
> 
> The 60 meter band is 100 Watts ERP Legal Limit !  
> 
> The RAAS4a is Trying to keep you out of Trouble…
> 
> 
> 
> Ray WA6VAB K3  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> From: ken.k...@gmail.com  
> Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2023 11:58 AM
> To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net  
> Subject: [Elecraft] Interesting observations after installing antenna switch
> 
> 
> 
> Hi all.  I recently put a remote antenna switch in my HF system.  This
> 
> switch (a WA4MCM kit, RAAS-4a) is capable of reading band data from several
> 
> radios, including my Elecraft K3S.  For several years I have had a KPA-500
> 
> amplifier in line, working seamlessly with my K3S, band switching
> 
> automatically, etc.  In order to get band data for the new switch, I
> 
> installed the 

Re: [Elecraft] CM-500 Question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

As contesters who wear headphones as much as 48 hours straight on weekends, we 
find comfort to be one of the most important assets of any headphone.
There are LOTS of headphones that sound great, have outstanding performance 
both in their speakers and microphone. But, they make you feel like your
head is in a vice after just a few hours of wear. If the headphone is 
uncomfortable, then no matter what its other characteristics are, they will be 
thrown in the trash.
The CM-500 happens to be one of the most comfortable headset for long-term wear 
(many of us feel that way). Many others (some mentioned in this discussion)
don’t come close. I also have a pair of the KOSS version of this headset. It is 
back in its box - wearing it is very uncomfortable for me. Like others, I have 
tried many 
different headphones put out by many companies. This past weekend, for NAQP CW, 
the CM-500s were on my head for 10 hours. With the CM-500s out of production,
I’m not sure what I will turn to when these wear out. I do know that none of 
the computer gaming headsets I have tried fit the bill. And I had the privilege 
of trying out
many of the headsets from a major gaming device company I worked for as a 
design engineer. 

Now, before you put down others, find out what their requirements really are.  
It might not be the same thing as yours.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Aug 7, 2023, at 9:44 PM, JHR  wrote:
> 
> Ahem.   CM-500 headset.   Meh.   Uninspiring old school.
> 
> I was a long time microphone and headset product test and review writer for 
> the speech recognition trade - including both vendors and manufacturers, such 
> as IBM, Microsoft, Nuance, Scansoft, Lernhout & Hauspie, Dragon Systems, 
> Kurzeweil AI, and many hardware resellers.   I suppose that made me an 
> "influencer" long before that became a popular pastime for teenagers 
> broadcasting from their bedrooms on YouTube.
> 
> I tested A LOT of microphones and headsets of all kinds, including the CM-500 
> which appears to be a rebranded $29 KOSS SB-40  with an very low cost 
> electret capsule instead of the original more costly dynamic cartridge.  I 
> have repaired multiple CM-500s which broke down during service at a 
> multi-multi contest station and at friends' home stations.  The microphone is 
> nothing more than a thirty cent condenser capsule - exactly what 
> umpty-thousand other headsets have.  The stock ear pads are flat and lack 
> luster.  The earphone receivers (speakers) are mediocre at best.  The product 
> has been in production for a long time, so it is fairly long in the tooth. 
> Bottom line - there is nothing special, wonderful, or exciting about the 
> CM-500.  Really.
> 
> You can substitute any number of similar computer grade headsets for the 
> CM-500 and obtain equivalent or (likely) BETTER audio and mechanical 
> performance.  Shoot, the KOSS SB 45/49 cost around $35-$40 (street price) and 
> is as good - which makes me wonder why anyone would pay nearly $60 for the 
> Yamaha model.  And still, you could substitute most any well constructed 
> computer gaming headset and achieve similar results - and perhaps realize 
> better longevity and durability.
> 
> Hams are a funny lot.  Some spend thousands on their transceivers, before 
> spending substantial additional sums on big money audio equipment (which is 
> not needed, but I digress)  while cheaping it on other links in the audio 
> chain.  But then, the CM-500 is proof one merely needs a thirty cent electret 
> capsule to get good results on the air!  And, yet, it is far from the headset 
> I would choose.   In my opinion, Mr. X lost substantial credibility as an 
> audio consultant insisting the CM-500 is something special (practically 
> insisting it is the Holy Grail of ham headsets ...)  but then, most hams 
> always recommend what they have, as if there was no other option worth 
> considering.  Moreover, many hams just ask what other guys are using, and 
> repeat their choices (mistakes?),  without doing their own research, and 
> failing to make an independent judgment as to what looks and sounds good, and 
> hold up over time.  I believe station building is one of the most interesting 
> and engaging aspects of this fine hobby.  In contrast, other hams just ask 
> what other guys think is best and choose a popular model mentioned on the 
> reflector, as if that covers it in full.  They miss out on the myriad of 
> other options available which may be superior in multiple ways.  And yet, 
> they overlook the obvious.  If every ham on the reflector recommends a 
> different speaker, microphone, headset, code key, etc.,  - that means a large 
> number of very different products will get the job done - suggesting there is 
> a very large market, and there is no such thing as "best" mic, speaker, etc.  
> But, rather than do their own research, they ask a few guys and follow the 
> crowd.  Of course, that is NOT my course.  It is horses for courses, if you 
> look long 

Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The CM-500 is indicated as being discontinued by Yamaha. There are some 
available from a vendor at Amazon for $80. I suspect they bought up Yamaha’s 
inventory when they were discontinued.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Aug 7, 2023, at 2:57 PM, Henry Pfizenmayer via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> A few weeks ago I saw this  discussion-and could find no CM500 anywhere- I am 
> oin my third set now after years and years but wanted another -so where are 
> they available ???
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hank K7HP
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Re: [Elecraft] W-2 Cable Length

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

A shorter cable would be no problem. I found the stock cables to be too long as 
well and fabricated shorter cables for my W2 test setup.
Going the other way, very long cables could be a problem since the sample 
voltages could degrade on the path, and there could be RF pickup
to cause issues. There really isn’t anything magic about the cable lengths for 
the W2, just don’t use crazy long ones.
Also, even though standard CAT-5, etc cables may be used, the W2 signals are 
not arranged to make use of the twisted pairs in the CAT-5 cables.
Signals that share a wire pair could see cross-talk on long runs. This is 
certainly not an issue for short cables.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On May 17, 2023, at 1:53 AM, J  wrote:
> 
> Good Day.  Does the length of the data cable between the W-2 meter and its 
> sensor matter?   I would like to use substantially shorter cable than came 
> with the kit.  Thanks.   K8JHR
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Fan Question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Hi Jim!
Hope you are enjoying Idaho. I hear it is a great place to be!

The fan in the KPA500 goes to level 3 at 60 degrees. It goes to full-on at 80 
degrees. 
The levels are:
level 1 - 50C degrees
level 2 - 55C degrees
level 3 - 60C degrees
level 4 - 65C degrees
level 5 - 70C degrees
level 6 - 80C degrees
The amplifier will fault at a temperature is 90C.

What mode are you operating? And, for those using TS-890s, why would the KPA 
behave any differently than it does with a K3? Has anyone checked for spurs or 
harmonics coming out of the transmitter? (NOT suggesting there are any, mind 
you). I’m looking for reasons the KPA would heat up any faster than with a K3. 
Are you seeing anything else, like strange band changes?

But, rest assured that the KPA will run just fine at 60 or 65 degrees. The fan 
sound is just telling you the KPA is doing its normal great job at protecting 
itself.

73,
Jack, W6FB
p.s. I didn’t want the snow, so I went the other way, going home to Louisiana…


> On May 14, 2023, at 12:23 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Got a question (problem?) regarding the fan in my KPA500. I'm driving the amp 
> at 29 watts from a Kenwood TS-890S. The amp is connected to a KAT500, which 
> in turn is hooked to a 30 foot tall Zerofive flagpole vertical. The tuner has 
> provided me with a nice 1.2:1 SWR, as displayed on the amp. The resting temp 
> of the amp shows 42C. At 29 watts input to the amp, I’m seeing about 480 
> watts of power from the amp. The amp has nothing sitting on top of it, and 
> the wall behind it is over 12” away. There is about 2” clearance on either 
> side of the amp, and it is sitting on top of the KAT500.
> 
> The issue: The fan comes on in a very short time - less than 20 seconds - and 
> the temp display runs up to 50+ degrees. If I start calling CQ or get into a 
> QSO, it doesn’t take long for the temp to show over 60 degrees and the fan is 
> running at max.
> 
> When I had a K3 and more recently, a K4D - this did NOT happen. The fan would 
> come on but NEVER at the max, loud level. Interestingly, many moons ago I 
> also had a KX3 and had it connected to the KPA500. I noticed that the fan 
> would also come on fairly quickly with that rig driving the amp, but I never 
> thought too much about it. Until now...
> 
> But now, I think there is some sort of problem. It seems to me that the temp 
> shouldn’t get that high that fast nor should the fan start roaring in that 
> short amount of time. I could understand it if the SWR was really bad, but at 
> 1.2:1
> 
> Any ideas why the amp fan should be acting this way with a non-K3 or non-K4 
> driving it?
> 
> Jim / K7TXA
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Re: [Elecraft] Where to put the wattmeter

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The original poster was using a sensor connected to a P3. For me, the big use 
for this is to view the modulation pattern of my transmission. I have other 
devices (like the KPA500 itself) that tells me the power. And if I really want 
to see the match on the antenna feed (which for my tribander should be close to 
50 ohms), I will use my W2 and sensor between the KAT500 and the antenna feed 
line.
I doubt there will be much distortion in the modulation pattern with a 
mismatch, though, Just don’t want to surpass the KAT500's 10:1 maximum rating.

OK, so truth be told, I use it to make sure my signal is going out. And to see 
the nice pictures it produces…

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Apr 19, 2023, at 2:42 PM, Al Lorona  wrote:
> 
> Yes, if you're willing to do the math in your head, or can set up your fancy 
> wattmeter to do the math for you, this'll work.
> 
> But the main reason why I don't like the idea of putting the wattmeter (or 
> sensor, actually) in a non-50-ohm location is the additional uncertainty due 
> to the mismatch(es). In the original poster's situation, there would be a 
> mismatch at the interface between the input of the sensor and the KAT-500's 
> output, and another mismatch at the interface between the output of the 
> sensor and the input of the feedline. 
> 
> How large would the additional uncertainty be? It depends, but assuming that 
> the wattmeter sensor has a (very good) match of 1.2:1, and the antenna has 
> 4:1 -- which is not out of the question for many antennas-- the additional 
> uncertainty is about ±1.0 dB.
> 
> This means that if the actual forward power were 500 W, the wattmeter may 
> read (after doing the math mentioned above) as much as 1 dB lower, which is 
> 397 W, or 1 dB higher, which is 630 W. That's a whole heck-of-a-lot of error 
> there that many hams wouldn't tolerate.
> 
> Nobody had raised the issue of uncertainty and that's why I wanted to point 
> it out. Y'all can have the last word on this.
> 
> R,
> 
> W6LX/4
> 
> 
> I'm fairly sure that (forward power) - (reverse power) gives the correct
> nett output power, before cable and antenna losses.  I'd need to review 
> the maths to be sure.  Most reflected power ends up re-re-reflected, as 
> additional forward power.  A high SWR will giver reflected power almost 
> as high as forward power.
> 
> -- 
> David Wooley
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Erratic Band Changes

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Dave;

Do you get the Operate message on the K3 display before the band change? 
Might the K3 be transmitting when you hit the OPER button on the KPA?

Use the KPA Utility to get a fast log file and send it my way. I am very 
interested in seeing the KPA’s current settings. I’m really puzzled at what 
might be going on.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Mar 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Dave  wrote:
> 
> K3 – KAT500 – KPA500 setup using AUX cables (2) to interconnect. All 3 
> devices seem to be talking to each other just fine but when I go from STBY to 
> OPER on the amp, it changes bands and changes the band on the K3. It most 
> often goes to 28Mhz but not every time. I checked both cables for continuity 
> before connecting everything and they look fine. Has anyone seen anything 
> similar to this or experienced the same thing? Tnx es 73, Dave N8AG
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] RS232/ U1/ failure

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The ‘1406 is a rather ubiquitous chip - we use it many places in several 
package styles. It started out life as the Motorola MC141406, and was picked up 
by many other manufacturers.
You should be able to find a proper substitute from many manufacturers in the 
package style you need in the KIO3.

I note that both Mouser and Digikey have an ample stock of the TI SN75C1406 at 
this time.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Feb 25, 2023, at 9:23 AM, Geert Jan de Groot  wrote:
> 
> On 24/02/2023 21:46, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
> 
>> When the K3 is  in cold room ( below 5 degrees S) my K3/0 go  in TERM
>> mode.
>> Hints say ''replace'' the U1 on the main KIO3 board..
>> Is the U1 SN75C1406 ( G4) ? Or can I use similar SN75 ?
>> Removed the top cover,and checked voltage , at gold plated test-point
>> close to the upper edge
>> of the main board +5.0 vdc. In the lower end of the SN75, test point at
>> the left side,seen from the front,,
>> start with approx + 0.35 vdc, and drops slowly to approx -0.50 vdc in 4
>> to 5 minutes
>> My K3 need ''warm up'' also for connecting via PC to K3 utility
> 
> Looking at the schematics, I remember that Elecraft, in history, has used a 
> number of different "logic to RS232 converter" chips. I think these changed 
> as devices became obsolete, 
> 
> Both the SN75C1406 you mention in your other mail as well as the LT1039 that 
> is in the K3 schematics (K3, not K3s) use a positive and a negative voltage. 
> I would suggest checking the VCC8A voltage on your KIO3 board on pin 1 of 
> your driver chip.
> 
> For the negative voltage required, at least on the K3 schematics, there is an 
> AF oscillator ("approx 1 kHz") and a FET and some diodes to create a charge 
> pump to create the negative voltage. I would suggest checking the voltage 
> (seems to be pin 9 for both devices) and I would expect around -10V or so.
> 
> Given that "the problem solves when the radio warms up" my suspicion would be 
> in the negative voltage generator. Specifically, check the electrolyt 
> capacitors used in the charge pump.
> 
> I am a but surprised to see the SN75C1406 reported in your board, because the 
> LT1039 (listed in the K3 schematics) still has production status and seems to 
> be on-stock with Mouser. I did *not* fully verify that these chips are 
> interchangeable but I suspect a power supply problem (sketched above) rather 
> than a broken driver, since broken driver chips do not tend to repair 
> themselves with temperature.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Geert Jan PE1HZG
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Also faulting for High SWR inappropriately

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Amazingly, it is probably not the KPA500. 

We have been seeing quite a few inquiries about this. Analysis almost always 
shows an issue in the antenna system caused by high power.

There are a few things at play. When measuring SWR (or better, antenna S 
parameters) at low power, you will get the results of the low power 
measurements. These are usually quite good for determine antenna 
characteristics and generally tell you almost everything going on with the 
antenna. They do not tell you how the antenna handles high power. 

Antenna system components, including the feed line , connectors, wire and so 
forth, are designed to handle some level of power before they will fail in some 
way.
As an example, spacing of the windings in loading coils matters. Too small, and 
the coil will arc at high power. The same is true with connectors, center 
insulators and the like. Many antennas have matching boxes at their feed point 
to properly match the feed line to the antenna. These have a rating, and many 
are amazingly low. 
One popular (and very good) commercial dipole antenna is rated for 1000 watts 
ICAS. The specifications later state that the antenna should not exceed 500 
watts on CW. This is especially important when running digital modes such as 
FT8 which keep power applied to the antenna for long periods of time. As power 
is applied, the components will heat and will eventually fail. When they fail, 
probably not catastrophically, they will change the matching characteristics, 
and the amplifier will see a very high reflected power that will cause it to 
protect itself. When the user inspects the components (with power off), they 
will probably not see a problem - unless the component failed catastrophically, 
it will have cooled by then. The problem will repeat itself, of course. No 
measurement taken with an antenna analyzer or VNA will show the problem, 
because they work at very low power levels.

When you select an antenna, the ratings must be taken into consideration. 
Manufacturers like to hide the power ratings (especially those with built-in 
matching systems) in order to get more sales. If you want to run high power, 
don’t use a miniature beam - they need lots of matching and are almost always 
designed to run at low power. The same is true for compromise wire antennas and 
those that require matching networks at their feed point. Also watch for 
compromise connectors and adapters. Right-angle UHF adapters are notorious for 
arcing. You can’t see it because it is inside the connector, but that arcing is 
probably the cause of a PA Dissipation fault in the amplifier. Make sure 
connections are tight - hand tight is not good enough. Use the best connectors 
you can get. The industry standard is Amphenol - they have very high quality 
standards.

In short, make sure the antenna system you are using is designed to handle high 
power for doing periods of time. If not, it will fail, and when you inspect it 
you will wonder why.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Dec 30, 2022, at 12:46 PM, marv marvrossphoto.com  
> wrote:
> 
> I have pretty much the same symptoms reported by the KPA1500 users here.  The 
> higher the frequency the more likely to see a fault.  10M is the worst one.  
> The amp shows a 2:1 SWR and that is running it into a tuned KAT500, which 
> shows 1.2:1 and a Daiwa bridge showing 1.1:1 into the antenna.  It's the same 
> on a dummy load.
> 
> I don't understand Bob McGraw's logic as if it does require power, my Daiwa 
> is gonna see it.  If I measure the feedline, lightning protection and antenna 
> with a network analyzer I will be doing it with mili Watts.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Marv
> W0PSY
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Faulting for High SWR inappropriately

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

What is the fault? We see a lot of issues with antenna systems not being able 
to handle the higher power, either 500 or 1500 watts. This can develop over 
time or show up very quickly after the amp is installed. Be sure to check the 
cabling and connectors for possible arcing.
In this situation, things would work just fine at low power, but not at high 
power, with the exact symptoms  you describe.


73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Dec 19, 2022, at 3:58 PM, David F. Reed  wrote:
> 
> Lou,
> 
> I appreciate the suggestion, but it is with a K4D, properly cabled, used to 
> work fine, and does it on some bands but not others... changed the delay to 
> 15ms and still does it... Also seems to depend on band; for example, does it 
> on 10m, not on 12m...
> 
> Also, below, I said 2 SWR meters; I meant 3...
> 
> 73 de Dave, W5SV
> 
> On 19-12-22 21:28, Lou Laderman wrote:
>> Check the delay setting on your transmitter. You might have a hot switching 
>> issue. I think (but check your manual) that unless you’re using the KPA1500 
>> with a K3 or K4 without the 15-pin Elecraft interface cable, you’ll want at 
>> least 10ms of delay to avoid that. I had that issue with a K4 and a PGXL. 
>> Default on the K4 is 8ms and the PGXL needed 10ms.
>> 
>> 73, Lou W0FK
>> 
>> Lou Laderman
>> Sent from my mobile device
>> 
>> On Dec 19, 2022, at 2:59 PM, David F. Reed  wrote:
>> 
>> My KPA1500 has started faulting inappropriately for High SWR.
>> 
>> I say inappropriately because all 2 of my SWR meters (K4D, KPA1500, Palstar 
>> HF-AUTO) show an SWR of between 1.1:1 and 1.2:1. with just the K$ 
>> transmitting and also with the KPA1500 in fine as it faults out.
>> 
>> Any ideas?
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 App

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Joel;

It’s worth the look. We have most apps for both Windows and Mac. 
By the way, the KPA500 firmware was developed and is still maintained using a 
Mac mini, which is a good
indication as to how important both Windows and macOS are to us.

Welcome to the Elecraft world; we hope you will enjoy your KPA500/KAT500 pair!

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Dec 14, 2022, at 5:06 PM, Joel Black  wrote:
> 
> Before I go looking too hard, is there a macOS app for the KPA500 or *just* 
> the Windows app on the Elecraft site.
> 
> If it matters, I’m looking to interface the KPA500/KAT500 combo to a Flex 
> 6400… Maybe. I’ve not bought the amp or tuner… Yet.
> 
> My preferred OS is macOS but I do use Win11 in a VM for Winlink using my Flex.
> 
> Thanks,
> Joel - W4JBB
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 frequency memories question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Rick;

While I agree that it is pretty much critical to have the device name in the 
subject line, it would be a nightmare for the Elecraft support / development 
folks to follow multiple email lists. This is the reason that just a few lists 
were set up (I believe just one until the K4 came out). 

There is a lot of overlap between the various devices, so it is good to list 
each involved.

It is quite understandable for users to have set up external email lists for 
the devices, but don’t expect us to know about them, which explains my surprise 
(and delight) when I discovered the iogroups KPA500 list.
Learning things from other users is always good and mostly enjoyable!

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Oct 2, 2022, at 2:51 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I  wrote:
> 
> It is, here.  The device being commented on, should be part of the header 
> when a thread is started so folks can read it or skip it.
> 
> But it's MUCH nicer to have separate groups for each item.  One may not have 
> a KX2, KAT500 or other Elecraft device and the often numerous and ponderously 
> long threads can add up to a LOT of email to be deleted.
> 
> Being a member of the specific device lists, limits that and the email noise 
> floor.  Being on a targeted list improves the chances of getting an accurate 
> answer or solution.
> 
> Having a varied interest in many things, I get a low of 50 emails a day, 
> sometimes peaking near 300 per day or more.  By limiting to the specific 
> groups of interest I find I can manage it better and when it gets too noisy 
> on a topic, I can drop out of that thread (if the list is on groups.io, most 
> of mine are).  Thankfully the lists don't 'blow up' often so the daily 
> average is under 100 most times.
> 
> Almost ALL of them are quickly deleted, less than 5% are answered and under 
> 1% get saved for future reference (that's what archive diving is all about).
> 
> 73,
> Rick nk7i
> 
> 
> On 10/2/2022 12:38 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
>> It would be so nice if everything Elecraft related was in a single list.
>> 
>> John KK9A
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 frequency memories question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

There is a KPA500 group?

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Oct 1, 2022, at 9:37 PM, Mike Dodd  wrote:
> 
> I asked this in the KPA500 group, but it probably was too far off-topic, so 
> I'll try here.
> 
> I have a K4D/KPA500/KAT500. If I use the KAT utility program to save the 
> configuration, are the frequency memories' settings also save in the config 
> file?
> 
> So, if for some reason I need to restore a saved configuration to the KAT500, 
> will that restore the L/C settings to the frequency memories?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> 73, Mike N4CF
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 MacOS M1 Mini

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The Elecraft radios play very well with Macintoshes. In fact, KPA500 code was 
developed (and still maintained) on a Mac mini. The various Elecraft Utilities 
for the K-Line work very well on macOS.

For general logging, be sure to check out MacLogger-DX. It is very well 
maintained with lots of features. For contesting there are a few choices. 
RumLog is one, but I prefer SkookumLogger from K1GQ. It is available (for 
free!) on the Mac App Store. Of course WSJT-X plays natively on the system as 
well for FT-4/8 and other weak-signal modes.

And, if you find you really need to run a Windows app, Windows plays very well 
on Intel Macs using VMware Fusion (also free) or one of the other 
virtualization systems.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Sep 24, 2022, at 1:24 PM, David Christ  wrote:
> 
> Has anyone used a Mac Mini with a K3 or K3s?  How much RAM and how big an 
> SSD?  I am especially interested in which logging program you use.  I have 
> been looking at RumLogNG but am not set on it.  How well has it been working?
> 
> David K0LUM
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 timing settings IC-7300

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The KPA500 is a QSK amplifier. It switches from RX to TX very rapidly (about 2 
mSec) in order to allow QSK operation of the station.

The TRTime parameter sets the time the KPA takes to transition from TX to RX - 
this is specifically for transmitters that may continue to output RF for a 
short time after their PTT line becomes inactive.
For the K3, K3S and K4 that time is very short, which means the KPA can 
transition immediately from RX to TX (it takes less than 1 mSec). There are 
some transceivers that start the key up process when the PTT line becomes 
inactive. I don’t know what the 7300 does in this case - hopefully others on 
the list have this information and can tell us.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jul 26, 2022, at 8:39 PM, Tom N4LSJ  wrote:
> 
> I've been on the internet and can find IC-7300 TX Delay, CW Rise Time 
> settings for other amplifiers pretty easily.  There don't appear to be any 
> for -specifically- the IC-7300 and KPA-500.  Are there "officially 
> sanctioned" settings for that combination?  I feel it may be overkill to use 
> 30ms when 10ms TX delay may suffice.  Is there also a suggested CW rise time 
> from Elecraft?
> 
> The KPA-500 also has a "TR TIME" settings from 0 to 50 as well. Does that 
> need to be set for the 7300?
> 
> I -DO- have a KAT-500 and the whole get-up is hooked as per the documentation 
> on Elecraft's FTP site, e.g. the key line going to the tuner, then the amp.  
> That document says nothing regarding timing.
> 
> 73 to all!
> 
> Tom N4LSJ.
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Stacking K3-line: variation on recent thread

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The K3/K3S does not have the extra support that is but into the KAT500. I would 
not want to stack the KPA500’s weight on top of it.

In my case, I built nice wood racks for each of my K3(s)/KPA500/KAT500s. The 
units sit, from bottom to top in the order:
K3, P3, KPA500, KAT500, and K3S, P3, KPA500, KAT500. 
This order allows me to cable the units together nicely and has the antenna 
cables coming out the top of the stack where they can easily be managed to the 
switch boxes and antenna control system. One big advantage of this setup is the 
ability to pull the cabinets forward and to the side to easily connect things 
to the rear of the units. I _wish_ I had the space for the desk to be out from 
the wall (like the big contesters), but that isn’t the space I have.

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Jul 23, 2022, at 6:22 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV  wrote:
> 
> 
> On 2022-07-23 7:13 PM, Ian Kahn wrote:
> > If it were me, I'd go (bottom to top) KAT500-KPA500-K3.
> 
> For me, the order (bottom to top) would be K3, KAT500, KPA500
> because one is much more likely to use the K3 controls than
> either of the other two.  Raising the arm extensively for tuning
> the band will result in a sore arm/shoulder in short order.
> 
> 73,
> 
>   ... Joe, W4TV
> 
> On 2022-07-23 7:13 PM, Ian Kahn wrote:
>> If it were me, I'd go (bottom to top) KAT500-KPA500-K3.
>> Make sure to allow plenty of room around the stack for ventilation - at
>> least a couple of inches all around.
>> 73 de,
>> Ian, NV4C
>> On Sat, Jul 23, 2022, 5:13 PM Don Putnick  wrote:
>>> Perhaps I wasn't specific enough. I'm looking to stack them directly on top
>>> of each other, not on shelves. Which component goes on the bottom and which
>>> on top?
>>> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Options for contest logging software under Linux

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Kevin;

I’m curious, why do you wish to run N1MM Logger? It is a very good contest 
logger, but for general purpose logging there are better choices.
As for running it under virtualization, I ran it using Virtual Box (on the Mac) 
until I had a really good reason to use VMware Fusion - that was when
I joined the Fusion development team. I’m no longer with VMware, and rarely use 
N1MM (except for Field Day while I was in CA). But, when
I need it, it still runs great in Fusion.

So, if you need it, go ahead and try it with Virtual Box. I think you will be 
happy with it. If you are looking for a general-purpose logger, then search for 
one of the several that are available for linux.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jun 12, 2022, at 3:31 PM, kevin  wrote:
> 
> I run versions of Linux on five of my computers.  I would like to implement 
> N1MM's logging software on one of them.  It appears I have three options:
> 
> 1) Install N1MM directly and use wine to run it.
> 
> 2) Install N1MM in a Windows 7 virtual machine under Virtual Box.
> 
> 3) Use another logging application specific to Linux.
> 
> 
> For option 1 I found this link describing the installation and support 
> methods -
> 
> https://www.nf8m.com/nf8m/n1mm-on-linux/
> 
> Does anyone have any other links for this option?
> 
> 
> Option 2.  Has anyone tried using N1MM's app using Virtual Box? I am more 
> comfortable with it than I am with using winetricks.  I have modified com 
> port status under Virtual Box for some of the applications I write.  It is 
> involved but I have already done the homework.
> 
> 
> Option 3 - does anyone know of good logging applications for Linux?
> 
> 
> Or the option I have not listed: logging on paper which is my normal method.
> 
> Any information, opinions, or options I have not covered?
> 
>73,   Kevin.  KD5ONS
> 
> 
> -
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Mac Logging Software

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Ah, but Kevin, this topic is for Mac logging… I will agree that SkookumLogger 
is really good for contesting. I don’t think I would use it for general 
logging, though.

I’ll ask my question of Kevin in his topic… ;-)

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jun 12, 2022, at 7:35 PM, kevin  wrote:
> 
> My two Macintosh boxes have Motorola chip sets so I doubt this will run on 
> them :)
> 
> Kevin.  KD5ONS
> 
> 
> On 6/12/22 17:01, Walter Underwood wrote:
>> The MacHamRadio blog is a good way to track releases of new ham radio 
>> software for the Mac. I follow it via RSS in NetNewsWire.
>> 
>> https://www.machamradio.com 
>> 
>> This page lists hardware and software for the Mac.
>> 
>> https://www.machamradio.com/links/ 
>> 
>> wunder
>> K6WRU
>> Walter Underwood
>> CM87wj
>> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>> 
>>> On Jun 12, 2022, at 4:08 PM, a4...@sy-edm.com wrote:
>>> 
>>> Kevin,
>>> SkookumLogger is my #1 logger on a Mac. The source code is available - 
>>> so you can add your own features (I added a Voice Player for example as my 
>>> K3S does not have that hardware).
>>> 
>>> RumLog is a good all-round logger also, easy to configure to work with 
>>> WJJTX also for maintaining an ft8/4 log should that interest you.
>>> 
>>> Try them both - they are free
>>> 
>>> Tim
>>> DU3TW/DV3A
>>> 
 On Jun 13, 2022, at 01:37, Kevin McQuiggin  wrote:
 
 Hi Richard:
 
 I will second Rich Lim’s positive comments re MacLoggerDX (MLDX). I’ve 
 been using it for several years now. It is a fantastic logging application 
 with full LoTW/QRZ/eQSL/etc upload integration. It also tracks 
 grids/states/DXCC/zones etc and tracks award eligibility. It does spots, 
 has an interactive map, and has many other features.
 
 User support is top notch, as Rich noted. Don VE3VRW (the developer) also 
 accepts good suggestions from the user base and incorporates them into 
 beta releases, and then eventually into the production releases, which 
 come out 3-5 times a year.
 
 MLDX also integrates easily with “GridTracker”, a free MacOS application 
 that displays grid squares and QSOs that your radio is hearing in real 
 time. This is actually more valuable info that what pskreporter reports, 
 as MLDX/GridTracker is displaying the stations you are actually receiving.
 
 73,
 
 Kevin VE7ZD/KN7Q
 
 
> On Jun 12, 2022, at 10:22 AM, Rich Lim via Elecraft 
> mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>> wrote:
> 
> Another option is MacLoggerDX (MLDX). It is a paid application but works 
> beautifully well. It is full featured and has lots of bells and whistles, 
> some which I thought I wouldn’t need or use, but having them opened my 
> eyes to the possibility. For example, I use MLDX as my main Mac logging 
> program and when I run WSJTx it will receive broadcast QSO info from 
> WSJTx and log it directly into my main database. It has a telnet 
> application to spot dx and if you like it can qsy you to that station 
> with a mouse click. It’s again one of those things you don’t know you 
> need or want until you try it. It integrates w LoTW, EQSL and Club Log. 
> Plus the owner Don Agro is a great guy, he will reply to queries often in 
> a few minutes after you send an email. It’s worth a look.
> Rich KQ9L
> 
> Rich
> 
> 
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
> 
> 
> On Sunday, June 12, 2022, 12:10 PM, Rick Tavan  wrote:
> 
> I'll second the nomination of RUMlog for general QSO logging on a Mac. I
> don't care for the contest section but I haven't really spent enough time
> with it for my observations to be definitive. It does not appear to 
> support
> SO2R or SO2V and doesn't have nearly the configurability of N1MM, my
> preferred contest logger. But for general QSOs, RUMlog has everything I
> might ask for, much better than limping along with a contest logger.
> 
> 73,
> 
> /Rick N6XI
> 
> On Sun, Jun 12, 2022 at 5:04 AM Richard  wrote:
> 
>> I’m looking for a simple basic logging program for the Mac, preferably 
>> one
>> that I can tailor to my needs, one that would be good for SSB contacts.
>> 
>> Any recommendations?
>> 
>> Thanks.
>> 
>> Richard Kunc
>> W4KBX
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> 
> -- 
> --
> 
> Rick Tavan
> Truckee and 

Re: [Elecraft] Relocating my KPA-1500 - need cable

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Using a network connection would be a very good idea. Auxbus is not meant to go 
20 feet, and indeed will probably fail at that distance.
Thus using an alternate method to get frequency info to the amplifier would be 
a good idea.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jun 2, 2022, at 10:34 AM, David Decoons  wrote:
> 
> Hi Peter,
> 
> Contact Bob, N6TV. He can make good quality DB 15 cables that are shielded.
> 
> Let me know when you are ready and I can help. Also you can do it as we 
> discussed on the phone via the network, running a CAT 6 cable.
> 
> Call me if you have questions.
> 
> 73
> Dave wo2x
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Jun 2, 2022, at 11:12 AM, li...@w2irt.net  wrote:
>> 
>> I need to move my KPA-1500 into the basement, and I've got an electrician
>> coming to put in the new outlet next week. But the only tricky issue now is
>> finding the correct cable to run to the amp from my Y-Box to provide
>> frequency/band data, etc. I will need a cable run of about 20 feet, which
>> will need to run behind the wall, down into a crawlspace, then through a
>> concrete wall to the new rack.
>> 
>> With sub-optimal eyesight and shaky hands, I'm not sure I'd by much good
>> making one, but if they're not available easily in the aftermarket I guess I
>> can give it a shot. Does anybody know where to find a pre-made ~20ish foot
>> long cable, or if not, (a) what pinouts do I need, (b) where to source the
>> correct cable to do this properly, and (c) what connectors-I'm guessing
>> DB15M and DB15F?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Regards,
>> Peter Dougherty, W2IRT
>> 
>> DXCC Card Checker/CQ-WAZ Checkpoint
>> 
>> www.facebook.com/W2IRT
>> 
>> 
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K4D - KPA500 Fault Question + wish

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

If there was no recent “HI TEMP” fault in the log, then it was not the KPA500 
that caused the display on the K4.
In that case, ask the K4 folks what may have happened.

I have never seen a HI TEMP fault with my KPA500s in normal operation, although 
I am sure others have. 
I have seen it when testing…

Again, the FAN CTL is the minimum fan speed. If the fan goes above that speed, 
it will certainly slow down when
the PA cools. The amp works just fine at the default value of 0, only turning 
on the fan when it is needed.

Now, my question for everyone reading - when is it that you feel the need to 
set the fan speed above 0?

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Apr 24, 2022, at 2:51 PM, email  wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> On 4/24/22 15:06, Jack Brindle wrote:
>> Steve;
>> 
>> Use the KPA Utility to see the KPA faults. Access is under the Configuration 
>> tab, then click on “Display Fault Table”.
>> You can also save it to a file for view in a text editor, or if we ask for 
>> it, send it to tech support for analysis. 
> Thanks, I knew I had seen the fault table some place.  
> 
> What was there were early learning and adjusting (tuning) an antenna that 
> needed a 4:1 balun to match.
> 
> I will keep the utility on to see if it captures future "issues".
> 
> I DO like and USE the the KAT500 utility as it provides NICE antenna status 
> info like SWR with/without bypass.  
> 
>> The FAN CTL sets the minimum fan speed. It works in both OPER and STBY 
>> modes.  
>> Yes, it just would be nice if putting into standby, that when cooled, it 
>> would quiet down.  Yes, I can do it manually.  
>> 
>> And, like all amplifiers, the KPA500 has a design point where efficiency is 
>> best. Outside this design point (both high and low),
>> efficiency will fall off and you will find that the amp will run hotter. 
>> This is what you may have found. Remember, the PSK modes
>> tend to keep transmission active for very long times, and can really tax an 
>> amplifier. Amazingly, you may be better off running
>> the amp at higher power than yo were using to lower the stress on the PA. I 
>> am sure there are several folks on the reflector who
>> Can explain this very well. Yes, that maybe the extra heat. Thak you.  I 
>> won't pull things apart, just yet...
>> 
>> The amplifier will protect itself (IT DID, nice!) if the PA temperature goes 
>> above 90 degrees Celsius. That is the point where you will see a fault.
>> The fault log actually records the temperature when the fault occurred in 
>> its data field, which is displayed in a hexadecimal value.
>> 
>> Try looking at the fault log to see what happened on the KPA side. If you 
>> have questions, just ask.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Jack, W6FB
>> 
>> Thanks, Steve WB3LGC
>>> On Apr 24, 2022, at 1:03 PM, EMAIL   
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Yesterday I got a fault message on the K4 screen. It disappeared before I 
>>> could see it fully, but I did get "tighten heatsink screws".  The fan was 
>>> working as its speed was speeding up and the KPA500 temp saw about 60+C (it 
>>> may have been higher).  I was running 100 watts PSK31.  The KPA500 did 
>>> switch to STBY (I think).
>>> 
>>> I can not find any record of what the message was.  I can not find 
>>> "heatsink screws" referenced in the K4, KPA500 or KPA1500 manuals.  Both 
>>> the K4 and KPA500 are factory built.
>>> 
>>> PSK31 has a longer duty cycle than FT8 and I was running FT8 at higher 
>>> power with out the amp temp going above 60C, earlier.  I switched to 
>>> barefoot and ran 80W PSK31 without issue.
>>> 
>>> Question 1) Before I take the KPA500 apart, is this a problem or just duty 
>>> cycle?  I would think the KPA500 would be able to handle 100W key down.
>>> 
>>> Question 2) I saved the K4 backup and diagnostic logs to USB disk (the next 
>>> day).  I could NOT find anything that looked like the error messages.  I 
>>> find many messages disappear before I get a chance to read them.
>>> 
>>> Wish 1) KPA500 add FAN CTL for both OPER and STBY or set STBY to run at NOR 
>>> and OPER to be adjustable.
>>> 
>>> Wish 2) K4, allow checking date/time for all past error messages.  I may 
>>> have had a KPA500 over temp message while long winded on SSB (but only 
>>> 200W)?
>>> 
>>> Wish 3) K4, HOLD error messages until "confirmed".  Messages like KPA500 
>>> on/off (info) only need to be short time (??), but if away (maybe confirm). 
>>>  Either way "this" will be an issue for  the contesters, so have a way to 
>>> save for later recall, as in write to USB if one is installed.  Fn could 
>>> write to USB disk with time stamp?  OR, are there documents on how to read 
>>> the diagnostic logs?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 73, steve WB3LGC
>>> 
>>> I will also send to support if no one has a good idea about the fault.
>>> 
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>>> 
>>> Help: 

Re: [Elecraft] K4D - KPA500 Fault Question + wish

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Steve;

Use the KPA Utility to see the KPA faults. Access is under the Configuration 
tab, then click on “Display Fault Table”.
You can also save it to a file for view in a text editor, or if we ask for it, 
send it to tech support for analysis. 

The FAN CTL sets the minimum fan speed. It works in both OPER and STBY modes.

And, like all amplifiers, the KPA500 has a design point where efficiency is 
best. Outside this design point (both high and low),
efficiency will fall off and you will find that the amp will run hotter. This 
is what you may have found. Remember, the PSK modes
tend to keep transmission active for very long times, and can really tax an 
amplifier. Amazingly, you may be better off running
the amp at higher power than yo were using to lower the stress on the PA. I am 
sure there are several folks on the reflector who
Can explain this very well.

The amplifier will protect itself if the PA temperature goes above 90 degrees 
Celsius. That is the point where you will see a fault.
The fault log actually records the temperature when the fault occurred in its 
data field, which is displayed in a hexadecimal value.

Try looking at the fault log to see what happened on the KPA side. If you have 
questions, just ask.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Apr 24, 2022, at 1:03 PM, EMAIL  wrote:
> 
> Yesterday I got a fault message on the K4 screen. It disappeared before I 
> could see it fully, but I did get "tighten heatsink screws".  The fan was 
> working as its speed was speeding up and the KPA500 temp saw about 60+C (it 
> may have been higher).  I was running 100 watts PSK31.  The KPA500 did switch 
> to STBY (I think).
> 
> I can not find any record of what the message was.  I can not find "heatsink 
> screws" referenced in the K4, KPA500 or KPA1500 manuals.  Both the K4 and 
> KPA500 are factory built.
> 
> PSK31 has a longer duty cycle than FT8 and I was running FT8 at higher power 
> with out the amp temp going above 60C, earlier.  I switched to barefoot and 
> ran 80W PSK31 without issue.
> 
> Question 1) Before I take the KPA500 apart, is this a problem or just duty 
> cycle?  I would think the KPA500 would be able to handle 100W key down.
> 
> Question 2) I saved the K4 backup and diagnostic logs to USB disk (the next 
> day).  I could NOT find anything that looked like the error messages.  I find 
> many messages disappear before I get a chance to read them.
> 
> Wish 1) KPA500 add FAN CTL for both OPER and STBY or set STBY to run at NOR 
> and OPER to be adjustable.
> 
> Wish 2) K4, allow checking date/time for all past error messages.  I may have 
> had a KPA500 over temp message while long winded on SSB (but only 200W)?
> 
> Wish 3) K4, HOLD error messages until "confirmed".  Messages like KPA500 
> on/off (info) only need to be short time (??), but if away (maybe confirm).  
> Either way "this" will be an issue for  the contesters, so have a way to save 
> for later recall, as in write to USB if one is installed.  Fn could write to 
> USB disk with time stamp?  OR, are there documents on how to read the 
> diagnostic logs?
> 
> 
> 73, steve WB3LGC
> 
> I will also send to support if no one has a good idea about the fault.
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Issue

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I don’t think your point #1 is valid. The K3 will cause the KPA to change bands 
when it does a band change and sends out changed bits on the BAND signals. If 
you don’t change bands on the K3, then the KPA won’t have a reason to change. 
The problem with this, when RADIO = K3, is that tapping a band button on the 
KPA _will_ send an Auxbus command to the K3 indicating that a band button has 
been pressed. The key here is then to set the RADIO setting to something else. 
If you do not use the KPA to select a band on the K3, then try setting RADIO to 
BCD. Then, when the K3 changes bands, it will tell the KPA about the new band 
by changing the BAND signals, but the KPA will not send anything on the AUXBUS 
that causes the K3 to perform a band change.

The KPA500 is very versatile. If you make the right selection of its settings, 
it will do what you want. But it cannot overcome that PTT signal being held low 
by the K3. Use the KPA manual as a guide to tell you what you need to set and 
try it. And, for more information on this specific subject, get Fred Cady’s 
book on the KPA500. It has a lot of good info.

I still think that the use of the key block adapter along with a switch to 
select which PTT signal goes to the KPA500 & KAT500 would be your best bet. 
Also, buying a house without those restrictions… ;-)

For the those lurking, Jim and I have been friends for a long time, both 
members of the Northern California Contest Club. We escaped CA about the same 
time, commiserating on how expensive it was to move. At least I don’t have any 
restrictions now. It helps to be married to a ham who understands these things… 
;-)

Keep at it, Jim. I am sure we can devise a good solution for using both rigs.

73,
Jack, W6FB
PS. Watch for us in the La QSO Party on Saturday. It should be fun!


> On Apr 1, 2022, at 6:47 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Chuck,
> 
> Just gave it a try. No joy, same result - lowered rx signal strength on the 
> IC-705.  Jack indicated that the K3 sets the Vcc rail to zero volts on power 
> off, and that is causing the amp to go into Operate mode. 
> 
> I see the following options -
> 
> 1. Always put the K3 on the same band as the IC-705 if I want to run QRO with 
> the 705.
> 
> 2. Never use the 705 in QRO mode.
> 
> 3. Disconnect the K3 from the system, sell it, wait for the K4D to be 
> delivered, and use the 705 all by itself with the amp and tuner in the mean 
> time. 
> 
> Option #1 works but is a minor PITA. Option #2 - maybe. Option #3 - probably 
> the choice to make, as the K3/P3 was going to be sold anyway, in anticipation 
> of the K4D arrival. Just hoping I’ll live long enough to see the new radio 
> delivered.
> 
> Oh well, nothing in life is simple. At least I’ve got options and am able to 
> get on the air. :-)
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Apr 1, 2022, at 3:51 PM, Chuck Chandler  wrote:
>> 
>> Hhhmmm... I'm coming late to this thread, as I wasn't paying attention
>> before.
>> 
>> Please forgive me if I have missed something but -
>> 
>> I have, in the past, used both a K3S AND an old Yaesu FT-101ZD with my
>> KPA/KAT 500 power combo.  I *THINK* that is similar to what Jim is trying
>> to do.
>> 
>> Here is what I found, if it helps.
>> 
>> When the K3S is on, it communicates with the KAT/KPA.  However, when it is
>> turned off, it leaves the KPA/KAT in a state where they are not prepared to
>> accept input.  I forget the specifics, because I have since provided the
>> 101ZD with it's own amp.
>> 
>> Try this - Turn off the K3S.  Turn off the KPA.
>> 
>> Turn the KPA back on, with the other radio connected to the RF input and at
>> least an RCA keyline connected for the PTT.  See if it works.
>> 
>> IIRC, this was what I had to do.
>> 
>> If anyone needs the specifics as to WHY it works that way, I can try to dig
>> out the old emails with Elecraft.  And, it's been a while so I may be
>> mis-remembering the details.  But, I know it worked.
>> 
>> I hope this helps...
>> 
>> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Issue

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Now let me answer my own question. There is a key-line interrupter adapter that 
I believe comes with the AUXIO cable. This is an HD-15 type adapter that will 
block the PTT signal from the K3 to the AUXIO cable. Use this, then you will 
need to connect the K3 to the KAT500/KPA500 using a phono cable. You will 
probably want to add a switch so that you can select the K3 or Icom radios for 
the PTT line to the KPA/KAT.

Once again, Fred Cady had the answer in his “Elecraft KPA500 Amplifier and 
KAT500 Tuner” guide. I really miss that guy…

73,
Jack W6FB


> On Mar 31, 2022, at 11:47 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> OK, now this is starting to make sense. Jim’s K3 has a KIO3, not the newer 
> KIO3B. On the older board, the BAND and PTT lines have pullup resistors to 
> the Vcc rail.
> When the K3 is powered off, that Vcc rail is at 0 volts, which means the 
> pull-ups are now pulldowns. Thus the K3 is inadvertently keying the KPA500. 
> If the KPA
> detects that the KEY input is low when the user tries to put it into OPER 
> mode, the amplifier will reject the request and stay in STBY. Thus the 
> condition that
> Jim is seeing.
> 
> Try disconnecting the AUXIO cable from the KPA500 and see if it now operates 
> properly. You may actually need to connect the KAT500 to the KPA using both 
> the AuxIO
> and phono cables (for PTT) depending on which radio is in use. 
> 
> The main issue is how to disconnect the PTT signal from the K3 to the KPA 
> when using the Icom. Otherwise you may be able to leave the AuxIO cable 
> connected.
> I know that Fred Cady discussed sharing a KPA between two radios in his book, 
> but has anyone solved this situation - one radio is a K3, the other something 
> else?
> 
> 73,
> Jack, W6FB
> 
>> On Mar 31, 2022, at 9:11 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> Bob -
>> 
>> The * appears when I key the K3 and the amp is in operate mode. Likewise if 
>> I key the 705 and the amp is in operate mode, with the K3 powered on.
>> 
>> If I power off the K3 and place the amp in operate mode WITHOUT KEYING IT, 
>> the * appears, so you are correct - the amp thinks it is being keyed.
>> 
>> There is a jack on the 705 that allows one to key an external amp. I have 
>> that line running to the amp. Disconnecting it makes no difference the * 
>> appears as soon as I put the amp into operate mode. If I power on the K3, 
>> this does not happen. However, with the K3 powered on and that cable 
>> disconnected, the amp does not key at all, so it is working as expected - 
>> but only with the K3 powered on. Somewhere the K3 is getting its foot in the 
>> door when powered off…
>> 
>> Jim / K7TXA
>> 
>> p.s. do you have any idea what Jack was talking about when he said "switch 
>> the RADIO setting of the KPA from K3 to something else, either Serial or 
>> Analog”??
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Issue

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

OK, now this is starting to make sense. Jim’s K3 has a KIO3, not the newer 
KIO3B. On the older board, the BAND and PTT lines have pullup resistors to the 
Vcc rail.
When the K3 is powered off, that Vcc rail is at 0 volts, which means the 
pull-ups are now pulldowns. Thus the K3 is inadvertently keying the KPA500. If 
the KPA
detects that the KEY input is low when the user tries to put it into OPER mode, 
the amplifier will reject the request and stay in STBY. Thus the condition that
Jim is seeing.

Try disconnecting the AUXIO cable from the KPA500 and see if it now operates 
properly. You may actually need to connect the KAT500 to the KPA using both the 
AuxIO
and phono cables (for PTT) depending on which radio is in use. 

The main issue is how to disconnect the PTT signal from the K3 to the KPA when 
using the Icom. Otherwise you may be able to leave the AuxIO cable connected.
I know that Fred Cady discussed sharing a KPA between two radios in his book, 
but has anyone solved this situation - one radio is a K3, the other something 
else?

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Mar 31, 2022, at 9:11 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Bob -
> 
> The * appears when I key the K3 and the amp is in operate mode. Likewise if I 
> key the 705 and the amp is in operate mode, with the K3 powered on.
> 
> If I power off the K3 and place the amp in operate mode WITHOUT KEYING IT, 
> the * appears, so you are correct - the amp thinks it is being keyed.
> 
> There is a jack on the 705 that allows one to key an external amp. I have 
> that line running to the amp. Disconnecting it makes no difference the * 
> appears as soon as I put the amp into operate mode. If I power on the K3, 
> this does not happen. However, with the K3 powered on and that cable 
> disconnected, the amp does not key at all, so it is working as expected - but 
> only with the K3 powered on. Somewhere the K3 is getting its foot in the door 
> when powered off…
> 
> Jim / K7TXA
> 
> p.s. do you have any idea what Jack was talking about when he said "switch 
> the RADIO setting of the KPA from K3 to something else, either Serial or 
> Analog”??
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Issue

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The reason I don’t suspect the PIN diodes is that the KPA works properly with 
the K3. The K3 does not have a magical ability to repair KPA PIN diodes, so it 
most likely is not a problem there.

This is probably a K3 without the new K3S I/O board, which means it has pull-up 
resistors on the BAND lines. When the K3 is powered off it pulls those lines 
down, which is the same as 60 meters.
But, it will only change the band one time in this situation. 

My biggest curiosity is why unplugging the AuxIO cable will cause the KPA to 
not go into OPER mode. There must be something else connected for this to 
happen. Jim, you might try unplugging the cable from the back of the KPA to 
test this. Once we have that working, we can move on from there. And perhaps 
find a way to get our direct email path working again...

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Mar 31, 2022, at 5:39 PM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> "However, what I’m seeing is that when the amp is in OPER mode, my receive 
> signal strength drops way, way off to the point I have to go full AF volume 
> to hear signals. If I put the amp in STBY, signal levels go back to normal."
> 
> These exact symptoms have been associated in past reports with a failure of 
> the TR switch PIN diodes.  Jack's idea of incorrect band can be easily 
> confirmed, or eliminated, by looking at the KPA500 band display.
> 
> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Issue

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The email I sent earlier. You might look in your junk folder, Jim…

73,
Jack, W6FB


> From: Jack Brindle 
> Subject: Re: KPA500 Issue
> Date: March 31, 2022 at 2:40:26 PM CDT
> To: James Bennett 
> 
> On the KPA front panel, hold the menu button to go into the menus, then 
> scroll down to the RADIO setting.
> 
> I’m contemplating why the KPA won’t go into OPER with the AuxIO cable 
> installed. That doesn’t make sense. What version of firmware do you have 
> installed? The KPA menu has a firmware selection that displays the version.



> On Mar 31, 2022, at 7:00 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> I was unable to try Jack’s suggestion of disconnecting the AUXIO cable - 
> doing so made the KPA5000 not able to go into Operate mode. So, I wanted to 
> do the other option he mentioned - changing the “radio” setting of the KPA to 
> Serial or Analog. Unfortunately, I have no idea where that setting is. It 
> isn’t in my version of the KPA Utility: V1.19.9.6. I sent Jack an email about 
> it but he’s evidently off-line. Anyidea where that setting might be found?
> 
> My KPA shows the correct band on its display. The failure ONLY happens with 
> the K3 powered off. When it is powered up and set to the correct band, the 
> audio level in the IC-705 does not change when switching the amp from operate 
> to standby.
> 
> Jim / K7TXA
> 
>> On Mar 31, 2022, at 4:39 PM, Andy Durbin > > wrote:
>> 
>> "However, what I’m seeing is that when the amp is in OPER mode, my receive 
>> signal strength drops way, way off to the point I have to go full AF volume 
>> to hear signals. If I put the amp in STBY, signal levels go back to normal."
>> 
>> These exact symptoms have been associated in past reports with a failure of 
>> the TR switch PIN diodes. Jack's idea of incorrect band can be easily 
>> confirmed, or eliminated, by looking at the KPA500 band display.
>> 
>> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Issue

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

m;

What happens when you disconnect the AuxIO cable from the K3 to the KPA? The 
other solution is to switch the RADIO setting of the KPA from K3 to something 
else, either Serial or Analog. If nothing is connected to the analog band input 
with RADIO = ANALOG, the KPA should work as usual. Likewise if nothing is 
connected to the “Radio” serial port with RADIO=“SERIAL” then it should work 
just fine, but no automatic band selection will occur.

It sounds like the K3 is overriding the front panel selection, keeping the 
KPA’s low pass filters on a band that is not the one you desire for the IC-705.

Let me know if this helps.

73m,
Jack, W6FB


> On Mar 31, 2022, at 12:52 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Having an issue with my KPA500 and a non-elecraft radio. I’ve got an Icom 
> IC-705 connected to my KPA500 and KAT500. By dropping the 705’s output power 
> to 4 watts and pressing Tune on the KAT500 with the amp in OPER mode, I’m 
> able to get the tuner to give me a good match on just about all bands to my 
> Zerofive Flagpole Vertical. Then, turning the power level up to max (10 
> watts) on the IC-705, the amp gives me anywhere from 210 to 250 watts output, 
> depending on the band. And that’s fine for me right now.
> 
> However, what I’m seeing is that when the amp is in OPER mode, my receive 
> signal strength drops way, way off to the point I have to go full AF volume 
> to hear signals. If I put the amp in STBY, signal levels go back to normal. I 
> also notice that the amp fan doesn’t take too long to crank up to high speed, 
> and the PA temp is sitting around 67 C. 
> 
> I also have a K3. When I power up the K3 and switch the antenna over to the 
> K3 on the same band as the IC-705 - there is no drop in signal level on it 
> when switching between OPER and STBY on the amp. And, yes, when I’m using the 
> IC-705, I press the corresponding BAND button on the amp.
> 
> OK - some further info: if I have the K3 sitting on the same band as the 
> IC-705 this does not happen - going from STBY to OPER on the amp makes no 
> difference on receive level on the IC-705. But if I power off the K3, the 
> IC-705 reverts to its partially-deaf state.
> 
> Somewhere long ago in a far distant galaxy, I recall Jack W6FB mentioning 
> that the K3 pulls some signal to zero when it is powered off. I suspect that 
> may be what is happening here but for the life of me I can’t recall the exact 
> conversation. I’d like to get to the point where I can run the IC-705 with 
> this tuner and amp without having the K3 in the equation, as the K3 will be 
> going on the sale block in the near future, in anticipation of a K4D 
> delivery. 
> 
> Any ideas?  Jack - are you listening? :-)
> 
> Jim / K7TXA
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 and Delivery Delays

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The space division of Rockwell went to Boeing. The radio / avionics division is 
still alive and well in Cedar Rapids. There was another group - semiconductor. 
I believe that has been shrunk and just does internal chips now. When I was at 
Sun Micro 20 years ago we saw a very interesting Java processor from Rockwell 
that never saw the external world. Too bad, it would have been an excellent 
solution for many problems.

Now, also discussed in this thread was Flex. Their major market is military, 
which has given them a huge advantage in getting chips and materials over the 
last couple of years. The auto industry was jealous…

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Mar 30, 2022, at 4:55 PM, Ken K6MR  wrote:
> 
> 
> "and sold his company to Raytheon..."
> 
> Didn't he sell to Rockwell? Then I think some of Rockwell went to Boeing, but 
> I'm not sure which part was the radio part.
> 
> Can't say I've ever seen a Boeing Collins radio though :^)
> 
> Ken K6MR
> 
> 
> 
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
>   > on behalf of Andrew Moore 
> mailto:andrew.n...@gmail.com>>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2022 1:24 PM
> To: Fred Jensen mailto:k6dg...@gmail.com>>
> Cc: Elecraft mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4 and Delivery Delays
> 
>>> memories of one incredibly expensive Raytheon-Collins HF transceiver
>>> [KWM-380? or something like that] before the end.
> 
> I think that was it, the KWM-380, and I remember people describing it as
> such when I saw it at W4VSV when I got my ticket. Made my first QSO on it!
> 
> Andrew NV1B
> ..
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, Mar 30, 2022 at 1:41 PM Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 
>> Ummm ... Art Collins had a very large military business in addition to a
>> small amateur one,
> 
> who, it turned out,
>> had little interest in building amateur gear. The decision to leave the
>> market was voluntary, although I have vague memories of one incredibly
>> expensive Raytheon-Collins HF transceiver [KWM-380? or something like
>> that] before the end. I don't know why Ten-Tec left, they had a very
>> loyal and well deserved following, but running a business is really
>> complex, and they expired well before COVID became a word. To each his
>> own.
>> 
>> 73,
>> 
>> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
>> Sparks NV DM09dn
>> Washoe County
>> 
>> Bill Cotter wrote on 3/29/2022 8:37 PM:
>>> I thought long and hard about a K4, but couldn't stand the idea of a
>>> two year wait for whatever reasons given. If design decisions and
>>> supply chain choices cause you to lose customers, it says that
>>> Elecraft needs to have a long moment to get their house in order. Or,
>>> they will fall into line with TenTec, Collins and many other American
>>> companies that have folded tent.
>>> 
>>> We all went through the pandemic, and worked around it. So, I
>>> ordered a Flex 6600M and it was delivered in 8-days. No two year wait.
>>> They have something figured out. I was also assured the PGXL 1500W
>>> amplifier ships in the same time frame.
>>> 
>>> Go figure.
>>> 
>>> Bill N4LG
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
>> https://www.avg.com
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

With all the various pieces of information in this discussion, let’s answer 
things correctly. First, is hardwired cabling needed?
The answer is no, it is definitely not. The KPA500 always counts the RF 
frequency and will switch to the counted band if
it does not agree with whatever else it sees. If the input frequency from a 
cable says 10 meters, but the counted frequency is for 15 meters,
the amplifier _will_ switch to 15 meters. This is to make sure that we are 
always on the band for which RF iS coming in.
So, is there any advantage to having the hard-wired cable? Yes, a slight one. 
To answer this, let me explain how the band switching occurs.
When the amplifier detects, and confirms that RF is coming into the input port 
on a band different than what it was last using, it will 
institute a band change. This causes the KPA to drop out of amplifying, then 
switch bands, and then re-enable amplification.
This takes 17 milliseconds to accomplish. What this means is that you will lose 
a portion of the first CW character. If you were sending
a W, you will get a shortened dit. If you were sending at high speed, you might 
end up with an M. Considering that this happens
rarely (just on band changes), you probably won’t object to the shortened dit 
(or dah). Note that the count is always verified (at least
two valid counts must match as I recall).

So, what is the recommended usage? As I note, it works with a cable, or 
without. You just need the PTT input connected to the transceiver
so that the KPA knows when to go into transmit. Can there be problems with not 
using a frequency cable? The KPA does a remarkable job of 
protecting itself. You don’t want to make a habit of transmitting into the 
amplifier at 100 watts, or you could damage the front end protection.
But, in general it works just fine without problems.

So, what do _I_ use? I have the very first KPA, and another that is a couple of 
years old. I use a K3-compatible band cable with my amplifiers.
The biggest reason is that I am constantly testing my amplifiers (even while 
using them in a contest), and want to make sure everything is
working just fine. After more than ten years, no problems. I do test them 
without the cable at times as well.In general, when you hear me in a
contest, it is with the cables in use.

Thus, both ways work great. If you try it without a band cable and are troubled 
by the shortened dit, then build (or buy) a cable. Otherwise,
just enjoy the KPA500. We worked very hard on the protection circuits and 
processor code, and it does a very good job of taking care of itself.

73,
Jack, W6FB



> On Mar 22, 2022, at 4:24 AM, F5vjc  wrote:
> 
> What is the advantage of using a band switching cable between the
> transceiver and the KPA500 over just relying on the RF sensing function?
> 
> I want to drive my KPA500 from an FTDX 101D, is a cable the better way to
> go?
> 
> 73 F5VJC
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Re: [Elecraft] SM$ command

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Stefan;

The KX2, like the KX3 and K3, have S-Meters with 21 bars. These go from S1 
(with just one bar showing) to S9 (9 bars) it then has 12 more bars 
corresponding to S9 + 5 times the number of extra bars showing. So, if you have 
an S9+20db signal, there will be a total of 13 bars showing. If you use the K31 
setting (set k3 to 1 with the K31; command) the response to the SM command will 
correspond directly to the number of bars showing, from 0 to 21. Note that the 
first bar above S9 represents S9 + 5db.
 
Without the K3 setting (K30;), that range is cut down to 0 - 15, which is 
closer to the K2 S-Meter, which has only 10 bars. On the K2, S9 has 6 bars. 
Above S9 the range goes from S9 to S9 + 40 in  4 bars. In the SM command this 
is changed to go from S9 (at 6 bars) to S9 + 60 (15 bars). The bars above S9 
represent 6.66 db, so S9 + 6.66db would be 7 bars, S9 + 20 is 9 bars, and so 
forth linearly up to S9 + 60 at 15 bars.

I hope this helps. Using the K31; option really helps here, the S-Meter makes 
more sense, although having a computer translate for you helps a lot.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Mar 1, 2022, at 2:38 PM, Stefan Jansen  wrote:
> 
> Hi Andy,
> 
> Yes, I should have been more precise in asking my question. OK, thanks to 
> your answer I know now that the SM$ command might report exactly the number 
> of dots that are displayed on the KX2 for the S-Meter. But as I am a white 
> sticker, I cannot read that display and do not know to which S-meter values 
> the dots correspond unless it is written in the programmer’s reference. And 
> there they only tell the values for 6, 9, 12, and 15, but not for the other 
> values.
> 
> So if anybody can help, I would be glad.
> 
> 
> Vy 73 de Stefan, DK7STJ
> 
> --
> Stefan Jansen***E-Mail: dk7...@darc.de
> 
>> Am 28.02.2022 um 18:43 schrieb Andy Durbin :
>> 
>> Don't have a KX2 but Kenwood meter interrogations return the result as 
>> "dots" corresponding to the number of dots that are "lit" on the LCD meter 
>> scale.
>> 
>> If the KX2 uses an LCD meter it's likely the same.
>> 
>> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] Multi-Device mouse and keyboard

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

As you noted, you will need two Unifying receivers - one for the K4 and the 
other for the PC. Be sure to pair both devices (mouse and keyboard) with both 
receivers - it is probably best to have channel one set to one receiver, and 
channel two to the other  on both keyboard and mouse.
After that you will need to switch both the keyboard and the mouse individually 
between the two receivers. The K780 uses the F1, F2 and F3 keys to select its 
current channel. Hold them a while to select the channel you want. Use the 
“easy-switch” button to change channels on the mouse.

You might want to install the Options software on your PC to add functionality 
to your devices. It won’t run on the K4, of course.

If you have any questions, just ask. Yes, there are hams at Logitech, at least 
a few of us…

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Feb 22, 2022, at 1:59 PM, Bill Ham  wrote:
> 
> I am trying to get a Logitech K780 keyboard and M585 to work with a Win 10 PC 
> and my new 0594 K4. I can only get the Mouse to work on both if I use one 
> Unifying RCVR/Dongle in the K4 and another in the PC. The Mouse will toggle 
> between the devices.  I can get the Kybd working on either the PC or the K4, 
> but not both.
> 
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
> 
> Tnx & 73,
> Bill - K0KO
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Re: [Elecraft] 80-meter Antenna Fun

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

And it is outside the General Class band limits. If you hold a General ticket, 
stay above 3800.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Feb 19, 2022, at 5:40 PM, Bill Coleman  wrote:
> 
> Yup. That’s the spot.
> 
>> On Feb 17, 2022, at 12:51 PM, Ray > > wrote:
>> 
>> I think the DX window is 3.790 +/-  .
>> WA6VAB  K3  Ray
>> 
>> 
>> From: Richard
>> Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2022 9:05 AM
>> To: Elecraft Mailing List
>> Subject: [Elecraft] 80-meter Antenna Fun
>> 
>> I’m in the process of tuning a just-finished 80-meter “triangular loop.” So 
>> far, the early signs are encouraging.
>> 
>> I will use this for SSB exclusively. Being “new” to 80, I don’t yet know the 
>> territory.
>> 
>> The antenna has a narrow 2:1 bandwidth, and my main interest is DX.
>> 
>> What would be a good center frequency for 80-meter SSB DX?
>> 
>> Thanks.
>> 
>> Richard — W4KBX
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> 
> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net 
> 
> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com 
> 
> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
>-- Wilbur Wright, 1901
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 drops out during voice peaks

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

It sounds like you may have the KAT500 set for AUTO. Change it to MAN and it 
should perform much better.

The rapid signal changes associated with SSB operation can cause issues with 
the sampling of the power in the directional coupler,
causing readings that make the KAT think it needs to do a tune. By using MAN 
mode you get to decide when a tune is needed,
making everyone much happier.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Feb 3, 2022, at 6:20 PM, hawley, charles j jr  
> wrote:
> 
> I've been having my tuner go to high swr a random voice peak.
> The utility shows the right settings after a drop out but the Amp Key 
> Interrupt box is checked.
> And the swr showing on the LEDs is high.
> Not sure what is going on.
> I get it back to operating at low swr by doing a tune.
> 
> ​Chuck Hawley
> c-haw...@illinois.edu
> 
> Amateur Radio, KE9UW
> aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles
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Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

There is no “power off” indication sent to the Auxbus from the K3 or K4, so no, 
there isn’t a direct way for the KRC2 to know if the radio is off.
Having said that, my KRC2 is powered through a relay that is controlled by the 
K3’s +12V out jack. It is powered on with the K3 and likewise
powered off when the K3 is shut down. That causes the drivers to be shut down 
and all antennas disconnected.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Jan 16, 2022, at 8:42 AM, Gordon LaPoint  wrote:
> 
> When I shut off the radio (K4 or K3) the KRC2 stays selecting the antenna for 
> the freequency that was last sent from the radio over the Aux bus.
> 
> Is there any way to have the KRC2 remove any antenna selection when the radio 
> is turned off??
> 
> thanks,
> 
> Gordon - N1MGO
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft KPA500 sn 1910 dead

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I would not go by this. Many, if not most, KPA500s do not have noticeable hum 
when powered. Neither of mine do except for once in a while when the line 
voltage increases for a short time.

If yours does have noticeable him, you may want to check the tightness of 
mounting nut for the power transformer and retighten if needed (assuming it 
bothers you). There is a spec for the tightness of that nut. I believe it can 
be found in the assembly manual, if not also in the operating manual.

73,
Jack, W6FB



> On Jan 17, 2022, at 3:08 AM, Dave  wrote:
> 
> When the rear power switch is turned on, you should hear a hum from the
> transformer. The noise level from my KPA500 is quite audible from 2 or 3
> feet away with everthing else turned off. If you don't hear the hum, it's
> likely there isn't power reaching the transformer.
> 
> 73 Dave G4AON
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Re: [Elecraft] feeding a half-wave dipole with ladder line

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Ed;

Bob’s advice is still sound. The ladder or open-wire line is quite simply, a 
transmission line. As all transmission lines, it will transform the impedance 
it sees at the antenna end to some other value at the tx end. The 
transformation will be highly dependent on frequency, length and line 
characteristics. The advantage of open-wire (my favorite) is that because the 
loss is so low, you don’t care that much about the length or the actual 
transformation. Like Bob, I also use a 1:1 balun and let the ATU perform the 
necessary matching. The impedance of the open-wire line really doesn’t matter 
in the situation as far as baluns are concerned. 

I also have several other tuners, including an old swinging-link type I build 
many years ago that actually does a better job of matching. It, of course does 
not need a balun. Unfortunately my manual tuning cannot come close to the time 
my KAT500 takes to perform the auto tune, especially if I train it ahead of 
time.

One other thing I would add. I don’t really try to cut my open wire or ladder 
line fed wire antennas to any specific length, but rather cut them for whatever 
space I have and let the ATU handle the matching. In fact that is the approach 
I will be taking tomorrow as I put up antennas at my new QTH here in Louisiana. 
Getting ready for CW Sweepstakes, but the tower and beams will have to wait for 
next year...

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Oct 30, 2021, at 6:25 PM, Ed Cole  wrote:
> 
> Bob,
> 
> Either you did not read what I wrote carefully enough, or I did a poor job of 
> explaining.
> 
> First off:  I an not a HF DX chaser or HF Contest junkie.  HF is a very 
> occasional activity when I want a casual chat or check in a local net.
> Thus a compromise antenna for the "low bands".
> 
> The existing 80/40m dipole is a fan dipole with 80 and 40m wires.  I plan the 
> new setup  to run 40m at right angles for less interaction between them (been 
> there done it experience).
> 
> If all I wanted to do is 80/40 I would install the existing 1:1 balun at the 
> feed and run coax to it.
> 
> But I was thinking I could use window wire (commercially made) instead of the 
> 12-inch parallel wires I show in the diagram.  Whatever its impedance 
> (probably like 300-ohm or 450).
> 
> By shorting the ladder line I could feed the antennas as a shortened vertical 
> on either 160m or 630m where the dipole wire would add "top-hat" loading.  
> Similar to how the horizontal wire in an inverted-L works.
> 
> I already have my 630m loading coil to use at the base; adding a tap it could 
> work at 160m.
> 
> I have vacuum relays to do the shorting.  And yes there will be radials that 
> are too short on 630m (1/4 wave is 522 feet and my property is 200x 300 foot).
> 
> My question regarded choosing a proper balun to use on 80 & 40m. Running 140 
> foot of ladder wire on diagonal to the shack defeats using it as a vertical.  
> Ideal would be a QRO ATU at the ground-end of the vertical wires (but I'm too 
> cheap for that).  I have a QRO Drake Tuner to do the job at the shack.  I'll 
> try out my 1:1 balun.
> 
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> 
> Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2021 18:48:36 -0500
> From: Bob McGraw 
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] feeding a half-wave dipole with ladder line
> Message-ID: <8431998e-509b-9164-368a-1985394d8...@benlomand.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
> 
> Remember that you are not matching the impedance of the ladder line, but
> more so, matching the impedance of the antenna.?? The reason for ladder
> line is the low loss property even with high SWR on the line.??? A good
> quality 1:1 balun is preferred.?? See https://www.dj0ip.de/balun-stuff/
> 
> I've been using balanced fed antennas since 1960.?? I bring the balanced
> line all the way to the tuner in the shack where it meets up with my
> custom Guanella balun.? Regarding balanced fed antennas, they work, they
> are easy to use, easy easy to keep in the air and DO NOT have TVI or RF
> issues in the shack.?? Most of the information you hear is related to?
> "old ham lore" and is not valid in any sense of the imagination.
> 
> Yes, the 130 ft center fed length will be very difficult to match on 40M
> as the feed Z will be very high, in the order of 4K ohms, and not likely
> in the range of your tuner.?? I suggest you add a 33 ft section of wire
> to either side at the feed point. ? Thus a 80/40M antenna. ? Then you
> will be able to work 80M, 40M, 20M, 15M, and 10M with that antenna
> configuration.?? Mine does!? Works great.
> 
> If you want it to work 160M then it needs to be 256 ft in length.??
> Although you might get a reasonable match on 160M with the 130 ft center
> fed wire.?? It will depend somewhat on the feed line length acting as a
> line section transformer.
> 
> As to 630M, that is a different animal and needs special attention.? I'd
> suggest tying the feeders together and uss the antenna as a top loaded
> vertical.
> 
> 73
> 
> Bob, K4TAX
> 

Re: [Elecraft] K3S - blank screen - won't start won't shut off

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Keith _always_ gives good advice. I would add one thing. Make sure the AUXIO 
cable is disconnected from the back of the K3 when you do your testing. If it 
is directly connected to a KPA500 or KPA1500, it just may keep the K3 from 
shutting down. We don’t remember if the LCD will go blank in this situation, 
though.

This is why we specify AUXIO cables for the KPAs with pin 8 (the power-on pin) 
disconnected.

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Oct 14, 2021, at 7:40 AM, Jim Sheldon  wrote:
> 
> Turned on my K3s this morning and got a blank screen.  Could not turn it off 
> after that without removing power.  Haven't opened it up yet, just wondering 
> if anyone has encountered this and can suggest a good place to start 
> troubleshooting before bothering Elecraft's Tech Support with it.
> 
> Jim Sheldon, W0EB
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 - does it earth antenna connections

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

This is not quite correct. It does not connect unused antenna ports to ground. 
It does have a GDT and 1 meg resistor to ground on each port, however.
When power is off to the KAT500, ANT1 is connected directly to the input port.

But you are correct in that it has three output antenna ports.

73,
Jack, W6FB



> On Sep 30, 2021, at 9:46 AM, Greg Mitchell  wrote:
> 
> It has 3 antenna connections, not 4. It grounds the unused ones and selects
> antenna 1 on power-off. I put my dummy-load on antenna 1 so my station is
> disconnected from the antennas when powered down.
> 
> On Thu, Sep 30, 2021 at 10:40 AM David Ferrington, M0XDF <
> m0...@alphadene.co.uk > wrote:
> 
>> Sorry if this is obvious, but I haven’t bought a KAT500 yet (to go with
>> the KPA500 I managed to pick up from a fellow ham). I’m aware there are 4
>> selectable antenna connectors. Does it ground or earth the ones not
>> currently selected?
>> 
>> 73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108)
>> 
>> For disappearing acts, it's hard to beat what happens to the eight hours
>> supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work.
>> -Doug Larson
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Display Won't Shut Off

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

VGA cables are incompatible with the KPA500 and KPA1500. You will need a 
straight-through cable. BUT, you also need some pins removed. The power pin of 
the K3 is not compatible with the power pin of the KPA500 or KPA1500, and will 
result in the problems you have seen.
The cable is described in the KPA500 manual, rev E1 on page 45. I’m not sure 
where it is in the KPA1500 manual, but I would be surprised if we didn’t 
include the same table there.

73,
Jack, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering

> On Sep 17, 2021, at 7:47 AM, Jim McCook  wrote:
> 
> Now I see what's going on.  Originally I used the Elecraft cable between the 
> K3 ACC and the KPA1500 and everything was OK.  The K3 could be powered down 
> normally.  When I moved that K3 to a spare position, that cable wasn't long 
> enough, so I ordered an extension VGA cable.  This is when the problem 
> occurred.  Apparently the extension is the problem withh pin 8. Will see what 
> Elecraft Support says.  73, Jim W6YA
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Re: [Elecraft] Mods required of Elecraft Gear for use on MARS frequencies.

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The KPA and KAT do Mars without any changes. There is one Mars frequency that 
may be problematic on the KPA500, but I understand it is not used all that much.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Aug 11, 2021, at 5:36 PM, Edward Mccann  wrote:
> 
> Are modifications required for KPA 500 amp (or its big brother)and KAT500 ant 
> tuner, or P3 to accommodate use on MARS frequencies?
> 
> I understand Elecraft will make mods for the K3 or possibly release firmware 
> for MARS upon submission of proper documentation.
> 
> Thanks 
> Ed McCann
> AG6CX
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Elecraft] Frequency Tracking Revisited

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Richard;

There is good reason to train the KAT500, especially if you use SSB. First, you 
need to always tune the KAT500 with CW. The K3’s TUNE function takes care of 
this quite well. Simply tune to a frequency, tap the KAT’s TUNE button, then 
hit the K3’s TUNE button. When the KAT finishes, drop the transceiver out of 
tune. This will tune the KAT500 for your antenna on that band segment. You may 
want to tune again elsewhere within the segment - there might be a better match 
that satisfies more of the segment than the first one you do. Second, use the 
KAT500 in MAN (not AUTO) mode. This is especially true with the use of SSB. 
Because of the characteristics of SSB transmission, the KAT may decide it needs 
to do a tune when it really does not. This is avoided in MAN mode where you get 
to decide when you want to do a tune.

One other thing to remember - an antenna changes over time for many reasons - 
it may behave differently when the feedline becomes wet (especially noted when 
using ladder-line), or in the rain, or when near-by foliage grows near the 
antenna. I regularly have to retune my antennas between summer and winter 
(fewer leaves in winter make a big difference). And yes, I do train my KAT500s 
(I have two) so that I do not have to stop and tune them in the midst of a 
contest. I make sure everything is set up and tuned before the contest starts, 
but I find I may have to retune one of my antennas (fed with ladder line) if it 
starts raining (or stops) during a contest event.

Enjoy your KAT500. It is a great product if I’m allowed to say so…

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jul 11, 2021, at 7:11 PM, Richard  wrote:
> 
> K3s/KAT500
> 
> As I now understand Frequency Tracking, it works like this:
> 
> 1. Once the KAT500 is "trained," the frequency segments attributed to each 
> band are places where the KAT500 will look for good SWR matches. In other 
> words, if I happen to have the VFO set on a frequency that is in Segment 5 
> (my label, just for clarity), the tuner will for for good matches in Segment 
> 5 — correct? 
> 
> 2. If no good matches are found in Segment 5, the KAT500 will do a Full Tune 
> to create one — correct?
> 
> 3. It seems to me that "Training the Tuner" is truly a convenience exercise: 
> populating segments in the band so the tuner will find a good match and not 
> have to do a Full Tune — correct?
> 
> 4. Rather than setting just low, middle, and high tuning solutions on 20 
> meter SSB, for example, I set a solution in each of the 11 segments, thinking 
> that no matter where I tune in 20 meter SSB, the KAT500 will find a good 
> solution. — correct?
> 
> Have I got this right . . . finally?
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Richard Kunc
> W4KBX
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 ANT1 problem

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Andy, my friend, you are forgetting something. The secondary toroid of the 
directional coupler has a direct path to ground. That means there is no 
straight-through DC path.

Rare that I catch Andy on something…

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jul 11, 2021, at 6:12 PM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> KAT500 antenna selection drops to ANT-1 when there is no power on KAT500.  
> Also, with no power on KAT500, the Bypass relay defaults to bypass state.  
> There should be a simple DC path between input RF connector and ANT-1 RF 
> connector if the KAT500 is not powered.
> 
> Pull the DC input plug and the coax connectors and measure DC resistance 
> between XMTR and ANT-1.  No fancy PIN diode switching in KAT500, it's all 
> relays.
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] Question about antenna matching

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

There is another big consideration in modern ATUs which use toroid cores for 
the inductors. The cores will heat up during transmission, especially for bad 
mismatches. Remember, the ATU still has to deal with the high reflected power 
as it provides a good match for the radio. If the heating reaches a critical 
level, the toroid will break, and the ATU will no longer be able to do its job. 
ATUs are thus rated for the amount of reflected power (thus SWR) they can 
handle with some margin for failure. An ATU like the KAT will handle higher 
mismatches at low power, but when you start trying to push lots of power 
through it, the heating margins drop, meaning that you should really watch the 
match when trying to run a kilowatt through an ATU in order to avoid damaging 
it. At 50 watts the KAT should handle a pretty bad mismatch, while at 500 a 
lower maximum mismatch should be observed.

Also note that at higher power the connectors, adapters and coax cable will 
also see lots of heating with big mismatches. These can fail also; in fact we 
see that a lot. That’s why you see lots of admonitions to only use high quality 
connectors and adapters. Right angle adapters are especially bad as the 
conductor tends to migrate and short out at high power. Be sure that you use 
coax that is rated for the power levels as well. 

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jul 11, 2021, at 3:51 PM, Alan Bloom  wrote:
> 
> I can't speak directly about Elecraft tuners, but I did design an antenna 
> tuner when I was at Drake many years ago.
> 
> We specified the Drake MN-2700 at 5:1 SWR.  I made sure it would match that 
> SWR at all phase angles on all specified bands.
> 
> Typically the low-impedance end tends to be the hardest to match, at least on 
> the low bands.  So 50/5 = 10 ohms resistive is harder to match than 50*5 = 
> 250 ohms resistive even though the SWR is 5:1 in both cases.  That's because 
> the low impedances need larger tuning capacitors.  The Drake tuner would 
> typically match well above 5:1 into a high impedance but only barely meet 
> spec into a low impedance.  I suspect the Elecraft tuners are similar.
> 
> Alan N1AL
> 
> 
> On 7/11/2021 12:58 PM, Al Lorona wrote:
>> This question is about how manufacturers spec the matching range of their 
>> antenna tuners.
>> 
>> If an antenna system presents an impedance of 5 + j0 ohms to the antenna 
>> tuner, that's an SWR = 10 to 1.
>> 
>> But, an antenna impedance of 50 - j143 ohms is also SWR = 10. So is 110 - 
>> j200 ohms.
>> 
>> When a manufacturer like Elecraft says, "Our antenna tuner can match a 10:1 
>> mismatch," does that mean the tuner can match the first case above, the 
>> second case, the third case, or all three?
>> 
>> I guess what I'm asking is, are all of the impedances above equally 
>> difficult for the same tuner to match? Or is one 'harder' than the others? 
>> It would depend on the values of the L and C in the tuner, wouldn't it? 
>> Which implies that certain 10:1 mismatches are not tunable?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Al  W6LX/4
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Interconnecting KPA500 to KTA500 and ANAN7000dle

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Do you really need the 15-pin AUXIO cable? The ANAN doesn’t speak Auxbus, so 
unless it outputs the BCD signals that the KPA500 (but not the KAT500) uses, 
then the AuxIO cable won’t do you any good. Remember, the KPA and KAT do not 
communicate. Instead you will need a pair of phono to phono cables for the PTT 
signal, and perhaps a serial cable to go to the KPA500 if the ANAN speaks 
Kenwood protocol.

Take a very good look at the current KPA500 manual for more information, and 
make sure you can use the AUXIO cables before investing in them.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jul 4, 2021, at 6:37 PM, Dick Bingham  wrote:
> 
> Greetings to everyone
> 
> I am just getting started interconnecting my Apache-Labs ANAN-7000dle
> to a KPA500, KTA500 and my DELL E6510 laptop for a base-station I
> can operate remotely from another QTH.
> 
> Before I order several from Elecraft, does anyone have E850463 Aux Interface
> cables that are surplus to you, you are willing to sell? These are the
> 15-pin "D"
> connectors fitted with male and female thumb-screw-attached connectors ?
> 
> Contact me off-line at the email address shown above.
> 
> 73  Dick/w7wkr
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Re: [Elecraft] Temperature or Warmth of KPA500 when "Off" ?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I can answer this. It is normal. The microcontroller is on, but sleeping when 
the rear-panel power switch is on. It needs to run to be able to respond to 
serial commands and for the front-panel power-on button to work. It is powered 
by the 5V linear regulator, which is providing the heat you feel, along with 
the +12V and -12V regulators (also linear). I seem to recall that the input to 
the regulator is something like +15 or +18V, which gets regulated down to the 
three supplies that are used for running the microcontroller the RS-232 
interfaces and the LCD. The LCD is disabled when front-power is off.

So yes, the small amount of heat you feel is quite normal.

73,
Jack, W6FB
 

> On Jun 30, 2021, at 3:16 PM, Dave  wrote:
> 
> I would assume so, as mine is the same way...  So unless both of our KPA500's 
> have failed in the same way, at the same time, it is more than likely normal. 
>  A short call to Elecraft will answer your question with more surety.
> 
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net 
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> 
> On 6/30/21 12:35 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
>> "But, is this normal?  I assume that there is a small current powering a 
>> micro processor and its related circuitry but should it be actually that 
>> warm — is there a cpu burning "idle loop" used and thus causing high current 
>> flow thru the processor."
>> My KPA500 draws 0.14 A when "On" and in standby mode.  It draws 0.10 A when 
>> "Off" with rear power switch still on.  Both measurements at 117.2 VAC (A/C 
>> is running at my house and probably every other house on the same 
>> transformer).
>> Yes the CPU is active when "Off".   It has to be for the KPA500 to be turned 
>> on my serial command.
>> "The KPA500 uses single character commands when in boot mode. Boot mode is 
>> the state the KPA500 is
>> in when the rear panel power switch is in the ON position, while the main 
>> firmware is not running. This
>> mode is used for starting up the KPA500 or downloading fresh firmware. 
>> Bootloader commands must be
>> sent upper-case only."
>> 73,
>> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] W2

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I believe the answer is yes. The schematics for the W2 and couplers are in the 
manual.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jun 8, 2021, at 5:00 PM, David Herring  wrote:
> 
> Can anyone say if the directional couplers for the W2 will pass a DC bias 
> voltage along the coax? 
> 
> 73,
> David - N5DCH
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 receive loss

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

This doesn’t really have the signature of pin-diode failure. When the pin 
diodes fail you generally get major signal loss across all bands. The 
description simply does not match that diagnosis.
I would ask for further information:

* Is there any change in 160m transmit operation (change in drive requirement)?
* Was any retuning of the 160m antenna required?
* How is the 160m antenna connected? Might it be split to another load somehow?
* Any other changes you see?

Let’s try to diagnose the whole situation. This might not be in the KPA at all, 
or might be something completely different.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Jun 5, 2021, at 12:05 AM, HP via Elecraft  wrote:
> 
> Just noticed this evening that on 160 I lose about 6 dB of rx level (noise 
> and signal ) when I go from STDBY to OPER. On 40 maybe a dB or so , on 20 no 
> change -- On160 almost always am using RX antenna so am not going thru the 
> KPA but this evening had Tx ant on RX . 
> 
> Maybe has always been that way and just never noticed ??? 
> 
> Hank K7HP 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Can the K3 make power without activating Key Out?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

James;

I think you missed Dick's point. The ATU should have a signal that indicates 
when it needs to do a tune (or is doing one). Simply use that signal to operate 
a relay. That relay either passes the Keyout signal to the PA (normal), or 
opens the relay to unkey the PA (tuning). That is exactly what the KAT500 does 
with the KPA, or any other PA it operates with.

This is a very simple, and elegant automatic solution.

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On May 30, 2021, at 9:34 AM, James Beitchman  
> wrote:
> 
> Thanks, Dick,
> 
> But here is the real issue, not reported in my post. 
> 
> My antenna - my only antenna - is a non-resonant 600 foot square loop which 
> provides amazing performance especially on high bands. It presents SWRs that 
> are higher than the no-foldback limits of the KPA1500.  I believe that limit 
> is 5:!.  So, frankly speaking I was planning on an amp with no built-in ATU 
> followed by a wide range automatic ATU (ATK) that can handle my SWR  (total 
> cost of amp + ATU well less than KPA1500).  And I want to do exactly what 
> you described: have the ATU tune using low K3 power and then switch in the 
> amp.  To do this would require getting RF power from the K3 without 
> activating the PTT (used to control the amp), then activating the PTT.  This 
> is for remote operation from my home in NYC to my shack/country place upstate 
>  ( K3/0 mini and RemoteRig plus K3 plus internet controlled relay since 
> 2016),. The problem could be solved with a toggle switch in the shack opening 
> the PTT line, but not for remote.  Thus my question of whether it is possible 
> to get RF from the K3 w/o activating PTT.
> 
> Thanks again for your attention to this matter.
> 
> 73
> 
> Buzz   
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Dick Dievendorff mailto:d...@elecraft.com>> 
> Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2021 12:08 PM
> To: James Beitchman  >
> Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Can the K3 make power without activating Key Out?
> 
> Buzz: Our KAT500 and KPA1500 antenna tuners interrupt the key line with a 
> relay for ATU tuning (which is done at exciter power, as we can’t hot switch 
> ATU relays at QRO and amps don’t deal well with the SWR swings encountered 
> during ATU tune). The K3, like most exciters, does pull down the KEY PTT line 
> just before transmitting RF; we just keep that from reaching the amp.  This 
> technique works with a lot of exciters, without a need to modify them to emit 
> RF without pulling down the KEY line.
> 
> Our KPA1500 ATU tune button interrupts the amp key line, (putting the PA in 
> standby temporarily) and can be configured to send a message to K3 or K4 to 
> start tune level RF.  When ATU tune is complete, the amp sends a message to 
> the exciter to cease sending RF, and after RF level drops, the amp restores 
> the key line interrupt relay.
> 
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
> 
>> On May 30, 2021, at 07:32, James Beitchman  wrote:
>> 
>> I think the answer is no, but I'll ask this question anyway. 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> The station configuration is K3 followed by amp followed by automatic 
>> antenna coupler, where the Key Out line of the K3 is used to switch 
>> the amp inline.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I would like to generate RF from the K3 without switching the amp 
>> inline in order to operate the automatic antenna coupler at low power 
>> from the K3 before putting the amp inline.  This mean generating RF 
>> from the K3 without activating the Key Out line. Is there any way to do that 
>> using K3 controls?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 73,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Buzz
>> 
>> W3EMD
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
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Re: [Elecraft] K3s Power Selection

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Richard;

You are looking in the wrong place. We made it much easier than that. Make sure 
you have the K3 and KPA connected with the AuxIO cable. Now go to a band on the 
K3 (matched on the KPA500). With the KPA in STBY, set the power setting on your 
K3 to whatever you want - probably 100 watts. Next tap the OP/STBY button on 
the KPA to put it in OPER mode. Then adjust the power setting on the KPA to the 
lower value for the KPA (25 watts is what you indicated). 

After this when you switch the KPA in and out of OPER mode, the K3 will show 
you the change on the “B” display and it will automatically set the K3 power 
for what you want. I usually set my OPER power while transmitting so that I get 
what I want out of the KPA. I have two KPAs & K3s, and each needs a different 
TX level to drive the KPA to full power.

Hope this helps!

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On May 28, 2021, at 1:34 PM, Richard  wrote:
> 
> In the Config Menu:
> 
> PWR SET
> If set to PER-BAND, the power level is saved on each band. 
> This is especially useful with external amplifiers. 
> 
> Mine is set to PER-BAND.
> 
> If a KPA500 is connected to the K3S via the ACC cable (as mine is), 
> two sets of per-band power settings are saved: one 
> for “barefoot” operation, one for use with the amp.
> 
> Where and how do I save and then access these two savings? Are the somehow 
> automatically selected?
> 
> In my case I want to save 100 watts for "barefoot" operation and 25 watts for 
> amplifier operation. I've tried using Quick Memories 1-9 for bands — which 
> works fine — and Quick Memories  M1 and M2 for the two power settings for 
> each band — which does NOT work.
> 
> What's the right way to do this?
> 
> Richard Kunc ~ W4KBX
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Re: [Elecraft] W2 Issue

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Bill;

R22 in the sensors is a sense resistor that tells the controller which sensor 
is attached. It is a very low stress part that sees at most 5 volts at very low 
current. R22 is different for each sensor - the values shown in the schematic 
are not necessarily correct. Also, these are precision 1% resistors. With that 
in mind, the values are:
2KW HF Sensor, R22 is a 2K ohm 1% SMT resistor. 
200W HF Sensor, R22 is a 1KW 1% SMT resistor.
200W VHF Sensor, R22 is a 4.7K 1% SMT resistor.

We need to be careful what we might plug the sensor cable into. The standard 
box would not stress the resistor to the degree that the resistor blew, 
especially since that connector also has a ground attached as well. If it were 
to be plugged into something like an ethernet adapter, I would expect the 
sensor not to survive since those pins connect to entirely different signals 
with different characteristics. 

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On May 20, 2021, at 6:12 AM, William Carpenter  wrote:
> 
> My W2 wattmeter suddenly stopped working properly this morning along with
> that dreaded smoke smell.  The smell came from the 2KW sensor unit and upon
> inspection R22 which is a 1K in the sense circuit is burned.  Of course
> it's surface mount but I think I can replace it OK.  If not with another
> surface mount I could possibly be able to mount a leaded resistor.  I was
> operating at 100 watts on 20 meters into a low SWR when this happened.  Has
> anyone else had this happen?  What could have caused this?  I have also
> contacted Elecraft tech support about this but I know there are plenty of
> experts on this forum too!
> 
> 73, Bill NZ0T
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Re: [Elecraft] Band decoder ala KRC2

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

The KRC2 is still on the Elecraft web site, available for order. I would have 
been told if it were discontinued, and have not been so notified.

url is: 
https://elecraft.com/products/krc2-band-decoder-with-relays-k-line-and-k2 


73!
Jack, W6FB


> On May 14, 2021, at 12:36 PM, Jim Cary  wrote:
> 
> Looking for a band decoder similar to the discontinued KRC2 for my K3 to 
> control my antenna switch.  Doesn’t have to have a lot of bells and whistles. 
>  Would appreciate any suggestions.
> 
> Tnx and 73,
> 
> Jim
> W2SM
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] New KPA500 problem.

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Nope, this one I remember. It depends on what is plugged into the AUXIO 
connector. If nothing, then the KPA will see the BAND signals all high and will 
assume that no K3 is connected. If a K3S is connected (or K3 with KIO3B), but 
off, then the same situation applies since the K3S will not pull the BAND 
signals to Vcc in this case. In this situation, it will then act the same as if 
RADIO is set to BCD and will change the band on its own in response to a band 
button press.

If a K3 with the original KIO3 board is connected, then the KPA will behave 
exactly as I described. in this case the KIO3 is pulling the BAND signals to 
Vcc (0V) and thus indicating 60 meters (even though it is off). The KPA will 
then believe the radio is active and will try to send the band info to the 
radio, but will not see a band change. It will thus stay on 60 meters.

So, it depends on the radio, but my original analysis is actually correct.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On May 14, 2021, at 11:03 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> "If you try this, be sure to set RADIO = BCD. If it is set to K3 (the 
> default), then tapping a band button results in sending an AuxBus message to 
> the K3, which will then change bands. With no K3 connected, nothing will 
> happen."
> 
> Well my KPA500 must be broken.  It changes bands with the band buttons with 
> neither serial port connected and no AUX data source and with K3 selected as 
> radio.  It also changes bands with any other radio type selected.
> 
> Time for a code inspection?
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc

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Re: [Elecraft] New KPA500 problem.

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

If you try this, be sure to set RADIO = BCD. If it is set to K3 (the default), 
then tapping a band button results in sending an AuxBus message to the K3, 
which will then change bands. With no K3 connected, nothing will happen.

Andy, you really should get a K3S or K4… 

73!
Jack, W6FB
 

> On May 14, 2021, at 10:05 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> "How about disconnecting all cables except power, antenna, and keying line 
> and testing if the amp operates properly with RF detection?"
> 
> Why not start by eliminating everything except the KPA500?
> 
> Disconnect everything except KPA500 power and press each KPA500 band button.  
> Observe KPA500 either displays the appropriate band frequency or it does not. 
>  If test works then add external band control (RF, AUX, or KPA Utility).
> 
> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] New KPA500 problem.

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Steve;

The KPA is getting info that indicates that the input band is invalid. This is 
either coming from the radio’s BCD pins or from RF sampled by the KPA500. First 
thing to make sure is that the pins in the AUX cable are contacting properly, 
and are not bent and thus not plugging in properly. Check this on both cables, 
all four connectors. 

Did you get this indication without transmitting any RF? If you did get it from 
an RF transmission, that would indicate that the sampled RF is outside the 
acceptable range of the KPA. This range is from 1.6 to 26 MHz and from 28 to 54 
MHz.

Let’s see what we can do to gt you going - I may ask for a fault log if your 
checks don’t fix things so I can see exactly where the band problem is being 
picked up.

73,
Jack, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering


> On May 14, 2021, at 8:47 AM, Steve Fox  wrote:
> 
> In a mild panic here. Need some wise advice. 
> 
> Set up my brand new KPA500 and KAT500 today with my K3. Used only Elecraft 
> cables and followed the wiring configuration carefully. Set the K3 for bypass 
> of the internal ATU. All the KPA menu items are set to factory default. 
> 
> When I power up the KPA the screen says INVALID.  My limited understanding is 
> that the KPA thinks it is being told to operate outside of its frequency 
> range. But the K3 is set to 80m and well within the band edges. 
> 
> My thinking is we have a failure to communicate in that the K3 is not sending 
> the frequency to the KPA, perhaps sending no info at all.
> 
> Any thoughts?  I’m assuming I have overlooked a simple setting on the K3 
> and/or the KPA. 
> 
> Tnx and 73
> 
> Steve
> KA4FOX
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Re: [Elecraft] Dummy Load with integral digital wattmeter

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Have you looked at the Elecraft W2?

https://elecraft.com/products/w2 

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Apr 30, 2021, at 1:38 PM, ke9uw  wrote:
> 
> I have recently built a GRPoMeter which has a 16 Watt dummy load with a
> digital SWR/Wattmeter in it. It’s great...but only reads up to about 14
> Watts.
> I would like a similar dummy load meter with a digital meter that reads say
> 0-10, 0-100, and 0-1000 watts full scale. I like and use the Elecraft 500
> watt amp and tuner, so 1000 watts full scale would be perfect..
> Too much to ask for. 0-2000 would be acceptable if it had the 3 ranges.
> Definitely not  single range analog meters like MFJ and Palstar have
> Anyone know of a product like this?
> 
> Chuck KE9UW
> 
> 
> 
> -
> Chuck, KE9UW
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/KPA500 question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Actually, no. The KAT500 does not communicate with the KPA500, only the K3. In 
RADIO=K3 (on the KPA) changing bands on the KPA500 causes the KPA to send a 
special Auxbus message to the K3. The KAT500 cannot receive this message. The 
K3 does a band change, then sends data using normal Auxbus communications to 
the KAT500. Note that the KPA500 only sends data on the Auxbus (only the K3 can 
decode this), while the KAT500 only receives data, and only from the K3.

I _really_ wish the KAT500 and KPA500 could communicate, but unfortunately they 
cannot.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Apr 25, 2021, at 1:51 PM, Lou  wrote:
> 
> That also controls the KAT500 when connected.
> 
> 73, Lou KE1F
> 
> On 4/25/2021 4:08 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
>> "FYI, you can still tap the BAND buttons on the KPA500 to change bands on 
>> the K3, because that uses the AUXBUS line (ACC Pin 2), not the BAND DATA 
>> lines.  Many folks may have never discovered this cool feature of the KPA500 
>> and KPA1500."
>> 
>> I had to write code to put the KPA500 back on the correct band if one of 
>> these band buttons was accidentally pressed.  I wish there was a way to 
>> disable them completely.  One person's cool feature is another's PITA.
>> 
>> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/KPA500 question

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Check the AuxIO cables. They carry the band data from the K3 to the KPA500 
(BAND0-3 signals). If they are not connected correctly or either cable is 
damaged, I would expect the behavior you describe.
The AuxIO cable goes from the K3 to the KAT500, then another from the KAT500 to 
the KPA500. Be sure to check both.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Apr 23, 2021, at 8:17 PM, Joe K2UF  wrote:
> 
> I have my K3-KAT500-KPA500 working great.  The amp is off to the left side
> and I can't see the display easily.  while working on building an auto
> antenna switch  I noticed  that the band display on the amp does not synch
> with the K3.  It seems to be random.  If I hit  one dit on the key  the amp
> will synch the band with the K3.  I am not sure if this has been working
> like this right along and just did not  notice.
> 
> Any ideas guys.
> 
> 73 Joe K2UF
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Re: [Elecraft] Sudden loss of K3 RX sensitivity

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Pete;

Always do what the master says. Keith knowns more about the K3 than almost 
anyone.

That 3db figure stands out for me, though. For a component failure or a 
misadjustment I would expect something else. This sounds more like the antenna 
is being split, going to another place along with the main RX input. Is it 
possible you are feeding the same antenna input to both main and sub RX?

It will be interesting to see what you and Keith come up with.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Feb 23, 2021, at 12:00 PM, Keith Trinity WE6R  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pete;
> RF gain up?
> Adjust width to click thru all filters.
> Does ATT/Pre change the sensitivity? (if not, it could be something in that 
> circuit).
> Try the RX antenna BNC input (if KXV3 equipped).
> Try Ant 2 (if KAT3 equipped).
> If good at RX ant, then most likely D26 or 27 on RF board.
> If bad at RX ant too, then could be D5 on older KXV3 or D25 on RF board.
> Email me, I have a flow-chart picture I can send you to help.
> keith at elecraft.com  WE6R K3 Tech.
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 TX with second radio SOLVED

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Chuck keeps providing riddles for behavior that is a bit different than what I 
expected. The original K3 with the KIO3 board exhibits exactly the behavior I 
outlined previously. A K3S or K3 with the KIO3B interface behaves the way Chuck 
describes. A look at the KIO3B schematic reveals why - it has series connected 
diodes in the band pull-ups so that when the main Vcc drops at power-off, the 
band lines are disconnected from the power rail. Thus the pull-ups inside the 
KPA500 take over and it sees the magic  pattern indicating that no band is 
connected.

His solution to switch the RADIO setting to either SERIAL or ANALOG is the 
correct one.

Thanks, Chuck. Any more riddles?

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Feb 6, 2021, at 4:29 AM, Chuck Chandler  wrote:
> 
> I can confirm this approach works in practice, however one point is important 
> - 
> 
> If you turn off the K3S, but leave the KPA on, the discharge time will be at 
> least ten minutes.  I didn't bother testing after that. 
> 
> If you turn off the K3S, then turn off the KPA, then turn the KPA back on, it 
> has full functions - OPER, band change, etc.  This takes only a little bit of 
> time.  
> 
> I did not observe a KPA band change to 60M though.
> 
> Thanks Jack for taking the trouble of explaining what is going on.  
> 
> 
> 
> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
> 
> chandler...@gmail.com 
> 
> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021 at 6:57 PM Jack Brindle  > wrote:
> This bothered me a bit, so I took a good look at the source code and did some 
> testing. my results may be interesting.
> 
> Chuck’s description with the K3S Not connected to the KPA are correct. When 
> nothing is connected to the band lines, they are pulled high inside the 
> KPA500. In the two radio modes that rely on BAND inputs, this would be an 
> invalid band () and not allow the amplifier to go into OPER mode. Chuck 
> is correct here in that switching to either analog or serial mode will allow 
> the operation he desires.
> 
> But, there is another choice. When the KPA500 is in one of the BCD modes 
> (RADIO = K3 or BCD), and the band signals indicate a valid band, then the KPA 
> will go into OPER mode and should work properly.
> Now, how can this happen with a K3 or K3S attached? The K3/K3S has resistive 
> pull-ups on the band signals, so the signals are pulled up to Vcc when they 
> are not driven to ground. Vcc is the 5V regulated power bus in the 
> transceiver when it is powered. But when the K3/K3S is powered off, the 5V 
> rail will sink to the 0V level as the capacitors bleed off. That means that 
> the band signals are actually pulled to 0V (ground) a short time after the 
> K3/K3S is powered off. This combination defines a valid band, and if the KPA 
> is set to K3 or BCD modes, the amplifier will actually switch to the 60 meter 
> band. It will also go into OPER mode if you tap the OP button.
> 
> So, the alternative solution is to leave the K3S attached, power it off, wait 
> until the KPA500 switches to 60 meters, then you can switch the KPA into OPER 
> mode, switch the input to the alternate rig, and start operating.
> 
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
> 
> 
>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 5:12 AM, Chuck Chandler > > wrote:
>> 
>> OK, I've figured out the problem.  I took a step back and realized I am 
>> spoiled by the close integration of the K-Line.  The reason the FT101 can't 
>> key the amp is because, unless the K3S is turned on, the amp won't leave 
>> STANDBY mode.  
>> 
>> Even with the AUX cable disconnected, the amp sits in STANDBY and pushing 
>> the OPER-STBY button doesn't do anything.  I guessed a menu setting might 
>> control this, and setting the KPA Menu item RADIO to ANALOG now allows me to 
>> switch bands and from STANDBY to OPERATE via the KPA front panel buttons 
>> with the K3S turned off.  
>> 
>> A quick test shows 25 watts of tube-generated CW gives 450 watts output.  
>> Looks like I'm in business.  Just need to change the menu item when I switch 
>> radios.  
>> 
>> Many thanks to all for the help!
>> 
>> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
>> 
>> chandler...@gmail.com 
>> 
>> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021 at 7:12 AM Chuck Chandler > > wrote:
>> Just tried it out - AUX cable removed, RF Input cable removed, RCA plug with 
>> clip leads inserted in PA Key.  Shorting the leads does not put KPA in TX.  
>> 
>> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
>> 
>> chandler...@gmail.com 
>> 
>> On Thu, Feb 4, 2021 at 6:54 PM Jack Brindle > > wrote:
>> That is good. If you plug a pig-tail RCA jack into the KPA’s PTT input and 
>> short the wires, does the KPA go into TX mode? If so, the issue is in the 
>> transmitter or the cable you are using.
>> You should do this test with nothing connected to the KPA’s RF input. 
>> 
>> As i noted in my post to the reflector, Fred Cady’s book has some very good 
>> info about this. Now if I can find it 

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 TX with second radio SOLVED

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

This bothered me a bit, so I took a good look at the source code and did some 
testing. my results may be interesting.

Chuck’s description with the K3S Not connected to the KPA are correct. When 
nothing is connected to the band lines, they are pulled high inside the KPA500. 
In the two radio modes that rely on BAND inputs, this would be an invalid band 
() and not allow the amplifier to go into OPER mode. Chuck is correct here 
in that switching to either analog or serial mode will allow the operation he 
desires.

But, there is another choice. When the KPA500 is in one of the BCD modes (RADIO 
= K3 or BCD), and the band signals indicate a valid band, then the KPA will go 
into OPER mode and should work properly.
Now, how can this happen with a K3 or K3S attached? The K3/K3S has resistive 
pull-ups on the band signals, so the signals are pulled up to Vcc when they are 
not driven to ground. Vcc is the 5V regulated power bus in the transceiver when 
it is powered. But when the K3/K3S is powered off, the 5V rail will sink to the 
0V level as the capacitors bleed off. That means that the band signals are 
actually pulled to 0V (ground) a short time after the K3/K3S is powered off. 
This combination defines a valid band, and if the KPA is set to K3 or BCD 
modes, the amplifier will actually switch to the 60 meter band. It will also go 
into OPER mode if you tap the OP button.

So, the alternative solution is to leave the K3S attached, power it off, wait 
until the KPA500 switches to 60 meters, then you can switch the KPA into OPER 
mode, switch the input to the alternate rig, and start operating.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Feb 5, 2021, at 5:12 AM, Chuck Chandler  wrote:
> 
> OK, I've figured out the problem.  I took a step back and realized I am 
> spoiled by the close integration of the K-Line.  The reason the FT101 can't 
> key the amp is because, unless the K3S is turned on, the amp won't leave 
> STANDBY mode.  
> 
> Even with the AUX cable disconnected, the amp sits in STANDBY and pushing the 
> OPER-STBY button doesn't do anything.  I guessed a menu setting might control 
> this, and setting the KPA Menu item RADIO to ANALOG now allows me to switch 
> bands and from STANDBY to OPERATE via the KPA front panel buttons with the 
> K3S turned off.  
> 
> A quick test shows 25 watts of tube-generated CW gives 450 watts output.  
> Looks like I'm in business.  Just need to change the menu item when I switch 
> radios.  
> 
> Many thanks to all for the help!
> 
> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
> 
> chandler...@gmail.com 
> 
> On Fri, Feb 5, 2021 at 7:12 AM Chuck Chandler  > wrote:
> Just tried it out - AUX cable removed, RF Input cable removed, RCA plug with 
> clip leads inserted in PA Key.  Shorting the leads does not put KPA in TX.  
> 
> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
> 
> chandler...@gmail.com 
> 
> On Thu, Feb 4, 2021 at 6:54 PM Jack Brindle  > wrote:
> That is good. If you plug a pig-tail RCA jack into the KPA’s PTT input and 
> short the wires, does the KPA go into TX mode? If so, the issue is in the 
> transmitter or the cable you are using.
> You should do this test with nothing connected to the KPA’s RF input. 
> 
> As i noted in my post to the reflector, Fred Cady’s book has some very good 
> info about this. Now if I can find it in my electronic copy...
> 
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
> 
> 
>> On Feb 4, 2021, at 3:47 PM, Chuck Chandler > > wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Jack
>> 
>> It’s a Yaesu FT101ZD, and my multimeter shows it closes continuity between 
>> the key line center and shield on TX. 
>> 
>> No grid block keying!
>> 
>> Chuck
>> 
>> On Thu, Feb 4, 2021 at 18:37 Jack Brindle > > wrote:
>> Chuck;
>> 
>> What is the PTT output from your other radio? It needs to be just 
>> open-circuit, pull to ground on transmit. If anything else (I’m thinking 
>> grid-block keying), then I predict a trip back to the factory for your KPA.
>> 
>> There are two key lines coming into the KPA, and going through the KAT. 
>> These are the AUX I/O PTT, and the RCA-jack PTT. They are maintained 
>> separately through the Kat on their way to the KPA. Either can key the 
>> KPA500, and both are opened by the KAT when it has high SWR or needs to 
>> tune. The AUX I/O version is only meant be used with Elecraft rigs using 0 - 
>> 5 signaling. The RCA jack is likewise meant to be used with rigs that only 
>> pull the signal to ground on transmit, and leave it open on receive.
>> 
>> Thus my question - what i the signal characteristic of the rigs PTT output?
>> 
>> 73!
>> Jack, W6FB
>> Elecraft Engineering
>> 
>> 
>> > On Feb 4, 2021, at 2:15 PM, Chuck Chandler > > > wrote:
>> > 
>> > Just a follow-up to my question about using the KPA500/KAT500 with a
>> > second, older radio.  I just finished some more testing and found that when
>> > I remove the AUX cable 

Re: [Elecraft] Occasional second radio use with KPA500

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

This is where Fred Cady’s book “The Elecraft KPA500 Amplifier and KAT500 Tuner” 
really helps out. It has an excellent discussion about using the KPA500 with 
two radios (but not at the same time…).
The RF paths need to be switched with a good RF switch, making sure that very 
little signal from the transmitter gets through to the *other* transceiver’s 
receiver. Depending on the radios, it is possible for an Elecraft radio to use 
the PTT line in the AUX I/O connection, and the other radio to use the RCA jack 
PTT. You have to be very careful with this, however. Modern radios output a 0 - 
5 volt signal on their Key output, grounding the output for transmit. This is 
exactly what the KPA500 is looking for, although the non-transmit level can 
simply float (all Open-Collector). It is the ground to transmit that is 
important.
Older radios may have a signal that far exceeds these levels, for example the 
old tube-type radios using grid-block keying may put a large negative voltage 
on the PTT output. This will not do well in the KPA500 circuitry. In this case 
the radio should drive a relay that keys the amplifier.

So, yes it is quite possible to have the KPA500 driven from more than one radio 
through a selector switch. You just have to do it right. A copy of Fred’s book 
can show you the way.

73!
Jack, W6FB
And yes, I still really miss Fred...



> On Feb 4, 2021, at 3:34 PM, Frank Scolaro  wrote:
> 
> It's a bit pricey, but I use the 1A2R switch from 4O3A:
> 
> https://4o3a.com/1-amp-2-radios-switch 
> 
> 
> Works great, switches my KPA between two rigs...
> 
> Frank, W2YK
> 
> On 2/4/2021 1:10 PM, Morgan Bailey wrote:
>> I think that here is your answer:
>> https://www.dxengineering.com/search/brand/acom/product-line/acom-2s1-automatic-two-transceiver-commutators?autoview=SKU=Default=Ascending
>> Granted it is pricey but will probably work for you.
>> 73, Morgan NJ8M
>> On Thu, Feb 4, 2021 at 10:48 AM Chuck Chandler 
>> wrote:
>>> I've been using the K3S, P3, KPA500 and KAT500 as my main radio.  All three
>>> antennas are selected by the KAT500.  I also have a second radio, an older
>>> Yaesu FT-101ZD.  This rig can be switched into the lineup in place of the
>>> K3S.  I sometimes enjoy using the older rig.  In this manner the FT101ZD
>>> output goes through the KPA, then the KAT.  I find the KAT plays well, a
>>> little tap of the key will cause it to auto-tune.
>>> 
>>> I'd like to be able to use the KPA500 as an amplifier, but so far it won't
>>> key.  I've tried the RCA Phono plug into the PA Key jack, but as long as
>>> the K3S is connected the KPA won't go into TX without the proper software
>>> signal.  I did try with the software keyline interrupter a few months ago,
>>> but that prevented the K3S from switching the amp unless I also used a
>>> Y-connecter and phono cord from the K3S for amp keying.  When I did the
>>> keying didn't seem as crisp, though.
>>> 
>>> The K-Line is all connected as in the diagram on page 5 of the KAT500
>>> manual.
>>> 
>>> Ideally, I could turn off the K3S, switch the feedline from the K3S to the
>>> 101ZD, and have use of both the tuner and amp.  Is there an easy way to do
>>> this?  Perhaps one of those breakout boxes?  Any hints appreciated!
>>> 
>>> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
>>> 
>>> chandler...@gmail.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Ten Tec Orion II and KPA500

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Probably do not need pull-ups on the outputs. The KPA500 has pull-ups on its 
band inputs, with a series protective diode that isolates it from any external 
pull-ups.
If you use the drivers with other equipment the pull-ups may be needed, but 
they should don’t be needed with just the KPA500.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Jan 16, 2021, at 5:44 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV  wrote:
> 
> 
> > or alternatively has anyone designed something home brew to
> > achieve the purpose.
> 
> Takes nothing more than a 74LS147 and some pull up resistors
> on the inputs and inverters (or open collector transistors with
> pull ups) on the outputs.  The Orion II band outputs are open
> collector - maximum pull-up current is specified in the Orion II
> manual.
> 
> Everything you need to know to roll your own is in the 74LS147
> data sheet.
> 
> 73,
> 
>   ... Joe, W4TV
> 
> 
> On 2021-01-16 6:58 PM, Barry Simpson wrote:
>> Gooday all
>> I use my Ten Tec Orion II with my KPA500 and usually try to manually switch
>> bands rather than rely on the RF sensing.
>> I would really like to use the band information output from the Orion II to
>> automatically switch bands on the KPA500.
>> Does anybody know of a band decoder which is compatible with both pieces of
>> equipment or alternatively has anyone designed something home brew to
>> achieve the purpose.
>> Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.
>> Barry Simpson  VK2BJ
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Sure. Just select bypass for the antenna on the front panel. When you QSY to 
that band, the setting will take affect and the ATU will be in bypass mode.
I do this with my tribander, which does not need the ATU, just the switch.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Jan 17, 2021, at 12:53 PM, Jack W4GRJ  wrote:
> 
> Is there anyway to set antenna selection to bypass when selected?
> i have a dipole on ant one where I use the kat500
> on ant two I have a random wire on outdoor tuner, I would like kat500 to 
> always bypass when ant two is selected.
> 
> tnx
> Jack
> W4GRJ
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Elecraft Support?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Give them a bit more time. Last week was a major holiday, and they are already 
overloaded as is. I am sure they will get back to you in the near future.

And yes, the K3 is very much still supported.

Jack, W6FB


> On Dec 1, 2020, at 10:53 AM, John Reilly  wrote:
> 
> I have a problem with my K3s 100w PA: No power above 12w, and receive signals 
> are down 20 dB. I sent an email to "K3support" a week ago and haven't 
> received a reply. Is that email address still valid? So, I resent the email 
> to "support" yesterday -- no response. Has Elecraft stopped supporting the K3?
> 
> To make matters worst, I downloaded the K3s Schematics, and the KPA3A 
> schematics (Rev C4?) do not match my Rev E PCB. This sure make 
> troubleshooting a challenge.
> 
> I have a fairly large investment in Elecraft equipment, in large part due to 
> their past excellent support. Do I need to rethink this?
>   - John, N0TA
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Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 silkscreen gotcha

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Please do. Also, please also send a picture of the label on the bottom side 
closest to the front of the device.

Jack, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering


> On Nov 19, 2020, at 1:47 PM, Paul Fletcher  wrote:
> 
> I have a Rev C PCB and the silkscreen does not match the diagram in the Rev C 
> manual. On the PCB R12 and R13 are marked the opposite way round to the 
> manual. I can send pics if you want them.
> 
>> On 19 Nov 2020, at 21:33, Jack Brindle  wrote:
>> 
>> After seeing this report I pulled the Rev C PCB (the only PCB we have 
>> shipped for this product) and took a good look at it, then looked at the 
>> docs and finally the Gerbers for the board.
>> R12 and R13 on the KRC2 PCB are properly labelled. R12, closest to the 
>> switches, is a 4.7K ohm resistor (yellow-violet-red) used to pull the RS232 
>> line to -12V.
>> R13 is next to it, closest to the DE9 connectors is a 47 ohm resistor 
>> (yellow-violet-black) and provides +12V power for the JFET.
>> The legends on the PCB and in Figure 10 of the KRC2 Rev C manual are correct.
>> 
>> Now, what caused you to think they were backwards? And, let’s make sure that 
>> you do have a Rev C board in your KRC2.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Jack, W6FB
>> 
>>> On Nov 19, 2020, at 11:58 AM, Paul Fletcher via Elecraft 
>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>>> FAO anyone who's had issues getting the serial comms working on a KRC2:
>>> 
>>> R12 and R13 are transposed on the silkscreen on the PCB. I fell foul of this
>>> when I recently built my KRC2 and it wouldn't communicate. After quick probe
>>> around it was evident there was no negative voltage to the RS232 driver, U2.
>>> A little further probing revealed no 12V present at R13 but there was at
>>> R12. It was then I realised the component layout in the manual is different
>>> to that marked on the PCB. A quick swap of resistors and everything works as
>>> it should.
>>> 
>>> I've re-read the errata and the manual and there is no reference to this
>>> issue. Apologies if it's been flagged up on here already but I couldn't find
>>> anyone pointing this out though there do seem to be a few people with serial
>>> comms issues with the KRC2.
>>> 
>>> Hopefully this is of assistance to someone.
>>> 
>>> 73 Paul M1PAF
>>> 
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>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 silkscreen gotcha

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

After seeing this report I pulled the Rev C PCB (the only PCB we have shipped 
for this product) and took a good look at it, then looked at the docs and 
finally the Gerbers for the board.
R12 and R13 on the KRC2 PCB are properly labelled. R12, closest to the 
switches, is a 4.7K ohm resistor (yellow-violet-red) used to pull the RS232 
line to -12V.
R13 is next to it, closest to the DE9 connectors is a 47 ohm resistor 
(yellow-violet-black) and provides +12V power for the JFET.
The legends on the PCB and in Figure 10 of the KRC2 Rev C manual are correct.

Now, what caused you to think they were backwards? And, let’s make sure that 
you do have a Rev C board in your KRC2.

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Nov 19, 2020, at 11:58 AM, Paul Fletcher via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> FAO anyone who's had issues getting the serial comms working on a KRC2:
> 
> R12 and R13 are transposed on the silkscreen on the PCB. I fell foul of this
> when I recently built my KRC2 and it wouldn't communicate. After quick probe
> around it was evident there was no negative voltage to the RS232 driver, U2.
> A little further probing revealed no 12V present at R13 but there was at
> R12. It was then I realised the component layout in the manual is different
> to that marked on the PCB. A quick swap of resistors and everything works as
> it should.
> 
> I've re-read the errata and the manual and there is no reference to this
> issue. Apologies if it's been flagged up on here already but I couldn't find
> anyone pointing this out though there do seem to be a few people with serial
> comms issues with the KRC2.
> 
> Hopefully this is of assistance to someone.
> 
> 73 Paul M1PAF
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500+KAT500 interfacing

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Two things. First, you are right, it passes the signals through from the radio. 
The second is that it can break the PTT line (in that pass-through) when the 
KAT needs to tune or otherwise change the relays while the system is 
transmitting (PTT being active).

Note that both the KAT and the KPA use many of the signals on the AuxIO. These 
include the BAND lines, PTT, and importantly, the AuxBus line. The KPA500 talks 
on the Auxbus (but does not listen), while the KAT listens on the Auxbus. 
Because of the way the KPA encodes its data, the KAT cannot receive any data 
from the KPA, but only that coming from the transceiver. That is kind of an 
important point - there is no communications between the KPA500 and the KAT500, 
which eliminates the ability to do really close control between the two.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Nov 18, 2020, at 10:15 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
> 
> So what does the HD15 cable do from the KAT500 to the KPA500?  I thought that 
> the KAT controlled the amp but perhaps it is just passing the K3 data through.
> 
> John KK9A
> 
> 
> 
> Jack Brindle W6FB wrote:
> 
> I received a bit of further information this morning. The KAT500 only uses 
> the band data to validate that the received frequency (from the K3) is on the 
> indicated band. It does not use it for anything else.
> 
> Further, the KPA500 only uses band data to select the band. In general, the 
> KPA doesn’t care about the frequency - it really has no frequency-sensitive 
> elements. The KPA does not receive frequency from the K3, and only uses the 
> Kenwood data (or Icom band voltage) to select a band. Thus there is no data 
> to be sent.
> 
> I believe you are searching for a solution that gathers transceiver frequency 
> and sends it to the KAT500. Or, allow the KAT500 to use its built-in 
> frequency measurement system to select the bin.
> 
> Jack, W6FB
> 
> 
>> On Nov 18, 2020, at 8:00 AM, Wes  wrote:
>> 
>> Thanks Andy.
>> 
>> I'm starting to get my head around this.  "Tis a pity that Elecraft didn't 
>> allow for the KPA500 to control the KAT500 via the band data bus and have an 
>> integrated Amp/Tuner combo that didn't require a proprietary interface.
>> 
>> The tuning solutions are in the tuner memory so telling it, or letting it 
>> measure, the frequency recalls them.
>> 
>> Wes
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500+KAT500 interfacing

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I received a bit of further information this morning. The KAT500 only uses the 
band data to validate that the received frequency (from the K3) is on the 
indicated band. It does not use it for anything else.

Further, the KPA500 only uses band data to select the band. In general, the KPA 
doesn’t care about the frequency - it really has no frequency-sensitive 
elements. The KPA does not receive frequency from the K3, and only uses the 
Kenwood data (or Icom band voltage) to select a band. Thus there is no data to 
be sent.

I believe you are searching for a solution that gathers transceiver frequency 
and sends it to the KAT500. Or, allow the KAT500 to use its built-in frequency 
measurement system to select the bin.

Jack, W6FB


> On Nov 18, 2020, at 8:00 AM, Wes  wrote:
> 
> Thanks Andy.
> 
> I'm starting to get my head around this.  "Tis a pity that Elecraft didn't 
> allow for the KPA500 to control the KAT500 via the band data bus and have an 
> integrated Amp/Tuner combo that didn't require a proprietary interface.
> 
> The tuning solutions are in the tuner memory so telling it, or letting it 
> measure, the frequency recalls them.
> 
> Wes
> 
> 
> On 11/18/2020 3:02 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:
>> "I simply want to know:
>> 1) does the KAT500 also switch with BCD data
>> and
>> 2) if so, can those data come from a KPA500 that is being controlled with 
>> serial data.  (When I say Aux cable, I'm referring to the 15-pin cable that 
>> includes BCD (band) data."
>> 
>> 
>> 1 - The KAT500 schematic shows it receives  BCD band data.   I assume that 
>> could be used to control the selected antenna but I don't see how it would 
>> be useful for selecting a tuning solution.
>> 
>> 2 - The KPA500 schematic shows that BCD band data is receive only so it does 
>> not appear to be capable of sending band data to the KAT500.
>> 
>> My "interesting project" computes and outputs Elecraft format BCD band data 
>> but I found no use for it and I disconnected it after initial testing.   I 
>> control my KPA500 with the serial data band command "^BN" and I control my 
>> KAT500 with the serial data frequency command "f".  My KAT500 and KPA500 
>> always follow my TX frequency.  I placed higher priority on avoiding KAT and 
>> KPA faults than on optimizing receive performance when split.
>> 
>> Current KAT500 firmware can only follow VFO A (FA) if listening to a Kenwood 
>> rig that is being polled by a KPA500.  The Kenwood TX VFO may be VFO A or 
>> VFO B.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Andy, k3wyc
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500+KAT500 interfacing.

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I can answer this. I believe the answer to the first question is yes. The 
KAT500 can follow the BDC band data. The answer to the second is definitely no. 
The KPA500 does not output (nor does it have the capability) BCD band data. The 
port has input, but does not have output drive. To go further, while the KPA 
can talk over the Auxbus, the KAT does not have capability to decode the data. 
In fact the only devices with the capability to decode KPA500 Auxbus data are 
the K3, K3S and K4.

While both can follow Kenwood-format serial data, and both will respond to a 
short transmission burst, there is an advantage to having the KAT500 follow the 
transceivers receive frequency since it keeps the antenna properly matched for 
the received frequency. In order to do this you really need to have the KAT 
receive the transceiver frequency stream. As others have noted, it can listen 
to Kenwood FA responses (which the KPA can poll for). Several folks have 
created rather interesting boxes that can receive band data from transceivers 
and communicate it to the KPA500 and KAT500. You might want to talk with Andy, 
K3WYC about his rather interesting project.

73,
Jack, W6FB


> On Nov 17, 2020, at 8:27 PM, Wes  wrote:
> 
> The answer may be no, but you're not responding to the question asked.
> 
> The KPA500 can be switched with Serial or BCD data, in addition to the 
> Elecraft Aux Bus.  I simply want to know: 1) does the KAT500 also switch with 
> BCD data and 2) if so, can those data come from a KPA500 that is being 
> controlled with serial data.  (When I say Aux cable, I'm referring to the 
> 15-pin cable that includes BCD (band) data.
> 
> 
> On 11/17/2020 12:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Wes,
>> 
>> The answer is NO.  The KAT500 and KPA500 take their AUX commands from the 
>> K3(S).
>> 
>> On 11/17/2020 1:11 PM, Wes wrote:
>>> I have a K3S interfaced to the KAT500 and KPA500 using the Aux cables.
>>> 
>>> If I was to replace the K3S with a rig with only RS232 control of the 
>>> KPA500, will the Kat500 still follow along using the Aux cables.  The Xcvr 
>>> and Amp connections on the KAT500 seem to be more or less a pass through.
>>> 
>>> I know the KAT500 will switch using RF sensing, but that doesn't help in a 
>>> receive only situation, which I often employ.
>>> 
>>> Wes  N7WS
>>> 
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> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Tuner bug

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

In the software world these days we call them “undocumented features”.

Or, the issue is in the documentation… ;-)

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Nov 7, 2020, at 11:50 AM, Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 
> "Anomaly" is [or at least was during Apollo] NASA's universal term for 
> anything that was unexpected ... from an intermittent pilot light to the 
> rocket landing pointy end down in the desert outside Tucson.  The equivalent 
> USAF term is "mishap" which can range from a faulty drag chute to landing in 
> a ball of flames in that same Tucson desert. 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
> On 11/7/2020 11:42 AM, weave...@usermail.com wrote:
>> As a politically correct engineer in order to not insult any bugs, I 
>> referred to them as anomalous behaviors. :-)
>> 
>> 73,
>> Bill WE5P
>> 
>> Comfortably Numb
>> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] Broken boom mic attachment on a CM-500

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I bought a new CM-500 set on Amazon about two years ago. They feel great on my 
head and work wonderfully. 
In May I decided to try the Koss SB-45. Price was good (about $30 from Amazon). 
They feel very similar to my Heil headset, meaning about the same as putting my 
head in a vise. Simply too tight on my head, especially for wearing them 
through a 48 hour contest. I went back to the CM-500s. I find it worth paying 
the $60 from Amazon to get these instead of something else.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Nov 1, 2020, at 2:20 PM, Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
> On 11/1/2020 2:12 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:
>> What are the best replacement headsets these days. Someone said that the 
>> CM-500 has changed for the worse in the last few years.
> 
> Hi Bill,
> 
> The only issue I've ever had with the CM500 has been a bad cable, and it's 
> happened at least twice. I'm pretty clutzy, so hard on headsets.
> 
> This piece I wrote for National Contest Journal several years ago includes 
> model numbers a few Koss headsets that hams have liked. They're pretty much 
> the same electrically.
> 
> http://k9yc.com/ContestAudio.pdf
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Response time for tech support??

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Stan;

Please elaborate - what voltage is the HV dropping to?

We set up the factory-build units for the voltages at the factory. What you 
encounter might be different, so you will need to go through the adjustment 
exercise described in the manual on page 6 of the rev C3 manual (it might have 
moved in other revisions of the manual). Also, make sure all the chassis screws 
are tight, especially the ones holding the rectifier board, and you may need to 
properly retighten the screw holding down the big transformer to get it to 
quiet down. 

Once you get all this taken care of, the KPA500 is a pleasure to use. But then 
I’m biased…

The support guys have been really busy lately, but they will get back to you. 
You might want to try a phone call to make sure.

73!
Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering

> On Oct 30, 2020, at 9:23 AM, Stan Mason  wrote:
> 
> I received my new factory-built KPA500 last Thursday and unfortunately it has 
> a couple of problems - loud chassis buzz on CW and HV drops out of acceptable 
> range with less than 10 watts drive.  I sent an email to supp...@elecraft.com 
>  a week ago today and then followup information 
> on Monday with both an email and the website form.
> 
> I’m wondering what the normal response time is with Covid and all the other 
> chaos.
> 
> Thanks for any insight!
> 
> Stan Mason K3PW
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 / K3 Mystery

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Bruce;

Did you ever resolve the issue?

The KPA500 and KPA1500 send events to the K3, not commands. The distinction is 
important - an event simply reports a state change in the amplifier. It is up 
to the K3 to decide what to do in response, if anything.
Thus when tapping a and button the KPA simply sends an event indicate that the 
button had been tapped, the K3 receives that and decides to do a band switch 
(if needed).
The fact that the K3 is indicating a response (in the VFO B display) says the 
K3 is indeed receiving the event properly. That means the KPA1500 is working 
properly, so the issue is in the K3.

Since the K3 sets the correct power for the KPA OP mode, it should be expected 
the the K3 is also selecting the high power setting when the KPA indicates that 
it is in STBY mode. The is the same power level that would be used if the K3 is 
powered up with the KPA left turned off. From personal experience I have many 
times found the power not to be what I expected after some special operating 
activity, like Field Day where we run just 5 watts. Turning the Power knob 
usually fixes the problem quite nicely.

73!
Jack, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering


> On Oct 18, 2020, at 9:28 AM, ockm...@gmail.com wrote:
> 
> YES, when switching the KPA1500 between OPER and STBY, the K3 displays the
> messages "KPA500 OPERATE" and "KPA500 STANDBY", depending.
> 
> 
> 
> YES, the K3 is set CONFIG: POWER SET is Per Band.
> 
> 
> 
> YES, when in STBY on the KPA1500, I set the "no amp" power to 100 watts, and
> when in OPER, I set drive level per band; usually less than 30 watts, which
> gets close to the legal limit.
> 
> 
> 
> Still the same results as described below.
> 
> 
> 
> 73 de Bruce, N7TY
> 
> Yuma, AZ
> 
>  www.qsl.net/n7ty
> 
> 
> 
> From: ockm...@gmail.com  
> Sent: October 18, 2020 06:32
> To: 'elecraft@mailman.qth.net' 
> Subject: KPA1500 / K3 Mystery
> 
> 
> 
> I made a recent change to the "Band Change-> STBY" setting on the KPA1500,
> changing from NO to YES.  I did this to ensure the AMP doesn't have any wild
> SWR or PWR spikes before the ATU has a chance to "remember" it's setting
> after a band change.
> 
> 
> 
> Issue:  When switching the AMP from OPER to STBY, the K3 is supposed to
> switch from the drive power setting (~25 watts) in OPER, to 100 watts in
> STBY, it does not, it remains at the drive power setting.  I am 99% sure I
> have all the cabling and settings set correctly in the K3 and KPA1500.  I
> went through and manually reset the power settings on each band to let the
> K3 and KPA1500 "re-learn" the change made, however, still no joy.
> 
> 
> 
> Jim, W6YA, and I have been going back and forth, however neither of us have
> had any luck.
> 
> 
> 
> Do you KPA1500/K3 owners out there have any ideas or suggestions?
> 
> 
> 
> 73 de Bruce, N7TY
> 
> Yuma, AZ
> 
> www.qsl.net/n7ty  
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Transformer

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Gee Alan, we get told that all the time, specially by coworkers… 

As for the transformer, the tech support guys give good advice here. Place the 
rubber disks below the transformer in the appropriate places, and one above as 
the instructions indicate.
Essentially you want to get the transformer off the base chassis enough to keep 
it from vibrating against it. We all worry about tightening the nut down too 
much, which is why we added the torque wrench suggestion in the manual. But it 
does need to be rather tight to keep things from vibrating. Also, make sure all 
the screws in the chassis are tight. The hum can come from other parts as well. 
Making sure thins like the rectifier board are properly tight can help 
alleviate this situation also.

Someone asked about keeping the rear-panel power on. I have the first KPA500 
still in operation, and it has seen very little rear-panel off time during its 
life. In this situation, the power supply is on, and the microcontroller is on 
in sleep mode. This means the unit does draw current, but not very much. I have 
seen no effect from it on my power bill. During months when I participate in 
contests I can’t say that - running 500 or so watts for long periods each 
weekend does spin the power meter a bit.

Thanks for the compliment, we work very hard to create, build and support 
products that make you guys happy. I think it shows.

73!
Jack, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering


> On Oct 20, 2020, at 2:27 PM, Alan - G4GNX  wrote:
> 
> Guys. My comment was sarcastic and has a smiley on the end of it. Elecraft 
> know what they're doing and I would not expect anyone to tell them they got 
> it wrong!
> 
> 73,
> 
> Alan. G4GNX
> 
> 
> -- Original Message --
> From: "Nr4c" 
> To: "Alan - G4GNX" 
> Cc: "Elecraft Reflector" 
> Sent: 20/10/2020 19:42:31
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Transformer
> 
>> No,  no. The torque wrench is used to insure the proper torque is applied.
>> 
>> A torque wrench is not a torque multiplier, it is a measurement instrument.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> ...nr4c. bill
>> 
>> 
>>> On Oct 20, 2020, at 6:33 AM, Alan - G4GNX  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Then perhaps someone needs to educate Elecraft not to specify use of a 
>>> torque wrench, in their assembly instructions. ;-)
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> 
>>> Alan. G4GNX
>>> 
>>> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 / K3 Mystery

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Might you have set the Normal power for the band to low power? There are two 
power levels, after all. We tend to pay attention to the low power setting for 
the KPA usage, but it is also quite possible to set the Normal (KPA on STBY) to 
a low level as well. That would get the effect you see.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Oct 18, 2020, at 9:28 AM, ockm...@gmail.com wrote:
> 
> YES, when switching the KPA1500 between OPER and STBY, the K3 displays the
> messages "KPA500 OPERATE" and "KPA500 STANDBY", depending.
> 
> 
> 
> YES, the K3 is set CONFIG: POWER SET is Per Band.
> 
> 
> 
> YES, when in STBY on the KPA1500, I set the "no amp" power to 100 watts, and
> when in OPER, I set drive level per band; usually less than 30 watts, which
> gets close to the legal limit.
> 
> 
> 
> Still the same results as described below.
> 
> 
> 
> 73 de Bruce, N7TY
> 
> Yuma, AZ
> 
>  www.qsl.net/n7ty
> 
> 
> 
> From: ockm...@gmail.com  
> Sent: October 18, 2020 06:32
> To: 'elecraft@mailman.qth.net' 
> Subject: KPA1500 / K3 Mystery
> 
> 
> 
> I made a recent change to the "Band Change-> STBY" setting on the KPA1500,
> changing from NO to YES.  I did this to ensure the AMP doesn't have any wild
> SWR or PWR spikes before the ATU has a chance to "remember" it's setting
> after a band change.
> 
> 
> 
> Issue:  When switching the AMP from OPER to STBY, the K3 is supposed to
> switch from the drive power setting (~25 watts) in OPER, to 100 watts in
> STBY, it does not, it remains at the drive power setting.  I am 99% sure I
> have all the cabling and settings set correctly in the K3 and KPA1500.  I
> went through and manually reset the power settings on each band to let the
> K3 and KPA1500 "re-learn" the change made, however, still no joy.
> 
> 
> 
> Jim, W6YA, and I have been going back and forth, however neither of us have
> had any luck.
> 
> 
> 
> Do you KPA1500/K3 owners out there have any ideas or suggestions?
> 
> 
> 
> 73 de Bruce, N7TY
> 
> Yuma, AZ
> 
> www.qsl.net/n7ty  
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] SVGA Screen save to memory stick

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

What product is this for?

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Sep 25, 2020, at 5:42 PM, w4sc  wrote:
> 
> I’ve read the manual, tried at least 10 memory sticks (a very BAD location 
> for the USB, some don’t fit because of VGA cable.
> 
> What is the secret?
> 
> Ben W4SC
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] AUXBUS CABLE Gouge

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

See below...

> On Sep 22, 2020, at 1:10 PM, Eric Norris  wrote:
> 
> Dear Gang:
> 
> I have several old auxbus cables, the type that is about 3/8" thick, and
> has a bend radius of about 1/4 mile.  Several pins are missing.  The cable
> clamping thumbscrews are not secured, and can float free in a zero-G
> environment.
> 
> I have other AUXBUS cables that are thin, have nice ergo thumbscrews, but
> are not missing any pins.
> 
> 1) How many types of AUXBUS cables are there?

No idea. I would guess two or three. At one point we switched to a full cable 
with adapters that disconnected the pertinent pins.

> B)  Can the AUXBUS cable that has all of it's pins be used between a K3 and
> an elecraft amplifier?  Between an elecraft transverter cable and AUXBUS
> (assuming the specially-made-per-the-XV manual cable is in between) port
> via a gazillion all straight-wired Y adapters?

No, definitely not. Take a look at the KPAK3AUX K3 Cable diagram near the back 
of the KPA500 manual - it is on page 45 of the E1 version. It shows that the 
following pins are not connected: 1, 4, 6, 7, 8. Of these pins 7 and 8 must NOT 
be connected between the KPA500 and the K3. The others listed are not used by 
the KPA.

Also, Pin 11 is the INHIBIT input to the KPA, while it is DIGOUT1 on the K3. If 
you use DIGOUT1 for some function (like enabling an external Preamp like the 
PR6), be sure that the KPA’s INHIBIT setting is turned off.

That thick cable with missing pins can be very useful. So can the others, if 
you make sure the appropriate pins do not connect to the amplifiers. A small 
straight-though adapter with the appropriate pins broken off can be quite 
helpful here.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> 
> I think I knew this once but no more.
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> 73 Eric WD6DBM
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Re: [Elecraft] Tuna Can Kits

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

Actually, I built the CB Slider in a chopped beef can. The Corned Beef cans we 
found all had sharp edges and were deemed too dangerous for the project. The 
Chopped Beef product fit the bill for both space and the project name. It was a 
fun project oh so long ago with pretty much all electronic parts obtained from 
Radio Shack.

73!
Jack (“Stan”) Brindle, W6FB (ex WA4FIB, WB5KQJ…)

> On Aug 22, 2020, at 5:23 PM, Kevin Cozens  wrote:
> 
> On 2020-08-22 1:40 p.m., Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:
>> Very cute. Actual tuna cans!
> 
> Not the first time its been done. The Tuna Tin II designed and built by Doug 
> DeMaw used a tuna can for the chassis. The companion CB slider was built in 
> to a corned beef can. Just make sure to wash the cans thoroughly to keep the 
> cats away. :)
> 
> -- 
> Cheers!
> 
> Kevin.
> 
> http://www.ve3syb.ca/   | "Nerds make the shiny things that
> https://www.patreon.com/KevinCozens | distract the mouth-breathers, and
>| that's why we're powerful"
> Owner of Elecraft K2 #2172  |
> #include  | --Chris Hardwick
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Re: [Elecraft] [KPA500] 270V ERR

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

It sounds like you really need to contact the tech support guys for this one. 
The small cable from the microswitch plugs into the Power Supply board. Make 
sure it is properly seated. It is behind the big toroid transformer, so you may 
have to move that to check. The signal indicating that 270V is bad comes from 
the PA module to the front panel over the ribbon cable that is permanently 
attached to the PA sandwich. Make sure that cable is securely plugged into the 
front panel connector.

The 270V is enabled when the KPA500 goes into OPER mode. If you always get this 
fault when switching from STBY to OPER, it is an indication that something is 
not right in the power supply. Again, contact Customer Support to get their 
help in tracing this down.

To specifically answer your question, it is ’NO'. The IO board has no part in 
getting the 270V supply going, checked, and reported to the front panel board.

Good luck getting the KPA500 going again. It is a great amplifier! But then I’m 
a bit biased…

73!
Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering

> On Aug 7, 2020, at 9:11 AM, LA7NO  wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> We are constantly getting the "270V ERR" when switching over to OPER.
> We have checked that the micro-switch is working properly and is correctly
> operated by the lid.
> We have also tried the power reset, but still the same.
> 
> We know there is a problem with the I/O card, since we are not able to get a
> PC connected to the serial port - RS232 (PC).
> So, we can not use the KPA500 Utility Program.
> 
> Is it in any way possible that a fault on the I/O-card can cause the "270V
> ERR" message?
> 
> 73,
> 
> Per-Tore
> LA7NO
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -
> 73,
> 
> Per-Tore / LA7NO
> 
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 issue

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

What is the context for this email? What is the issue?

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Aug 3, 2020, at 10:22 AM, wa6...@arrl.net wrote:
> 
> I had something like that happen with my KPA1500.  The way to fix it is to 
> unplug the amp, and plug it in.
> 
> This happened to me when we had a SHORT power outage (both my K3s and KPA1500 
> were on).  The Amps fans went on high and the control head
> power switch didn't turn it off, even the switch on the PS didn't turn it off 
> (I think).
> 
> I opened a ticket, #0479,  with Elecraft support In January.  Same 10v issue. 
>  Sent them logs, blah blah.  No resolution and no further communication.
> 
> I THINK there is some sort of problem with the line that communicates between 
> the K3 and KPA1500.  This issue is initiated by a very brief power outage. I 
> was able to duplicate the problem.
> 
> I sent all the info to Support, on how to duplicate the problem, but they 
> never replied...
> 
> Bottom line, the TEMPORARY fix is to 1. turn off the K3, 2. Unplug the Amp.  
> Plug amp back in, and power up k3 (which should also power up the
> KPA1500).
> I have a UPS on the K3, but not the Amp (for obvious reasons).
> 
> Hopefully, Elecraft will eventually fix this issue.
> 
> 73
> Nigel
> Wa6MSE
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 max heat sink temp?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I can confirm that KPA500 V1.00 firmware, which was the first released, had a 
max temperature of 90 degrees C. This has not been changed in any subsequent 
code.

As for the input power, the amplifier has improved over time. My original 
prototype KPA500 requires power in the range described (about 35 - 40 watts), 
while my new one (just over a year old) needs about 20 or so watts. Both are 
great amps!

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Jul 8, 2020, at 1:00 PM, William Hammond via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hi Eric, My manual (revision B, 2011) that came with my SN 0149 says 90C 
> maximum, page14 in the specifications.  It also says drive power 30-40 watts 
> for 500 out and I have never beed even close to that, usually 22-26 watts 
> drive.  
> 
> FYI,
> Bill-AK5X
> 
>> On Jul 8, 2020, at 6:00 AM, Eric Norris  wrote:
>> 
>> I just read in the current KPA500 Manual that max heat sink temp is 90C.
>> Is this true for my first-year production KPA500?  I seem to remember
>> somethink like 75C.  I cant find my old manual.
>> 
>> 73 Eric WD6DBM
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