[Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure
Was running about 150W on 18 MHz this afternoon. My KPA 500 made a loud pop. No more output. Any pointers of where to start looking? *Details:* KPA500 (use with KAT500 and Icom 7610) Antenna on this band is a SteppIR Amp has been running FB KPA Utility 1.13.7.16 240V supply A single loud pop was heard. Mode remained in OPER No fault light displayed, nor can I find one in the Fault Table *After the failure:* *In STBY:* Radio and antennas work fine. SWR shown to exciter is low, as expected. Exciter power is displayed on KPA500 power meter. HV = 78.2 Works correctly on all bands *In OPER:* HV = 78.2 key up On key down (input of 15W) the asterisk briefly displays, then display changes to 18.1, back to HV display on key up. Zero output, SWR shown to exciter is very high (over 3 to 1) No power shown on output meter. Fails *on all bands* with high SWR to the exciter. No fault indication. *Other data:* Here's the last three entries from the fault table: 00 PWR ON -- 0007 Power was turned on 0039 09 REFL HI 80 00F0 Excessive reflected power (high SWR) 00 PWR ON -- Power was turned on . Apparently only faults get logged, subsequent power cycles have not changed the table. I power cycled the amp, including removing the mains power. - no change. I reloaded the last configuration - no change. I removed the cover and looked for any visible damage or bad odors. Nothing stands out. Amp is about 4 years old and was a kit model. Before I start to disassemble if anyone can offer a likely culprit I'm all ears. Thanks, Jim/KK1W __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] How to interface SteppIR controller to K3S when using USB for PC connection.
I have this working on my K3S. Here's the step by step, a short narrative follows: Parts required: (1) Elecraft RJ-45 to DE-9S adapter (Part# E980297 - included with K3S) (1) SteppIR Transceiver Control cable #S-13 (I believe this is now shown on the SteppIR website as Transceiver Interface Cable - OTHER MODELS) Procedure: As a precaution turn off both the K3S and SteppIR controller before beginning 1. Attach the Elecraft RJ-45 adapter to the RS232 jack on the back of the K3S 2. Attach one end of the SteppIR S-13 cable to the DE-9S end of the Elecraft cable 3. Attach the other end to the S-13 cable to the Data In jack on the back of your SteppIR controller 4. If you're not using logging software set CONFIG:AUTOINF= Auto 1. If you're are using logging software this setting can remain the default CONFIG:AUTOINF = nor 4. Turn on the SteppIR controller 5. Use the mode button to select the Setup Mode, then choose Transceiver Setup 6. In the Transceiver Setup screen set Baud = 38400 and Mode - KENW. 7. Exit the settings, then Save your changes. 8. Use the Mode button to choose General Mode. 9. Cycle the power on the SteppIR controller. 10; That's it, your done! Notes:. Thanks to Wayne/N6KR for posting information that the RS232 port 'broadcasts' (or mirrors) data from the USB connection. and to Mike/K2MK for the correct setting of CONFIG:AUTOINF. Wayne/N6KR has confirmed the broadcast data is sent at 38400. It isn't possible to set the RS232 baud rate when USB is selected. If it doesn't work at first be sure your logging/control software is still talking to the K3S. Don't forget to power cycle the SteppIR controller after making any changes in its configuration. The SteppIR controller must be in General Mode, not Ham Mode. My configuration: K3S USB connection to PC (K3S CONFIG:RS232=USB) Working fine with DXlabs and N1MM+ software Older SteppIR with Original Controller model (not the SDA100 but it shouldn't matter. However menu selections may have different wording). Hope this helps and as always YMMV Jim/KK1W __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] [KX3} Wifi enabled KX3
If anyone is interested in building one of Nick Garner's Piglets inside a KX3 here's a link to a short article I wrote about the modification. http://pignology.net/kx3wifi Essentially is it a striped down version of a through-hole Piglet placed inside a KX3. I never installed the AA battery holders in my rig so there was quite a bit of room. It makes for a 'no wires' approach to logging on SOTA activations. Probably not for everyone but I'm getting enjoyment out of the project. Many thanks to Nick for his ideas and support when I contacted him about the possibility. '73... Jim/KK1W __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
