"Well there is one exception to the idiot-proofing and that occurrs if you use
macros that have the PCxxx command in them for setting power. Under certain
conditions if a PCxxx command is used in a macro it can overide the CONFIG:PWR
SET Per bAnd setting. I have removed all PCxxx commands
Being a proponent of the KISS principle, I prefer to let the K3 software
run unfettered by macros. Being clever with the use of macros gets
overruled by dumb in this case.
73 de Ed
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Home:
Well there is one exception to the idiot-proofing and that occurrs if
you use macros that have the PCxxx command in them for setting power.
Under certain conditions if a PCxxx command is used in a macro it can
overide the CONFIG:PWR SET Per bAnd setting. I have removed all PCxxx
commands
, KE9UW
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net on
behalf of Jack Brindle via Elecraft
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2020 2:58 PM
To: elecraft@mailman qth. net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Extra Protection For KPA500?
One other thing to consider
Having followed this thread, I can heartily endorse Elecraft's method of
idiot-proofing K3 power control when used with the KPA500. I have tuned
each band for maximum output (except 200W on 30 meters per regulations).
When the amp is in standby and I key the K3, I see the output level on
the
All:
Ordered the AUX cable to connect the KPA500 to the K3S. Not having to
worry about the drive power is well worth the cost of the cable.
Thanks to all.
Tony
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On 3/6/2020 11:35 AM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
The key here is the need for the AuxIO cable. The K3 exposes the second set of
per-band power settings when it knows the KPA is attached and is in OPER mode.
That's a neat feature, but since Elecraft frequency sensing and
band-switching
On 3/6/2020 12:00 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
It is more like having a 500 watt transceiver that covers 160M - 6M
and works any mode I desire. Now, that ain't bad!
Just WAIT until you get the KPA1500, then you'll have to ask "CAN that
smile get ANY bigger?" 0.1-1500 watt radio, you
While you're adjusting the output drive for the amp on each band; make
sure it's EACH band, including 60M (100 watt limit in the US) and 30M
(200 watt limit in the US).
Yes, those bands also, because operator error (fatigue, excitement,
rush, brain slip) WILL happen and having those QRP bands
One other thing to consider is that you don’t want to connect all of the pins
straight through from the K3 to the KPA500. There are some conflicts that will
cause problems. The Elecraft cables are set up properly with the appropriate
pins cut that should not connect between the two devices. An
Just order the two cables from Elecraft as it is a special wired and
configured cable. E85046 I doubt seriously if an aftermarket cable
would work.
The manual clearly states "do not use a standard VGA cable!"
The KAT500 manual, page 5, Fig. 1 is the correct configuration for your
Bob:
The AUX cable requirement makes sense. Can you recommend an aftermarket cable?
I’ll need one for the KPA500 and another for the KAT500.
Thanks
Tony
Sent from my iPad
> On Mar 6, 2020, at 2:38 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
>
> Tony et al:
>
> Go to the K3S CONFIG menu and PWR
With this regard, Jack Brindle is absolutely correct. The system as
designed is more than adequate to safely and correctly interface the K3S
to the KPA500 and then to the KAT500. If the operator chooses not to
use the system, as designed and intended, I view they they become a very
underpaid
Tony et al:
Go to the K3S CONFIG menu and PWR SET. Set the value to PER BAND.
Then exit this menu by pressing MENU/CONFIG. There IS NO value to set
at this point. Then with the KPA500 on and in OPER mode, while in RX,
set the PWR value on the K3S to 20 watts or what ever power you wish
The key here is the need for the AuxIO cable. The K3 exposes the second set of
per-band power settings when it knows the KPA is attached and is in OPER mode.
Of course to be able to communicate the AuxIO cable needs to connect the KPA to
the K3, and the K3 needs to be set with RADIO = K3.
Once
Tony,
Look at the CONFIG Menu description in the manual.
Turn CONFIG:PWR SET to Per Band and then with the AMP on, go to each
band and set the proper power to drive the amp on that band.
With the AMP off, you should have full range of the Power control.
Yes, you need the AUX cable so the K3
"I have a KPA500 and the protection circuit works well, but I was wondering
what can be done to add an extra layer of protection?"
One approach is to use a micro-controller to manage the KPA500 and KPA500.
However, most would rather avoid the additional complexity and the, not
insignificant,
Tony, The Config Menu has a Per-Band power setting (PWR SET = PEr
bAnd) that will set the power output depending on the band selected.
If you use the Aux cable between the K3 and KPA500 is is fully
automatic and seamless. 73 George AI4VZ
George:
I must be missing something because when I
You can optionally LOCK the MIC, CMP, and PWR control settings. See
CONFIG: PWR SET
See PWR SET on page 63 of the manual for further details. There is a
special function for the KPA500 where 2 sets of power per band are
saved. One value is for the AMP and one for Barefoot operation.
73
On 3/6/2020 12:13 PM, Mark Musick wrote:
I have no idea what you are talking about with the LOCK function. The lock
function I'm familiar with just locks the VFO A frequency.
Mark:
There's a separate lock function that locks the power setting so you
can't change it without unlocking it.
B9CIF
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On
Behalf Of Tony
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2020 06:06
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Extra Protection For KPA500?
All:
Thanks for the advice regarding protection for the KPA500. I use more than one
rig w
Likewise I use two different radios on the desk. With the non-Elecraft radio I
do have to exercise operator caution.
Bob, K4TAX
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 6, 2020, at 12:19 AM, Tony wrote:
>
> All:
>
> Thanks for the advice regarding protection for the KPA500. I use more than
> one
All:
Thanks for the advice regarding protection for the KPA500. I use more
than one rig with my KPA500 so one has to pay attention to the drive
levels. I suspect the protection circuit could fail if you accidentally
pump 100 watts into the amp now and then.
Regarding the K3S power-per-band
Set the K3 or K3S TUNE power to 10 to 20 watts. I use 18 watts which drives my
amp to 500 watts.
Then set the Power Per Band for the required value to produce 500 watts.
Then and this is a big THEN..turn on the Ext ALC in the transceiver and
CORRECTLY calibrate the ALC value in the
Hi Tony
You do realize that the KPA500 does have over power protection as well?
Mike va3mw
On Thu, Mar 5, 2020 at 6:17 PM Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Rick,
>
> When you move into the new shack location, consider getting the new AUX
> cables from Elecraft. If your original ones have a large (about
Rick,
When you move into the new shack location, consider getting the new AUX
cables from Elecraft. If your original ones have a large (about 1/4
inch diameter) cable, the new ones are smaller and more flexible.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 3/5/2020 5:57 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
Don et al,
On
Don et al,
On occasion the signal that the amp goes into Operate mode is not passed
along (or received, I don't know which), which means that the K3 will
operate at higher than required drive level, for a moment only because
the KPA500 will fault VERY quickly protecting everything.
However,
Curiosity is getting the best of me --
If the built-in protection works well, why do you need more protection?
If the belt works OK, then why add suspenders as well?
If you are operating a K3 or K3S, there is a per band power level that
can be used. It will automatically use the settings for
All:
I'd like to avoid the inevitable situation where one mistakenly
transmits too much power into an amplifier. I have a KPA500 and the
protection circuit works well, but I was wondering what can be done to
add an extra layer of protection?
Tony
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