Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

I'm avoiding it now! My KPA1500 died for the second time since it arrived last September.  I contacted service last Thursday and, per request,  sent them my configuration information. Nothing has been heard since. Now my "old" KPA500 and KPA500 are back in line and working fine! That appears

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Eric - I know a number of KPA1500s have been returned to you with one of the output transistors dead. Is there common source for the problem that the rest of us can try and avoid? regards - Paul At 10:13 AM 2/16/2019, you wrote: Hi Peter, I'm sorry to hear about this failure and deeply ap

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

9 10:22 AM To: Peter Dougherty ; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M. The tuner is apparently ignoring some of the signals on the AUXBUS line. I put a scope on that line. I can see, some of the time, the

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M. The tuner is apparently ignoring some of the signals on the AUXBUS line. I put a scope on that line. I can see, some of the time, the amplifier responding to the signal with a "clunk" as the tuner relays

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

t; > -Original Message- > From: Walter J. Legowski > Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 10:22 AM > To: Peter Dougherty ; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question > > I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M. The tuner is apparent

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

-Original Message- From: Walter J. Legowski Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 10:22 AM To: Peter Dougherty ; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M. The tuner is apparently ignoring some of the signals on the

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

If HiSWR AUTOTUNE is enabled, this would be the expected behavior. However, ATU switching at the start of transmission sometimes happens even with it disabled. Elecraft is working on the ATU firmware in relation to this issue. I noticed it some time ago. Even with the HiSWR AUTOTUNE turned off

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

Things to check Could be bad aux cable. Is it from Elecraft? Do you have anything else connected to aux? Are you sure connectors are fully engaged? On Feb 21, 2019, at 10:21 AM, Walter J. Legowski wrote: I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M. The tuner is apparently ignoring some

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M. The tuner is apparently ignoring some of the signals on the AUXBUS line. I put a scope on that line. I can see, some of the time, the amplifier responding to the signal with a "clunk" as the tuner relays adjust to the new segment. The rest of

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

With updated firmware and an aux cable this should be happening. Jim ab3cv On Feb 20, 2019, at 10:42 PM, Nr4c wrote: Put the ATU in Man mode. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Feb 20, 2019, at 10:36 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: > > Hi all, > Something I noticed this past weekend in t

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

Put the ATU in Man mode. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Feb 20, 2019, at 10:36 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: > > Hi all, > Something I noticed this past weekend in the contest about the KPA1500, > especially on 80 and 160, where the internal tuner was needed on antennas > that were above

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

Hi all, Something I noticed this past weekend in the contest about the KPA1500, especially on 80 and 160, where the internal tuner was needed on antennas that were above ~1.5:1 SWR. When I changed frequencies into a range that required retuning, I had to manually press the ATU control and initiate

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Stiction of non lubricated threads can give a false sense of tight connection. PL259/SO239 in particular can have poor contact through the ground conductors while the thread seems tight. When the threads are lubricated stiction does not occur and hand tightening always ensures that the front r

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Argh. Wish I had known that an option! On Sat, Feb 16, 2019, 12:56 PM John Stengrevics Who uses PL-259s? They suck. I ordered my K3S with Ns and really should > have specified DINs. But, that is a retrofit project for another day. > > John > WA1EAZ > > > On Feb 16, 2019, at 2:47 PM, Jim Brown

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

io?73,Gary K9GS Original message From: John Stengrevics Date: 2/16/19  2:55 PM  (GMT-06:00) To: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Who uses PL-259s?  They suck.  I ordered my K3S with Ns and really should have spec

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

On 2/16/2019 3:07 PM, Drew AF2Z wrote: This allows very tight snugging by hand, no need of wrenching. What's the logic behind that? 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: h

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Right Gary, a 7/8 EIA flange would be a much better radio connector:) Actually I have a few 4.3-10 connecters, they should be an easy swap with SO-239/N jacks but I have yet to use one and I certainly would not do this on my K3S. 73, John KK9A Gary K9GS wrote: That's about the silliest thing I

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

dio?73,Gary K9GS > Original message From: John Stengrevics < > jstengrev...@comcast.net> Date: 2/16/19 2:55 PM (GMT-06:00) To: > j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: > [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Who uses PL-259s? They suck. I o

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

That's about the silliest thing I've ever heard.Really, DIN connectors on a radio?73,Gary K9GS Original message From: John Stengrevics Date: 2/16/19 2:55 PM (GMT-06:00) To: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 f

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UHF_connector On Sat, 16 Feb 2019 14:19:48 -0700 Wes writes: > Thousands of people; without issue. > > Wes N7WS > > On 2/16/2019 1:55 PM, John Stengrevics wrote: > > Who uses PL-259s? > > __ > Elecraft

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

...@mailman.qth.net on behalf of Drew AF2Z Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 5:07 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! FWIW, I use NO-OX-ID contact grease on my PL259 connectors. This allows very tight snugging by hand, no need of wrenching. During lightning

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Amphenol 83-1SP connectors are great however I have a number of Andrew 44ASP, L44P and L45P connectors in my system and I also consider to be very high quality UHF connectors. John KK9A Jim Brown jim at audiosystemsgroup.com If you live in North America, the ONLY good PL-259 connector is one

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

swept by a TDR. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 12:39 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; wrayplace Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Guys the problem here is not who use PL259 or what coaxial is using. I think Peter and most of us, and mostly if you do contests, is not that, we are using good coax and connectors over the years and no problem with other radios or amplifiers, thats what Peter said. If you are in a contest, you p

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

- pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of j...@kk9a.com Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 12:35 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Sorry to hear this happen Peter, especially during a contes. LDMOS devices are suppose to be

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Thousands of people; without issue. Wes  N7WS On 2/16/2019 1:55 PM, John Stengrevics wrote: Who uses PL-259s? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Who uses PL-259s? They suck. I ordered my K3S with Ns and really should have specified DINs. But, that is a retrofit project for another day. John WA1EAZ > On Feb 16, 2019, at 2:47 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > > On 2/16/2019 9:39 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: >> Do not trust PL-259 connectors insta

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

On 2/16/2019 9:39 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed only "finger tight". Today many of those PL-259 connectors "look good" but are really poor quality connectors. If you live in North America, the ONLY good PL-259 connector is one that labeled Amphenol 83-1S

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 12:39 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; wrayplace Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! Do not trust PL-259 connectors installed only "finger tight". Today many of those PL-259 connectors "look good" but are really poor quality connectors.

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Hi Peter, I'm sorry to hear about this failure and deeply apologize for the problem. I'll follow up with another email to you to diagnose what actually happened. In any case we'll deal with it quickly and get your amp repaired asap. Eric elecraft.com _..._ > On Feb 16, 2019, at 6:28 AM,

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

is. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Paul Baldock Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:28 AM To: rocke...@gmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half powe

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

Sorry to hear this happen Peter, especially during a contes. LDMOS devices are suppose to be pretty tough and the KPA1500 is not pushing their limits. There are videos of a different LDMOS showing it to be indestructible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ziYqjMQGEQ Is the KPA1500 cooling and heat

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

be up for sale. Going back to a tube amp after this. - pjd -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Paul Baldock Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:28 AM To: rocke...@gmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! It sounds

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

er). Looks like one RF device let >> >loose and it is dragging down the bias voltage. That is my guess. >> > >> >Dave wo2x >> > >> > >> >-Original Message- >> >From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net >> > On Behalf Of W

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:28 AM > To: rocke...@gmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! > > It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half power out is > usually the indicator. A number here have reported this h

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

: Saturday, February 16, 2019 10:28 AM To: rocke...@gmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! It sounds like one of the output devices have failed. Half power out is usually the indicator. A number here have reported this happening. It would be nice to know why this

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

each other). Looks like one RF device let loose and it is dragging down the bias voltage. That is my guess. Dave wo2x -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Wes Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 9:49 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed! I think a two-tone test is the best evaluation tool.. The generator is built into the K3 if you have another receiver that you can use to listen to the amp output. I use an SDR-IQ which is a very nice tool for this but any other SDR would do. Sorry for your pain. Wes

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

I think a two-tone test is the best evaluation tool..  The generator is built into the K3 if you have another receiver that you can use to listen to the amp output.  I use an SDR-IQ which is a very nice tool for this but any other SDR would do. Sorry for your pain. Wes  N7WS On 2/16/2019 7:2

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 failed!

I was operating in the ARRL-CW contest this morning and on 20m, with a 1.2:1 SWR on the Yagi, all of a sudden I saw my power drop to about 450-500W with about 40W in. Worked a few stations but not as easily as when I turned everything on this morning. Switched over to phone and made a few contacts.

[Elecraft] KPA 1500 160 Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who responded.  I've got it now. -- 73, Pete N4ZR Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at , now spotting RTTY activity worldwide. For spots, please use your favorite "retail" DX cluster. __

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 w/ Kenwood TS-890S

(This post may not format well due to limitations of this Reflector [no HTML support].) The menu settings for connecting a TS-590SG, TS-890S, or TS-990S to a KPA1500 (or KPA500) are all very similar. An S-BOX + stock cables can provide the required silent keying interface (

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 w/ Kenwood TS-890S

Has anyone used a KPA-1500 with a Kenwood TS-890S or TS-990S? If so do you have any advise on settings for both the KPA-1500 and the Kenwood TS-890/990 Ron Genovesi n3...@coastside.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: ht

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 ATU BYP light always on

I initially sent this to just Pete, but found other posts: The intent is that the ATU IN LED be illuminated when the ATU is switched in with the ATU MODE button, and the ATU BYP LED is illuminated when the ATU MODE is BYPASS and also when the current ATU setting, with ATU IN, is “bypassed”. Each

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 ATU BYP light always on

"If someone else has a better way of explaining it, I would like to see it." Don't have a KPA1500 but I do have a KAT500. For that tuner there is a clear distinction between being in BYPASS mode, and not being in BYPASS mode but having the ATU relays in the bypassed position. The bypass rela

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 ATU BYP light always on

First, make sure you have the latest firmware, 2.0, loaded in the KPA1500. Secondly--no offense intended--what is the bypass SWR of the antenna? If it is lower than the tuning threshold set in the KPA1500 utility, the KPA1500 ATU will stay in BYPASS mode even after a tuning cycle when the ATU is

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 ATU BYP light always on

: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 ATU BYP light always on About: "Just got my KPA-1500, and it seems to work great except that the ATU BYP light is always illuminated. The ATU operates normally when I light the IN light with the ATU Mode switch and apply drive. I can't find anything in the manual

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 ATU BYP light always on

About: "Just got my KPA-1500, and it seems to work great except that the ATU BYP light is always illuminated. The ATU operates normally when I light the IN light with the ATU Mode switch and apply drive. I can't find anything in the manual about this." Can anyone clarify? 73, Pete N4ZR M

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 ATU BYP light always on

Just got my KPA-1500, and it seems to work great except that the ATU BYP light is always illuminated.  The ATU operates normally when I light the IN light with the ATU Mode switch and apply drive.  I can't find anything in the manual about this. Can anyone clarify? -- 73, Pete N4ZR Check out

Re: [Elecraft] KPA fans in digital modes

utting the fans off completely when the amp returns to ambient temperatures. http://hamprojects.info/fanticipator-kpa1500-console-and-fan-controller/ -larry (K8UT) -- Original Message -- From: "eric norris via Elecraft" To: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" Sent: 2018-12-04

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 kudos

As such things seem to go in my life, I received my new KPA-1500 the day before the NAQP, which has a 100-watt limit.  Imagine my delight to discover that the ATU can operate with the amp on standby. Using this feature, I was able to feed my 40m 1/2 wave sloper on 80 meters, in place of my Caro

[Elecraft] KPA 500

Hello Elecrafters,, Have any of you an KPA 500 for sale ? If KIT (never build) also of interest. 73' Viggo LA9NEA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Po

Re: [Elecraft] KPA fans in digital modes

eturns to ambient temperatures. http://hamprojects.info/fanticipator-kpa1500-console-and-fan-controller/ -larry (K8UT) -- Original Message -- From: "eric norris via Elecraft" To: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" Sent: 2018-12-04 05:39:56 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA fans in d

[Elecraft] KPA fans in digital modes

I, too, use FAN2 for both the KPA500 and KPA1500 in digital modes.  Both amps run considerably cooler and with less thermal variation. It would be great if the PF1 or PF2 keys on the KPA1500 could be used to toggle into a preset FAN2 (or choose your poison) when pounding away on digital modes li

Re: [Elecraft] KPA runaway issue

Joe, Did you come to a solution to this problem? I have the same issue with my K3 #2 (not S) and accomplished all the possible fixes you did. 73, Bill, K8TE -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

That is exactly why it's important that the ATU of a solid state amplifier maintain a low SWR. Scott K9MA On 11/29/2018 21:59, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote: There IS a reason to be fanatical about a 1:1 SWR, although it doesn't apply to an amp like the KPA1500. If you are running a tube ampl

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

There IS a reason to be fanatical about a 1:1 SWR, although it doesn't apply to an amp like the KPA1500. If you are running a tube amplifier that requires tuning, and the tuner always provides the identical load, you can tune the amplifier once, record the dial settings, and quickly reset the

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Now that you mention it, that sounds right. I SHOULD have the key line set up properly; I did at one time. Guess it's time to accept the pain of pushing the radio desk out from the wall and seeing what's really there. I might have accidentally screwed things up the last time I did some station

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

"However, since the amp is being keyed while the tuner is changing presets, the amp immediately faults and goes off line. This is very annoying, and probably not so good for either the amp or the tuner." That should not happen. The KAT500 should open the amp keying line before changing the L

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Need to have recent firmware in both the KAT500 and KPA500 also. The KPA500 for this was updated shortly after the KAT500 was created. In any case, the latest firmware for both devices is strongly recommended. 73! Jack, W6FB > On Nov 29, 2018, at 6:48 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Randy, > > Th

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Randy, That indicates that you do not have your KAT500 and amplifier properly connected. The KEYOUT line from the transceiver should go first to the KAT500, and then from the KAT500 to the amplifier. When the KAT500 needs to tune, the amplifier will not be keyed and tuning will take place at

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Lots of important stuff here, most of which I agree with. See comments interspersed. On 11/29/2018 5:22 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: I think in general we fret too much over values of SWR which are 1.5:1 or less at the station end i.e. between the tuner and the amp or transceiver. I paid a lot

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

It's true that the effect a given SWR has on an amplifier output depends on the actual impedance presented.  That 2:1 SWR can be anywhere from 25 to 100 Ohms, plus various reactive impedances in between. On simple-minded way to look at it is to imagine an amplifier as a low-impedance source. (A

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

In checking my K3S into an antenna that presents a 2:1 SWR as indicated on my external Power/SWR meter, my KPA500 in STBY, and my KAT500 in bypass mode, it does deliver 100 watts.   Although, I prefer not to operate in that configuration if not necessary. I think in general we fret too much ov

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

I've had difficulties with my KAT500 / KPA500 combo (only) on 160 meters, apparently due to the tuner relying on RF sensing. I've carefully "trained" my KAT500 all across the 160 meter band. Since the manual states that the tuning bins are 10 kHz wide below 3 MHz, I do a tune at 1805, 1815 ...

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

> > I wish Elecraft would give serial data frequency priority over RF detected > frequency until a difference threshold is exceed. +1 73 de AI6KG On Thu, Nov 29, 2018 at 2:43 PM ANDY DURBIN wrote: > > "In addition the tuner may not always be in the segment you think it is. > This is due to t

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

On 11/29/2018 16:57, Don Wilhelm wrote: Since the typical driving transceiver can tolerate an SWR of at least 2:1 without power foldback or damage, setting that 1.3:1 limit is reasonable - That certainly is not the case with the KPA1500. An SWR of 1.4:1 can cause it to fault well below 1500 W

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

"There is also a limit to how far the firmware will go to reducing SWR. In the interest of minimizing tuning time (and relay wear and tear). If the match is less than 1.3:1 or so, tuning will be declared adequate and will be stopped. Since the typical driving transceiver can tolerate an SWR

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Andy and all, The KAT500 and KAT1500 tuner band segments are divided into frequency band segments - 25kHz wide on the lower bands and 50kHz wide on the upper bands if I recall correctly, so an 8kHz shift will not be significant unless the frequency shift moves the tuning into the adjacent seg

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

"In addition the tuner may not always be in the segment you think it is. This is due to the 8KHz resolution of the internal counter, that wins over you sending it a more accurate frequency, and also the hysteresis algorithm that can require a 2 segment frequency change before the tuner changes

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

In the link I provided earlier (including some references) I point out some of the pitfalls and error sources so that is a possibility.  But I still contend that, with a lossless line anyway, the impedance of a load, resistive or otherwise, is the same at either end of a 1/2 wavelength line, or

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

I think the point Mike is trying to make is that many SWR meters don't actually measure SWR all that accurately as impedance changes. While the length of transmission line doesn't affect SWR (other than the effect of loss), the impedance at a given SWR does change with line length, and that may

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

I fail to see what that will prove. The only length that will do anything exciting is the 1/4 wavelength line and even that doesn't affect the SWR.  The other two will just repeat (less loss) on the input side, what terminates the load side. Wes  N7WS On 11/27/2018 3:51 PM, Michael Walker wro

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

> On Nov 27, 2018, at 12:02 PM, Bill Johnson wrote: > > If one thinks about it, no auto tuner can be expected to get an exact match > unless it is adjusted manually (that would be a PITA). When I think about it, it seems pretty obvious that an autotuner could get at least as good a match as a

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Interesting! I just ran some tests on my station into Bird load; tuner bypassed: At 50.1 mHz: LP-700 1.06 K3 1.5 KPA1500 1.0 At 9.56 mHz (geometric mean freq) LP-700 1.05 K3 1.1 KPA1500 1.0 At 1.825 mHz: LP-700 1.05 K3 1.1 KPA1500 1.0 My KPA1500 looks good but K3 is off on 6m. 73, Roger

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

The ATU in the K3, which should work exactly like the one in the KPA1500, seems to consistently find a very good match, at least on the lower bands where the L/C resolution is very good. Why the KPA1500 often fails to find such a good match is a mystery to me. The only difference should be the

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Mike, I don't know if that really explains SWR, but with the different loads, I "get" what you are alluding to. One comment is that those feedline lengths should be electrical lengths - they will be shorter than the physical length by the amount contributed by the feedline velocity factor. A

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

If you truly want to understand SWR, I recommend you pick a frequency and make up a 1/4, 1/2 and 1 wavelength sections of 50ohm coax. Then measure the SWR at those points into various different resistive loads, like 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 ohms. I think you will find the results very int

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

A few months ago I wrote about the potential errors in measuring SWR with amateur grade equipment. See my comments in this thread: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SWR-Numerical-Indication-td7643839.html I imagine "the best they can do" is accurate. Wes  N7WS ps. I also said that if I

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

If one thinks about it, no auto tuner can be expected to get an exact match unless it is adjusted manually (that would be a PITA). And if done manually, that doesn't mean that the match is perfect. It just appears that way. Consider what goes on with feedline, connections and the antenna itse

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

There is definitely room for improvements in the tuning algorithm. Because of this I have tuned all my segments manually. I find if the SWR is not adjusted to be close to 1:1 in all segments of a band then the drive requirements vary across that band, which would be very annoying. In additio

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

I've experienced some of these same issues with my KPA-1500.  In addition, sometimes the amp will switch to stand-by for no apparent reason, on 6 meters the AT won't tune a 1.7 to 1 SWR under 1.5 to 1, and one of the exhaust fans got a good deal noisier after about 25 hours of operation.  My amp

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failure

Hi Robert, Please contact supp...@elecraft.com immediately so we can help you. Using the KPA1500 utility to download and sending us your KPA1500 config file is always required in cases like this and it will also help us quickly diagnose what's up. (That file contains the full amp setup and fau

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failure

Hi Paul, Can you send me the contact info for your friend so we can help him?  (Or have him contact supp...@elecraft.com immediately.) Using the KPA1500 utility to download and sending us your KPA1500 config file is always required in cases like this and it will also help us quickly diagnose

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failure

I have the same problem. I thought it was in the software I am using (HRD, FT8, JTAlerX). Perhaps not. I have to but in 100 watts from the K3S to get about 900 watts out. > On October 16, 2018 at 10:35 PM Paul Baldock mailto:p...@paulbaldock.com > wrote: > > > A friend of mine's KPA-1500 h

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 failure

A friend of mine's KPA-1500 has just failed. It behaves like half the PA has died, with max output power about 900W, and requiring excessive drive to get that. He has calls in to service but no response yet. Has anybody experienced such a failure? Thanks - Paul KW7Y

[Elecraft] KPA 1500 CE approval?

Dear Elecraft OMs and YLs, Is there any progress in obtaining CE permission for the KPA1500.I hope to purchase one but understand you can not even ship to European private orders without this approval.I called five weeks ago and approval seemed imminent then but no word since.

[Elecraft] KPA -1500 fixed!

I had to revert to WinXP in order to change the port assignment for the FTDI adapter. After I finally established comms, the firmware loaded and all seems fine now. Just wondering why I had the "low gain ratio" error with v1.78? 73 all, Roger _

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 and Remotehams.com

Hi all, I'd like to be able to use my KPA-1500 with Remotehams, but I'm not sure how to set this up. First off, the baud rate is limited in the RCFOrb server app to 115200, and secondly, I'm guessing I have to open a port somewhere?? If the only way to do this is drop the baud rate on the KPA, wha

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position

Peter, If you mount the KPA1500 power supply vertically, put it on the front panel and there will be no interference with the air flow. Note that the LEDs stick out a bit from the front panel, so put the large part of the front panel on something that will be as thick or thicker than the amoun

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 questions and low pass filters

I had similar questions. Use a cable with RCA jacks to connect the K3/K3S rear panel 12V DC OUT RCA connector to the KPA1500 REM RCA connector to wake it up. You'll still need something to change OPERATE/STANDBY on the KPA1500, but I just use the KPA1500 utility over Ethernet. The power output o

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 questions and low pass filters

you switch to operate, the K3s will drop to the drive power that had been selected the last time you used the amplifier on that band. Don, N5LZ Sent from Mail for Windows 10 From: Peter W2IRT Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2018 11:29 AM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 questions and low pass filters

Hi all, Just got my 1500 connected last night and so far so good. I do have two questions, however. First, is it possible to toggle standby and operate from the K3s, instead of using either the remote software or physically pressing the button on the amp? And second, I was under the impression that

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position

ine that way.  When sitting on its side > the On-Off switch is conveniently near the top-rear edge.  Works FB. > > Ted, KN1CBR > > >      -- >      >      Message: 21 >      Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:09:09 -0400 >      From: "Pet

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position

ear edge.  Works FB. > > Ted, KN1CBR > > >      -- >      >      Message: 21 >      Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:09:09 -0400 >      From: "Peter Dougherty" >      To: >      Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting positio

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position

From: "Peter Dougherty" > To: > Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position > Message-ID: <004401d4383b$8c21ac70$a4650550$@net> > > Hi All, > My KPA-1500 arrived over the weekend and I've not gotten a c

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position

0 From: "Peter Dougherty" To: Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position Message-ID: <004401d4383b$8c21ac70$a4650550$@net> Hi All, My KPA-1500 arrived over the weekend and I've not gotten a chance yet to set it up. In lookin

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position

gherty" To: Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position Message-ID: <004401d4383b$8c21ac70$a4650550$@net> Hi All, My KPA-1500 arrived over the weekend and I've not gotten a chance yet to set it up. In looking at both the amp and the power suppl

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position

Yup, you can run the power supply vertically just fine. BillK3WJV On Monday, August 20, 2018, 12:12:16 AM EDT, Peter Dougherty wrote: Hi All, My KPA-1500 arrived over the weekend and I've not gotten a chance yet to set it up. In looking at both the amp and the power supply I noticed bo

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 PSU mounting position

Hi All, My KPA-1500 arrived over the weekend and I've not gotten a chance yet to set it up. In looking at both the amp and the power supply I noticed both have carrying handles and rubber feet. Are these rubber feet just there for transporting the untis, or can the power supply actually be run vert

<    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   >