Extra Protection For KPA500?
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Re: Extra Protection For KPA500?
 
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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 preset in the amp could save you grief. Hope for the best, plan for the worst; this is planning for the worst, stuff happens. 73, Rick NK7I On 3/6/2020 11:37 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > 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 to drive the amp with for that band. That is saved for that mode > and band. Then on to the next band. > > When the KPA500 is in STBY mode the power value is what is set on the > K3S for barefoot operation. When the KPA500 is switched to OPER then > the power value is what you have set for that mode and band. This > does require the KPA500 to communicate with the AUX cable. See page > 12 Fig 3 of the KPA500 manual for the configuration. > > If you have the K3S, the KPA500 and the KAT500, then see page 5of the > KAT500 manual, Fig 1 for the correct cables and configuration. > > As they say, it is all in the manuals. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > > On 3/6/2020 1:07 PM, Tony wrote: >> >>> 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 select PER BAND in the >> config menu, there's no power setting to set. >> >> It doesn't display the power like TUN PWR does where the tune power >> is shown within that menu item so you can adjust it. >> >> I have to order the AUX cable, but in the meantime I'd like to use >> this setting with the K3S so any suggestions would be appreciated. >> >> Tony >> >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:[hidden email] >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to [hidden email] > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: Extra Protection For KPA500?
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In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX
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 decide just how much to use, it just keeps playing. Rick NK7I ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: Extra Protection For KPA500?
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In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
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 in their tuners and amps is so fast, I've never used an aux cable for my KAT500, KPA500 or KPA1500. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX
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 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Tony-3
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 amp's display. When switching to operate, I get the prescribed amplifier output. A momentary touch of the K3 PWR knob shows the drive level (17 - 25 watts, band-dependent). Technology has finally found a way to minimize blown amps during the wee hours of a contest! 73 de Ed ____________________________________________________________ Urologist Tells Men To "Fix" Their ED With This New Trick! Med Journal http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5e655eae6fb2f5eae5e62st02vuc ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
Not getting any answers from Elecraft.com...still thinking about getting new cables that aren't as thick as a garden hose!
KPAK3AUXSE Enhanced Mode. Aux Cable Set + second E850463 Aux Cable Enhanced Mode. Aux Cable set for KPA500 AND second E850463 aux cable for KAT500. AUX Cable Set incl: 15-Pin to 15-Pin DE-15 + Key Line Interrupter adapter So does the Aux Cable Set include two E850463 cables for $50 or only one E850463 and the key line interrupter? And to get two E850463 cables, you have to order two E850463 cables at $30 each? Chuck Hawley [hidden email] Amateur Radio, KE9UW aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles ________________________________ From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> on behalf of Jack Brindle via Elecraft <[hidden email]> Sent: Friday, March 6, 2020 2:58 PM To: elecraft@mailman qth. net <[hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Extra Protection For KPA500? 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 alternative is to use a straight-through HD15-HD15 cable with the appropriate pins cut. Cutting them yourself is a pain, so we really don’t recommend that route. 73! Jack, W6FB > On Mar 6, 2020, at 12:19 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]> wrote: > > 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 application. It requires 2 of the E85046 cables. This is not the time to be conservative or cut cost corners. You have ~$8500 in radios depending on this. > > 73 > > Bob, K4TAX > > > On 3/6/2020 2:06 PM, Tony wrote: >> 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 <[hidden email]> wrote: >>> >>> 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 to drive the amp with for that band. That is saved for that mode and band. Then on to the next band. >>> >>> When the KPA500 is in STBY mode the power value is what is set on the K3S for barefoot operation. When the KPA500 is switched to OPER then the power value is what you have set for that mode and band. This does require the KPA500 to communicate with the AUX cable. See page 12 Fig 3 of the KPA500 manual for the configuration. >>> >>> If you have the K3S, the KPA500 and the KAT500, then see page 5of the KAT500 manual, Fig 1 for the correct cables and configuration. >>> >>> As they say, it is all in the manuals. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> Bob, K4TAX >>> >>> >>>> On 3/6/2020 1:07 PM, Tony wrote: >>>> >>>>> 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 select PER BAND in the config menu, there's no power setting to set. >>>> >>>> It doesn't display the power like TUN PWR does where the tune power is shown within that menu item so you can adjust it. >>>> >>>> I have to order the AUX cable, but in the meantime I'd like to use this setting with the K3S so any suggestions would be appreciated. >>>> >>>> Tony >>>> >>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> Elecraft mailing list >>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email] >>>> >>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>>> Message delivered to [hidden email] >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:[hidden email] >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> Message delivered to [hidden email] >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email]
Chuck, KE9UW
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In reply to this post by k2te
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 from my macros until I understand this completely and have tested each macro. I got the following from Elecraft Support and have been testing each macro to determine if the PCxxx command creates a problem. Nothing replaces the Mark1 eyeball to verify, de Dave K5MWR Power Set/Per Band is activated at the time of a band change. If your macro runs after the band change, the macro dominates--and vice versa. (The last one rules, in other words). Similarly, if the amplifier changes from STBY to OPER after the macro runs, the power will change to the stored OPER power level. Note that it is likely that if your macro sets a power level, that level will become the new default power for either the K3's STBY or OPER transmit level, depending upon which mode the K3/amplifier is at the time the macro runs. To use even more words (hi), if the amp is in OPER on 20m and you run a macro setting TX power to 75W, that will be the stored power level--whether you transmit or not. The next time the K3 is on 20m and the amplifier is switched to OPER mode, the K3 will return to that last-used AMP = OPER mode power level of 75 W. (And the amp will throw an overdrive fault when you transmit). On 3/8/2020 16:06, [hidden email] wrote: > 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 amp's display. When switching to operate, I get the prescribed > amplifier output. A momentary touch of the K3 PWR knob shows the drive > level (17 - 25 watts, band-dependent). Technology has finally found a > way to minimize blown amps during the wee hours of a contest! > > 73 de Ed > > ____________________________________________________________ > Urologist Tells Men To "Fix" Their ED With This New Trick! > Med Journal > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5e655eae6fb2f5eae5e62st02vuc > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] > Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Tony-3
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 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN
"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 from my macros until I understand this completely and have tested each macro."
That vulnerability probably also exists for a power command sent by an external application. An external controller can never be as fast as the AUX Bus link but it can react fairly quickly. In this example I forced my TS-590S to well above the coded band max power limit using DXLab Commander. My controller disabled the KAT500 key line, forced my TS-590 back to band power limit and, when band limit power was confirmed, my controller re-enabled the key line. (time with 1 ms resolution is elapsed time since controller reset) 54:03:44.949 New PC - PC075; << controller sees increased power setting of 75 W 54:03:44.951 Power protection activated 54:03:44.953 band power limit exceeded 54:03:44.954 Sending AMPI1; to KAT500 << KAT500 is commanded to inhibit the key line 54:03:45.022 Sending PC030;AN999; to Kenwood << TS-590 is commanded back to band power limit 54:03:45.036 New AMPI - AMPI1; << KAT500 confirms key line is inhibited 54:03:45.266 New PC - PC030; << TS-590 reports band limit power is set 54:03:45.268 Power protection cleared 54:03:45.269 Sending AMPI0; to KAT500 << KAT500 is commanded to re-enable the key line 54:03:45.512 New AMPI - AMPI0; << KAT500 confirms key line is enabled Would it have prevented a KPA500 fault if I had been transmitting, I don't know. I try to avoid tests that are potentially damaging to my equipment. I do know that my controller caught the error and fixed it far faster than I could have done. 73, Andy, k3wyc ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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