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KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

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dj7mgq

KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

Hi Wayne & the list,

not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.

The firmware would automagically switch the KPA-500 in at power levels
>100 W, i.e. a little like the crossover at the 10 W level.

KPA-500 kit on order.

vy 73 de toby
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Gary Gregory

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

*Well if you start dialing up from 5W on the K3 with the KPA-500 in
'Operate' you get a smooth increase of power out from below 100w to
500w...:-)*
*
*
*My 2 cents...*
*
*
*Gary
*
On 8 April 2011 06:55, Toby Deinhardt <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Wayne & the list,
>
> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>
> The firmware would automagically switch the KPA-500 in at power levels
> >100 W, i.e. a little like the crossover at the 10 W level.
>
> KPA-500 kit on order.
>
> vy 73 de toby
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

--

*VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!*
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Iain MacDonnell - N6ML-2

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by dj7mgq

This occurred to me when I was looking at the prototype at Pacificon
last year. It'd be somewhat non-trivial to implement, though ...
there'd either have to be some negotiation between the K3 and the
KPA500 to get the right drive level for the user-requested output, or
a lot of calibration. Perhaps the current (actual) output could be
reported from the KPA500 to the K3 via AUXBUS, and the K3 could dial
its drive level up or down to achieve the requested final output......

~iain / N6ML

On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 8:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt <[hidden email]> wrote:

David Gilbert

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by dj7mgq

Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
you find that to be useful?

73,
Dave AB7E

On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:

> Hi Wayne& the list,
>
> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>
> The firmware would automagically switch the KPA-500 in at power levels
> >100 W, i.e. a little like the crossover at the 10 W level.
>
> KPA-500 kit on order.
>
> vy 73 de toby
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Iain MacDonnell - N6ML-2

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

So you're one of those "all knobs to the right" types, eh? ;)

~iain / N6ML

On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 9:58 PM, David Gilbert <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
> you find that to be useful?
>
> 73,
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>
>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>
>> The firmware would automagically switch the KPA-500 in at power levels
>> >100 W, i.e. a little like the crossover at the 10 W level.
>>
>> KPA-500 kit on order.
>>
>> vy 73 de toby
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
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ab2tc

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by David Gilbert

Hi,

Why the negative reaction to this suggestion? I think it would be really useful if I could operate the K3/KPA500 combo as if it was a single transmitter with power settings from (whatever the lower K3 power is) to the full 500W and turn the KPA-500 on and off accordingly. The real context is what do I have to do to quickly switch from 100W to 500W when I realize I am not going to break through the pileup. Without this feature I would have to

1) switch the KPA-500 from standby to active
2) dial back the K3 power to whatever is appropriate for this band

I am sure this can be done with a macro, but having this built in would be more than "nifty".

Knut

David Gilbert wrote

Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
you find that to be useful?

73,
Dave AB7E

On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
> Hi Wayne& the list,
>
> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
<snip>

Iain MacDonnell - N6ML-2

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

Actually, if I'm interpreting the messages properly, you will be able
to switch between 500w and 100w just by placing the KPA500 in active
or standby mode ... provided you have the AUXBUX connection in place.
The K3 will "notice" whether the KPA500 is active or not, and choose a
different output level (preset by you) for each situation.

The continuous adjustment would be useful if you wanted to dial in a
power level less than 500w, without having to search for it while
watching a meter....

~iain / N6ML

On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 10:18 PM, ab2tc <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Why the negative reaction to this suggestion? I think it would be really
> useful if I could operate the K3/KPA500 combo as if it was a single
> transmitter with power settings from (whatever the lower K3 power is) to the
> full 500W and turn the KPA-500 on and off accordingly. The real context is
> what do I have to do to quickly switch from 100W to 500W when I realize I am
> not going to break through the pileup. Without this feature I would have to
>
> 1) switch the KPA-500 from standby to active
> 2) dial back the K3 power to whatever is appropriate for this band
>
> I am sure this can be done with a macro, but having this built in would be
> more than "nifty".
>
> Knut
>
>
> David Gilbert wrote:
>>
>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
>> you find that to be useful?
>>
>> 73,
>> Dave AB7E
>>
>>
>>
>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>
>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-500-K3-firmware-suggestion-tp6251532p6251772.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Gary Gregory

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

*Just a couple of minutes with the KPA=500 will show you what drive produces
required output of the amplifier.*
*
*
*I have power on the K3 set to Per Band and normally run 30W drive to get
500W out. Antenna efficiency plays a role here too.*
*
*
*Once I had that measured the rest was simple.*
*
*
*If I require lower output I simply turn the drive down on the K3.*
*
*
*I don't see where a continuous adjustment of the K3/KPA-500 reading power
out on the K3 would be of any advantage to me as I don't see why output
power from the amplifier is that critical in normal operating practice.*
*
*
*This works fine for me, YMMV of course.*
*
*
*73's*
*Gary
*
On 8 April 2011 08:27, iain macdonnell - N6ML <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Actually, if I'm interpreting the messages properly, you will be able
> to switch between 500w and 100w just by placing the KPA500 in active
> or standby mode ... provided you have the AUXBUX connection in place.
> The K3 will "notice" whether the KPA500 is active or not, and choose a
> different output level (preset by you) for each situation.
>
> The continuous adjustment would be useful if you wanted to dial in a
> power level less than 500w, without having to search for it while
> watching a meter....
>
> ~iain / N6ML
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 10:18 PM, ab2tc <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > Why the negative reaction to this suggestion? I think it would be really
> > useful if I could operate the K3/KPA500 combo as if it was a single
> > transmitter with power settings from (whatever the lower K3 power is) to
> the
> > full 500W and turn the KPA-500 on and off accordingly. The real context
> is
> > what do I have to do to quickly switch from 100W to 500W when I realize I
> am
> > not going to break through the pileup. Without this feature I would have
> to
> >
> > 1) switch the KPA-500 from standby to active
> > 2) dial back the K3 power to whatever is appropriate for this band
> >
> > I am sure this can be done with a macro, but having this built in would
> be
> > more than "nifty".
> >
> > Knut
> >
> >
> > David Gilbert wrote:
> >>
> >> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
> >> you find that to be useful?
> >>
> >> 73,
> >> Dave AB7E
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
> >>> Hi Wayne& the list,
> >>>
> >>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really
> nifty
> >>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
> >>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > --
> > View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-500-K3-firmware-suggestion-tp6251532p6251772.html
> > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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>

Dave Perry N4QS

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by dj7mgq

I like Toby's suggestion. I want the K3 and KPA500 to be as tightly integrated as possible.

Dave, N4QS

------Original Message------
From: David Gilbert
Sender: [hidden email]
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion
Sent: Apr 7, 2011 5:58 PM

Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
you find that to be useful?

73,
Dave AB7E

On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:

> Hi Wayne& the list,
>
> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>
> The firmware would automagically switch the KPA-500 in at power levels
> >100 W, i.e. a little like the crossover at the 10 W level.
>
> KPA-500 kit on order.
>
> vy 73 de toby
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

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Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
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David Gilbert

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by Iain MacDonnell - N6ML-2

No, not at all. I'm simply honestly curious why it would be
advantageous to be able to CONTINUOUSLY adjust power from the milliwatt
to 500 watt level. I just couldn't think of any scenario where that
would be utilitarian. Still can't.

Dave AB7E

On 4/7/2011 3:14 PM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote:

> So you're one of those "all knobs to the right" types, eh? ;)
>
> ~iain / N6ML
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 9:58 PM, David Gilbert<[hidden email]> wrote:
>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
>> you find that to be useful?
>>
>> 73,
>> Dave AB7E
>>
>>
>>
>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>
>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>>
>>> The firmware would automagically switch the KPA-500 in at power levels
>>> >100 W, i.e. a little like the crossover at the 10 W level.
>>>
>>> KPA-500 kit on order.
>>>
>>> vy 73 de toby
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>

w0mu

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

I guess I don't understand this either.

If you want the amp you are requiring more than 100 watts. I would
assume that you can control the output of the amp by turning up or down
the drive from over 100w to the max of 500w. What am I missing? The
amp is going to require a minimum amount of drive to function.

On 4/7/11 5:11 PM, David Gilbert wrote:

> No, not at all. I'm simply honestly curious why it would be
> advantageous to be able to CONTINUOUSLY adjust power from the milliwatt
> to 500 watt level. I just couldn't think of any scenario where that
> would be utilitarian. Still can't.
>
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
>
> On 4/7/2011 3:14 PM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote:
>> So you're one of those "all knobs to the right" types, eh? ;)
>>
>> ~iain / N6ML
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 9:58 PM, David Gilbert<[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
>>> you find that to be useful?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Dave AB7E
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>>
>>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really nifty
>>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>>>
>>>> The firmware would automagically switch the KPA-500 in at power levels
>>>> >100 W, i.e. a little like the crossover at the 10 W level.
>>>>
>>>> KPA-500 kit on order.
>>>>
>>>> vy 73 de toby
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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Bob Naumann W5OV

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

My thoughts (once again) were identical to Dave's.

I'm thinking that I must be absolutely clueless about ham radio since most
of the stuff that is asked for I have no clue what the value is or how one
would ever need to do many of these things.

I've also be stunned by the amount of re-engineering that has been done on
the amplifier in one day, keeping in mind that not one customer (aside from
the beta guys) has received one yet.

I guess this is what happens when you get close to being an OOTC member.

I just can't keep up any more.

73,

Bob W5OV

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mike Fatchett
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2011 6:46 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

I guess I don't understand this either.

If you want the amp you are requiring more than 100 watts. I would
assume that you can control the output of the amp by turning up or down
the drive from over 100w to the max of 500w. What am I missing? The
amp is going to require a minimum amount of drive to function.

On 4/7/11 5:11 PM, David Gilbert wrote:

wrote:

>>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context would
>>> you find that to be useful?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Dave AB7E
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>>
>>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really

nifty

>>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>>>
>>>> The firmware would automagically switch the KPA-500 in at power levels
>>>> >100 W, i.e. a little like the crossover at the 10 W level.
>>>>
>>>> KPA-500 kit on order.
>>>>
>>>> vy 73 de toby
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
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>>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Byron Servies

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by w0mu

To me, the point is that the K-Line is an integrated system, not
simply a few standalone units. As such, an improved user interface
would be for the power knob on the K3 to smoothly adjust for the
entire range of the available power as more K-Line units are added to
the system. This would make it as if the additional amplifier were in
the K3 box itself instead of in a separate chassis.

Why do I, the operator, care how much drive the amp needs for the
requested output level? It's not like we have to set the 10W amp to
drive the 100W amp at the desired level. We just turn the knob to the
power we want within the available power range. The K3/KPA500 are
already determining band, forward and reflected power. Let it also
determine the appropriate drive power for a specified output power.

The fact that amps have always required the operator to figure out how
much drive to provide is an artifact of history and traditional
design, not necessarily "the way it must be."

On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 4:46 PM, Mike Fatchett <[hidden email]> wrote:
> I guess I don't understand this either.
>
> If you want the amp you are requiring more than 100 watts. I would
> assume that you can control the output of the amp by turning up or down
> the drive from over 100w to the max of 500w. What am I missing? The
> amp is going to require a minimum amount of drive to function.

(sorry for the dup, Mike. I failed to hit "reply all" to copy the list)

--
73, Byron N6NUL
----
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011
- www.cqp.org
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KD8NNU

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by dj7mgq

Hi Group,

I also agree for a fully integrated system this would be the best way to
have it work.

Since it is software defined system, give it a little time and it will
be there.

Cheers

Don
KD8NNU

On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 3:18 PM, ab2tc wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Why the negative reaction to this suggestion? I think it would be
> really
> useful if I could operate the K3/KPA500 combo as if it was a single
> transmitter with power settings from (whatever the lower K3 power is)
> to the
> full 500W and turn the KPA-500 on and off accordingly. The real
> context is
> what do I have to do to quickly switch from 100W to 500W when I
> realize I am
> not going to break through the pileup. Without this feature I would
> have to
>
> 1) switch the KPA-500 from standby to active
> 2) dial back the K3 power to whatever is appropriate for this band
>
> I am sure this can be done with a macro, but having this built in
> would be
> more than "nifty".
>
> Knut
>
>
> David Gilbert wrote:
>>
>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context
>> would you find that to be useful?
>>
>> 73,
>> Dave AB7E
>>
>>
>>
>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>
>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really
>>> nifty
>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-500-K3-firmware-suggestion-tp6251532p6251772.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

David Gilbert

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

All of these responses fall into the category of "it would be cool to
watch it work" rather than "it would be useful in such-and-such
situation because ....".

I still don't get it. Every situation that I can think of where you
might want to adjust the power between 100 watts and 500 watts (150 watt
contest limit, 100 watt limit on 30m, 250 watt limit on certain
antennas, etc) is going to require 1) a decision and 2) an action (i.e.,
turning a knob). Whether you turn the knob up to increase the power or
turn it down after you turn on the amp, you still have to adjust that
little knob while watching a meter. The only thing I can see that would
be gained by a "fully integrated system" might be not having to manually
turn on the amp.

Can anyone explain to me what else would be gained?? Somebody please
give it a try.

Dave AB7E

On 4/7/2011 6:51 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> Hi Group,
>
> I also agree for a fully integrated system this would be the best way to
> have it work.
>
> Since it is software defined system, give it a little time and it will
> be there.
>
> Cheers
>
> Don
> KD8NNU
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 3:18 PM, ab2tc wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> Why the negative reaction to this suggestion? I think it would be
>> really
>> useful if I could operate the K3/KPA500 combo as if it was a single
>> transmitter with power settings from (whatever the lower K3 power is)
>> to the
>> full 500W and turn the KPA-500 on and off accordingly. The real
>> context is
>> what do I have to do to quickly switch from 100W to 500W when I
>> realize I am
>> not going to break through the pileup. Without this feature I would
>> have to
>>
>> 1) switch the KPA-500 from standby to active
>> 2) dial back the K3 power to whatever is appropriate for this band
>>
>> I am sure this can be done with a macro, but having this built in
>> would be
>> more than "nifty".
>>
>> Knut
>>
>>
>> David Gilbert wrote:
>>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context
>>> would you find that to be useful?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Dave AB7E
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>>
>>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really
>>>> nifty
>>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>>
>>
>> --
>> View this message in context:
>> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-500-K3-firmware-suggestion-tp6251532p6251772.html
>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion [END of Thread]

Administrator

Folks, Let's end this thread at this time. There is no need to argue the point about closed loop 500w power control from the K3 any further.

It certainly is a reasonable request and we will keep it in mind as we move forward on these products. As we have a lot of competing areas to work on, we can't committ to this right away.

73,
Eric WA6HHQ
List Moderator

www.elecraft.com
_..._

>
______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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w0mu

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by David Gilbert

200 watts max on 30m. If I want the amp I probably want all 500 watts,
not some value in between save for RTTY or similar.

On 4/7/11 8:34 PM, David Gilbert wrote:

> All of these responses fall into the category of "it would be cool to
> watch it work" rather than "it would be useful in such-and-such
> situation because ....".
>
> I still don't get it. Every situation that I can think of where you
> might want to adjust the power between 100 watts and 500 watts (150 watt
> contest limit, 100 watt limit on 30m, 250 watt limit on certain
> antennas, etc) is going to require 1) a decision and 2) an action (i.e.,
> turning a knob). Whether you turn the knob up to increase the power or
> turn it down after you turn on the amp, you still have to adjust that
> little knob while watching a meter. The only thing I can see that would
> be gained by a "fully integrated system" might be not having to manually
> turn on the amp.
>
> Can anyone explain to me what else would be gained?? Somebody please
> give it a try.
>
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
> On 4/7/2011 6:51 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>> Hi Group,
>>
>> I also agree for a fully integrated system this would be the best way to
>> have it work.
>>
>> Since it is software defined system, give it a little time and it will
>> be there.
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Don
>> KD8NNU
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 3:18 PM, ab2tc wrote:
>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> Why the negative reaction to this suggestion? I think it would be
>>> really
>>> useful if I could operate the K3/KPA500 combo as if it was a single
>>> transmitter with power settings from (whatever the lower K3 power is)
>>> to the
>>> full 500W and turn the KPA-500 on and off accordingly. The real
>>> context is
>>> what do I have to do to quickly switch from 100W to 500W when I
>>> realize I am
>>> not going to break through the pileup. Without this feature I would
>>> have to
>>>
>>> 1) switch the KPA-500 from standby to active
>>> 2) dial back the K3 power to whatever is appropriate for this band
>>>
>>> I am sure this can be done with a macro, but having this built in
>>> would be
>>> more than "nifty".
>>>
>>> Knut
>>>
>>>
>>> David Gilbert wrote:
>>>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context
>>>> would you find that to be useful?
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> Dave AB7E
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>>>
>>>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really
>>>>> nifty
>>>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>> --
>>> View this message in context:
>>> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-500-K3-firmware-suggestion-tp6251532p6251772.html
>>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

w0mu

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

Sorry I responded prior to reading the end of thread message.

73

On 4/7/11 9:46 PM, Mike Fatchett wrote:

> 200 watts max on 30m. If I want the amp I probably want all 500 watts,
> not some value in between save for RTTY or similar.
>
> On 4/7/11 8:34 PM, David Gilbert wrote:
>> All of these responses fall into the category of "it would be cool to
>> watch it work" rather than "it would be useful in such-and-such
>> situation because ....".
>>
>> I still don't get it. Every situation that I can think of where you
>> might want to adjust the power between 100 watts and 500 watts (150 watt
>> contest limit, 100 watt limit on 30m, 250 watt limit on certain
>> antennas, etc) is going to require 1) a decision and 2) an action (i.e.,
>> turning a knob). Whether you turn the knob up to increase the power or
>> turn it down after you turn on the amp, you still have to adjust that
>> little knob while watching a meter. The only thing I can see that would
>> be gained by a "fully integrated system" might be not having to manually
>> turn on the amp.
>>
>> Can anyone explain to me what else would be gained?? Somebody please
>> give it a try.
>>
>> Dave AB7E
>>
>>
>>
>> On 4/7/2011 6:51 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>> Hi Group,
>>>
>>> I also agree for a fully integrated system this would be the best way to
>>> have it work.
>>>
>>> Since it is software defined system, give it a little time and it will
>>> be there.
>>>
>>> Cheers
>>>
>>> Don
>>> KD8NNU
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 3:18 PM, ab2tc wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi,
>>>>
>>>> Why the negative reaction to this suggestion? I think it would be
>>>> really
>>>> useful if I could operate the K3/KPA500 combo as if it was a single
>>>> transmitter with power settings from (whatever the lower K3 power is)
>>>> to the
>>>> full 500W and turn the KPA-500 on and off accordingly. The real
>>>> context is
>>>> what do I have to do to quickly switch from 100W to 500W when I
>>>> realize I am
>>>> not going to break through the pileup. Without this feature I would
>>>> have to
>>>>
>>>> 1) switch the KPA-500 from standby to active
>>>> 2) dial back the K3 power to whatever is appropriate for this band
>>>>
>>>> I am sure this can be done with a macro, but having this built in
>>>> would be
>>>> more than "nifty".
>>>>
>>>> Knut
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> David Gilbert wrote:
>>>>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context
>>>>> would you find that to be useful?
>>>>>
>>>>> 73,
>>>>> Dave AB7E
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>>>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really
>>>>>> nifty
>>>>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>>>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>>> --
>>>> View this message in context:
>>>> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-500-K3-firmware-suggestion-tp6251532p6251772.html
>>>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Iain MacDonnell - N6ML-2

Re: KPA-500 / K3 firmware suggestion

In reply to this post by David Gilbert

On Fri, Apr 8, 2011 at 2:34 AM, David Gilbert <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> All of these responses fall into the category of "it would be cool to
> watch it work" rather than "it would be useful in such-and-such
> situation because ....".
>
> I still don't get it. Every situation that I can think of where you
> might want to adjust the power between 100 watts and 500 watts (150 watt
> contest limit, 100 watt limit on 30m, 250 watt limit on certain
> antennas, etc) is going to require 1) a decision and 2) an action (i.e.,
> turning a knob). Whether you turn the knob up to increase the power or
> turn it down after you turn on the amp, you still have to adjust that
> little knob while watching a meter.

No, you wouldn't be watching a meter - you'd be watching the display
on the K3, and wouldn't need to be transmitting at the time (assuming
there's some prior calibration).

Another situation to consider is a remote station operation, where you
might want to specify a power level by "CAT" command rather than
turning a knob. Trying to watch a remote meter while sending different
commands to find the desired output isn't very practical.

Specific use cases aside, I agree with Byron in that it'd help give
the "K-line" the feel of a complete, integrated package, It'd be like
operating a 500W radio, rather than a 100W radio with an external
amplified tacked on.

As for re-engineering the amp before it's released ... we're just
sharing ideas. I assume Eric will let us know if that's no longer
appropriate for this forum.....

73,

~iain / N6ML

The only thing I can see that would

> be gained by a "fully integrated system" might be not having to manually
> turn on the amp.
>
> Can anyone explain to me what else would be gained?? Somebody please
> give it a try.
>
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
> On 4/7/2011 6:51 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>> Hi Group,
>>
>> I also agree for a fully integrated system this would be the best way to
>> have it work.
>>
>> Since it is software defined system, give it a little time and it will
>> be there.
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Don
>> KD8NNU
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 3:18 PM, ab2tc wrote:
>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> Why the negative reaction to this suggestion? I think it would be
>>> really
>>> useful if I could operate the K3/KPA500 combo as if it was a single
>>> transmitter with power settings from (whatever the lower K3 power is)
>>> to the
>>> full 500W and turn the KPA-500 on and off accordingly. The real
>>> context is
>>> what do I have to do to quickly switch from 100W to 500W when I
>>> realize I am
>>> not going to break through the pileup. Without this feature I would
>>> have to
>>>
>>> 1) switch the KPA-500 from standby to active
>>> 2) dial back the K3 power to whatever is appropriate for this band
>>>
>>> I am sure this can be done with a macro, but having this built in
>>> would be
>>> more than "nifty".
>>>
>>> Knut
>>>
>>>
>>> David Gilbert wrote:
>>>> Aside from it possibly being "nifty", in what real world context
>>>> would you find that to be useful?
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> Dave AB7E
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 4/7/2011 1:55 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote:
>>>>> Hi Wayne& the list,
>>>>>
>>>>> not sure if this has been suggested before, but it would be really
>>>>> nifty
>>>>> if when using a KPA-500 together with a K3/100 the power would be
>>>>> continuously be adjustable from milliwatts up to 500 W.
>>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> View this message in context:
>>> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-500-K3-firmware-suggestion-tp6251532p6251772.html
>>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>