KPA500/K3 pre-set power levels

[Len Chesler-2]

Hello,
I have a new KPA500 now connected directly to my K3 via the optional KPAAux cable purchased through Elecraft.  I am attempting to set up the per band power settings, and have the Config: power settings at "per band".  I am running the latest FW releases on both the KPA and the K3.  According to the FW release notes


MCU 4.36 / DSP 2.73, 4-20-2011

 

* KPA500-TO-K3 BAND CHANGE, FAULT/STATUS, and POWER

CONTROL: If the KPA500 is connected to the K3 via the ACC cable

(including auxBus and band data lines), the following new features

will be available:

 

(1) the amp's band switches can change the K3's band   Not functioning

(2) amp faults and operate/standby changes will be reported on  

    the K3 display  Not functioning

(3) if CONFIG:PWR SET = PER-BAND, the K3 will provide two

     separate sets of per-band power levels: one for use with the

     KPA500, one for barefoot use (amp in standby). If the amp

     power levels are in effect, an asterisk is added to the K3's

     power control display (e.g. "30 W*"). This should eliminate the

     need to adjust the K3's power control when changing bands

     or switching the amp between operate and standby. Not functioning

 

This does not seem to be functioning on my K3.  The "*" does not display on the power control, and when I attempt to set per band settings and utilize the standby and operate button on the KPA500, the power level functions at whatever power output is set on the K3. Also, the amps faults are not being reported on the K3, and the amps band switches do not change the K3's band!



Are there any additional menu settings that I am missing?  Can anyone assist in helping me get these valuable features operational?

Tnx

Len, K6LEN



 

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[Bruce Beford-2]

Hi, Len.
Did you remember to turn AUXBUS ON in the KPA500 menu?
Also, 4.36 is not the latest K3 firmware. MCU 4.39 /DSP 2.73 is, but that
should not matter for this issue you are having.
-Bruce, N1RX


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[John E. Reiser]

Hi Len,

I had problems like yours until I upgraded the firmware on the KPA500.
There is actually a pre-beta release 1.11 that fixes these issues. Send an
e-mail to [hidden email] and ask him to send you 1.11.

Also, you should run K# firmware 4.39.

73, John, W2GW


----- Original Message -----
From: "Len Chesler" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2011 1:57 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500/K3 pre-set power levels

> Hello,
> I have a new KPA500 now connected directly to my K3 via the optional
> KPAAux cable purchased through Elecraft.  I am attempting to set up the
> per band power settings, and have the Config: power settings at "per
> band".  I am running the latest FW releases on both the KPA and the K3.
> According to the FW release notes
>
>
> MCU 4.36 / DSP 2.73, 4-20-2011
>
>
>
> * KPA500-TO-K3 BAND CHANGE, FAULT/STATUS, and POWER
>
> CONTROL: If the KPA500 is connected to the K3 via the ACC cable
>
> (including auxBus and band data lines), the following new features
>
> will be available:
>
>
>
> (1) the amp's band switches can change the K3's band   Not functioning
>
> (2) amp faults and operate/standby changes will be reported on
>
>    the K3 display  Not functioning
>
> (3) if CONFIG:PWR SET = PER-BAND, the K3 will provide two
>
>     separate sets of per-band power levels: one for use with the
>
>     KPA500, one for barefoot use (amp in standby). If the amp
>
>     power levels are in effect, an asterisk is added to the K3's
>
>     power control display (e.g. "30 W*"). This should eliminate the
>
>     need to adjust the K3's power control when changing bands
>
>     or switching the amp between operate and standby. Not functioning
>
>
>
> This does not seem to be functioning on my K3.  The "*" does not display
> on the power control, and when I attempt to set per band settings and
> utilize the standby and operate button on the KPA500, the power level
> functions at whatever power output is set on the K3. Also, the amps faults
> are not being reported on the K3, and the amps band switches do not change
> the K3's band!
>
>
>
> Are there any additional menu settings that I am missing?  Can anyone
> assist in helping me get these valuable features operational?
>
> Tnx
>
> Len, K6LEN
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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[Len Chesler-2]

Thanks to all of you on the reflector who took the time to provide information relating to the pre-set power levels between my K3 and KPA500.  Tnx to Guy, W2AV for pointing out that the aux cable may not be seated properly in the Aux port or a potential bent pin.  He was right!!  I inspected the connection at the K3 and found one of the pins on the connector bent and not making proper contact.  I straightened the pin and carefully made the connection to the K3.  Now the pre-set power levels are functioning perfectly (nice touch Elecraft), and I am able to make band changes from either the K3 and KPA in concert.  I'm a happy camper!
Best 73
Len, K6LEN


 

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