Elecraft

KPA500 Power On

Classic

List

Threaded

9 messages Options

Jim Bennett

KPA500 Power On

I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.

Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.

Jim / W6JHB
______________________________________________________________
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

Phil Hystad-3

Re: KPA500 Power On

I don't know much about hooking multiple transceivers to the KPA500 (I only have the K3/KPA500 mix) but it would not surprise me to learn if the problem might be connected with some status check or something that is expected from the K3 if the K3 is indeed connected or maybe had been connected. A complete power cycle would clear that kind of thing.

Is the KPA500 really designed to work with multiple inputs even if they are switched? I would be interested in knowing since I also have a KX3.

73, phil, K7PEH

On Jan 18, 2014, at 9:25 AM, Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.
>
> Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.
>
> Jim / W6JHB
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Cady, Fred

Re: KPA500 Power On

In reply to this post by Jim Bennett

I have seen that happen with the KPA thought at one time is was associated with something happening on the AUXBUS - like the KAT not being powered up or something. I think maybe there was a firmware upgrade for the KPA and/or KAT that might have fixed it. Are you using the latest firmware?

Glad the KX3 is working ok to drive the KPA. I just fired up the KXPA amp here and am going to play with it and the KPA also.

Fred Cady
fcady at ieee dot org

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] [mailto:elecraft-
> [hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Bennett
> Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2014 10:26 AM
> To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector
> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Power On
>
> I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can
> share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy
> Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the
> diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to
> work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional
> anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and
> nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker
> switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on
> button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it
> down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In
> the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.
>
> Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how
> to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.
>
> Jim / W6JHB
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Gary Gregory-2

Re: KPA500 Power On

I think your on the right track with the kat500 being powerex up first. The
other thing that can cause this is if you try to use the kpa500 on 27mhz.
When field testing, I tried it and the kpa500 does a full fault and
requires power down at the rear, then power up to rset. The FW does a nice
job of preventing use on illegal sections of the spectrum such as this.
MARS frequencies are fine though.
Elecraft have done a great job on the kpa500, some of the tests I have done
would have killed a lesser amplifier....grin

73

Gary
On 19/01/2014 4:27 AM, "Cady, Fred" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have seen that happen with the KPA thought at one time is was associated
> with something happening on the AUXBUS - like the KAT not being powered up
> or something. I think maybe there was a firmware upgrade for the KPA and/or
> KAT that might have fixed it. Are you using the latest firmware?
>
> Glad the KX3 is working ok to drive the KPA. I just fired up the KXPA amp
> here and am going to play with it and the KPA also.
>
>
> Fred Cady
> fcady at ieee dot org
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [hidden email] [mailto:elecraft-
> > [hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Bennett
> > Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2014 10:26 AM
> > To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector
> > Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Power On
> >
> > I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can
> > share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy
> > Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the
> > diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to
> > work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional
> > anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and
> > nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker
> > switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on
> > button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it
> > down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In
> > the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.
> >
> > Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how
> > to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.
> >
> > Jim / W6JHB
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
>

Jack Brindle-2

Re: KPA500 Power On

In reply to this post by Jim Bennett

Jim, the key question is what version of firmware is in your KPA500. This is viewable in the menu, under the FIRMWARE selection.

Also, what is your RADIO selection in the KPA when using it with the KX3?

If you do not have the latest firmware, I would advise you to upgrade. There was a bug fix that affected this some time back.

Jack Brindle, W6FB

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 18, 2014, at 9:25 AM, Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.
>
> Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.
>
> Jim / W6JHB
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Jim Bennett

Re: KPA500 Power On

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

Other than this occasional hiccup, yes. If you've got Fred's KX3 book, check out pages 146-147, especially figure 9.17 - this is exactly how I've got mine cabled up.

Last night was a good example of why I wanted to have this flexibility. I was listening on 160 meter CW with the KX3 and heard W1AW/0 in Nebraska calling CQ. I cranked up the KX3 power to a whopping 12 watts and called him several times. Not so much as a QRZ did I get. I just got a CQ in my face! So, rather than turn on the K3, switch things over and tune in the station with the K3, I simply powered up the KPA500, set the KX3 to 9 watts (170 watts out on the KPA500), called him again and this time got him on the first call. I could have been there a very long time running 12 watts! Of course if I had a great 160 antenna, 12 watts probably would have been OK. But I live in a CC&R/HOA neighborhood and have a "stealthy" Inverted L semi-hidden in the redwood trees that only has about 25-30 feet of vertical run.

Jim
On Saturday, Jan 18, 2014, at Saturday, 9:57 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:

>
> Is the KPA500 really designed to work with multiple inputs even if they are switched? I would be interested in knowing since I also have a KX3.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On Jan 18, 2014, at 9:25 AM, Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.
>>
>> Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.
>>
>> Jim / W6JHB

Jim Bennett

Re: KPA500 Power On

In reply to this post by Cady, Fred

Cool - I just checked - 1.33 was available and I have 1.23; am in the process of upgrading to the latest firmware as I type this. Will keep an eye on the amp's behavior over the next week or so and also try to document any "strange" procedures I've taken that might cause it.

Jim

On Saturday, Jan 18, 2014, at Saturday, 10:26 AM, Cady, Fred wrote:

> I have seen that happen with the KPA thought at one time is was associated with something happening on the AUXBUS - like the KAT not being powered up or something. I think maybe there was a firmware upgrade for the KPA and/or KAT that might have fixed it. Are you using the latest firmware?
>
> Glad the KX3 is working ok to drive the KPA. I just fired up the KXPA amp here and am going to play with it and the KPA also.
>
>
> Fred Cady
> fcady at ieee dot org
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email] [mailto:elecraft-
>> [hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Bennett
>> Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2014 10:26 AM
>> To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector
>> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Power On
>>
>> I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can
>> share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy
>> Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the
>> diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to
>> work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional
>> anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and
>> nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker
>> switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on
>> button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it
>> down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In
>> the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.
>>
>> Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how
>> to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.
>>
>> Jim / W6JHB
>> ______________________________________________________________
>>

Nr4c

Re: KPA500 Power On

In reply to this post by Jim Bennett

Yes I have noticed this. No idea what brings it on.

...bill nr4c

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:

>I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.
>
>Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.
>
>Jim / W6JHB
>______________________________________________________________
>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
>

Jack Brindle-2

Re: KPA500 Power On

It comes from running firmware in the KPA that has a bug that was fixed some time ago. Upgrade to the latest firmware (V1.33 at present) and it should go away.

73!

Jack Brindle, W6FB

On Jan 18, 2014, at 2:17 PM, bill conkling <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Yes I have noticed this. No idea what brings it on.
>
> ...bill nr4c
>
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID
>
> Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I recently got a KX3 and have set up my station such that the KX3 can share the KPA500, KAT500, and several antennas by using a pretty beefy Daiwa 2-position coax switch. The station is set up just like the diagram on page 147 of KE7X's KX3 book. This configuration seems to work very well. However, I've recently noticed a very occasional anomaly with the KPA500. Every once in a while, I go to power it on and nothing happens. I have to reach around to the back panel rocker switch, turn it "Off" and then back on. Then, the front panel power on button brings the amp to life. So far I've not been able to track it down to a particular sequence of operating events that precedes it. In the past 3-4 days, this has happened maybe three times.
>>
>> Anyone else have this happen, and if so (1) what causes it, and (2) how to resolve it? Not a big deal, but I'd like to know what's going on.
>>
>> Jim / W6JHB
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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