KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
15 messages Options
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Elecraft mailing list
In the manual on page 9 it shows to set the tap for the line voltage, but on Page 17 under Note it states
"The KPA500 operates to full specifications when the HV under full load isbetween 60V and 85V as shown on the LCD (Tap HV to display the voltageunder CW “key down” conditions at full power). The maximum voltage is setusing transformer taps as described on pg. 9."
Which is correct?


______________________________________________________________
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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Jack Brindle-2
Both. The HV is directly proportional to the line voltage. This makes sense, since the HV is derived through a linear transformer.
If your line voltage rises so that it causes the HV to go too high (spec is 85, the KPA faults at 90V), then you have set the tap incorrectly.
Set the tap according to your line voltage as described on page 9 so that it gives you nominal HV in the range as described on page 17.

- Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering


> On Mar 22, 2015, at 11:49 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> In the manual on page 9 it shows to set the tap for the line voltage, but on Page 17 under Note it states
> "The KPA500 operates to full specifications when the HV under full load isbetween 60V and 85V as shown on the LCD (Tap HV to display the voltageunder CW “key down” conditions at full power). The maximum voltage is setusing transformer taps as described on pg. 9."
> Which is correct?
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Elecraft mailing list
My line voltage is 239 (which calls for the yellow tap)  but on Key down it sags to 59v
With the Red Tap it only sags to about 66v (80.7 no key)

So The proper tap would be?







      From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>
 To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 3:58 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   
Both. The HV is directly proportional to the line voltage. This makes sense, since the HV is derived through a linear transformer.
If your line voltage rises so that it causes the HV to go too high (spec is 85, the KPA faults at 90V), then you have set the tap incorrectly.
Set the tap according to your line voltage as described on page 9 so that it gives you nominal HV in the range as described on page 17.

- Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering




> On Mar 22, 2015, at 11:49 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> In the manual on page 9 it shows to set the tap for the line voltage, but on Page 17 under Note it states
> "The KPA500 operates to full specifications when the HV under full load isbetween 60V and 85V as shown on the LCD (Tap HV to display the voltageunder CW “key down” conditions at full power). The maximum voltage is setusing transformer taps as described on pg. 9."
> Which is correct?
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Jack Brindle-2
The one that keeps the no-load HV in spec and gives you the best performance.
If that is the Red tap, then use that one.

The two sentences are not in conflict. You should expect a major drop in HV on
key-down due to losses in the power supply. This includes the components in
the KPA500 (transformer, etc), the power cord, plug, wall outlet and wiring all
the way to the main pole transformer. You can’t do much about most of this,
but making sure the power cord can handle the current without overheating is
a great idea. Of course this problem is worse with a 120V supply than 240V
since the current is proportionately higher.

So, again, if the red tap gives you better output and keeps the HV within the 85V
spec under no-load conditions, use it. Make sure it meets both conditions, though.

73,

Jack B, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering



> On Mar 22, 2015, at 1:10 PM, Harry Yingst <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> My line voltage is 239 (which calls for the yellow tap)  but on Key down it sags to 59v
>
> With the Red Tap it only sags to about 66v (80.7 no key)
>
>
> So The proper tap would be?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>
> To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 3:58 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
>
> Both. The HV is directly proportional to the line voltage. This makes sense, since the HV is derived through a linear transformer.
> If your line voltage rises so that it causes the HV to go too high (spec is 85, the KPA faults at 90V), then you have set the tap incorrectly.
> Set the tap according to your line voltage as described on page 9 so that it gives you nominal HV in the range as described on page 17.
>
> - Jack Brindle, W6FB
> Elecraft Engineering
>
>
>
>
> > On Mar 22, 2015, at 11:49 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
> >
> > In the manual on page 9 it shows to set the tap for the line voltage, but on Page 17 under Note it states
> > "The KPA500 operates to full specifications when the HV under full load isbetween 60V and 85V as shown on the LCD (Tap HV to display the voltageunder CW “key down” conditions at full power). The maximum voltage is setusing transformer taps as described on pg. 9."
> > Which is correct?
>
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html <http://www.qsl.net/donate.html>
> > Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Jim Brown-10
On Sun,3/22/2015 1:20 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:
> The two sentences are not in conflict. You should expect a major drop in HV on
> key-down due to losses in the power supply. This includes the components in
> the KPA500 (transformer, etc), the power cord, plug, wall outlet and wiring all
> the way to the main pole transformer. You can’t do much about most of this,
> but making sure the power cord can handle the current without overheating is
> a great idea. Of course this problem is worse with a 120V supply than 240V
> since the current is proportionately higher.

IF the wiring between the breaker panel and the outlet is under your
control, it is a very good move to use bigger copper for that run. #14
is minimum for a 15A circuit, #12 for a 20A circuit, but going up to
#`10 will reduce the IR drop under load. When doing the calcs, remember
that the line current is NOT a sine wave, but rather pulses centered
around the peaks of the waveform to recharge the input filter caps. That
means that the voltage drop will be greater than if it were a sine wave.

I have 240VAC in the shack to run my big tube amps, so I also run my
KPA500 from 240V.

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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

KD7PY
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
You got me to check my KPA500,   and with the yellow wire connected I showed at rest 73.7 v and 59.0 v key down,  I changed to the next tap (red wire) and now it is 80.9 v and 65.9 key down,
I think the amp has a shut down fault if the voltage goes over 85v
I believe the assy manual says the the voltage should not go below 65v on key down. if it does you need to reduce the drive power to keep the distortion  down.. my line voltage measured 240.2v  so it seams the tap changed it about 7 v

Ed
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Elecraft mailing list

Your voltages are about the same as I'm seeing here
I would tend to believe that it should be under 85v key up and over 60 Key down.
Hopefully we can get the "Official" answer
 

      From: KD7PY <[hidden email]>
 To: [hidden email]
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 5:11 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   
You got me to check my KPA500,  and with the yellow wire connected I showed
at rest 73.7 v and 59.0 v key down,  I changed to the next tap (red wire)
and now it is 80.9 v and 65.9 key down,
I think the amp has a shut down fault if the voltage goes over 85v
I believe the assy manual says the the voltage should not go below 65v on
key down. if it does you need to reduce the drive power to keep the
distortion  down.. my line voltage measured 240.2v  so it seams the tap
changed it about 7 v

Ed



--
View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Proper-Transformer-Tap-setting-tp7600537p7600550.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
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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Elecraft mailing list
In reply to this post by Jack Brindle-2

Thank you, That was how it seemed I just wanted to double check.
That amp seems a bit happier on 240 than 120.




      From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>
 To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 4:20 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   
The one that keeps the no-load HV in spec and gives you the best performance.If that is the Red tap, then use that one.
The two sentences are not in conflict. You should expect a major drop in HV onkey-down due to losses in the power supply. This includes the components inthe KPA500 (transformer, etc), the power cord, plug, wall outlet and wiring allthe way to the main pole transformer. You can’t do much about most of this,but making sure the power cord can handle the current without overheating isa great idea. Of course this problem is worse with a 120V supply than 240Vsince the current is proportionately higher.
So, again, if the red tap gives you better output and keeps the HV within the 85Vspec under no-load conditions, use it. Make sure it meets both conditions, though.
73,
Jack B, W6FBElecraft Engineering





On Mar 22, 2015, at 1:10 PM, Harry Yingst <[hidden email]> wrote:
My line voltage is 239 (which calls for the yellow tap)  but on Key down it sags to 59v
With the Red Tap it only sags to about 66v (80.7 no key)

So The proper tap would be?







      From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>
 To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 3:58 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   
Both. The HV is directly proportional to the line voltage. This makes sense, since the HV is derived through a linear transformer.
If your line voltage rises so that it causes the HV to go too high (spec is 85, the KPA faults at 90V), then you have set the tap incorrectly.
Set the tap according to your line voltage as described on page 9 so that it gives you nominal HV in the range as described on page 17.

- Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering




> On Mar 22, 2015, at 11:49 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> In the manual on page 9 it shows to set the tap for the line voltage, but on Page 17 under Note it states
> "The KPA500 operates to full specifications when the HV under full load isbetween 60V and 85V as shown on the LCD (Tap HV to display the voltageunder CW “key down” conditions at full power). The maximum voltage is setusing transformer taps as described on pg. 9."
> Which is correct?
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Jack Brindle-2
One thing to remember is that the 240 volt power line is not constant voltage. Line voltage varies
through the day depending on the overall power load seen by the electric company in your area.
So while you may measure 239v now, it may droop or go higher as the overall load varies during
the day. That makes it difficult for us to give an absolute value for the tap setting, and also makes
it difficult for you to say that any one is always the best. Try one for now, and if it works out in the
long run, then keep it! If you start seeing HV high voltage faults, then drop back to a lower voltage
tap. As K9YC says, you can help by using the biggest wires you can find, especially for the power
cable from the wall to the KPA500. This is especially important at 110V, but applies to 220V as well.

And, for the record, the KPA500 HV fault is at 90 volts. But you don’t really want to get there…

Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering

> On Mar 22, 2015, at 2:33 PM, Harry Yingst <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> Thank you, That was how it seemed I just wanted to double check.
>
> That amp seems a bit happier on 240 than 120.
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>
> To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 4:20 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
>
> The one that keeps the no-load HV in spec and gives you the best performance.
> If that is the Red tap, then use that one.
>
> The two sentences are not in conflict. You should expect a major drop in HV on
> key-down due to losses in the power supply. This includes the components in
> the KPA500 (transformer, etc), the power cord, plug, wall outlet and wiring all
> the way to the main pole transformer. You can’t do much about most of this,
> but making sure the power cord can handle the current without overheating is
> a great idea. Of course this problem is worse with a 120V supply than 240V
> since the current is proportionately higher.
>
> So, again, if the red tap gives you better output and keeps the HV within the 85V
> spec under no-load conditions, use it. Make sure it meets both conditions, though.
>
> 73,
>
> Jack B, W6FB
> Elecraft Engineering
>
>
>
>
>
>> On Mar 22, 2015, at 1:10 PM, Harry Yingst <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>
>> My line voltage is 239 (which calls for the yellow tap)  but on Key down it sags to 59v
>>
>> With the Red Tap it only sags to about 66v (80.7 no key)
>>
>>
>> So The proper tap would be?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>
>> To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>
>> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>
>> Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 3:58 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
>>
>> Both. The HV is directly proportional to the line voltage. This makes sense, since the HV is derived through a linear transformer.
>> If your line voltage rises so that it causes the HV to go too high (spec is 85, the KPA faults at 90V), then you have set the tap incorrectly.
>> Set the tap according to your line voltage as described on page 9 so that it gives you nominal HV in the range as described on page 17.
>>
>> - Jack Brindle, W6FB
>> Elecraft Engineering
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > On Mar 22, 2015, at 11:49 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>> >
>> > In the manual on page 9 it shows to set the tap for the line voltage, but on Page 17 under Note it states
>> > "The KPA500 operates to full specifications when the HV under full load isbetween 60V and 85V as shown on the LCD (Tap HV to display the voltageunder CW “key down” conditions at full power). The maximum voltage is setusing transformer taps as described on pg. 9."
>> > Which is correct?
>>
>> >
>> >
>> > ______________________________________________________________
>> > Elecraft mailing list
>> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>> > Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>> >
>> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
>> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html <http://www.qsl.net/donate.html>
>> > Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
Harry,

You did get the "official" answer from Jack Brindle.  He did some of the
design of the KPA500.
Yes, keyup - less than 85 volts.  Keydown, greater than 60 volts.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/22/2015 5:23 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:
> Your voltages are about the same as I'm seeing here
> I would tend to believe that it should be under 85v key up and over 60 Key down.
> Hopefully we can get the "Official" answer
>  
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Guy Olinger K2AV
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
On Sun, Mar 22, 2015 at 5:33 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <
[hidden email]> wrote:

> Thank you, That was how it seemed I just wanted to double check.
> That amp seems a bit happier on 240 than 120.
>

If one has 240 available, an amp should always be run on 240 rather than
120.

73, Guy
______________________________________________________________
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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Elecraft mailing list
In reply to this post by Jack Brindle-2
Agreed, I've been monitoring my line voltage at various times of the day so I should be good.






      From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>
 To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 6:41 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   
One thing to remember is that the 240 volt power line is not constant voltage. Line voltage variesthrough the day depending on the overall power load seen by the electric company in your area.So while you may measure 239v now, it may droop or go higher as the overall load varies duringthe day. That makes it difficult for us to give an absolute value for the tap setting, and also makesit difficult for you to say that any one is always the best. Try one for now, and if it works out in thelong run, then keep it! If you start seeing HV high voltage faults, then drop back to a lower voltagetap. As K9YC says, you can help by using the biggest wires you can find, especially for the powercable from the wall to the KPA500. This is especially important at 110V, but applies to 220V as well.
And, for the record, the KPA500 HV fault is at 90 volts. But you don’t really want to get there…
Jack Brindle, W6FBElecraft Engineering



On Mar 22, 2015, at 2:33 PM, Harry Yingst <[hidden email]> wrote:

Thank you, That was how it seemed I just wanted to double check.
That amp seems a bit happier on 240 than 120.




      From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>
 To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 4:20 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   
The one that keeps the no-load HV in spec and gives you the best performance.If that is the Red tap, then use that one.
The two sentences are not in conflict. You should expect a major drop in HV onkey-down due to losses in the power supply. This includes the components inthe KPA500 (transformer, etc), the power cord, plug, wall outlet and wiring allthe way to the main pole transformer. You can’t do much about most of this,but making sure the power cord can handle the current without overheating isa great idea. Of course this problem is worse with a 120V supply than 240Vsince the current is proportionately higher.
So, again, if the red tap gives you better output and keeps the HV within the 85Vspec under no-load conditions, use it. Make sure it meets both conditions, though.
73,
Jack B, W6FBElecraft Engineering





On Mar 22, 2015, at 1:10 PM, Harry Yingst <[hidden email]> wrote:
My line voltage is 239 (which calls for the yellow tap)  but on Key down it sags to 59v
With the Red Tap it only sags to about 66v (80.7 no key)

So The proper tap would be?







      From: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>
 To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 3:58 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   
Both. The HV is directly proportional to the line voltage. This makes sense, since the HV is derived through a linear transformer.
If your line voltage rises so that it causes the HV to go too high (spec is 85, the KPA faults at 90V), then you have set the tap incorrectly.
Set the tap according to your line voltage as described on page 9 so that it gives you nominal HV in the range as described on page 17.

- Jack Brindle, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering




> On Mar 22, 2015, at 11:49 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> In the manual on page 9 it shows to set the tap for the line voltage, but on Page 17 under Note it states
> "The KPA500 operates to full specifications when the HV under full load isbetween 60V and 85V as shown on the LCD (Tap HV to display the voltageunder CW “key down” conditions at full power). The maximum voltage is setusing transformer taps as described on pg. 9."
> Which is correct?
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Elecraft mailing list
In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4
Yes he gave the official answer. I figured that was the case, but admittedly this is the first time for me with a Solid State Amp so I wanted to ensure I was reading it right.
What a nice chance from Tubes, and with the KAT500 it's like having a 500 watt radio.
I could learn to like this :)



      From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
 To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>; KD7PY <[hidden email]>; "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 6:45 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   
Harry,

You did get the "official" answer from Jack Brindle.  He did some of the
design of the KPA500.
Yes, keyup - less than 85 volts.  Keydown, greater than 60 volts.

73,
Don W3FPR



On 3/22/2015 5:23 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:
> Your voltages are about the same as I'm seeing here
> I would tend to believe that it should be under 85v key up and over 60 Key down.
> Hopefully we can get the "Official" answer

>
>



 
______________________________________________________________
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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Elecraft mailing list
In reply to this post by Guy Olinger K2AV
Agreed, I ran it for a week on 120 until I had the time to run the 240 line.
It actually ran better than I thought it would on 120, but yes 240 is better.



      From: Guy Olinger K2AV <[hidden email]>
 To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: Jack Brindle <[hidden email]>; Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
 Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2015 6:47 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting
   



On Sun, Mar 22, 2015 at 5:33 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:

Thank you, That was how it seemed I just wanted to double check.
That amp seems a bit happier on 240 than 120.


If one has 240 available, an amp should always be run on 240 rather than 120. 
73, Guy

 
______________________________________________________________
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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: KPA500 Proper Transformer Tap setting

Michael Eberle
In reply to this post by Guy Olinger K2AV
I originally had mine set up for 240 because I thought it would operate
more efficiently that way.  6M kept giving me faults and for some reason
reconfiguring the amp for 120 volt operation seems to have stopped the
faults.

Mike
KI0HA
>> Thank you, That was how it seemed I just wanted to double check.
>> That amp seems a bit happier on 240 than 120.
>>
> If one has 240 available, an amp should always be run on 240 rather than
> 120.
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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]