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KPA500 problem

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NZ0T

KPA500 problem

For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low
RX sensitivity in OPR. Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands.
The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had
cracked and burned slightly. Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and
for free - the usual great customer service. I installed it and the amp
was fine again.

It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning. R7
looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components. So, I'm at
a loss. The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has
gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and
current. Is that ever an issue with SMT? I don't know mush about SMT
stuff.

I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them
sometime. Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown.

I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016.
Any input is appreciated! Especially as to what may be causing this to
happen

73, Bill NZ0T
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NZ0T

Re: KPA500 problem

Welp, operator error big time. Got an email from Elecraft tech support and
the first thing he told me to do was to unplug the RCA keyline and see what
happens.

AHA!

Last Friday I decided to use my IC-7300 instead of my K3 in the SKSS WES
contest. Yes, blaspheme I know. The 7300 only has one key jack so I had to
unplug the line going to my CW paddles and plug in a straight key. Which
means fumbling around in the back of the rig blindly. I
accidentally unplugged the RCA plug for the keyline to the KPA500 first.
Then with out thinking plugged it into the ALC phono jack which is right
next to the Key jack. Which caused the amp to do what it was doing.

So I cleaned up the amp - needed some dust blown out - put it back
together, hooked it back up and guess what?

It works fine.

73, Bill NZ0T

On Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 9:27 AM William Carpenter <[hidden email]> wrote:

> For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low
> RX sensitivity in OPR. Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands.
> The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had
> cracked and burned slightly. Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and
> for free - the usual great customer service. I installed it and the amp
> was fine again.
>
> It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning. R7
> looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components. So, I'm at
> a loss. The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has
> gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and
> current. Is that ever an issue with SMT? I don't know mush about SMT
> stuff.
>
> I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them
> sometime. Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown.
>
> I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016.
> Any input is appreciated! Especially as to what may be causing this to
> happen
>
> 73, Bill NZ0T
>

Lyn WØLEN

Re: KPA500 problem

Bill -

There's something about having all your gear lined up nicely in the shack,
and then having to unexpectedly get to a rear panel connector. I hate when
that happens. So I finally have everything on a 3-high shelving unit that
can be pivoted to allow me access to all the rear panels and cables (neatly
bundled and labeled). The KPA500 holds down the lower right shelf, which
serves nicely as the pivot point.

The other end of that shelf is an IC-7300, so don't feel bad. You've given
it great reports on 160 meters.

73
Lyn, W0LEN

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of William Carpenter
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2:38 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem

Welp, operator error big time. Got an email from Elecraft tech support and
the first thing he told me to do was to unplug the RCA keyline and see what
happens.

AHA!

Last Friday I decided to use my IC-7300 instead of my K3 in the SKSS WES
contest. Yes, blaspheme I know. The 7300 only has one key jack so I had to
unplug the line going to my CW paddles and plug in a straight key. Which
means fumbling around in the back of the rig blindly. I
accidentally unplugged the RCA plug for the keyline to the KPA500 first.
Then with out thinking plugged it into the ALC phono jack which is right
next to the Key jack. Which caused the amp to do what it was doing.

So I cleaned up the amp - needed some dust blown out - put it back
together, hooked it back up and guess what?

It works fine.

73, Bill NZ0T

On Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 9:27 AM William Carpenter <[hidden email]> wrote:

> For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low
> RX sensitivity in OPR. Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands.
> The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had
> cracked and burned slightly. Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and
> for free - the usual great customer service. I installed it and the amp
> was fine again.
>
> It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning. R7
> looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components. So, I'm
at

> a loss. The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has
> gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and
> current. Is that ever an issue with SMT? I don't know mush about SMT
> stuff.
>
> I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them
> sometime. Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown.
>
> I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016.
> Any input is appreciated! Especially as to what may be causing this to
> happen
>
> 73, Bill NZ0T
>

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NK7Z

Re: KPA500 problem

Odd you should mention that... I am rebuilding my operating position,
and am installing a patch panel... See:

https://www.nk7z.net/rf-patch-panel/

For a close up of teh patch panel. I used one of those services that
give you the design software, and then build to your spec...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 4/14/20 1:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

> Bill -
>
> There's something about having all your gear lined up nicely in the shack,
> and then having to unexpectedly get to a rear panel connector. I hate when
> that happens. So I finally have everything on a 3-high shelving unit that
> can be pivoted to allow me access to all the rear panels and cables (neatly
> bundled and labeled). The KPA500 holds down the lower right shelf, which
> serves nicely as the pivot point.
>
> The other end of that shelf is an IC-7300, so don't feel bad. You've given
> it great reports on 160 meters.
>
> 73
> Lyn, W0LEN
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of William Carpenter
> Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2:38 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
>
> Welp, operator error big time. Got an email from Elecraft tech support and
> the first thing he told me to do was to unplug the RCA keyline and see what
> happens.
>
> AHA!
>
> Last Friday I decided to use my IC-7300 instead of my K3 in the SKSS WES
> contest. Yes, blaspheme I know. The 7300 only has one key jack so I had to
> unplug the line going to my CW paddles and plug in a straight key. Which
> means fumbling around in the back of the rig blindly. I
> accidentally unplugged the RCA plug for the keyline to the KPA500 first.
> Then with out thinking plugged it into the ALC phono jack which is right
> next to the Key jack. Which caused the amp to do what it was doing.
>
> So I cleaned up the amp - needed some dust blown out - put it back
> together, hooked it back up and guess what?
>
> It works fine.
>
> 73, Bill NZ0T
>
>
> On Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 9:27 AM William Carpenter <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low
>> RX sensitivity in OPR. Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands.
>> The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had
>> cracked and burned slightly. Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and
>> for free - the usual great customer service. I installed it and the amp
>> was fine again.
>>
>> It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning. R7
>> looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components. So, I'm
> at
>> a loss. The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has
>> gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and
>> current. Is that ever an issue with SMT? I don't know mush about SMT
>> stuff.
>>
>> I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them
>> sometime. Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown.
>>
>> I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016.
>> Any input is appreciated! Especially as to what may be causing this to
>> happen
>>
>> 73, Bill NZ0T
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

Vic Rosenthal

Re: KPA500 problem

Wow, that is neat! Very impressive. Are you going to make one for the
various audio and control circuits as well?

I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to
the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in terms
of money and effort, but very expensive of space. Of course the panel
takes up space on the desk and facing the operator, which is also very
valuable.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
On 15/04/2020 0:34, Dave Cole wrote:

> Odd you should mention that... I am rebuilding my operating position,
> and am installing a patch panel... See:
>
> https://www.nk7z.net/rf-patch-panel/
>
> For a close up of teh patch panel. I used one of those services that
> give you the design software, and then build to your spec...
>
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

Jim Brown-10

Re: KPA500 problem

On 4/14/2020 10:18 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:
> I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to
> the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in terms
> of money and effort, but very expensive of space.

Yes. I wish I had thought of doing something like this after seeing
something similar in N6RO's superstation. My operating position is on
shelves attached to the wall behind them, held away from the wall about
2 inches for cables to pass vertically between shelves. That works, but
it's a real PITA getting to cables connected to the radios and other
gear when something must be removed for service, replacement, or to go
into the field for FD or county expeditions.

73, Jim K9YC
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Don Wilhelm

Re: KPA500 problem

When I built my operating desk, I made the top a full 36 inches deep so
the face of the equipment is about 24 inches from the front. I also put
the 2 pedestals on appliance dolly wheels so I can roll the desk out for
access behind the equipment. There are shelves in the back to hold
power supplies and all the other stuff that I don't need to see on a day
to day basis.

I am fortunate to have a fully equipped woodworking shop and can do that
kind of custom furniture design. I built the desk from good oak and it
matches the custom trim and cabinets throughout the rest of the house.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/15/2020 1:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 4/14/2020 10:18 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:
>> I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to
>> the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in
>> terms of money and effort, but very expensive of space.
>
> Yes. I wish I had thought of doing something like this after seeing
> something similar in N6RO's superstation. My operating position is on
> shelves attached to the wall behind them, held away from the wall about
> 2 inches for cables to pass vertically between shelves. That works, but
> it's a real PITA getting to cables connected to the radios and other
> gear when something must be removed for service, replacement, or to go
> into the field for FD or county expeditions.
>

AI4NS

Re: KPA500 problem

I use a solid core door slab.

On Wed, Apr 15, 2020 at 12:47 Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> When I built my operating desk, I made the top a full 36 inches deep so
> the face of the equipment is about 24 inches from the front. I also put
> the 2 pedestals on appliance dolly wheels so I can roll the desk out for
> access behind the equipment. There are shelves in the back to hold
> power supplies and all the other stuff that I don't need to see on a day
> to day basis.
>
> I am fortunate to have a fully equipped woodworking shop and can do that
> kind of custom furniture design. I built the desk from good oak and it
> matches the custom trim and cabinets throughout the rest of the house.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 4/15/2020 1:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
> > On 4/14/2020 10:18 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:
> >> I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer to
> >> the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap in
> >> terms of money and effort, but very expensive of space.
> >
> > Yes. I wish I had thought of doing something like this after seeing
> > something similar in N6RO's superstation. My operating position is on
> > shelves attached to the wall behind them, held away from the wall about
> > 2 inches for cables to pass vertically between shelves. That works, but
> > it's a real PITA getting to cables connected to the radios and other
> > gear when something must be removed for service, replacement, or to go
> > into the field for FD or county expeditions.
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

Rick Bates, NK7I

Re: KPA500 problem

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

It's not elegant but I just finished a rack/table using a butcher block
top (Home Depot) and angle stock on the front inside of the 2x2 wooden
legs to mount the p/s and a repeater I use for IRLP (duplexer later, one
pieces at a time). The table top is stained and matches the height of
the desk so there is almost a continuous surface. Five coats of poly
should suffice to seal it. More angle stock from the front to back legs
will support/share the weight for each item, so it's not entirely held
by the front.

The K3, P3 and KPA1500 will sit on the desk within reach, just below the
50" monitor (4K TV) mounted to the wall (swing/tilt mount). The KPA1500
amp p/s will sit on the table top but may end up in the rack later. The
KAT500/KPA500 will be nearby as backup, easily added if needed.

The next step is to add copper pipe along the equipment space to behind
the desk for equipment bonding to ground, then add a shelf on either
side of the monitor to hang speakers, rotor and SteppIR controllers and
the control head of a dual band with some books too. (There is also a
small frig and microwave next to the desk.) Then put a 36x36" piece of
plywood on the wall (that wide so it can be well anchored by the 16" on
center studs) for dual band, 6M FM radio and perhaps more later.

The entire station (and network) is all going to run from a UPS, which
only has to last long enough for the generator to kick in (about 40
seconds) so nothing drops out during an outage (except the large amp, on
240V).

Most of the wiring will be hidden by desk or monitor, except the space
above the table, where they come in from the tower (large conduits,
buried in ground).

The floor is industrial laminate, the rack and desk have sliders (easily
moved when wanted, no wandering). A computer manages each piece, then I
can remote into that computer from the warm house or when traveling.

It's a simple station, the 80-6M SteppIR up 60' and an 80/160M Inverted
L. Simple ROCKS!

73,
Rick NK7I
North Idaho

On 4/15/2020 10:46 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> When I built my operating desk, I made the top a full 36 inches deep
> so the face of the equipment is about 24 inches from the front. I
> also put the 2 pedestals on appliance dolly wheels so I can roll the
> desk out for access behind the equipment. There are shelves in the
> back to hold power supplies and all the other stuff that I don't need
> to see on a day to day basis.
>
> I am fortunate to have a fully equipped woodworking shop and can do
> that kind of custom furniture design. I built the desk from good oak
> and it matches the custom trim and cabinets throughout the rest of the
> house.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 4/15/2020 1:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On 4/14/2020 10:18 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:
>>> I chose to place my operating desk two feet from the wall. I refer
>>> to the area behind it as the "cable vault." This solution is cheap
>>> in terms of money and effort, but very expensive of space.
>>
>> Yes. I wish I had thought of doing something like this after seeing
>> something similar in N6RO's superstation. My operating position is on
>> shelves attached to the wall behind them, held away from the wall
>> about 2 inches for cables to pass vertically between shelves. That
>> works, but it's a real PITA getting to cables connected to the radios
>> and other gear when something must be removed for service,
>> replacement, or to go into the field for FD or county expeditions.
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]