New KAT500/KPA500 Setup Questions (Mark WU6R)

[Elecraft mailing list]

I'm a new ham...  I just purchased new KPA500 and KAT500 to use with my new K3S/100... following the wiring diagram of the KAT500 manual, page 5, figure 1, I also attached two E850463 cables (ordered from Elecraft), but when I try to transmit into a 1500w dummy load, by following KPA500 manual page 16, I do not get any KPA500 bar graph lights to illuminate as I turn up the K3S power dial from 1 - 30 watts (page 16, step 2), so as a newbie, I cannot figure out what it is I am doing wrong.  

I rechecked all the wiring, and I do get automatic band switching between the K3S and the KA500, but I cannot figure out how I should "apply a few watts of RF drive" while in "operate mode" to get the kPA500 bar graph to start lighting.  I am pressing the "operate/standby" switch and the KPA500 is switching between the two.

Any assistance is appreciated.  Thanks in advance.  I imagine whatever I am overlooking is probably obvious to many...  Thank you.

73,
Mark
Mark Wheeler 
WU6R
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[David Shoaf]

Download this Application Note from the Power Combo web site.

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K31_2017.pdf

Cheers,

David



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[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

Mark:

I have the same configuration.  When you transmit into  the dummy load,
what mode are you using?    If SSB, there is no output until you speak
into the mike with the correct audio settings.   TUNE mode is best for
checking to see that all is working.

I suggest you see top of page 66 of the K3S manual, under TUN PWR from
the CONFIG menu.  Set this value to 020 watts.  Then to PWR SET page 63
and set PWR SET to Per Band.

When you press and hold XMIT/TUNE the amp should switch into transmit
and you should see about 500 watts indicated on the KPA500 bargraph when
in the amp is in OPER mode.

For each band, I suggest setting the PWR value to 20 watts when in SSB
or CW transmit mode.  Make sure the ATU in the K3S is set to Bypass. 
Check this by pressing the ATU/TUNE button.   You never want to use the
K3S internal ATU with the KPA500.  The external KAT500 will do everything.

Be sure the E850463 cables are seated correctly on both ends and the
thumb screws are secure and tight.   Also be sure the KAT500 is powered
up at the same time or before the K3S.   I power my KAT500 from the 12
VDC output just to the right of the power input of the K3S.

This should get you up and running.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/12/2018 7:40 PM, Mark Wheeler via Elecraft wrote:

> I'm a new ham...  I just purchased new KPA500 and KAT500 to use with
> my new K3S/100... following the wiring diagram of the KAT500 manual,
> page 5, figure 1, I also attached two E850463 cables (ordered from
> Elecraft), but when I try to transmit into a 1500w dummy load, by
> following KPA500 manual page 16, I do not get any KPA500 bar graph
> lights to illuminate as I turn up the K3S power dial from 1 - 30 watts
> (page 16, step 2), so as a newbie, I cannot figure out what it is I am
> doing wrong.
>
> I rechecked all the wiring, and I do get automatic band switching
> between the K3S and the KA500, but I cannot figure out how I should
> "apply a few watts of RF drive" while in "operate mode" to get the
> kPA500 bar graph to start lighting.  I am pressing the
> "operate/standby" switch and the KPA500 is switching between the two.
>
> Any assistance is appreciated.  Thanks in advance.  I imagine whatever
> I am overlooking is probably obvious to many...  Thank you.
>
> 73,
> Mark
> Mark Wheeler
> WU6R
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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[Cady, Fred-2]

Hi Mark,

You may find these of help too.

http://www.ke7x.com/
Scroll to the bottom of the page and download the "Intro Guide" and "Tuner Operation" explanations.

Cheers,
Fred KE7X

A new KE7X book is out entitled "The Successful Ham Radio Operator's Handbook".  Aimed at the newly licensed ham or the old timer coming back into the hobby.  See details at www.ke7x.com<http://www.ke7x.com>.
Lulu  has 15% off on your order.  Use the code FWD15.

________________________________
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> on behalf of David Shoaf <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, October 12, 2018 7:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500/KPA500 Setup Questions (Mark WU6R)

Download this Application Note from the Power Combo web site.

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K31_2017.pdf

Cheers,

David



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[Elecraft mailing list]

Fred,

Thank you Sir! I have several of your excellent books and use them all the time.

I’ll be sure to check them out.

Last week I ordered the KPA500 book and I’m waiting for it to arrive.

Have a great day.

73,
Mark
WU6R

> On Oct 13, 2018, at 11:04 AM, Cady, Fred <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi Mark,
> You may find these of help too.
> http://www.ke7x.com/
> Scroll to the bottom of the page and download the "Intro Guide" and "Tuner Operation" explanations.
>
> Cheers,
> Fred KE7X
>
> A new KE7X book is out entitled "The Successful Ham Radio Operator's Handbook".  Aimed at the newly licensed ham or the old timer coming back into the hobby.  See details at www.ke7x.com.  
> Lulu  has 15% off on your order.  Use the code FWD15.
>
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> on behalf of David Shoaf <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Friday, October 12, 2018 7:22 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KAT500/KPA500 Setup Questions (Mark WU6R)
>  
> Download this Application Note from the Power Combo web site.
>
> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K31_2017.pdf
>
> Cheers,
>
> David
>
>
>
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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]

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