Elecraft

Re: KPA500 no output

Classic

List

Threaded

7 messages Options

Lyn WØLEN

Re: KPA500 no output

UPDATE:

I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday. The good news is that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as it was …). The bad news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4 of those weeks back in the Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?) surgery.

When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took out its own TR circuit as well as its PA module. Seven components were found to be defective, and one was actually missing.

I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory built unit.

73

Lyn, WØLEN

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:14 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

Lyn:

I use a balanced feed system for one of my antennas. For that I have a
pair of small engine spark plugs on an aluminum plate for an arc gap
located just before the balanced line enters the house. That balanced
line runs all the way to the balun on the shelf just above the KAT500
tuner. The coax lines and rotor line all have PolyPhaser devices at the
same entrance location. No mechanical / manual disconnect method is
used at my QTH.

A bit more information, I have my lightning ground system outside of the
house, and the tower is grounded to the same system and that system is
bonded back to the AC mains ground. Again all is outside of the
house. I do not have or use a station ground which connects to the
equipment on the desk. The 3rd pin safety ground is all that is
required. I have a dedicated service from the breaker panel for the
station. I do have each piece of equipment bonded to the station power
supply ground terminal with each piece of equipment having a dedicated
jumper. My bonding jumpers are made from #10 AWG automotive primary
wire with a suitable ring terminal which is crimped and soldered on each
end.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 8/5/2019 6:22 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

> I don't believe so, Bob. While we have had a number of storms this year, there have been none since I received the KPA500.
>
> FWIW, I have a large knife switch in a box outside that I use to disconnect my balanced feed line if there are storms headed our way. I tend to be paranoid about lightning, as we had a direct strike on our house some 7 years ago ... and I didn't even have any antennas at that time. We sustained extensive damage. So I don't take any chances!
>
> Thanks,
> Lyn
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 5:18 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>
> Lyn:
>
> Could this be the result of a nearby lightning strike? Seems likely
> from your descriptions.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> On 8/5/2019 4:55 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>> Don -
>>
>> I have nearly the same exact problem with a KPA500 that is only 2 weeks old. It lets the signal pass thru on Standby, even showing proper signal levels. But in Operate mode, it's unresponsive and the SWR skyrockets to 99:1.
>>
>> I ran tests suggested by Support, but no joy. I will be shipping it back to Elecraft tomorrow.
>>
>> Coincidentally, the "front end" of my 2 y/o IC7300 died at the same time, yielding zero receive (everything else is fine).
>>
>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of donw4cbs
>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 4:35 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>
>> This is an update for the group re. my KPA500.Several weeks ago I reported that all of a sudden my KPA500 dropped to 0 watts out when fed with my K3. SWR was 1:1. When the amp was placed in bypass my K3 showed normal output. When placed in operate SWR showed 99:1 and K3 dropped to 0 watts out.After speaking with tech support I obtained a RSA and sent in back for repair.Elecraft reported problems with the TR circuit and performed the following:Updated the TR circuit and rebiased PA module to 0.8 AThey replaced C9 for QSK upgrade in the I/O ModuleReplaced C20, R35 and R31 for QSK upgrade in the Front Panel ModuleReplaced Q5, D7, R3, R9, and R24 for transmit/receive MOD in the Low Pass Filter and replaced C43 and C44 in the 12 meter low pass filter.After 8 hours of burn in and thorough testing, Elecraft returned the KPA500 back to me and only charged for one hour of labor and return shipping. Wow!!!Am I a happy camper/customer... you bet. When Ten Tec disappeared for awhile I reluctantly switched to Elecraft, but have never looked back. What a wonderful company with outstanding customer support. I look forward to adding a K4 within the next year...Don, W4CBSSent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note9.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
>
>

Don Wilhelm

Re: KPA500 no output

Lyn,

I think one possible answer is that it got hot enough to release from
the soldering on the board during whatever event happened.
Sounds like it may have been hit with a lightning surge.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/1/2019 2:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

> UPDATE:
>
> I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday. The good news is that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as it was …). The bad news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4 of those weeks back in the Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?) surgery.
>
> When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took out its own TR circuit as well as its PA module. Seven components were found to be defective, and one was actually missing.
>
> I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory built unit.
>
> 73
>
> Lyn, WØLEN
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:14 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>
> Lyn:
>
> I use a balanced feed system for one of my antennas. For that I have a
> pair of small engine spark plugs on an aluminum plate for an arc gap
> located just before the balanced line enters the house. That balanced
> line runs all the way to the balun on the shelf just above the KAT500
> tuner. The coax lines and rotor line all have PolyPhaser devices at the
> same entrance location. No mechanical / manual disconnect method is
> used at my QTH.
>
> A bit more information, I have my lightning ground system outside of the
> house, and the tower is grounded to the same system and that system is
> bonded back to the AC mains ground. Again all is outside of the
> house. I do not have or use a station ground which connects to the
> equipment on the desk. The 3rd pin safety ground is all that is
> required. I have a dedicated service from the breaker panel for the
> station. I do have each piece of equipment bonded to the station power
> supply ground terminal with each piece of equipment having a dedicated
> jumper. My bonding jumpers are made from #10 AWG automotive primary
> wire with a suitable ring terminal which is crimped and soldered on each
> end.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>
> On 8/5/2019 6:22 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>> I don't believe so, Bob. While we have had a number of storms this year, there have been none since I received the KPA500.
>>
>> FWIW, I have a large knife switch in a box outside that I use to disconnect my balanced feed line if there are storms headed our way. I tend to be paranoid about lightning, as we had a direct strike on our house some 7 years ago ... and I didn't even have any antennas at that time. We sustained extensive damage. So I don't take any chances!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Lyn
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 5:18 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>
>> Lyn:
>>
>> Could this be the result of a nearby lightning strike? Seems likely
>> from your descriptions.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>>
>> On 8/5/2019 4:55 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>> Don -
>>>
>>> I have nearly the same exact problem with a KPA500 that is only 2 weeks old. It lets the signal pass thru on Standby, even showing proper signal levels. But in Operate mode, it's unresponsive and the SWR skyrockets to 99:1.
>>>
>>> I ran tests suggested by Support, but no joy. I will be shipping it back to Elecraft tomorrow.
>>>
>>> Coincidentally, the "front end" of my 2 y/o IC7300 died at the same time, yielding zero receive (everything else is fine).
>>>
>>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of donw4cbs
>>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 4:35 PM
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>>
>>> This is an update for the group re. my KPA500.Several weeks ago I reported that all of a sudden my KPA500 dropped to 0 watts out when fed with my K3. SWR was 1:1. When the amp was placed in bypass my K3 showed normal output. When placed in operate SWR showed 99:1 and K3 dropped to 0 watts out.After speaking with tech support I obtained a RSA and sent in back for repair.Elecraft reported problems with the TR circuit and performed the following:Updated the TR circuit and rebiased PA module to 0.8 AThey replaced C9 for QSK upgrade in the I/O ModuleReplaced C20, R35 and R31 for QSK upgrade in the Front Panel ModuleReplaced Q5, D7, R3, R9, and R24 for transmit/receive MOD in the Low Pass Filter and replaced C43 and C44 in the 12 meter low pass filter.After 8 hours of burn in and thorough testing, Elecraft returned the KPA500 back to me and only charged for one hour of labor and return shipping. Wow!!!Am I a happy camper/customer... you bet. When Ten Tec disappeared for awhile I reluctantly switched to Elecraft, but have never looked back. What a wonderful company with outstanding customer support. I look forward to adding a K4 within the next year...Don, W4CBSSent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note9.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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]
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: KPA500 no output

A point of concern when using a non-Elecraft transceiver, be sure to set
the correct value of power from the transceiver to the amp when the amp
is active in operate mode    I find that 20 to 25 watts is adequate to
drive my KPA500 to rated output.    With a different transceiver, I have
switched it to drive the KPA500 and failed to reduce the power to the
correct value. Although I've not damaged my amp nor my transceiver, I
really don't want to find out what might occur.    I know there is some
protection built into the KPA500 for overdrive, but I prefer not to
activate it.

With my K3S, when I switch the KPA500 to Operate, the transceiver is
automatically reduced to the correct power to drive the amp.

73

Bob, K4TAX

> On 9/1/2019 2:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>> UPDATE:
>>
>> I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday. The
>> good news is that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as
>> it was …). The bad news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4
>> of those weeks back in the Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?)
>> surgery.
>>
>> When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took
>> out its own TR circuit as well as its PA module. Seven components
>> were found to be defective, and one was actually missing.
>>
>> I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory
>> built unit.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>
>>

Bill K9YEQ

Re: KPA500 no output

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Your homeowner's insurance should cover you. Look for a thunderstorm history at the approximate time of your failure.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

https://wrj-tech.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Sunday, September 1, 2019 2:04 PM
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

Lyn,

I think one possible answer is that it got hot enough to release from the soldering on the board during whatever event happened.
Sounds like it may have been hit with a lightning surge.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/1/2019 2:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

> UPDATE:
>
> I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday. The good news is that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as it was …). The bad news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4 of those weeks back in the Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?) surgery.
>
> When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took out its own TR circuit as well as its PA module. Seven components were found to be defective, and one was actually missing.
>
> I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory built unit.
>
> 73
>
> Lyn, WØLEN
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:14 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>
> Lyn:
>
> I use a balanced feed system for one of my antennas. For that I have a
> pair of small engine spark plugs on an aluminum plate for an arc gap
> located just before the balanced line enters the house. That balanced
> line runs all the way to the balun on the shelf just above the KAT500
> tuner. The coax lines and rotor line all have PolyPhaser devices at the
> same entrance location. No mechanical / manual disconnect method is
> used at my QTH.
>
> A bit more information, I have my lightning ground system outside of
> the house, and the tower is grounded to the same system and that
> system is bonded back to the AC mains ground. Again all is outside of the
> house. I do not have or use a station ground which connects to the
> equipment on the desk. The 3rd pin safety ground is all that is
> required. I have a dedicated service from the breaker panel for the
> station. I do have each piece of equipment bonded to the station power
> supply ground terminal with each piece of equipment having a dedicated
> jumper. My bonding jumpers are made from #10 AWG automotive primary
> wire with a suitable ring terminal which is crimped and soldered on
> each end.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>
> On 8/5/2019 6:22 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>> I don't believe so, Bob. While we have had a number of storms this year, there have been none since I received the KPA500.
>>
>> FWIW, I have a large knife switch in a box outside that I use to disconnect my balanced feed line if there are storms headed our way. I tend to be paranoid about lightning, as we had a direct strike on our house some 7 years ago ... and I didn't even have any antennas at that time. We sustained extensive damage. So I don't take any chances!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Lyn
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 5:18 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>
>> Lyn:
>>
>> Could this be the result of a nearby lightning strike? Seems likely
>> from your descriptions.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>>
>> On 8/5/2019 4:55 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>> Don -
>>>
>>> I have nearly the same exact problem with a KPA500 that is only 2 weeks old. It lets the signal pass thru on Standby, even showing proper signal levels. But in Operate mode, it's unresponsive and the SWR skyrockets to 99:1.
>>>
>>> I ran tests suggested by Support, but no joy. I will be shipping it back to Elecraft tomorrow.
>>>
>>> Coincidentally, the "front end" of my 2 y/o IC7300 died at the same time, yielding zero receive (everything else is fine).
>>>
>>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [hidden email]
>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of donw4cbs
>>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 4:35 PM
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>>
>>> This is an update for the group re. my KPA500.Several weeks ago I reported that all of a sudden my KPA500 dropped to 0 watts out when fed with my K3. SWR was 1:1. When the amp was placed in bypass my K3 showed normal output. When placed in operate SWR showed 99:1 and K3 dropped to 0 watts out.After speaking with tech support I obtained a RSA and sent in back for repair.Elecraft reported problems with the TR circuit and performed the following:Updated the TR circuit and rebiased PA module to 0.8 AThey replaced C9 for QSK upgrade in the I/O ModuleReplaced C20, R35 and R31 for QSK upgrade in the Front Panel ModuleReplaced Q5, D7, R3, R9, and R24 for transmit/receive MOD in the Low Pass Filter and replaced C43 and C44 in the 12 meter low pass filter.After 8 hours of burn in and thorough testing, Elecraft returned the KPA500 back to me and only charged for one hour of labor and return shipping. Wow!!!Am I a happy camper/customer... you bet. When Ten Tec disappeared for awhile I reluctantly switched to Elecraft, but have never looked back. What a wonderful company with outstanding customer support. I look forward to adding a K4 within the next year...Don, W4CBSSent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note9.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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]
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
______________________________________________________________
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]

Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: KPA500 no output

Be sure you insist the damage is "lightning damage" and not, as the
insurance company will prefer, a "power surge". With lightning damage
and documentation, such as a service report stating lightning damage
from Elecraft, they should pay replacement value less your
deductible. With power surge they will only pay depreciated value
less your deductible.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/1/2019 2:22 PM, Bill Johnson wrote:

> Your homeowner's insurance should cover you. Look for a thunderstorm history at the approximate time of your failure.
>
> 73,
> Bill
> K9YEQ
>
> https://wrj-tech.com/
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Sunday, September 1, 2019 2:04 PM
> To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>
> Lyn,
>
> I think one possible answer is that it got hot enough to release from the soldering on the board during whatever event happened.
> Sounds like it may have been hit with a lightning surge.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 9/1/2019 2:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>> UPDATE:
>>
>> I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday. The good news is that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as it was …). The bad news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4 of those weeks back in the Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?) surgery.
>>
>> When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took out its own TR circuit as well as its PA module. Seven components were found to be defective, and one was actually missing.
>>
>> I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory built unit.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:14 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>
>> Lyn:
>>
>> I use a balanced feed system for one of my antennas. For that I have a
>> pair of small engine spark plugs on an aluminum plate for an arc gap
>> located just before the balanced line enters the house. That balanced
>> line runs all the way to the balun on the shelf just above the KAT500
>> tuner. The coax lines and rotor line all have PolyPhaser devices at the
>> same entrance location. No mechanical / manual disconnect method is
>> used at my QTH.
>>
>> A bit more information, I have my lightning ground system outside of
>> the house, and the tower is grounded to the same system and that
>> system is bonded back to the AC mains ground. Again all is outside of the
>> house. I do not have or use a station ground which connects to the
>> equipment on the desk. The 3rd pin safety ground is all that is
>> required. I have a dedicated service from the breaker panel for the
>> station. I do have each piece of equipment bonded to the station power
>> supply ground terminal with each piece of equipment having a dedicated
>> jumper. My bonding jumpers are made from #10 AWG automotive primary
>> wire with a suitable ring terminal which is crimped and soldered on
>> each end.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>>
>>
>> On 8/5/2019 6:22 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>> I don't believe so, Bob. While we have had a number of storms this year, there have been none since I received the KPA500.
>>>
>>> FWIW, I have a large knife switch in a box outside that I use to disconnect my balanced feed line if there are storms headed our way. I tend to be paranoid about lightning, as we had a direct strike on our house some 7 years ago ... and I didn't even have any antennas at that time. We sustained extensive damage. So I don't take any chances!
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Lyn
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
>>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 5:18 PM
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>>
>>> Lyn:
>>>
>>> Could this be the result of a nearby lightning strike? Seems likely
>>> from your descriptions.
>>>
>>> 73
>>>
>>> Bob, K4TAX
>>>
>>>
>>> On 8/5/2019 4:55 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>>> Don -
>>>>
>>>> I have nearly the same exact problem with a KPA500 that is only 2 weeks old. It lets the signal pass thru on Standby, even showing proper signal levels. But in Operate mode, it's unresponsive and the SWR skyrockets to 99:1.
>>>>
>>>> I ran tests suggested by Support, but no joy. I will be shipping it back to Elecraft tomorrow.
>>>>
>>>> Coincidentally, the "front end" of my 2 y/o IC7300 died at the same time, yielding zero receive (everything else is fine).
>>>>
>>>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: [hidden email]
>>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of donw4cbs
>>>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 4:35 PM
>>>> To: [hidden email]
>>>> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>>>
>>>> This is an update for the group re. my KPA500.Several weeks ago I reported that all of a sudden my KPA500 dropped to 0 watts out when fed with my K3. SWR was 1:1. When the amp was placed in bypass my K3 showed normal output. When placed in operate SWR showed 99:1 and K3 dropped to 0 watts out.After speaking with tech support I obtained a RSA and sent in back for repair.Elecraft reported problems with the TR circuit and performed the following:Updated the TR circuit and rebiased PA module to 0.8 AThey replaced C9 for QSK upgrade in the I/O ModuleReplaced C20, R35 and R31 for QSK upgrade in the Front Panel ModuleReplaced Q5, D7, R3, R9, and R24 for transmit/receive MOD in the Low Pass Filter and replaced C43 and C44 in the 12 meter low pass filter.After 8 hours of burn in and thorough testing, Elecraft returned the KPA500 back to me and only charged for one hour of labor and return shipping. Wow!!!Am I a happy camper/customer... you bet. When Ten Tec disappeared for awhile I reluctantly switched to Elecraft, but have never looked back. What a wonderful company with outstanding customer support. I look forward to adding a K4 within the next year...Don, W4CBSSent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note9.
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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]
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

N4ZR

Re: KPA500 no output

In reply to this post by Lyn WØLEN

Perhaps it blew up during the event?

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 9/1/2019 2:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

> UPDATE:
>
> I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday. The good news is that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as it was …). The bad news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4 of those weeks back in the Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?) surgery.
>
> When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took out its own TR circuit as well as its PA module. Seven components were found to be defective, and one was actually missing.
>
> I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory built unit.
>
> 73
>
> Lyn, WØLEN
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:14 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>
> Lyn:
>
> I use a balanced feed system for one of my antennas. For that I have a
> pair of small engine spark plugs on an aluminum plate for an arc gap
> located just before the balanced line enters the house. That balanced
> line runs all the way to the balun on the shelf just above the KAT500
> tuner. The coax lines and rotor line all have PolyPhaser devices at the
> same entrance location. No mechanical / manual disconnect method is
> used at my QTH.
>
> A bit more information, I have my lightning ground system outside of the
> house, and the tower is grounded to the same system and that system is
> bonded back to the AC mains ground. Again all is outside of the
> house. I do not have or use a station ground which connects to the
> equipment on the desk. The 3rd pin safety ground is all that is
> required. I have a dedicated service from the breaker panel for the
> station. I do have each piece of equipment bonded to the station power
> supply ground terminal with each piece of equipment having a dedicated
> jumper. My bonding jumpers are made from #10 AWG automotive primary
> wire with a suitable ring terminal which is crimped and soldered on each
> end.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>
> On 8/5/2019 6:22 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>> I don't believe so, Bob. While we have had a number of storms this year, there have been none since I received the KPA500.
>>
>> FWIW, I have a large knife switch in a box outside that I use to disconnect my balanced feed line if there are storms headed our way. I tend to be paranoid about lightning, as we had a direct strike on our house some 7 years ago ... and I didn't even have any antennas at that time. We sustained extensive damage. So I don't take any chances!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Lyn
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 5:18 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>
>> Lyn:
>>
>> Could this be the result of a nearby lightning strike? Seems likely
>> from your descriptions.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>>
>> On 8/5/2019 4:55 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>> Don -
>>>
>>> I have nearly the same exact problem with a KPA500 that is only 2 weeks old. It lets the signal pass thru on Standby, even showing proper signal levels. But in Operate mode, it's unresponsive and the SWR skyrockets to 99:1.
>>>
>>> I ran tests suggested by Support, but no joy. I will be shipping it back to Elecraft tomorrow.
>>>
>>> Coincidentally, the "front end" of my 2 y/o IC7300 died at the same time, yielding zero receive (everything else is fine).
>>>
>>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of donw4cbs
>>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 4:35 PM
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>>
>>> This is an update for the group re. my KPA500.Several weeks ago I reported that all of a sudden my KPA500 dropped to 0 watts out when fed with my K3. SWR was 1:1. When the amp was placed in bypass my K3 showed normal output. When placed in operate SWR showed 99:1 and K3 dropped to 0 watts out.After speaking with tech support I obtained a RSA and sent in back for repair.Elecraft reported problems with the TR circuit and performed the following:Updated the TR circuit and rebiased PA module to 0.8 AThey replaced C9 for QSK upgrade in the I/O ModuleReplaced C20, R35 and R31 for QSK upgrade in the Front Panel ModuleReplaced Q5, D7, R3, R9, and R24 for transmit/receive MOD in the Low Pass Filter and replaced C43 and C44 in the 12 meter low pass filter.After 8 hours of burn in and thorough testing, Elecraft returned the KPA500 back to me and only charged for one hour of labor and return shipping. Wow!!!Am I a happy camper/customer... you bet. When Ten Tec disappeared for awhile I reluctantly switched to Elecraft, but have never looked back. What a wonderful company with outstanding customer support. I look forward to adding a K4 within the next year...Don, W4CBSSent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note9.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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]
>>
>>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Bill K9YEQ

Re: KPA500 no output

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Good advice. I used to work as an office manager for a large insurance carrier. I hate claims, so all advice is welcome. I am not going to add further to this discussion. Do your homework.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

https://wrj-tech.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Sunday, September 1, 2019 2:37 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

Be sure you insist the damage is "lightning damage" and not, as the insurance company will prefer, a "power surge". With lightning damage and documentation, such as a service report stating lightning damage from Elecraft, they should pay replacement value less your deductible. With power surge they will only pay depreciated value less your deductible.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/1/2019 2:22 PM, Bill Johnson wrote:

> Your homeowner's insurance should cover you. Look for a thunderstorm history at the approximate time of your failure.
>
> 73,
> Bill
> K9YEQ
>
> https://wrj-tech.com/
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Sunday, September 1, 2019 2:04 PM
> To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>
> Lyn,
>
> I think one possible answer is that it got hot enough to release from the soldering on the board during whatever event happened.
> Sounds like it may have been hit with a lightning surge.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 9/1/2019 2:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>> UPDATE:
>>
>> I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday. The good news is that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as it was …). The bad news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4 of those weeks back in the Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?) surgery.
>>
>> When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took out its own TR circuit as well as its PA module. Seven components were found to be defective, and one was actually missing.
>>
>> I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory built unit.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:14 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>
>> Lyn:
>>
>> I use a balanced feed system for one of my antennas. For that I have a
>> pair of small engine spark plugs on an aluminum plate for an arc gap
>> located just before the balanced line enters the house. That balanced
>> line runs all the way to the balun on the shelf just above the KAT500
>> tuner. The coax lines and rotor line all have PolyPhaser devices at the
>> same entrance location. No mechanical / manual disconnect method is
>> used at my QTH.
>>
>> A bit more information, I have my lightning ground system outside of
>> the house, and the tower is grounded to the same system and that
>> system is bonded back to the AC mains ground. Again all is outside of the
>> house. I do not have or use a station ground which connects to the
>> equipment on the desk. The 3rd pin safety ground is all that is
>> required. I have a dedicated service from the breaker panel for the
>> station. I do have each piece of equipment bonded to the station power
>> supply ground terminal with each piece of equipment having a dedicated
>> jumper. My bonding jumpers are made from #10 AWG automotive primary
>> wire with a suitable ring terminal which is crimped and soldered on
>> each end.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>>
>>
>> On 8/5/2019 6:22 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>> I don't believe so, Bob. While we have had a number of storms this year, there have been none since I received the KPA500.
>>>
>>> FWIW, I have a large knife switch in a box outside that I use to disconnect my balanced feed line if there are storms headed our way. I tend to be paranoid about lightning, as we had a direct strike on our house some 7 years ago ... and I didn't even have any antennas at that time. We sustained extensive damage. So I don't take any chances!
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Lyn
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:[hidden email]]
>>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 5:18 PM
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>>
>>> Lyn:
>>>
>>> Could this be the result of a nearby lightning strike? Seems likely
>>> from your descriptions.
>>>
>>> 73
>>>
>>> Bob, K4TAX
>>>
>>>
>>> On 8/5/2019 4:55 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>>> Don -
>>>>
>>>> I have nearly the same exact problem with a KPA500 that is only 2 weeks old. It lets the signal pass thru on Standby, even showing proper signal levels. But in Operate mode, it's unresponsive and the SWR skyrockets to 99:1.
>>>>
>>>> I ran tests suggested by Support, but no joy. I will be shipping it back to Elecraft tomorrow.
>>>>
>>>> Coincidentally, the "front end" of my 2 y/o IC7300 died at the same time, yielding zero receive (everything else is fine).
>>>>
>>>> Lyn, WØLEN
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: [hidden email]
>>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of donw4cbs
>>>> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 4:35 PM
>>>> To: [hidden email]
>>>> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output
>>>>
>>>> This is an update for the group re. my KPA500.Several weeks ago I reported that all of a sudden my KPA500 dropped to 0 watts out when fed with my K3. SWR was 1:1. When the amp was placed in bypass my K3 showed normal output. When placed in operate SWR showed 99:1 and K3 dropped to 0 watts out.After speaking with tech support I obtained a RSA and sent in back for repair.Elecraft reported problems with the TR circuit and performed the following:Updated the TR circuit and rebiased PA module to 0.8 AThey replaced C9 for QSK upgrade in the I/O ModuleReplaced C20, R35 and R31 for QSK upgrade in the Front Panel ModuleReplaced Q5, D7, R3, R9, and R24 for transmit/receive MOD in the Low Pass Filter and replaced C43 and C44 in the 12 meter low pass filter.After 8 hours of burn in and thorough testing, Elecraft returned the KPA500 back to me and only charged for one hour of labor and return shipping. Wow!!!Am I a happy camper/customer... you bet. When Ten Tec disappeared for awhile I reluctantly switched to Elecraft, but have never looked back. What a wonderful company with outstanding customer support. I look forward to adding a K4 within the next year...Don, W4CBSSent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note9.
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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]
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]