ReK2/KPA100 problem

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ReK2/KPA100 problem

Bryan-47
Hi All,

The K2 appears to work on all bands, albeit only 6 to 8watts out on 15/12/15m, which I presume is ok, but maginal.  When I connect up my KPA100, output is 100w plus on the lower bands, but on 15/12/10 m it is very low, and the system is self-oscilating around 100MHz and the frequency is unstable.

I would think that there was a problem in the KPA's LPF for those bands, but I can't find anything wrong.  I use Toroidguys inductors, and all seems well as far as I can check.

Has anyone had a similar experience I wonder.  Does the low output from the K2 cause this problem

Thanks

73 Bryan  G3AKF
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RE: ReK2/KPA100 problem

Don Wilhelm-3
Bryan,

I suggest solving the low power output on 15/12/10 for the base K2.  You
should be able to achieve at least 10 watts on all bands.  I don't believe
that is your basic problem with the KPA100.

If the the KPA100 is self-oscillating, that is the first problem to tackle.
Once you get that under control, other apparent problems may also disappear.

I have not had experience with oscillations in the KPA100, so the best
advice I can offer is to check all components and all soldering - it is not
normal for the KPA100 to self-oscillate, in fact in my experience it is
quite stable.  Look carefully at the input circuit components and the
transformer turns.  The LPF is not the most likely culprit.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> The K2 appears to work on all bands, albeit only 6 to 8watts out
> on 15/12/15m, which I presume is ok, but maginal.  When I connect
> up my KPA100, output is 100w plus on the lower bands, but on
> 15/12/10 m it is very low, and the system is self-oscilating
> around 100MHz and the frequency is unstable.
>
> I would think that there was a problem in the KPA's LPF for those
> bands, but I can't find anything wrong.  I use Toroidguys
> inductors, and all seems well as far as I can check.
>
> Has anyone had a similar experience I wonder.  Does the low
> output from the K2 cause this problem
>
> Thanks
>
> 73 Bryan  G3AKF
> _______________________________________________
>


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SV: ReK2/KPA100 problem

Henrik Tuxen
In reply to this post by Bryan-47
Hallo Bryan,
I have had a problem with my KPA-100 oscillating around 7 MHz, and I
sent of a question to support and go this answer within 6 hours:

For oscillation problems when a tuner or reactive antenna is installed,
the
KPA100 must have the latest engineering changes:

1) KPA100SHLDKT
2) KPA100MODKT
3) New KPA100 f/w version 1.1 (requires 1 and 2 above).
4) All paint must be removed where the 2D fasteners and shield grounding
clips contact.
5) All cables must be in good condition. Do not more than 5" of RG-174/U
between K2 and KPA100.
6) All screws must be tight. The KPA100 shield must be grounded well by
both
the 3 spring clips, and 2 solder lugs between the SO-239 antenna
connector
and corner shield screw.
7) The power supply must not be affected by RF.
8) See the attached KPA100 errata for changes in the KPA100 t-r switch.
Be
sure to check and do the last 2 steps. This clears up KPA100 kits that
do
not have sufficient t-r switch isolation at high power on the lower
freq.
bands.

My personal comments on the above list:
Ad 4) An absolute must and cannot be emphasized enough.
Ad 5) This cable can be shortened down to around 4" without any
problems, and you can still install the KPA-100 without removing the
sides.
Ad 6) An absolute must.

If you look at my home page www.qslnet.de/dk1htx you can see some
pictures taken during my work, and there you can also see how much paint
I have removed from the heatsink.

Based on input from Tom Hammond I mounted about 30 toroids on the
coaxcable leading to my antenna, and my oscillating (and RFI) problems
were gone.

Best regards
DK1HTX, Henrik Tuxen
[hidden email]
 

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] På vegne af Bryan
Sendt: 11 February 2005 16:20
Til: Elecraft
Emne: Re[elecraft] K2/KPA100 problem

Hi All,

The K2 appears to work on all bands, albeit only 6 to 8watts out on
15/12/15m, which I presume is ok, but maginal.  When I connect up my
KPA100, output is 100w plus on the lower bands, but on 15/12/10 m it is
very low, and the system is self-oscilating around 100MHz and the
frequency is unstable.

I would think that there was a problem in the KPA's LPF for those bands,
but I can't find anything wrong.  I use Toroidguys inductors, and all
seems well as far as I can check.

Has anyone had a similar experience I wonder.  Does the low output from
the K2 cause this problem

Thanks

73 Bryan  G3AKF
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