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k3 High Current Message on 10 meters

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: KPA500 Dead

You say you checked the "fuse" and it is OK. In fact, there are two
fuses. If either has failed the amp won't power on. Then check the
voltage at the outlet from where the amp is powered.

If you don't know where to start looking,.........if the above two items
are OK, then I suggest sending an e-mail to tech support at Elecraft and
ask for a RA. Chances are the issue is beyond local repair, either by
knowledge or test equipment and parts.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 6/5/2020 11:04 AM, Tom Berry wrote:

> I was operating on FT8 20 meters for quite a long time with my KPA500
> running about 400 watts and heard a few pops (like something
> arching). Heard it a few more times then the amp went off.
>
> Now it will not power on. No lights, nothing. I checked the fuse and
> it is OK.
>
> Can you tell me where to start looking?
>
>
> Thanks
>
> Tom AAA4VV
>
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Tom Berry

Re: KPA500 Dead

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

On 6/5/2020 2:02 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 6/5/2020 9:33 AM, Alan - G4GNX wrote:
>> Unless you really know what you're doing, then you should not remove
>> the lid. Fault finding could easily result in the need to power up
>> and expose yourself to many hidden dangers.
>
> Ummm -- we're hams, and are supposed to have at least some technical
> background. If we can't open up a product like one of the Elecraft
> rigs and at least look around we ought to send our boxtop license back
> to the government agency that issued it. That doesn't mean that we
> should attempt circuit board level troubleshooting.
>
> Elecraft sells most of their products as kits that require minimal
> assembly of pre-tested circuit boards and other components. I built
> two K3s, a KX3, two P3s with SVGA boards, and a KPA500. The KPA1500 is
> not available as a kit.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC

Jim, I didn't say I couldn't look around and I'm certainly not going to
send my "BOXTOP" license back. I have had it since 1955. Took all the
CW tests in front of an examiner etc.

I want to congratulate you on building all the Elecraft stuff. I have
built an AT-1, the 30 watt Heathkit transmitter, DX100, HW101, and
various test equipment.

Tom AA4VV ex W8VSV.

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Tom Berry

Re: KPA500 Dead

In reply to this post by Alan - G4GNX

On 6/5/2020 2:10 PM, Alan - G4GNX wrote:

> Yes, we're supposed to have some technical background, but by asking
> "where do I start" tends to indicate that there might just be an
> insufficiency of necessary knowledge. I would hate to see someone die,
> because I had failed to speak out. :-)
>
> I also built several Elecraft products, including a couple of KPA500s,
> and the manual clearly indicates screwing the lid down, before
> powering up. There's a good reason for that.
>
> My apologies to the OP. I have no wish to offend you.
>
> 73,
>
> Alan. G4GNX
>

Hi Alan,

You have not offended me. I have taken the top off and looked around.
I certainly don't see anything that looks like it has been arching.

The AC power is ok. The fuses are ok. Just thought someone would have
an idea on where to start looking.

I have emailed Elecraft but so far no answer. Sent the email on 6/3/2020.

Thanks

73 Tom AA4VV

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Tom Berry

Re: KPA500 Dead

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

On 6/5/2020 2:41 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:

> You say you checked the "fuse" and it is OK. In fact, there are two
> fuses. If either has failed the amp won't power on. Then check the
> voltage at the outlet from where the amp is powered.
>
> If you don't know where to start looking,.........if the above two
> items are OK, then I suggest sending an e-mail to tech support at
> Elecraft and ask for a RA. Chances are the issue is beyond local
> repair, either by knowledge or test equipment and parts.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>

Thanks Bob,

I am sure you are correct. Just hate to send it off since I use it
about every day. I am retired and if I don't have any wife jobs then
I'm on the radio.

I have seen you give many good answers here.

Thanks

73 Tom AA4VV

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: KPA500 Dead

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Actually four. There are two on the power supply board that protect the low voltage supply. Since the front panel appears not to be powering up, it is possible that one or both of these may be blown.

I don’t really have any suggestions for what might be wrong, so the best thing to do is to contact customer support. They are still rather busy, so it might take a little while for them to get back to you, but I am sure they will be able to help.

Good luck, and hope we can help you get your KPA500 back up and running quickly!

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Jun 5, 2020, at 11:41 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> You say you checked the "fuse" and it is OK. In fact, there are two fuses. If either has failed the amp won't power on. Then check the voltage at the outlet from where the amp is powered.
>
> If you don't know where to start looking,.........if the above two items are OK, then I suggest sending an e-mail to tech support at Elecraft and ask for a RA. Chances are the issue is beyond local repair, either by knowledge or test equipment and parts.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> On 6/5/2020 11:04 AM, Tom Berry wrote:
>> I was operating on FT8 20 meters for quite a long time with my KPA500 running about 400 watts and heard a few pops (like something arching). Heard it a few more times then the amp went off.
>>
>> Now it will not power on. No lights, nothing. I checked the fuse and it is OK.
>>
>> Can you tell me where to start looking?
>>
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Tom AAA4VV
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]

Lyn WØLEN

Re: KPA500 Dead

In reply to this post by Tom Berry

Tom -

I had the same experience a few months back. I talked with Elecraft Support, and they had me check a few things. There was no obvious cause, except the power supply board was dead.

They asked me to send it in, which I did, and they replaced the board. Fortunately I got it back a couple days before the COVID shutdown hit, and it has been fine since.

As a precautionary move, they changed the power transformer back to the default setting. I had set it up one notch because our line voltage is low, and that was needed to get it "near" the optimal value.

I also have tuner (KAT500) issues, but will live with it, as I am reluctant to send anything anywhere at this time.

73
Lyn, W0LEN

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tom Berry
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2020 11:05 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Dead

I was operating on FT8 20 meters for quite a long time with my KPA500
running about 400 watts and heard a few pops (like something arching).
Heard it a few more times then the amp went off.

Now it will not power on. No lights, nothing. I checked the fuse and
it is OK.

Can you tell me where to start looking?

Thanks

Tom AAA4VV

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Don Wilhelm

Re: KPA500 Dead

Lyn,

On your KAT500, do contact support about it, and if they want you to
send it in, do so. Many techs are working from home, and while the time
from receipt at Elecraft until it is shipped may be longer, the process
still is working.
Who knows when this coronavirus thing will subside and things will get
fully back to normal and full in-office staffing, but Elecraft is
'limping along' to support customers.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/5/2020 5:39 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
> Tom -
>
> I had the same experience a few months back. I talked with Elecraft Support, and they had me check a few things. There was no obvious cause, except the power supply board was dead.
>
> They asked me to send it in, which I did, and they replaced the board. Fortunately I got it back a couple days before the COVID shutdown hit, and it has been fine since.
>
> As a precautionary move, they changed the power transformer back to the default setting. I had set it up one notch because our line voltage is low, and that was needed to get it "near" the optimal value.
>
> I also have tuner (KAT500) issues, but will live with it, as I am reluctant to send anything anywhere at this time.
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