Posted by
Don Wilhelm-4 on
Aug 25, 2007; 6:16pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/KPA100-high-current-draw-tp451739p451743.html
Jim,
Please differentiate between HI CUR messages and a measured power supply
current to the K2/100. The answer will tell you where to look.
If you are simply seeing HI CUR messages, check the power output from
the KPA100 - if you find that it is putting out max power (100 watts or
greater) for all setting of the power control above 10 watts, then look
for the trouble in the KPA100 wattmeter first. It is quite likely that
diodes D16 and D17 were zapped by a lightning surge (it is summertime
and lightning surges are not uncommon) - if this is the case, just
replacing the diodes will usually cure the problem - and make a mental
memo to disconnect your antennas when not in use.
The HI CUR messages indicate only that the current being drawn by the
base K2 (not the KPA100) is in excess of the setting you have for CAL
CUR. You might want to check the CAL CUR setting - with the KPA100 it
should be set to 3.50 amps or higher.
Another cause of HI CUR messages can be a low voltage from your power
supply - check its output and the connecting cables for good low
resistance connections. The way the K2 controls power results in a
higher current draw when the voltage at the KPA100 (or K2) power
connector is reduced.
If you are having excessive current draw from your power supply (as
measured by an external meter - perhaps on your power supply *and* you
have power control from end to end of the power pot, then you should be
looking at either the T/R switch or the Low Pass Filters in the KPA100
*or* at your antenna and feedline for the problem source.
73,
Don W3FPR
Soaring Eagles wrote:
> Folks,
>
> My K2/100 has been working fine for over 6 months. Today I turned it
> on and I get a high current draw anytime the KPA100 is inline. Setting
> power <10 works fine. I haven't even moved the radio since it last
> worked, so I'm not sure how to go about troubleshooting.
>
> Thanks for any help!
>
> Jim, WD9HBC
> K2 #5757
> KX1 #1517
>
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