[Elecraft] Japanese HF Power Supply for KPA100

[John Grebenkemper, KI6WX]

A week ago I sent out a mail message on sources for the 6 pin Japanese
connectors used on their HF rigs.  I wanted to be able to use an Icom supply
to run a KPA100.  I received several responses and from these figured out
how to make this connection.

The Japanese HF rigs have used a Molex like 6 pin power connector for at
least the last 20 years.  This power connector is actually a modified Amp
connector design (see Mouser Catalog pg 241 or Amp Universal Mate-N-Lok
connectors).  I have not found anyone in the US that sells the modified
connector body.

Power Werx (powerwerx.com) does sell the connector for connecting to the HF
rig (HF-6) and a cable version that connects to the power supply (HF-6-C).
They obtain these directly from the Japanese rig manufacturers.
Unfortunately, they only provide 4 of the 6 pins.  This is okay from the rig
side since these pins provide the + and - 12 volts.  For the connector to
the power supply, the other two pins are used to turn on the AC to the power
supply.  You need to connect these two pins to a switch if you want to
remotely turn on the power supply, or short them together if you want the
power supply to be on anytime the power cable is plugged in.

The Amp 0.082" male pins will fit the power supply connector.  The more
common Molex 0.093" male pins are too big and will damage the female pin if
you manage to insert them.  According to the Mouser spec sheet, the
571-3505471 pin should be 0.082" in diameter, but I have not ordered any to
confirm.  If you do this connection, remember that these two pins have 120
VAC on them so they can be hazardous if you don't take the proper
precautions.

-John
 KI6WX