[Elecraft] KPA100 operation - is this normal?

[Vic K2VCO]

Darwin, Keith wrote:
> I noticed some things with the KPA100 that I wasn't expecting.  Are
> these normal?
>  
> 1.  Power output fluctuated during a single CW TX session.  I'll see the
> PO indicator on the K2 go up & down by 1 LED on a frequent basis (maybe
> switching every few seconds).  Thinking that I was right on the edge of
> an LED transition or something, I changed the power output level.  The
> behavior continued at the new higher power level.  I also see the output
> power on my outboard power meter change.  The changes appear to be
> fairly small, maybe 10 watts at the 100 watt level.  Is this normal?

Yes, but there's a mod available to reduce the variation.  See 
<http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/2003-06/msg00550.html>
and <http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/Power_Control_Mod.html>

> 2.  Fan came on.  My shack is a chilly 62 degrees F.  I set the temp in
> the K2 per the instructions.  During a CW QSO, the fan came on about 1/2
> way through my TX session and stayed on for about 1/2 of the other guy's
> TX session.  Power out was 100 watts, SWR is flat enough to not deflect
> the REV meter on the Palstar.  The heat sink did feel warmer than the
> room but no way I'd say it was hot.  Is this all normal or is there an
> issue?

Yes, I think so. See what others say.
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco