[Elecraft] [KPA500] Peculiar behavior : possible solution

[GDanner]

My observations:
The K3 is delivering only the KPA500 drive level power not 100 watts. So at 
least the K3 "thinks" it is driving the PA in operating mode. The KPA500 has 
only the first one or 2 power leds lit.
The PA has the *. I think that indicates key is being generated.
Mine does this about 1 or 2% of the time and only for the First QSO.

I have had the issue after starting the K-Line sequentially, i.e. K3 boots 
first (to the end of the banner), P3 boots (after waiting for SVGA) then I 
turn on the KPA500; as well as starting all at the same time. I have been 
using the sequential method for a while now.

If it is important to have the KPA500 operating (Net Control), I test it 
into the dummy to be sure. The failure is very low & my observations are 
over many times not just one. They could be flawed; but I think not.

George
AI4VZ

-----Original Message----- 
From: Jack Berry
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2012 1:31 PM
To: W5RDW ; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KPA500] Peculiar behavior : possible solution

My theory on the "Peculiar behavior" issue:
I have seen this problem several times before and finally decided it's an 
issue of interrupted "handshaking" between the K3 and KPA500. Seems that all 
communicating digital devices go through and introduction to confirm 
communication before they get down to business.
My solution is to power on the K3,
-wait till the banner has cleared and then hit the KPA500 front panel ON 
button.
-Wait till the "KPA500 On" banner has cleared and then switch from Standby 
to Operate.

When I have taken the few extra seconds to all the handshaking to complete, 
I don't recall ever seeing a failure of the KPA500 to deliver full power.

God Bless & 73!Jack - WE5ST


________________________________
From: W5RDW <rwhitetexas at verizon.net>
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2012 12:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KPA500] Peculiar behavior : no power output on 
Operate

Update........

I just turned on the K3/KPA500/P3 as usual (KPA500 is OPER, not Standby) and
listened to the band for awhile. I heard a strong station calling on 12
meters SSB from Scotland and gave him a call and noticed only the K3 was
putting out power (probably 20 or so watts, the low drive I usually use to
drive the KPA500). He answered me and I then came back to him on the OVER,
but now, the K3/KPA500 was putting out 400-450 watts as normal
--
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