[Elecraft] [KPA500] Peculiar behavior : possible solution

[KENT TRIMBLE]

My profound input . . .

1)  K3 and KPA500 can be turned on in any sequence, any order, without 
any pause.

2)  KPA500 can be set to power up in OPERATEmode with no adverse 
consequences.

3)  KPA500 _must _be allowed to complete its booting before being used 
(mere seconds)

4)  KPA500 _must not_ be used until the K3 displays both the "KPA500" 
and "OPERATE" indicatorsor else it will fault.

5)  When observing the above and when the K3 output is properly 
adjusted, the KPA500 always delivers its ratedpower.

5) Over the last two years mine has been used at numerous Special 
Events, Boy Scout retreats, JOTA, National Level Exercises, etc., 
without a single miscue, snit, or failure.

73,

Kent K9ZTV



On 10/27/2012 2:38 PM, GDanner wrote:
> 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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