[Elecraft] Made a DB15 cable to connect K3 + KAT500, but now Amp is disabled

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

Hi Steve,

If you still have *both* RCA cables in place, I can't see how your new
ACC cable could be prevent keying of your SB-220. If you remove your
new cable, does keying work? Check that those RCA cables really are
still intact. Also check that the KAT500 is not interrupting keying
due to excessive VSWR.

73,

    ~iain / N6ML


On Thu, Aug 29, 2013 at 2:25 AM, zl2ke <zl2ke.steve at gmail.com> wrote:
> I had to make a DB15 cable since my K3 is side-by-side to the KAT500,
> so the Elecraft cable that I ordered is too short (the DB15-Y cable is the
> only one available and it is for a K3 on top of a KAT500).
>
> However now my SB-220 Amplifier is no longer activated and does not 'fire
> up' when the K3 transmits. All was OK before I connected the cable that I
> made today, that is, the K3 and KAT500 did trip the linear amp's relay.
>
> The cable that I made today does connect the K3 and KAT500 properly,
> so that when I change bands on the K3 the KAT500 changes bands
> (and remembers the correct setting for each band so that no tuning is
> needed).
>
> Page 9 of the KAT500 manual shows the 10 Connector Pins to be used (leaving
> 5 pins unused),
> however I did not connect Pin #15 because the notation states "ALC (Not
> normally used...).
> This means that I have made a cable of 9 wires.
>
> It is my understanding that pin #10 is the Key LIne from the K3,
> which should trigger the relay in my SB220 amp (via the KAT500).
>
> There is an RCA-RCA cable from the K3's Key Out to the KAT500,
> and another RCA-RCA cable from the SB220 to the KAT500.
> This is the same configuration that I had prior to the new cable that I made
> today,
> and as I have said, the SB220 did fire up OK when the K3 transmitted.
>
> I took care in making and testing the cable, so I am sure of the continuity
> of each wire.
>
> There must be something that I have not done.
> How can I get my K3 to once again trigger the SB220 amp?
>
> Thanks,  Steve  ZL2KE
>
>
>
> --
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