[Elecraft] K3/KPA500/KAT500 SWR problem

[Fred Jensen]

On 12/31/2013 1:50 PM, Bill W2BLC wrote:
> Same boat here. I gave up my PalStar tuner and a single 3-500 amp that
> worked flawlessly for the KAT500 and KPA500. Getting older, I wanted
> seamless operation from the PTT to the antenna. I still am wanting that
> - so we will see what the coming changes bring us. Meantime, I am
> running 100 Watts and am direct from antenna to the K3 - took the other
> stuff out of line.

Lots of complaints about this, but has anyone tried reverting to an 
earlier firmware version?  I've never had this problem, even once ... 
ever.  Except for the tribander, my antennas are not really resonant and 
the tribander is getting so old I'm finding trap covers at the base of 
the tower.  I don't remember my FW version off-hand, something like 1.3 
or close, certainly not the latest.  I guess I'm assuming that the older 
FW is either available on the E-site, or you saved it when you installed 
it. I would imagine it could help the E-engineers a lot to know that the 
problem you're experiencing is or isn't FW-related.

"The Latest FW Isn't Always The Best For You."  I update my firmware on 
all the E-things either when it fixes a problem or "undocumented 
feature" that I've actually experienced, or when it adds something I'll 
actually use.  Other than that, if it works for me, I leave it alone.

  Sad part is that no one noticed the lack of power.

Before springing for the KPA500, I ran my 1.2KW amp at 500W for a year. 
  Neither I nor any of my regular contacts could tell the difference. 
Since we have a "smart meter," I can look up our demand on the power 
company's site, and looking at contest weekends where I really did put 
my butt in the chair, I think I might be able to see a small decrease. 
However, our biggest usage is pumping water to the 35+ valves that the 
irrigation system for the botanical garden I live in requires, so 
contest weakends may be in the noise.

If anyone wants info on a 40 station irrigation controller, let me know, 
I built one. :-))  So far, the "smart meter" has not caused any problems 
around here, and last time I saw my VA doctor, he confirmed that I 
didn't need to put tin foil in my hat, all my problems are caused by 
accumulated birthdays and not taking real good care of my body in my 
20's.  Happy New Year to all!

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org