[Elecraft] Warning!

[Dr. William J. Schmidt, II]

Well last night while chasing some DX I experienced the same mysterious
antenna tuning behavior that others have reported with the KAT500 where the
tuner just "takes off".  I had this happen on 40 meters while working 40
meters over xmas down on PJ4 and saw the KPA500 amp emit a nice thick cloud
of black smoke.  The amp still worked, but last night it did the same thing.
and now 40 meters the KPA500 does nothing.  10-50mhz is ok (have not tried
1.8-5 yet . no antenna).  But when on 40. not even the SWR indicator works.
I think it roasted the filter section but I'll let Elecraft figure that out
since I'm flying without schematics.  I'll call and send them the power
brick on Monday.  Antenna was 1.2:1 swr the whole time.  Just be careful out
there! 

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ/ PJ4HZ

Owner - Operator

Big Signal Ranch

Staunton, Illinois

email:   <mailto:bill at wjschmidt.com> bill at wjschmidt.com