[Elecraft] KPA500 not responding to K3

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

Go download the latest beta versions of the firmware and the associated 
utility programs.

Have you set the baud rate in the K3 to that of the amp?

When the amp is moved from standby to Operate you should see a message 
in the K3 that says KPA500.

You can set the K3 output with the amp and without.

I would check the firmware.  I know there is a special button you push 
on the KAT500 that optimizes operation with the KPA500.

Mike W0MU

On 5/1/2014 10:11 PM, Ben Collins-Sussman wrote:
> Hello friends,
>
> I've been using my tiny KX3 with a KPA500 and KAT500 for many months now.
>   The KX3 only puts out 12 watts, but the KPA500 translates it successfully
> into about 200W.  The KPA500 and KAT500 have been connected via the
> official DB15 cable sold by Elecraft, and the KX3 triggers the amp via RCA
> cable into the amp's PA-key connector.
>
> Fast-forward to today:  I just received a K3, and I'm really excited to see
> the K3, KPA500, and KAT500 all just "work together" magically.  Except
> they're not.
>
> I've connected everything exactly as shown in the KAT500 manual:
>
>     - K3's ACC port is connected to the tuner's XCVR port, via the official
>     KPAK3AUX cable.
>     - The tuner's AMP port is connected to the amp's AUX port, via the
>     official E850463 cable.
>
> I'm definitely able to use the K3 and tuner together when the amp is off.
>   But when I turn on the amp, there appears to be no communication between
> amp and K3.
>
>     - The amp doesn't notice when I change bands on the K3.
>     - The amp won't let me change bands at all, even when I push its band
>     buttons!
>     - When I put the amp into OPER and transmit 15 or 20W from the K3, the
>     amp doesn't appear to "key" and amplify.  It just shows the exact 20W as
>     passing through (on it's 'power' display.)
>
> I've verified that the amp's RADIO option is set to 'K3'.
>
> Does anyone have any ideas?
>
> 73 de Ben NN9S
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