[Elecraft] KXPA100 not making antenna connection

[Kurt Pawlikowski]

Josh,

     Unfortunately, I'm not familiar enough with the KXPA100 to know if, 
when  bypassing the unit internally, there is DC continuity between the 
input and output. If there is (I suspect so), you should be able to 
measure between them with a regular ohm meter. While not 100% 
definitive, if it fails this test (again, assuming DC continuity), that 
would be a major indicator of some connection problem.

     Hope that helps!


     kurtt WB9FMC
     2015 Hamfesters Hamfest Chairman
     Looking for my replacement since 2014!
     http:\\ham-ham.org

On 9/3/2014 03:24, Josh Lehan wrote:
> Hi there!
>
> I assembled my KXPA100 (with ATU) recently, serial number 0595.
> Unfortunately, it isn't working.  The link to the KX3 works great
> (rather slick, everything was instantly recognized), but the KXPA100 is
> not making any antenna connection cleanly.  KX3 is properly configured
> to link with the KXPA100.
>
> I heard nothing at all, on any band, as if the antenna wasn't connected
> at all.  I tried initiating an ATU tuning cycle, only to see a SWR fault
> on the KXPA100 almost instantly, so I stopped that rather quickly.  The
> SWR wouldn't improve below 32.0-1 (terrible).
>
> I opened it up again and removed then reconnected the tricky little TMP
> connectors, and that helped a little.  Using needlenose pliers made all
> the difference.  I am now pretty confident I have the TMP connectors
> fully inserted (they weren't, earlier).  Now, I can hear stations very
> faintly, S0 at most (not enough to light up any signal bars on the KX3).
>   This is still very bad, because when bypassing the KXPA100 by using a
> barrel connector to connect the KX3 to the antenna directly (for
> testing), it's loud and clear, around S5-S9, which is normal for my antenna.
>
> I can transmit just fine, using the KX3 and its built-in ATU, without
> the KXPA100, so I can rule out anything else in my setup that might be
> causing a problem.  Both antenna and dummy load normally work great.
> Ruled out cables by using barrel connector to join two cables together
> directly (cutting the KXPA100 out of the circuit) and that also worked
> great.  I just can't get a good connection when going through the KXPA100.
>
> Now, I'm at a loss what to do.  I think there might be a fault with the
> ATU connection internally of the KXPA100.  It was straightforward to put
> it together, though, I don't think I made any mistakes there, but
> probably will disassemble it all and try again.
>
> Switching between antenna 1 and antenna 2 makes an audible difference in
> the noise level, so I know that works.  However, the ATU switch on the
> KXPA100 doesn't seem to make a difference at all, there is no difference
> in noise level between bypass/manual/auto.  Shouldn't there be an
> audible difference here?  There also is no difference when KXPA100 is
> powered off vs. on, which seems strange to me.  Same SWR fault happens
> instantly when trying to tune with ATU, or doing any transmission for
> that matter.
>
> What should be my next step in troubleshooting?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Josh
> K6JSH
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