[Elecraft] KPA 500 voltage drop on key down

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

Hi, Matt,

On Fri, Nov 20, 2015 at 11:13 AM, Cliff Frescura <cf at cfcorp.com> wrote:

> Sounds like the amp is plugged into an outlet that is potentially
> overloaded
> or underrated.
>
> Changing the tap won't solve the problem and may damage the amp.
>

Precisely so!

Put an AC voltmeter on the AC line in a spare socket where the KPA500 is
plugged in. Key it and watch the AC voltage. If it sags any more than 2 or
3 volts, you have a wiring problem of some sort somewhere. Amplifiers
really should be on their own circuit (or a good stiff circuit if shared)
back to the breaker box. *Especially* so if its 120V, even a KPA 500, which
will draw a KW from the AC key down.

Precipitous keydown drops in AC voltage at the socket means a fire hazard,
and possibly some nasty problems in your AC wiring. No fooling around with
this problem. Sometimes these kinds of things come from a problem in the
power line neutral somewhere. That is really dangerous.

73 and Good Luck,

Guy K2AV