[Elecraft] KX3/KXPA100 Operational Questions (2)

[James Bennett]

Today is my first day with my newly-assembled KXPA100 and the KXAT100. They work very well with the KX3 as I had hoped. I do have two questions on the operation of the units. Well, actually three questions:

1) When I run WSPR mode with two watts output, the KX3 is showing 2.0 W but the amp has the first bar (25) lit up. I am hoping/assuming that this is normal and it really is putting out two watts, and not 25…?

2) With the KX3 set at two watts output I notice that the amp “ON” light turns on and off about every three seconds. Is this just a “reminder” to me that the KX3 is not putting out enough power to make the amp do any RF amplification?

3) Prior to having the amp and tuner, the KX3 LCD display would only show “ATU” if it’s internal tuner was enabled. The manual indicates that this internal tuner is automatically bypassed when the KX3 has been told it is using a KXPA100. The “ATU” now is showing all the time. I can tell that the KXAT100 is in use as I hear it clicking when I tune to a new band segment. Can I assume that seeing the “ATU” displayed is normal, too?

Thanks, Jim / W6JHB