[Elecraft] KPA-1500 failure

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Hi Robert,

Please contact support at elecraft.com immediately so we can help you.

Using the KPA1500 utility to download and sending us your KPA1500 config file is 
always required in cases like this and it will also help us quickly diagnose 
what's up. (That file contains the full amp setup and fault log history.) 
Hopefully, this may just be a cockpit error. (Overdrive activates the 3 dB input 
attenuator.)

Also, NEVER drive the KPA1500 at 100W! That is well in excess of its fault level 
and can damage the amp. Our normal max input drive level is about 61 W or so if 
I recall correctly.

Above that point the 1500 automatically lights the yellow OVR light and switches 
on a -3 dB input attenuator. After continuous drive for 10-20 secs at just above 
this max drive level the amp will then hard fault into standby. Never increase 
drive when the OVR light is on - that will only increase the risk of damaging 
the amp.

OVR and the 3 dB attenuator will activate for overdrive, high reflected power, 
high PA current etc. When it lights, that is a message to REDUCE DRIVE and 
correct the problem. Once the drive is reduced, after several seconds the OVR 
light and input attenuator will turn back off.

Please, -never- increase drive power when the OVR light is on or blinking.

73,
Eric
/elecraft.com

(Note - To make sure everyone gets this info, I've send substantially the same 
email via the list to the three of you who have posted on this topic this morning.)
/
On 10/17/2018 4:54 AM, ROBERT MUELLER wrote:
> I have the same problem. I thought it was in the software I am using (HRD, FT8, JTAlerX). Perhaps not.
> I have to but in 100 watts from the K3S to get about 900 watts out.
>