[Elecraft] KPA500 new owner questions.......

Bob McGraw K4TAX rmcgraw at blomand.net
Thu Feb 28 13:41:36 EST 2019


When I read in the manual where it says "never exceed 40 watts" that 
leads me to believe one should not do that.   While the protection 
circuit is fast and there is a 3 dB attenuator that switches in 
automatically, from 100 watts down 3 dB is still over 40 watts.  I think 
I read here where someone hit the amp with 100 to 200 watts and now it 
needs repair.  In other words, "they let the smoke out of the box".

As to ALC, that is in my opinion and option and does not require the 
company to supply a cable or diagram.  After all, what connector type 
for "other radio" is required?  And in many cases, mine for one of my 
radios, there is NO ALC input.   Thus I must BE VERY CAREFUL   when I 
use that radio with my KPA500.   As to using ALC, since your IC-7300 
does have provision for external ALC, my suggestion is USE IT!.  Page 17 
in the manual "Using ALC" is quite clear about this.   And for what it's 
worth, with my K3S, I do have the ALC interfaced from the amp to the 
radio.  Just in case something goes amiss.   With my radio that does not 
have ALC input, I must be careful to set the power correctly and then 
CHECK and RECHECK to see all is done correctly before transmitting.

My KPA500 is in line in all station configurations and operation.   Two 
transceivers, 160M - 6M.     I find no need to physically or externally 
switch it out of line.

73

Bob, K4TAX



On 2/28/2019 12:07 PM, Jim Lageson wrote:
> I have never owned an amp before and recently put together a KPA500. All
> seems to be working well, but I have a few questions. I am using with a
> IC-7300.
>
> How important is the ALC cable? I notice it is not included in the Basic
> Cabling Diagram in the manual but is discussed later in the manual.
>
> If I were accidently to run 100 watts into the KPA500 will the PWRIN HI
> Hard Fault/STBY protect itself before any damage is done. Would ALC protect
> me from that?
>
> Is it standard procedure to keep the KPA500 in line when turned off and not
> in use? I see you may run up to 200 through the KPA500 in STBY.
>
> Is there any concerns or settings on radio when running full break in on CW?
>
> Thanks
> Jim-N0UR
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