[Elecraft] When Transmitting on FT8 - KPA500 has issues - KD8ZYD

[Don Wilhelm]

Fred,

Is the KAT500 trying to do a TUNE?  It sounds like it may be.
If left in AUTO mode, the KAT500 can occasionally detect a false SWR 
result.  When that happens, the KAT500 will break the keying line to the 
KPA500 while it tunes.

With the KAT500 in AUTO - train the tuner for all band segments and 
antennas you use, then set the KAT500 to MAN for operation.

Do that and see if the problem stops.

If that is not the problem, connect the KPA500 (not the KAT500) to a 500 
watt or greater dummy load and see if you can duplicate the problem.

If it fails on the dummy load, contact support at elecraft.com.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/1/2019 9:05 PM, Fred wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I have a K3, P3, KPA500, KAT500 and a SignaLink for sound.  Sometimes when
> I transmit on FT8 running full power on the KPA500, the KPA500 will click
> on/off.  The power doesn't turn on/off, it seems like a relay inside.  The
> power meter will go to about 500 watts, then down to 0, then to abut 500
> watts...and down to 0 maybe once a second.  I have a short video I can send
> if someone would like to see it.  When I bypass the KPA500 and use 50 watts
> or so just on the K3, no issues.
>