[Elecraft] KPA500...standby vs. operate

[Jack Brindle]

The specific answer to your question isn’t in the hardware, but rather the firmware. With that in mind,
going to STBY does the following:
1) Bypasses the TR switch, so that the signal path goes direct between the input and output RF ports.
2) Turns off the 60V power to lessen the load.
3) It also does some housekeeping things like turn on and off LEDs.

Going into standby adds a few things to the obvious:
1) Check that the 270V bias power is valid,
2) Enables the TR switch (removing the signal bypass)
3) Enables 60V power.
4) Again, some housekeeping chores are performed.

Now, what do I do when leaving the op position even for a few minutes? I always put the KPA in STBY mode. It just seems safer that way.
But, I don’t really see much issue with leaving it in OPER mode. 

I also have a habit of disabling K3 VOX when I get up. Again, safer.

73!
Jack, W6FB



> On Oct 27, 2019, at 11:43 AM, macymonkeys at charter.net wrote:
> 
> Interesting! Thanks to all..
> John K7FD
> 
> 	-----------------------------------------From: "Kenneth Christiansen"
> 
> To: "Macy monkeys"
> Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Sunday October 27 2019 11:15:43AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500...standby vs. operate
> 
> I have a Kill A Watt meter. Plugging the kpa 500 in with front switch
> off draws 7 watts. Standby draws 12 watts and operate draws 13 watts.
> 500 watts out on 20 meters draws 1,140 watts. 
> Hope that helps. 
> Ken. W0CZ
> w0cz at i29. Net
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Oct 27, 2019, at 11:38 AM, Macy monkeys  wrote:
>> 
>> I am in and out of the shack all day with various nets and
> ragchews. Is there any advantage to putting the amp into standby
> between QSOs...or should I just leave it in operate? 
>> 
>> John K7FD
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