[Elecraft] KPA500 STBY to OPER

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Andy et al:

With the station configured as shown in the KAT500 manual, page 5 Figure 
1, when operating a digital mode or any mode for that matter, and the 
amp is in STBY the K3S is delivering the power as set by the PWR 
control.    Normally 100 watts.   When the KPA500 is then switched to 
OPER the PWR on the K3S is set to the value as defined in the PWR SET 
menu.    Typically 20 watts drives the KPA500 to 400 to 500 watts 
output.   Thus there are 2 sets of per band power settings, one for 
barefoot operation and one for use with the amp.

As to how well it works, I'd say 100% as I have observed no 
mis-operation or fault indication in the 2 years of using the station on 
a daily basis.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/2/2019 8:58 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:
> "With my K3S, when I switch the KPA500 to Operate, the transceiver is automatically reduced to the correct power to drive the amp."
>
> Bob,
>
> I'm curious to know how well that feature works.  Let's say your KPA500 is STBY, your K3 is set to 100 W out, and you are transmitting in a digital mode.  What happens when you switch the KPA500 to OPER?
>
> If you don't know the answer please don't it!
>
> My  controller ensures that the KAT500 key line is inhibited when the KPA500 is in STBY.  When the KPA500 goes to OPER I set appropriate exciter power, and only when correct power has been verified do I enable the key line.  If I'm transmitting at 100W with KPA500 in STBY then selecting OPER gives a brief power reduction before establishing high power output.
>
> 73,
> Andy k3wyc