[Elecraft] Creaking KPA-500

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Phil et al;

My factory built KPA500 did a good be of cracking and popping for 3 or 4 
months when first received.   But it has stopped.  Guess all the metal 
parts settled into a comfortable position and all is now well.    I 
considered opening it up, tightening or loosing bolts and screws.    But 
procrastinator me just waited and it stopped by itself.   I  think 
that's good.

Love the amp, it is a great performer.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/30/2019 7:59 AM, Phillip Zminda wrote:
> My kit-built KPA-500 is about 8 months old. Lately I’ve been running a lot of FT8 and FT4 at around 150 to 200 watts. I have really noticed a lot of loud creaking from the KPA-500 after a few QSOs on digital modes. The manual does indicate that some noise is normal but this does seem excessive, I don’t recall noticing it when on CW or SSB, although I haven’t done much contesting where the amp would have a lot of running time.
>
> I expect I may need to tighten some screws inside. I really don’t want to do any more disassembly than necessary and would prefer not to ship back to Elecraft either. What is the likely culprit and how much disassembly is required to get to the necessary screws?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Phil N3ZP
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