[Elecraft] Creaking KPA-500

[Michael Walker]

The creaking is due to the Heatsink expanding and contracting and the
screws trying to hold them in place.

It is normal and if you loosen screws, you may hear the noise go away.  If
you tighten them, you might break the screws.

I'm not sure which way it will go, but it is normal.

Mike va3mw


On Mon, Sep 30, 2019 at 1:32 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX <rmcgraw at blomand.net>
wrote:

> 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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