[Elecraft] KPA500 problem

[Dave Cole]

Odd you should mention that...  I am rebuilding my operating position, 
and am installing a patch panel...  See:

https://www.nk7z.net/rf-patch-panel/

For a close up of teh patch panel.  I used one of those services that 
give you the design software, and then build to your spec...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 4/14/20 1:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
> Bill -
> 
> There's something about having all your gear lined up nicely in the shack,
> and then having to unexpectedly get to a rear panel connector.  I hate when
> that happens.  So I finally have everything on a 3-high shelving unit that
> can be pivoted to allow me access to all the rear panels and cables (neatly
> bundled and labeled).  The KPA500 holds down the lower right shelf, which
> serves nicely as the pivot point.
> 
> The other end of that shelf is an IC-7300, so don't feel bad.  You've given
> it great reports on 160 meters.
> 
> 73
> Lyn, W0LEN
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of William Carpenter
> Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2:38 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 problem
> 
> Welp, operator error big time.  Got an email from Elecraft tech support and
> the first thing he told me to do was to unplug the RCA keyline and see what
> happens.
> 
> AHA!
> 
> Last Friday I decided to use my IC-7300 instead of my K3 in the SKSS WES
> contest. Yes, blaspheme I know. The 7300 only has one key jack so I had to
> unplug the line going to my CW paddles and plug in a straight key.  Which
> means fumbling around in the back of the rig blindly.  I
> accidentally unplugged the RCA plug for the keyline to the KPA500 first.
> Then with out thinking plugged it into the ALC phono jack which is right
> next to the Key jack.  Which caused the amp to do what it was doing.
> 
> So I cleaned up the amp - needed some dust blown out - put it back
> together, hooked it back up and guess what?
> 
> It works fine.
> 
> 73, Bill NZ0T
> 
> 
> On Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 9:27 AM William Carpenter <nz0tham at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> For the second time i about two years my KPA500 is suffering from the low
>> RX sensitivity in OPR.  Transmit is fine with full output ona ll bands.
>> The last time this happened the culprit was R7 on the PA unit which had
>> cracked and burned slightly.   Elecraft sent me a new R7 very quickly and
>> for free - the usual great customer service.  I installed it and the amp
>> was fine again.
>>
>> It happened again last night so I took the PA unit out this morning.  R7
>> looks fine and tests fine as do all the associated components.   So, I'm
> at
>> a loss.  The only thing I can think of is that my ugly SMT solder job has
>> gone bad - is OK with the meter but breaks down under normal voltage and
>> current.  Is that ever an issue with SMT?  I don't know mush about SMT
>> stuff.
>>
>> I have an email sent to Elecraft service so hope to hear from them
>> sometime.  Not sure how responsive they can be in lockdown.
>>
>> I should mention this amp was purchased as a new kit in 2016.
>> Any input is appreciated!  Especially as to what may be causing this to
>> happen
>>
>> 73, Bill NZ0T
>>
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