[Elecraft] Extra Protection For KPA500?

[Rick Bates, NK7I]

Don et al,

On occasion the signal that the amp goes into Operate mode is not passed 
along (or received, I don't know which), which means that the K3 will 
operate at higher than required drive level, for a moment only because 
the KPA500 will fault VERY quickly protecting everything.

However, I am unable to come up with a viable pair of suspenders, so I 
simply try to be more aware when the amp goes hot.

The reverse can be true too; the K3 thinks the amp is still in operate 
(but it isn't) and transmits at lower than expected output.

Yes, I've dis/reconnected the cables, made sure they're snugged in; it's 
not repeatable, it's random.  I do use the two cables (6') which is the 
max allowed between the K3 and KPA, which may also be part of the 
cause.  (Moving it all into a new shack over the next few days, that 
cable length will no longer be required.)

Rick NK7I

On 3/5/2020 2:38 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Curiosity is getting the best of me --
> If the built-in protection works well, why do you need more protection?
> If the belt works OK, then why add suspenders as well?
>
> If you are operating a K3 or K3S, there is a per band power level that 
> can be used.  It will automatically use the settings for the amplifier 
> when the KPA500 is set to operate.  That can be considered your 2nd 
> level of protection and it guards against "fumble fingers"
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/5/2020 2:35 PM, Tony wrote:
>> All:
>>
>> I'd like to avoid the inevitable situation where one mistakenly 
>> transmits too much power into an amplifier. I have a KPA500 and the 
>> protection circuit works well, but I was wondering what can be done 
>> to add an extra layer of protection?
>>
>> Tony
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