[Elecraft] Extra Protection For KPA500?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Set the K3 or K3S TUNE power to 10 to 20 watts.  I use 18 watts which drives my amp to 500 watts.   
Then set the Power Per Band for the required value to produce 500 watts.   

Then and this is a big THEN......turn on the Ext ALC in the transceiver and CORRECTLY calibrate the ALC value in the amp menu for the correct level for EACH band.  This is very important.  It does work correctly if calibrated and used correctly.  That is what it is there for.  I’ve done it, I’ve measured it, and it works. 

Abuse it, incorrectly calibrate it, and suffer the consequences.  It is an operator issue and not an equipment issue. So don’t blame the equipment. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 5, 2020, at 4:53 PM, Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to rmcgraw at blomand.net