[Elecraft] KPA500: Bonehead Input Overload

[Andy Durbin]

"My station is set up exactly as described by Andy below."

"Ive also boneheadely transmitted the TS590 at 100w with the amp enabled. The amp IMMEDIATELY goes to standby and screeches loudly at me."

A clear indication that your setup is not exactly like mine.  My controller won't let me TX at 100 W with the KPA500 in OPER and the key line enabled.

I described my protection as follows - "In my station the KAT500 is commanded to inhibit the KPA500 key line by default. Only when all required conditions are met is the key line enabled."

I think you will find the KAT500 works exactly opposite to that. It keeps the key line enabled unless it detects a reason to inhibit it.

I don't even rely of the KAT500 controlling the key line during Autotune because it re-enables the line too quickly which results in a large power spike.  (The power spike is probably short enough that most people wouldn't notice it but it's easily seen on a scope and my LP-100A in peak mode).

73,
Andy, k3wyc