[Elecraft] KPA500 Transformer

[Jack Brindle]

Gee Alan, we get told that all the time, specially by coworkers… <GRIN>

As for the transformer, the tech support guys give good advice here. Place the rubber disks below the transformer in the appropriate places, and one above as the instructions indicate.
Essentially you want to get the transformer off the base chassis enough to keep it from vibrating against it. We all worry about tightening the nut down too much, which is why we added the torque wrench suggestion in the manual. But it does need to be rather tight to keep things from vibrating. Also, make sure all the screws in the chassis are tight. The hum can come from other parts as well. Making sure thins like the rectifier board are properly tight can help alleviate this situation also.

Someone asked about keeping the rear-panel power on. I have the first KPA500 still in operation, and it has seen very little rear-panel off time during its life. In this situation, the power supply is on, and the microcontroller is on in sleep mode. This means the unit does draw current, but not very much. I have seen no effect from it on my power bill. During months when I participate in contests I can’t say that - running 500 or so watts for long periods each weekend does spin the power meter a bit.

Thanks for the compliment, we work very hard to create, build and support products that make you guys happy. I think it shows.

73!
Jack, W6FB
Elecraft Engineering


> On Oct 20, 2020, at 2:27 PM, Alan - G4GNX <g4gnx at g4gnx.com> wrote:
> 
> Guys. My comment was sarcastic and has a smiley on the end of it. Elecraft know what they're doing and I would not expect anyone to tell them they got it wrong!
> 
> 73,
> 
> Alan. G4GNX
> 
> 
> ------ Original Message ------
> From: "Nr4c" <nr4c at widomaker.com>
> To: "Alan - G4GNX" <g4gnx at g4gnx.com>
> Cc: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: 20/10/2020 19:42:31
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Transformer
> 
>> No,  no. The torque wrench is used to insure the proper torque is applied.
>> 
>> A torque wrench is not a torque multiplier, it is a measurement instrument.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> ...nr4c. bill
>> 
>> 
>>> On Oct 20, 2020, at 6:33 AM, Alan - G4GNX <g4gnx at g4gnx.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Then perhaps someone needs to educate Elecraft not to specify use of a torque wrench, in their assembly instructions. ;-)
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> 
>>> Alan. G4GNX
>>> 
>>> 
> 
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