[Elecraft] KPA500 / KAT500 and W2 watt meter question

[Bob McGraw]

Andy:

With my K3S station I use the AUX cable system between the K3S connected 
to the KAT500 and then connected from the KAT500 to the KPA500.   No 
interrupter is needed.   The AUX lines handles the proper control for 
the tuner and the amp.  I do NOT use the Key Line cables, sometimes 
called PTT, to handle T/R switching. Correctly configured, the K3S is 
set for 20 watts TUNE power and Power Per Band, as required.   I find no 
need for multiple methods.  My general philosophy is; "more connectors, 
more cables equal more problems".   KISS

In the KAT500 manual, page 5, Figure 1 Cabling Diagram, is the better 
and safer way to configure the system.  NO key line interrupter is needed.

As to the Kenwood, I have no knowledge of the system.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/12/2023 7:33 AM, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
> Message: 15 Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 23:02:09 +0000 From: Andy Durbin 
> <a.durbin at msn.com> To: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" 
> <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 / KAT500 and W2 
> watt meter question Message-ID: 
> <DM4PR10MB679160237C84094000305E928CCCA at DM4PR10MB6791.namprd10.prod.outlook.com> 
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" "I just ordered the 
> KPA500/KAT500 combo and W2 watt meter for my K3S. Should I use the key 
> line interrupt connected to the W2 watt meter or should I connect the 
> key line interrupt to the KAT500? Do I even need to use key line 
> interrupt with the K line set up?" Why would it hurt to have multiple 
> ways to inhibit KPA500 keying? I run a Kenwood rig so no AUXBus 
> control but my KPA500 key line passes through my LP-100A and through a 
> SteppIR inhibit circuit. Both can open the key line. In addition my 
> station controller can assert KAT500 key inhibit by serial command. 
> KAT500 key line inhibited is my default condition. I only allow the 
> key line to be enabled if several critical checks have passed. (e.g. 
> KAT500 frequency, KPA500 band selection, Kenwood drive power setting.) 
> I'll do anything I can to avoid being on the list of people who fried 
> their KPA500. I can fix stuff but I'd prefer to chase DX. 73, Andy, k3wyc