Archived Posts » 60,546,157
Elecraft KPA-500
3/14/2012 9:55:40 PM
I drank too much of the Elecraft Kool-Aid and have a KPA-500 amp on the way. I wanted something that would work on AF MARS as well as the ham bands. I made a call to the good folks at Elecraft and they convinced me to send them all of my money and first born for the amp. 
I sold off all of my Ameritron amps and some other stuff to get this one.
The amplifier is rated to develop 500W into loads that are 2:1 SWR or better, band switching is automatic, it simply senses the RF and switches band as needed, this happens nearly instantaneously, before you have even completed the first dit it has switched in the appropriate bandpass filters .
No more hitting the key on the wrong band anymore for me. It has full TX everywhere but 26-28 Mhz for obvious reasons. There are lots of other cool features, but this along with a high power auto tuner, this should be point and shoot operation. I sure could of used that during the last contest.
I sold off all of my Ameritron amps and some other stuff to get this one.
The amplifier is rated to develop 500W into loads that are 2:1 SWR or better, band switching is automatic, it simply senses the RF and switches band as needed, this happens nearly instantaneously, before you have even completed the first dit it has switched in the appropriate bandpass filters .
No more hitting the key on the wrong band anymore for me.
It has full TX everywhere but 26-28 Mhz for obvious reasons. There are lots of other cool features, but this along with a high power auto tuner, this should be point and shoot operation. I sure could of used that during the last contest.
3/14/2012 10:32:34 PM
This is my next purchase. I just got the k3 built, the w2 and a p3 panadapter. Love elecraft and their support is second to none..
3/14/2012 11:14:54 PM
I was happy with my ALS-600, but it did not have 6 Meters. The AL-80B would not work on frequencies near 4.5 Mhz for Mars, so after reading about the KPA-500, I decided to clean house to buy it. I hope I made the right choice.....is was expensive.
3/15/2012 12:27:28 AM
Um... seeing as how it does 6 meters, can I borrow that for VHF contest? 
Looks like a really nice amp. I've often thought that power range is a lot more practical and useful for most folks.
Looks like a really nice amp. I've often thought that power range is a lot more practical and useful for most folks.
3/15/2012 1:49:25 AM
Damn.
Is it Thursday already ?
( aka Bob bought another amp day )
3/15/2012 5:39:37 AM
Nice point and click amp.
Let us know how well it works.
I am waiting to see what new amp Icom brings out hopefully next year.
Let us know how well it works.
I am waiting to see what new amp Icom brings out hopefully next year.
3/15/2012 7:47:41 AM
Originally Posted By Derek45:
Damn.
Is it Thursday already ?
( aka Bob bought another amp day )
Damn.
Is it Thursday already ?
( aka Bob bought another amp day )
NO....it was a Wednesday purchase, I was a day early.
3/20/2012 2:40:51 PM
Elecraft inbound......and will be here sometime Wednesday!
3/22/2012 10:07:41 PM
It's Thursday eve now, Bob. How's the amp coming along?
I'm pretty sure I'm going to delay my expensive tower and antenna project until next year and do the amp and tuner this year. Wish the Elecraft tuner was out too...
I'm considering one of these amps and looking forward to your review. I was going to go ALS-600 but this might be worth the extra $, especially with 6M thrown in.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to delay my expensive tower and antenna project until next year and do the amp and tuner this year. Wish the Elecraft tuner was out too...
I'm considering one of these amps and looking forward to your review. I was going to go ALS-600 but this might be worth the extra $, especially with 6M thrown in.
3/22/2012 10:40:18 PM
Hey why has that amp have 60 meter band in it?
3/22/2012 10:47:57 PM
Originally Posted By SandHillsHillbilly:
Hey why has that amp have 60 meter band in it?
Hey why has that amp have 60 meter band in it?
My guess would be to compensate for a poor antenna so you got 50watts out at the antenna.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
3/22/2012 11:42:19 PM
I am very pleased with the Elecraft KPA500 amp. It does does a solid 500 watts out with about 30 watts of drive. The band switching is fully automatic, as it senses the RF and switches bands for you instantly. It works with any radio. I am using my Kenwood TS-590S without a hitch. If you have resonant antennas this is basically a point and shoot amp.
It will run on 120V or 220V and best of all it weighs only 26 pounds and its roughly the same size as my TS-590. The power supply is in the same cabinet, so it would be a great amp for field day, DXpeditions or whatever you like. It is built like a tank and I believe that it should give me years of service.
Comparing it to an Ameritron is like comparing a Mercedes to a Yugo. It is a wonderfully crafted piece of gear and it does 160m to 6m.
I also am a MARS operator and it does 500 watts everywhere with the exception of 26 to 28 Mhz.
The only gripe is price......but I wanted it because it has 6m for chasing those grid squares. I will be using it this weekend in the CQ WPX contest, so I will post another update after that.
It will run on 120V or 220V and best of all it weighs only 26 pounds and its roughly the same size as my TS-590. The power supply is in the same cabinet, so it would be a great amp for field day, DXpeditions or whatever you like. It is built like a tank and I believe that it should give me years of service.
Comparing it to an Ameritron is like comparing a Mercedes to a Yugo. It is a wonderfully crafted piece of gear and it does 160m to 6m.
I also am a MARS operator and it does 500 watts everywhere with the exception of 26 to 28 Mhz.
The only gripe is price......but I wanted it because it has 6m for chasing those grid squares. I will be using it this weekend in the CQ WPX contest, so I will post another update after that.
3/23/2012 11:57:39 PM
Its working like a champ in the WPX contest....I picked up 5 new countries.
3/24/2012 12:37:51 AM
Originally Posted By mcooper:
My guess would be to compensate for a poor antenna so you got 50watts out at the antenna.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Originally Posted By SandHillsHillbilly:
Hey why has that amp have 60 meter band in it?
Hey why has that amp have 60 meter band in it?
My guess would be to compensate for a poor antenna so you got 50watts out at the antenna.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
LOL. I was going to say that they were thinking optimistically.
Envy! ––->
3/25/2012 12:24:03 AM
Originally Posted By BlammO:
LOL. I was going to say that they were thinking optimistically.
Envy! ->
Originally Posted By mcooper:
My guess would be to compensate for a poor antenna so you got 50watts out at the antenna.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Originally Posted By SandHillsHillbilly:
Hey why has that amp have 60 meter band in it?
Hey why has that amp have 60 meter band in it?
My guess would be to compensate for a poor antenna so you got 50watts out at the antenna.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
LOL. I was going to say that they were thinking optimistically.
Envy! ->
Quite optimistic, though if I had the $$$$ I'd get this amp. I have a feeling all I can afford will be an AL-811h or 811hd.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
3/25/2012 8:51:12 AM
Any news on when their matching autotuner is coming out?
3/25/2012 12:00:50 PM
No release date for the tuner, but there may be some beta testing soon.
3/25/2012 8:14:13 PM
Well the WPX contest is over. I have determined that I need a voice module for my Kenwood as my throat is sore from 2 days of calling CQ or and exchanging reports. I picked up a total of 10 new countries and best of all I worked Rhode Island twice. Now if I can get them all to confirm I life will be good.
The amp was flawless....the protection features kept me out of trouble many times when I was tired. The auto band switching is a wonderful feature and the 600 plus watts output made all of the difference in being heard.
I see now why people are so brand loyal to Elecraft...there gear is just top notch. The KPA500 is superior to my old Ameritron amps.
I do feel now that I would need a directional antenna if I want to compete in a contest. The vertical and a wire antenna I have now are not going to get me very far, but unfortunately my current QTH is not friendly for that kind of antenna. I may have to see if a Hex antenna would fit my lot. I just don't have much space to work with.
All in all it was a good weekend and a lot of fun contesting.
The amp was flawless....the protection features kept me out of trouble many times when I was tired. The auto band switching is a wonderful feature and the 600 plus watts output made all of the difference in being heard.
I see now why people are so brand loyal to Elecraft...there gear is just top notch. The KPA500 is superior to my old Ameritron amps.
I do feel now that I would need a directional antenna if I want to compete in a contest. The vertical and a wire antenna I have now are not going to get me very far, but unfortunately my current QTH is not friendly for that kind of antenna. I may have to see if a Hex antenna would fit my lot. I just don't have much space to work with.
All in all it was a good weekend and a lot of fun contesting.
3/25/2012 9:18:04 PM
Originally Posted By K9-Bob:
Well the WPX contest is over. I have determined that I need a voice module for my Kenwood as my throat is sore from 2 days of calling CQ or and exchanging reports. I picked up a total of 10 new countries and best of all I worked Rhode Island twice. Now if I can get them all to confirm I life will be good.
The amp was flawless....the protection features kept me out of trouble many times when I was tired. The auto band switching is a wonderful feature and the 600 plus watts output made all of the difference in being heard.
I see now why people are so brand loyal to Elecraft...there gear is just top notch. The KPA500 is superior to my old Ameritron amps.
I do feel now that I would need a directional antenna if I want to compete in a contest. The vertical and a wire antenna I have now are not going to get me very far, but unfortunately my current QTH is not friendly for that kind of antenna. I may have to see if a Hex antenna would fit my lot. I just don't have much space to work with.
All in all it was a good weekend and a lot of fun contesting.
Well the WPX contest is over. I have determined that I need a voice module for my Kenwood as my throat is sore from 2 days of calling CQ or and exchanging reports. I picked up a total of 10 new countries and best of all I worked Rhode Island twice. Now if I can get them all to confirm I life will be good.
The amp was flawless....the protection features kept me out of trouble many times when I was tired. The auto band switching is a wonderful feature and the 600 plus watts output made all of the difference in being heard.
I see now why people are so brand loyal to Elecraft...there gear is just top notch. The KPA500 is superior to my old Ameritron amps.
I do feel now that I would need a directional antenna if I want to compete in a contest. The vertical and a wire antenna I have now are not going to get me very far, but unfortunately my current QTH is not friendly for that kind of antenna. I may have to see if a Hex antenna would fit my lot. I just don't have much space to work with.
All in all it was a good weekend and a lot of fun contesting.
Well I am very envious of the amp... I have the K3 suite in my cross hairs... just got to save up a few more nickles yet...
As far as the WW WPX.. this was my first... the biggest leason for me is.... I need a more comfortable chair!!! :)
Huge fun... I got one one in RI as well... fun stuff...
3/25/2012 10:30:11 PM
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
3/25/2012 10:51:48 PM
Originally Posted By K9-Bob:
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
That, a good headset, and a voice keyer.
3/26/2012 1:01:02 AM
Originally Posted By Gamma762:
That, a good headset, and a voice keyer.
Originally Posted By K9-Bob:
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
That, a good headset, and a voice keyer.
I have a headset, but a voice keyer for the rig would be great. Its about a $65.00 option for my Kenwood and I may just have to spring for it to make life a bit easier during my next attempt at contesting can't believe how sore my throat is from all of the talking I did the past few days.
Maybe that's why I like the digital contests better.......no sore throat.
3/26/2012 1:14:59 AM
Originally Posted By K9-Bob:
I have a headset, but a voice keyer for the rig would be great. Its about a $65.00 option for my Kenwood and I may just have to spring for it to make life a bit easier during my next attempt at contesting can't believe how sore my throat is from all of the talking I did the past few days.
Maybe that's why I like the digital contests better.......no sore throat.
Originally Posted By Gamma762:
That, a good headset, and a voice keyer.
Originally Posted By K9-Bob:
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
That, a good headset, and a voice keyer.
I have a headset, but a voice keyer for the rig would be great. Its about a $65.00 option for my Kenwood and I may just have to spring for it to make life a bit easier during my next attempt at contesting can't believe how sore my throat is from all of the talking I did the past few days.
Maybe that's why I like the digital contests better.......no sore throat.
VHF contests are worse, since you call a lot more than you actually work stations. I really need to get one, or interface a computer or something.
3/26/2012 7:02:14 PM
Thanks Bob, you just cost me a lot of money!
Ordered my KPA500 kit today based on your review and everything else I've read. We'll see if it gets here by this weekend.
My AL-811 is great but I like to change bands and modes a lot so the constant retuning was cramping my style.
Since their tuner isn't out yet to consider I also ordered a MFJ-998. I have a friend who will buy it from me if Elecraft releases a tuner that I like better in the near future.
Ordered my KPA500 kit today based on your review and everything else I've read. We'll see if it gets here by this weekend.
My AL-811 is great but I like to change bands and modes a lot so the constant retuning was cramping my style.
Since their tuner isn't out yet to consider I also ordered a MFJ-998. I have a friend who will buy it from me if Elecraft releases a tuner that I like better in the near future.
3/26/2012 7:39:56 PM
Originally Posted By K9-Bob:
Maybe that's why I like the digital contests better.......no sore throat.
Maybe that's why I like the digital contests better.......no sore throat.
3/26/2012 8:06:20 PM
Originally Posted By KwaiChangCaine:
Thanks Bob, you just cost me a lot of money!
Ordered my KPA500 kit today based on your review and everything else I've read. We'll see if it gets here by this weekend.
My AL-811 is great but I like to change bands and modes a lot so the constant retuning was cramping my style.
Since their tuner isn't out yet to consider I also ordered a MFJ-998. I have a friend who will buy it from me if Elecraft releases a tuner that I like better in the near future.
Thanks Bob, you just cost me a lot of money!
Ordered my KPA500 kit today based on your review and everything else I've read. We'll see if it gets here by this weekend.
My AL-811 is great but I like to change bands and modes a lot so the constant retuning was cramping my style.
Since their tuner isn't out yet to consider I also ordered a MFJ-998. I have a friend who will buy it from me if Elecraft releases a tuner that I like better in the near future.
Well it may be a lot of money, but it is a quality piece of kit. I bounced around from band to band with no trouble and it will give you between 500 to 600 watts depending on the drive level. I don't think you will be disappointed and with the 6m season coming on, you should be able to make some great contacts there too.
Remember....don't be a cheapskate if you can afford it and QRP is for girls.
3/26/2012 9:28:59 PM
Thanks, Bob. I had always planned on getting the ALS-600 but this will be so much more that I felt it was worth the extra dollars.
3/26/2012 10:37:03 PM
Originally Posted By KwaiChangCaine:
Thanks, Bob. I had always planned on getting the ALS-600 but this will be so much more that I felt it was worth the extra dollars.
Thanks, Bob. I had always planned on getting the ALS-600 but this will be so much more that I felt it was worth the extra dollars.
I have owned two ALS-600 amps in the past few years and I can say with certainty that you will not get buyers remorse with Elecraft.. Compared to the KPA500 the ALS-600 looks like a cheap CB linear. The operation and quality of the Elecraft build is superior in every way. With the ALS-600 I would usually only get about 450 watts on 80m and with the Elecraft it will key 700 watts. Of course that output is way too high normal operation, but if you run it at 500 to 600 watts there is still plenty of headroom.
I am still trying to figure out what auto tuner to get. I can't make my mind up between the new LDG AT-1000ProII or the MFJ-998. I had a Palstar AT2K manual tuner, but I sold it to help fund the Elecraft. During the contest did not need a tuner on 40m or 20m and 10m, but I did need it for 80m and 15m. I am just not sure if either auto tuner can handle 15m with my current antenna, but I would certainly like the auto tune capability. Anyway keep me posted as to what you think about the KPA500.
3/26/2012 10:59:23 PM
I have been following this thread with some interest, as I have been saving up for an amp.
With ALS-600's going for less than $1K on qth.com, I guess my question is is the KPA500 really worth double the price?
With ALS-600's going for less than $1K on qth.com, I guess my question is is the KPA500 really worth double the price?
3/27/2012 7:54:12 AM
Originally Posted By aa777888-2:
I have been following this thread with some interest, as I have been saving up for an amp.
With ALS-600's going for less than $1K on qth.com, I guess my question is is the KPA500 really worth double the price?
I have been following this thread with some interest, as I have been saving up for an amp.
With ALS-600's going for less than $1K on qth.com, I guess my question is is the KPA500 really worth double the price?
You get what you pay for. If can find a used ALS-600 cheap enough then buy one.
3/27/2012 9:16:17 AM
Originally Posted By K9-Bob:
I have a headset, but a voice keyer for the rig would be great. Its about a $65.00 option for my Kenwood and I may just have to spring for it to make life a bit easier during my next attempt at contesting can't believe how sore my throat is from all of the talking I did the past few days.
Maybe that's why I like the digital contests better.......no sore throat.
Originally Posted By Gamma762:
That, a good headset, and a voice keyer.
Originally Posted By K9-Bob:
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
Yes.....a comfortable chair is a must.
That, a good headset, and a voice keyer.
I have a headset, but a voice keyer for the rig would be great. Its about a $65.00 option for my Kenwood and I may just have to spring for it to make life a bit easier during my next attempt at contesting can't believe how sore my throat is from all of the talking I did the past few days.
Maybe that's why I like the digital contests better.......no sore throat.
If you have a Psk interface, you can use your computer. You might need a mixer but some interfaces let you hook up a mic at the same time. My logging software has hot keys for macros and can either send cw or play a wav file.
3/27/2012 10:43:13 AM
Someone needs to close this thread NOW!
I have spent the last two days running from Elecraft's website K3 page, back to my ham station, over to the gun safe saying I could sell that, I could sell this, I could make a deal on this etc etc!!!
Someone stop me before I am down to just one K3 and a few dozen firearms :)
I have spent the last two days running from Elecraft's website K3 page, back to my ham station, over to the gun safe saying I could sell that, I could sell this, I could make a deal on this etc etc!!!
Someone stop me before I am down to just one K3 and a few dozen firearms :)
3/27/2012 11:40:09 AM
Originally Posted By Racsan:
Someone needs to close this thread NOW!
I have spent the last two days running from Elecraft's website K3 page, back to my ham station, over to the gun safe saying I could sell that, I could sell this, I could make a deal on this etc etc!!!
Someone stop me before I am down to just one K3 and a few dozen firearms :)
Someone needs to close this thread NOW!
I have spent the last two days running from Elecraft's website K3 page, back to my ham station, over to the gun safe saying I could sell that, I could sell this, I could make a deal on this etc etc!!!
Someone stop me before I am down to just one K3 and a few dozen firearms :)
I've been selling stuff all Winter and still have a few things left to sell.
Just think how awesome that KPA500 would look next to your K3!
3/27/2012 11:20:19 PM
I can see a K3 in my future.....but I need to let the bank account grow some more.
3/27/2012 11:25:24 PM
I think a KPA-500 would make a good mate for my Flex-3000. Should be pretty easy to build an interface cable.
Unfortunately where I live I will be lucky to get away with a stealth antenna; installing an amplifier is surely going to be a no-go.
Although my mobile antenna is rated for 1.5 KW.... hmm....
Unfortunately where I live I will be lucky to get away with a stealth antenna; installing an amplifier is surely going to be a no-go.
Although my mobile antenna is rated for 1.5 KW.... hmm....
3/29/2012 7:32:49 PM
My KPA500 won't be here until Monday, then I can put it together.
The MFJ-998 did arrive today and I'm very pleased with it. Opened it up and all solder joints and everything else look acceptable. Power meter and frequency counter seem to be accurate. It tunes all the antennas I've tried just fine and the amp disable feature works great. Tune to somewhere you haven't been before with the amp on and key the rig. Rig and amp start transmitting, tuner quickly disables the amp, tunes for a good SWR, and kicks the amp back on.
The MFJ-998 did arrive today and I'm very pleased with it. Opened it up and all solder joints and everything else look acceptable. Power meter and frequency counter seem to be accurate. It tunes all the antennas I've tried just fine and the amp disable feature works great. Tune to somewhere you haven't been before with the amp on and key the rig. Rig and amp start transmitting, tuner quickly disables the amp, tunes for a good SWR, and kicks the amp back on.
3/29/2012 9:55:27 PM
Thanks for the update. I will be interested to hear how the tuner and the amp work together. I certainly like the idea of an auto tuner, but I have ound many of them to be lacking when it comes to certain antenna combinations. I am running a ZS6BKW (an optimized G5RV variant).
I don't need a tuner on 40m, 20m, 17m and 12m. I use my old backup MFJ 989C with good results, but in a contest the tuning slows you down when you are skimming and jumping bands. The auto tuner would make it point and shoot.
Also could to snap a pic of the tuner and amp together so I can see a size comparison?
I don't need a tuner on 40m, 20m, 17m and 12m. I use my old backup MFJ 989C with good results, but in a contest the tuning slows you down when you are skimming and jumping bands. The auto tuner would make it point and shoot.
Also could to snap a pic of the tuner and amp together so I can see a size comparison?
3/29/2012 10:21:47 PM
I will admit I was surprised by how large it looked coming out of the box even though I had seen the measurements. I know you were talking about a pic of the tuner next to the new amp, but here it is next to my AL-811. That's one of the reasons I chose it over the LDG though, more weight and size hopefully means heavier duty. Ignore the temporary shelves. The shack is undergoing a major transition to version 2.2.87 right now.
The factory default of desired 1.5:1 SWR has it tuning pretty quick. I changed it to 1.3 for a while and it did churn for a long time trying to get there on my 40 / 80 fan inv-V, but only on a certain part of the band. The rest was still pretty fast.. Maybe the other element was confusing it, but it still made it 1.5 or 6 easily. Best part is that once it finds it, it remembers it. Switched it back to the factory default and it tunes real fast again. I'm still learning it but very pleased.
The shack is undergoing a major transition to version 2.2.87 right now.
The factory default of desired 1.5:1 SWR has it tuning pretty quick. I changed it to 1.3 for a while and it did churn for a long time trying to get there on my 40 / 80 fan inv-V, but only on a certain part of the band. The rest was still pretty fast.. Maybe the other element was confusing it, but it still made it 1.5 or 6 easily. Best part is that once it finds it, it remembers it. Switched it back to the factory default and it tunes real fast again. I'm still learning it but very pleased.
4/4/2012 7:37:25 PM
I spent around 2 hours a night for the past 3 nights assembling the new KPA500. It was fun to put together and it works awesome! Just been testing it into the dummy load but haven't actually been on the air yet. Really pleased with it so far!
Here it is where the AL-811 was. As you can see, the MFJ-998 is wider and deeper, but not as tall as the KPA500. When I build new shelves after the Flex-5000A arrives this Friday I can take more pics when the station is disassembled again if you want.
ETA: Just made a contact with it and couldn't be happier!
Here it is where the AL-811 was. As you can see, the MFJ-998 is wider and deeper, but not as tall as the KPA500. When I build new shelves after the Flex-5000A arrives this Friday I can take more pics when the station is disassembled again if you want.
ETA: Just made a contact with it and couldn't be happier!
4/4/2012 9:42:00 PM
You're killing me, man!
Shelves?
You just blew 4 figures on the most awesome radio, amp and (I know I'm saying this about an MFJ item) tuner setup ever. It deserves some kind of super cool rack or maybe something like this:
Shelves?
You just blew 4 figures on the most awesome radio, amp and (I know I'm saying this about an MFJ item) tuner setup ever. It deserves some kind of super cool rack or maybe something like this:
4/7/2012 7:27:15 PM
Bob,
The KPA500 sits on top of the 998 very nicely. I usually don't stack equipment for fear of scratches but I think I'll keep it this way. I can post a pic if you want.
The main reason for this post is to let you know that the fault detection in the KPA500 is much faster than the detection, amp bypass, and tune circuitry in the 998. If I change freqs or bands to where my ant has a high SWR and the 998 needs to retune, I must bypass the amp before transmitting even if the 998 already has a memory setting for the new freq. The 998 takes a half second to detect your signal and attempt amp bypass and tuning. By this time the KPA500 has already detected the high SWR and gone into a hard fault condition. Not a show stopper for me but it is important. Maybe a control cable from the rig to the tuner and/or amp would help, I'm still looking into all of it.
The KPA500 sits on top of the 998 very nicely. I usually don't stack equipment for fear of scratches but I think I'll keep it this way. I can post a pic if you want.
The main reason for this post is to let you know that the fault detection in the KPA500 is much faster than the detection, amp bypass, and tune circuitry in the 998. If I change freqs or bands to where my ant has a high SWR and the 998 needs to retune, I must bypass the amp before transmitting even if the 998 already has a memory setting for the new freq. The 998 takes a half second to detect your signal and attempt amp bypass and tuning. By this time the KPA500 has already detected the high SWR and gone into a hard fault condition. Not a show stopper for me but it is important. Maybe a control cable from the rig to the tuner and/or amp would help, I'm still looking into all of it.
4/7/2012 8:08:50 PM
Nice to know about the tuner....please post a pic though of your setup.
4/7/2012 8:30:12 PM
Great data on the amp-tuner interaction issue. That would be a deal-breaker for me. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, Elecraft does about this when their new matching autotuner comes out. Anybody know when that will be?
4/7/2012 8:41:12 PM
I loved building Heathkits as a kid/teenager. I learned a helluva lot about electronics from that experience, and have never been afraid to open up anything electronic and troubleshoot, modify, repair, etc.
I should not look in these threads. Please, don't get me started...
I should not look in these threads. Please, don't get me started...
4/7/2012 9:06:49 PM
The MFJ-998 has had two tantrums so far. I may have a bad unit, stay tuned! (pun intended)
Once while experiencing the 'amp fault before tune' that I described, the tuner lost it's mind and wouldn't tune. I cycled power and it came up with click-click relays going constant. Cycled power and every time click-click non stop as soon as it was on. I had to factory default it to get out of that
Then a bit ago I had everything working great. Figured out the routine and decided to check tune with the amp in bypass on a freq where the tuner should already be tuned. The rig reported high SWR and folded back power, and the tuner said SWR > 25. It would not tune no matter what, even if I tried to force a manual tune. Cycled power to the tuner and then all said 1.1:1 and all is well. I suspect a bad output relay or something with the tuner.
I'll keep going over it this weekend but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bad unit.
My MFJ luck may have run out....
I should also add that he only issues I've had are those two with the tuner.
The KPA500 is absolutely fantastic! The Flex-5000A is awesome too but I still have a big learning curve to finish climbing.
A bit messy - I ripped out the shelves and there are a LOT of wires connecting all this stuff up!
Once while experiencing the 'amp fault before tune' that I described, the tuner lost it's mind and wouldn't tune. I cycled power and it came up with click-click relays going constant. Cycled power and every time click-click non stop as soon as it was on. I had to factory default it to get out of that
Then a bit ago I had everything working great. Figured out the routine and decided to check tune with the amp in bypass on a freq where the tuner should already be tuned. The rig reported high SWR and folded back power, and the tuner said SWR > 25. It would not tune no matter what, even if I tried to force a manual tune. Cycled power to the tuner and then all said 1.1:1 and all is well. I suspect a bad output relay or something with the tuner.
I'll keep going over it this weekend but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bad unit.
My MFJ luck may have run out....
I should also add that he only issues I've had are those two with the tuner.
The KPA500 is absolutely fantastic! The Flex-5000A is awesome too but I still have a big learning curve to finish climbing.
A bit messy - I ripped out the shelves and there are a LOT of wires connecting all this stuff up!
4/7/2012 10:08:20 PM
I like the setup with the MFJ under the KPA500. Its a nice looking package along side the Flex. I am wondering if you change the length of the patch cord between the tuner and the amp if that will help? Also I've read some threads on the LDG forum about putting snap on ferrites on the power lead of the tuner. Maybe RF is finding its way into the tuner via the DC line making it do strange things. I wouldn't give up on the MFJ tuner quite yet.
I know that Elecraft is supposed to have their autotuner out for Dayton or shortly thereafter. I would imagine with the KPX3 release all of their efforts have been trying to fill those orders and other projects may end up getting pushed back.
I know that Elecraft is supposed to have their autotuner out for Dayton or shortly thereafter. I would imagine with the KPX3 release all of their efforts have been trying to fill those orders and other projects may end up getting pushed back.
4/7/2012 11:24:02 PM
You might be on to something about the RF. It has caused my PC speakers and security system annunciator to make some noise in the past. so it is present in some form. I also didn't have this tuner trouble until I stuffed everything in the corner temporarily. It worked fine on the shelf. I'll look into it.
4/8/2012 8:26:21 AM
I would separate the tuner and the amp. There may be some unwanted RF interaction between the two causing your issues.
4/8/2012 11:57:27 AM
Originally Posted By KwaiChangCaine:
The MFJ-998 has had two tantrums so far. I may have a bad unit, stay tuned! (pun intended)
Once while experiencing the 'amp fault before tune' that I described, the tuner lost it's mind and wouldn't tune. I cycled power and it came up with click-click relays going constant. Cycled power and every time click-click non stop as soon as it was on. I had to factory default it to get out of that
Then a bit ago I had everything working great. Figured out the routine and decided to check tune with the amp in bypass on a freq where the tuner should already be tuned. The rig reported high SWR and folded back power, and the tuner said SWR > 25. It would not tune no matter what, even if I tried to force a manual tune. Cycled power to the tuner and then all said 1.1:1 and all is well. I suspect a bad output relay or something with the tuner.
I'll keep going over it this weekend but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bad unit.
My MFJ luck may have run out....
I should also add that he only issues I've had are those two with the tuner.
The KPA500 is absolutely fantastic! The Flex-5000A is awesome too but I still have a big learning curve to finish climbing.
A bit messy - I ripped out the shelves and there are a LOT of wires connecting all this stuff up!
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f261/killmoles/IMG_3749.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f261/killmoles/IMG_3753.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f261/killmoles/IMG_3752.jpg
The MFJ-998 has had two tantrums so far. I may have a bad unit, stay tuned! (pun intended)
Once while experiencing the 'amp fault before tune' that I described, the tuner lost it's mind and wouldn't tune. I cycled power and it came up with click-click relays going constant. Cycled power and every time click-click non stop as soon as it was on. I had to factory default it to get out of that
Then a bit ago I had everything working great. Figured out the routine and decided to check tune with the amp in bypass on a freq where the tuner should already be tuned. The rig reported high SWR and folded back power, and the tuner said SWR > 25. It would not tune no matter what, even if I tried to force a manual tune. Cycled power to the tuner and then all said 1.1:1 and all is well. I suspect a bad output relay or something with the tuner.
I'll keep going over it this weekend but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bad unit.
My MFJ luck may have run out....
I should also add that he only issues I've had are those two with the tuner.
The KPA500 is absolutely fantastic! The Flex-5000A is awesome too but I still have a big learning curve to finish climbing.
A bit messy - I ripped out the shelves and there are a LOT of wires connecting all this stuff up!
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f261/killmoles/IMG_3749.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f261/killmoles/IMG_3753.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f261/killmoles/IMG_3752.jpg
What's your ground setup look like?
4/8/2012 1:00:35 PM
I got to thinking that the only way that stray RF could get into the tuner is via the DC power cable or the two amp key cables. I suspect it was coming in on the DC cable but I put snap-on ferrites on all three cables. I also replaced the amp key cables with shorter and better ones. Some of the ones I was using were the long thin ones that came with the ARB-704. My antennas are close enough to the house that it might have been RF from the antennas getting picked up by those lines, or I may have some RF on the shield of my coax in here too. Might put a choke on the shack side of the antenna feed lines to get rid of that possibility.
The station ground is a fairly decent single point ground. The rig, amp, and tuner each have their own 10 AWG ground conductor going to it at the moment The length is closer to 8' (fraction of a wavelength) than I'd like, but as W8JI says, when everything else is working correctly your station equipment doesn't even need to be grounded. http://www.w8ji.com/rfi_rf_grounding.htm
Since the problem isn't really repeatable, I guess it's just operate and see what happens for now.
The station ground is a fairly decent single point ground. The rig, amp, and tuner each have their own 10 AWG ground conductor going to it at the moment The length is closer to 8' (fraction of a wavelength) than I'd like, but as W8JI says, when everything else is working correctly your station equipment doesn't even need to be grounded. http://www.w8ji.com/rfi_rf_grounding.htm
Since the problem isn't really repeatable, I guess it's just operate and see what happens for now.
4/9/2012 6:50:49 AM
What kind of ferrites did you use for the cables? I know there are different materials and EMI ranges, but for the life of me I don't know the what vendor sold me at the hamfest. I bought a handful back in the fall based on his suggestion and so far they seemed to have cured my RFI problems.
I was getting some RF into my laptop via the USB cable from my Kenwood TS-590S, so I put one on each end of the cable connecting the laptop to the rig. I also put some on a Heil Headset cable and a KVM switch I use. Have you had time to play with your setup more since installing the ferrites?
I was getting some RF into my laptop via the USB cable from my Kenwood TS-590S, so I put one on each end of the cable connecting the laptop to the rig. I also put some on a Heil Headset cable and a KVM switch I use. Have you had time to play with your setup more since installing the ferrites?
