++++++++++++++++++++ KPA100 Information After Announcement... ++++++++++++++++++++ Notes on using KPA100 with an external amplifier have been moved to KPA100 External Amplifier Notes.. DWN ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 14:41:30 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 manual now on Elecraft web page The KPA100 manual is now on our manual download page. See: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KPA100%20man%20rev%20A.pdf 73, Eric ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 17:36:17 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] K2/100: credit where it's due Now that the K2/100 has been announced, I wanted to say thanks (again) to Bob Friess, N6CM. Bob, who is quite knowledgeable about high-power design, built a rugged 100-watt amplifier for his K2 last year. While many details have changed, Bob's design is at the core of the KPA100, and he's helped us at every phase with review, testing, and troubleshooting. Now we hear that he's tinkering with even more watts. But that's another story.... 73, Wayne N6KR ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 22:52:33 -0500 To: Lee Buller , elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information Lee, et al: >Ok, just am curious about the KPA100. Maybe a few questions answered here >from the Field Testers.... I've only had custody of my KPA100 for about 8 hours since I completed assembly... then had to send it to elecraft so they could beat on it a while... it's still out there, but here's what I recall... >1. Heat Transfer. Has anyone done a keydown test to see how the heat >sink does. Does it get warm, hot or what? When does the fan kick in? Wayne and I were testing it (over the phone) at 100W for some pretty lengthy key-down periods. The heatsink got hot, but that was under some pretty extreme conditions. Though I've not experienced it, I'm told tht the fan IS thermostatically controlled. >2. Does a new speaker come with the KPA100 kit? If it does, that is cool. Same type of speaker, but several have reported improved sound quality, possibly the result of a much more rigid speaker mount... the heatsink. >3. The "Anderson" connectors on the back? Where do you get them? www.powerwerx.com is a good place. There are others, I'm sure. >Also, the rear pictures show a ...well...different kind of mounting issue >for those connectors. Is that a prototype thing or reversed engineered or >a change of mind, or what. I am not say its bad, but it looks "unusual." Actually, it comes from Anderson Power Pole, I'm told. that's the way they provide for panel-mounting their connectors. Works well! >4. Has anyone put the KPA100 on RTTY or continuous duty output? No info. >5. When going from 100 watts to 10 watts automatically, does the output >shift back to the BNC connector or does it stay with the SO239? Stupid >question, but a teacher told me once there is not such thing as a stupid >question, just stupid answers. How does 160 work on it? Do you still >have the separate RX input? If the KPA is connected, all RF goes thru the amp, either THRU the PA transistors or thru the internal by-pass relay. When you turn the POWER control, between 0 and 10W, the KPA is not placed in-line. As soon as you turn the POWER control to 11W, the KPA in placed in-line UNLESS you turn it off with the MENU or you remove it's power. >6. Will the manual be up on the Web site soon? I want to read it of course. No info, but I'd watch for it sometime soon. 73, Tom N0SS ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: "Lee Buller" , Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 20:58:15 -0700 OK, I'll bite :-) > 1. Heat Transfer. Has anyone done a keydown test to see how the heat sink > does. Does it get warm, hot or what? When does the fan kick in? I haven't done any long term use. In moderate SSB activity it gets slightly warm,, not hot at all. There are options for the fan. Below 11 watts, it is off. Above that it normally runs at a low speed, and if things get too hot will run faster. It is much quieter than the fan in my Dell Inspiron 7500 notebook compuer. > 2. Does a new speaker come with the KPA100 kit? If it does, that is cool. Color it cool, then. Oh, and it has a grille cloth :-) > 3. The "Anderson" connectors on the back? Where do you get them? Also, > the rear pictures show a ...well...different kind of mounting issue for > those connectors. Is that a prototype thing or reversed engineered or a > change of mind, or what. I am not say its bad, but it looks "unusual." Anderson standard. > 4. Has anyone put the KPA100 on RTTY or continuous duty output? Recommended to be 40 watts for 100% duty cycle "digital" modes. > 5. When going from 100 watts to 10 watts automatically, does the output > shift back to the BNC connector or does it stay with the SO239? SO239 (or type "M" if you are of the big 3 persuasion) if the amp is installed, even if/when bypassed. > How does 160 work on it? Do you still have the separate RX input? If you have the 160M K2 upgrade installed, then you will automatically have 160m on the amp, and the separate Rx antenna jack works as before. 73, Lyle KK7P +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 22:58:38 -0500 To: kc4kgu at ENTERZONE.NET, elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information >I noticed the same thing about the mounting in the picture. I'm sincerely >hoping that is a "prototype" thing. They mount on the outside of the case, sorry. >I have a question about powering the K2/100: Is it possible to only feed >the K2 via the powerpole connectors? That would make things "cleaner" as >far as wiring in the shack/mobile goes. If you have the KPA installed, you CAN power the K2 itself from the AUX power cable coming from the KPA, IF DC is plugged into it at the APP connector. If you wish to use the K2 barefoot, even though the KPA is attached, you can do so easily by keeping the POWER control below 11W. If you wish to run >10W from the K2 only, then you should go to MENU | [DISPLAY] to 2nd MENU | PA | OFF to disable the PA and run the K2 at any available POWER setting. 73, Tom N0SS ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 00:19:15 -0700 From: "John Grebenkemper, KI6WX" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information To: Elecraft Mailing List You can not mount the pieces on the inside because there isn't any clearance on the circuit board. Maybe for an extra $10 you could get Eric to have the pieces painted. If you want the plate straight, then you just have to take a little care in mounting it (mine is perfectly straight). It would also be nice if the fan was on the inside, but when you build this, you'll find it is a fairly cramped board and there isn't much room to move parts around. I think it is rather impressive the amount of performance that is obtained in this size package using through-hole parts. The design could be made smaller with surface mount parts, but many folks don't want to build a kit using SMD. I don't intend to mount my rig backwards, so I don't think I'll spend much time looking at the plate or the fan. -John KI6WX +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 01:17:51 -0700 From: "John Grebenkemper, KI6WX" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information To: Elecraft Mailing List Mario; I am writing up a technical note on how to mount a KPA100 in the EC2. This note will be posted on my web site when it is ready (probably within the next week) and I will send out an email to this list. My eventual goal will be to have both the KPA100 and the high power antenna tuner in a single EC2 enclosure. Since I have a KAT2 in my K2, I will also make sure that it works with the KAT2 installed. This modification will not be supported by Elecraft due to the FCC rules on high power amplifiers. -John KI6WX > Am 10. May 2002, um 22:52:33 schrieb Tom Hammond NØSS: > > Lee, et al: > > > > >Ok, just am curious about the KPA100. Maybe a few questions answered here > > >from the Field Testers.... > > > > I've only had custody of my KPA100 for about 8 hours since I completed > > assembly... then had to send it to elecraft so they could beat on it a > > while... it's still out there, but here's what I recall... > > Was this, per chance, enough time to think/test/play about the practical > mechanical, and general feasibility of mounting the PA into an EC2, and > also test the interactions of the automatic switching the PA on/off with > the KAT2 installed ? > > Mario ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 07:44:22 -0500 To: Mario Lorenz , elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information Hi Mario: N0SS wrote: > > I've only had custody of my KPA100 for about 8 hours since I completed > > assembly... then had to send it to elecraft so they could beat on it a > > while... it's still out there, but here's what I recall... > >Was this, per chance, enough time to think/test/play about the practical >mechanical, and general feasibility of mounting the PA into an EC2, and >also test the interactions of the automatic switching the PA on/off with >the KAT2 installed ? I'm afraid I had no such luck... to test the KPA10 in that mode. However, KPA100 in EC2 HAS been accomplished by at least one FT at this time, and the word I hear is that it worked well. I'm sure you will hear (much) more on this in due time. There are several of us who are planning this method of installation... but AFTER the FTing (where Elecraft wants up to install the KPA in the manner THEY intended it to be installed) is completed. 73, Tom N0SS +++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: "Mario Lorenz" , Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 07:44:08 -0700 Hello Mario! > Was this, per chance, enough time to think/test/play about the practical > mechanical, and general feasibility of mounting the PA into an EC2, and > also test the interactions of the automatic switching the PA on/off with > the KAT2 installed ? I put mine in the EC2. It is quite straightforward to do. When the PA is installed, powered or not, the K2 senses it. If you have the KAT2 installed, it is put into bypass mode and ANT1 is forced as the selection. This is because the KPA100 is a good enough 50 ohm match to the K2 that the tuner isn't needed between the two units - and it has to be, becasue the default configuration does not allow the KAT2 to be present. The only way to restore KAT2 functionality in this configuration is to disconnect the AuxBus signal. 73, Lyle KK7P ++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 11:49:42 -0400 To: Phil Wheeler , Steve & Anne Ray From: Hank Kohl K8DD Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 100 Power Supply and Fuse Questions Cc: Elecraft At 5/11/02 08:13 AM -0700, Phil Wheeler wrote: >Steve & Anne Ray wrote: > >>A couple of general questions I suspect others might have, since I am going >>to Dayton and looking for a power supply for the KPA 100 and planning on >>ordering the KPA 100 at Dayton. >> >>1. Can I use a power supply like an Astron RS20A which is rated 16 A >>continuous and 20 A ICS or should I use a power supply like the RS35A which >>is 25 A continuous and 35 A ICS? Obliviously bigger is better, but I do not >>want to get something over rated. > >I think you need 20 W continuous. Yes >>I am open to other ideas, brands and >>ratings of linear power supplies, for my home location. I do not have the >>desire for a switching power supply. > >I have used an RM-35 for many years and still do. But I also have had the >Astron switcher (SS-30M) for four years and find it to be a great >performer and noise free. It is a good match to the K2/100 in that it is >small and weighs only 5 lb or so. I've recently freed it up for use with >the K2/100, but it has been my primary HF QRO power supply for four years. I use the SEC1220 switching power supply that Radio Shack was selling with no problems on other radios - the K2/100 is about half done. >>2. I noted in the spec sheet the KPA100 needs a 25 amp inline fuse, what is >>a good way to do this I am sure this is a fairly easy solution, but I am >>interested in ideas. > >I *believe* the kit comes with the external fuse and fuse holder, as well >as #12 wire for running to the power supply. It does. 73 Hank K8DD +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 18:54:29 -0700 From: Vic Rosenthal Organization: Transparent Software To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information Bill Coleman wrote: > How do you get the AuxBus to the KPA100 if it is in a separate case? The RS232 connector is slightly nonstandard -- in addition to RS232 xmit, rcv, and gnd, it includes an auxbus line and some other stuff. 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 23:24:59 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: johnclif at ix.netcom.com, Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Some KPA100 ?s... Hi John, John Clifford wrote: > The blurb on the Elecraft website sez that the K2/KPA100 is limited to 10w > between 25 MHz and 29 MHz... will us licensed amateurs be able to modify our > KPA100s so this is not a limitation? The limitation is between 25.000 and 27.999 MHz (outside any ham band), not 25-29 MHz. The web site may be in error. We'll take care of this ASAP. I'll address your other questions tomorrow. Wayne +++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 23:37:08 -0700 From: "John Grebenkemper, KI6WX" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Some KPA100 ?s... To: Elecraft Mailing List John; The K2/100 works at full power (about 110 watts) at 24.9 MHz and 28.0 MHz (I've run mine at both of these frequencies at full power into a dummy load). When the KPA100 is built in the EC2 enclosure, you have to use the KIO2 to send data to the KPA100 to control it. This means that you need a KIO2 option in your K2 to communicate with the KIO2 that is contained in the KPA100. There is already one discussion of how to do this at http://www.fidalgo.net/~wa7gxd/k2kpa100.html The transmit time at 40 watts for running a digital mode should be longer than you are likely to want to keep typing; I will try to run some experiments tomorrow in PSK31. At 100 watts, the heat sink stays relatively cool in CW or SSB. I ran some tests at 100 watts output for several minutes and this increased the temperature of the heat sink up to 45C, but it could get considerably warmer without any problems. The fan does not cool the heat sink; the fan primarily serves to cool the interior of the K2 so it doesn't get too hot. -John KI6WX > Greetings fellow Elecrafters, > > The blurb on the Elecraft website sez that the K2/KPA100 is limited to 10w > between 25 MHz and 29 MHz... will us licensed amateurs be able to modify our > KPA100s so this is not a limitation? > > Another question... say one has the KPA100 built in an EC2. There are two > RS-232 interfaces... can these be hooked up to two separate computers and > can commands be sent by either computer with output strings being sent on > both interfaces? Hmmm... I can see a remote LCD display being built.... > > Also... saw the question about max power during high-duty cycle modes (RTTY) > being 40w. What is the max transmit time at this power on such modes if the > fan is running? What is the max transmit time. 100w? > > > John Clifford KD7KGX > +++++++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: "Lee Buller" , Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA 100 Transistors Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 21:28:24 -0700 Hello Lee! > Anyone have the specs on the power transistors for the KPA100? Just > interested as to what they are. Go to this site: http://doc.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/seek/us/td/99kataban/20013.htm and click on "2SC2879" for a data sheet in PDF format (e000707.pdf). If your browser pops up with a message to download a foreign character font, you may safely follow Nancy's advice (Just say no!). The dtaa sheet is in English. > Also, the manual says they are "matched." How is that done? See http://www.rfparts.com/tranmatch.html. 73, Lyle KK7P ++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 21:38:06 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Ron D'Eau Claire Cc: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Firmware??? It's true, Ron: the new code speeds up encoder reading dramatically so that you can spin the VFO knob and have it easily keep up. The new firmware will be shipped with all new K2s, and the K2/100, and the KPA100 integration kit, and beyond that will be available as an upgrade. 73, Wayne N6KR Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > > Speaking of "new products" now that the KPAl00 is about to be shipped, I > recall a message saying that along with the KPA100 would be new firmware > that fixes the problem that causes the K2 to tune more slowly when the > tuning knob is turned more quickly. > > Is this true and is it available - or when might it be? > +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 06:38:20 -0500 To: Lee Buller , elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 100 Transistors Lee: >Anyone have the specs on the power transistors for the KPA100? http://www.chipdocs.com/pndecoder/datasheets/TOS/2SC2879.html possible better yet... http://www.chipdocs.com/pnsearch/download.html?okwd=2SC2879&partid=845 >Just interested as to what they are. Also, the manual says they are >"matched." How is that done? They're matched by RF Parts (the vendor). And I assume they've been matched for gain vs collector current, but I cannot confirm that. Tom N0SS +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 10:33:46 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] IMPORTANT: Latest KPA100 Manual Errata missing from some Dayton kits We missed getting the latest Revision A-1 KPA100 errata into some of the first kits sold at Dayton. (The Friday crush was amazing!) I have just uploaded it to our manual download page on http://www.elecraft.com. For a direct link to the errata see: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KPA100%20rev%20A%20man%20errata.pdf This errata has important changes and should be incorporated into your K2/100. If you purchased a KPA100 at Dayton please check to see that you have the latest version (REV A-1). The new version shows a revised drawing for the mounting of RFC10 on the PA RF output connector. All new shipments will include the proper errata. Sorry for the mistake! 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++++++ + Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 08:00:07 -0700 From: Vic Rosenthal Organization: Transparent Software To: kc4kgu at enterzone.net Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kpa100 causing K2 to be low on TX freq? kc4kgu at enterzone.net wrote: > > I put the KPA100 back on, moved the rig back over to the operating shelf > and low and behold, it's off -.06 AGAIN! It appears that the KPA100 has > some interaction with the K2. It doesn't have anything to do with the KPA. I've noticed this effect when adjusting the referenc oscillator with the normal K2 cover. Putting the cover on does affect the frequency very slightly. Vic K2VCO +++++++++++++++++++++ + To: kc4kgu at ENTERZONE.NET, elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 16:27:09 -0700 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kpa100 causing K2 to be low on TX freq? From: k6se at juno.com John, KC4KGU wrote: "I re-did it again today and for about 10 minutes, it was dead-on, every band. Then it drifted again. Not as far but, it drifted. It don't think it is heat related because the K2 has been on in the shack for the past couple of days with the exception of moving from the work bench to the operating position which takes about 20 seconds. When I did the recal today and moved it back to the operating position, all buttoned up and all, it was dead-on. I wish I could figure out where it was going to drift. Once it does the initial drift, it is stable there. If I could calculate where it was going to drift, I would correct for it initially and let it drift ON freq vs OFF freq." ========== The drift is indeed caused by tempaerature changes. One K2 owner came up with a mod to cut the drift to about 33% of what it was originally. You can download his PDF file about the mod at http://home.pacbell.net/johngreb/reducing_k2_frequency_drift.pdf . Gary in support told me that the drift is mostly due to the analog BFO circuit and that the drift issue is high on Wayne's list of engineering changes to do this year. My K2 #2622 drifts about 100 Hz from a cold start in the morning, where WWV zeroes 9999.90 on the "dial". It slowly drifts upward to where in the afternoon (when it's warmer in the shack) WWV zeroes at 10000.00 on the "dial". It'll drift faster if you do some transmitting because of the heat generated inside the cabinet by the PA transistors. If you take the top cover off after it's warmed up, WWV will appear to drift slowly downward in frequency as the K2 cools down to ambient temperature. 73, de Earl, K6SE +++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 03 Jun 2002 14:40:55 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Marvin Born , elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] extra power cable kits for the K2/100 from Elecraft In addition to the power cable kit supplied with the KPA100, we will be making an extra power cable kit (Wire + APP connector set) available in the next week or so. I apologize for not doing this earlier. Last month was pretty busy with our move to larger offices and Dayton :^) It will show up on our order form and price list at that time. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ======================== Marvin Born wrote: > > Eric, > > A week or so ago, there was a question about extra power cable > and conenctors for the K2 100 watt amp. I would also like to get > an extra power cable actually two. > > Is Electraft planning on making up a "kit" of the wire and > connector parts? > K8XU ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: , "Elecraft Reflector" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] amp draw on 20 watt tune? Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2002 10:18:56 -0700 Hello Tim! > Thanks Lyle - now, what does this mean as far as amp draw while > tuning and using an external power source? The K2/100 doesn't have an internal battery. A K2/100 will draw about 150 mA more than a standard K2 at all times, regardless of the power conenctor used, because of the control circuitry that is running in the KPA100 module. The bias current of the PA transistors adds about 400 mA to the transmit drain if power is applied to the KPA100 power connector - not if power is only applied to the normal K2 power connector. All of which are partly why I made up my K-Twins :-) I haven't measured to see what the current drain is like if I run the K2/100 at reduced power and comapre it to a K2. Maybe someone else has... 72/73, Lyle KK7P ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2002 13:43:32 -0400 (EDT) From: kc4kgu at ENTERZONE.NET To: Lyle Johnson Cc: cyr999 at extremezone.com, Elecraft Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA-100 with K2 ATU On Fri, 7 Jun 2002, Lyle Johnson wrote: > > With the KPA100 installed, the K2/100 has a TUNE power level of 20 watts. > It has an OPERATING power range from 1 to 100 watts. Of course, once you > have activated TUNE, you can turn the power control up or down to change it, > but the next time you activate TUINE it will again be at 20 watts. The K2/100 will *ONLY* go to 20w on tune *IF* you have selected GREATER than 20w on the power control and then activated TUNE. If you have selected less than 20w with the power control knob, TUNE will use whatever power you have selected. 73 de John - KC4KGU K2/100 #2490 +++++++++++++++++++ From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 error/status codes ("PA Exxx" menu entry) The following information was inadvertently omitted from the KPA100 manual's Troubleshooting section. It will be added to the manual and also posted on our web site. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * KPA100 ERROR/STATUS CODES The "Exxx" PA menu setting can show up to 3 single-digit error/status codes. Normally there will be none ("E "). The following codes are used, alone and in combination: 1: PA is in QRP (bypass) mode. Usually appears with code 2 ("E12"). 2: No 12V power supply connected to the KPA100. Usually appears with code 1 ("E12"). 4: The SWR became very high during transmit at or near full power, typically because of a sudden change to an ATU setting or a shorted/open antenna connector. This causes the K2 to reduce power to zero and show "Hi Refl" on the LCD. The error code can be cleared by rotating the POWER control. (Applies to KPA100 firmware rev. 1.04 or higher.) 7: The heat sink temperature reached 85 degrees C. This causes the K2 to reduce power to zero and show "PA Hot" on the LCD. Both the warning message and the E7 error code can be cleared by tapping any switch, then rotating the POWER control (repeat if necessary). The fan will remain on high until the heat sink temperature has dropped back below 37 degrees C. (Applies to KPA100 firmware rev. 1.04 or higher.) 8: This code will always be seen after setting CAL TPA, but it can also indicate a problem with the KPA100 MCU or its on-chip EEPROM. If it's just the CAL TPA indication, it can be cleared by turning power off and back on. Codes 3, 5, and 6 are not presently used. ++++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: "Jim Brown" From: "Jim Brown" To: Cc: Date: Sat, 15 Jun 2002 14:04:21 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 Progress Wayne, et al. Making good progress on my KPA100. Finished assembly part I and checkout. Only problem encountered is on page 23, voltage chart, last line. It states U6 pin 1 should be 0 to 0.1v, and mine measured 315mv. Gary emailed the answer in about an hour -- it should read U6 pin 6 (pin 1 is unused). This is not yet in the errata. Have (painfully) wound and installed L1-L16. Time invested so far is about 12 hours. While I am at the keyboard, I would like to join the others in thanking you for bringing both the K2 and the KPA100 to market. The kits are a joy to build. The K2's performance exceeds all of my expectations and is a real joy to use. I've had great success using it on 20m mobile at 15W as well as at home in conjunction with my SB-220 (at 200W or so). I would recommend you product and service to anyone.... Regards, Jim Brown, K5JAZ +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2002 08:48:03 -0500 To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Dave Gingrich K9DC Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 C83 change At 06:45 6/16/2002 -0700, Wayne Burdick wrote: >You should >definitely put in the 1000-pF unit, as it improves efficiency >considerably on the higher bands. Thanks Wayne (and the others that replied privately) I changed the C83 to 1000 pf, and it definitely reduces the current for the same power output. Makes a noticable reduction in the heat output. >Perhaps you can do this at the same time you check the tightness of the >PA transistor hardware. I was surprised how loose the PA transistors were. Those pads must really shrink after they get hot a few times. ================================================ Dave Gingrich, K9DC - Indianapolis, Indiana USA K2 #2211, K1 #931, QRP-L #2376, ARS #1109, FPQRP #389, IRLP #473, k9dc.ampr.org, CCIE #6748 ================================================ +++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2002 10:14:55 -0700 From: Gary L Surrency Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100: mystery resistor The 33 ohm 1/4w resistor so many of you have commented on, was an earlier value for R10 in the HV diode bias supply. The correct value for R10 is 47 ohms. The resistor was probably left in the parts bag from the original kitting, rather than us trying to fish it out, and the 47 ohm resistor was then added later as an ECO. The 33 ohm resistor should have been removed from the BOM (bill of materials) by now, but we will check that. Thanks, and good luck to everyone with their KPA100 kits. Be sure to build them slowly and carefully, and make SURE the toroids are the correct cores and have the correct turns and perfectly tinned leads before you install them. Several folks have confused the T50-10 black and FT50-43 gray cores. Gary Surrency AB7MY Please send all technical questions to: support at elecraft.com, NOT this account. This will result in much faster reply time. ++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: "Todd Gahagan" From: "Todd Gahagan" To: "Elecraft List" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help needed with KPA100 Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 07:07:10 -0600 Thanks for the tip. I should have stated that Elecraft says that I really do have 2.02F and that the label on the chip is wrong. The firmware does show the PA option. Todd ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Flavin" To: "Todd Gahagan" Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 5:57 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help needed with KPA100 > Top right of page 21 states the 2.02 firmware MUST be installed > +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 08:38:41 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Todd Gahagan Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help with KAP100 and firmware version please Hi Todd, A small number of K2 microcontroller (uC) chips sent with the KPA100 kit were incorrectly labeled as 2.01F. They are actually programmed correctly as version 2.02 parts. You can verify this by installing the chip in the K2 and powering up the K2 while holding down one of the front panel keys. The K2 uC version will appear on the left side of the display. If you confirm that it is a version 2.02 part, just mark the change on its label. We caught these shortly after beginning KPA100 shipments, but a few slipped out. Sorry for the confusion! 73, Eric WA6HHQ =================== Todd Gahagan wrote: > > Building the KPA100 here and working on the control board. I thought I had > the most up to date firmware but the manual states that I should have > version 2.02A or later. I have 2.01F and did not receive a replacement IC > with the amp kit. Could someone clear this up for me please? Will the > firmware that I have work? Thanks, Todd-WA7U +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 15:40:49 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Douglas Westover Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New SSB Firmware Yes, it is necessary to use the latest KSB2 f/w (1.07) with the KPA100. We updated the SSB firmware to receive fast SWR and temperature power reduction commands from the KPA100. (There were no other changes.) 73, Eric ======= Douglas Westover wrote: > > New firmware for the SSB board came with my KPA100. > Just wondering what might be different and is it necessary > to replace the old chip before checking out the amp? > > 73, > Doug > W6JD ++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 22 Jun 2002 09:07:47 -1000 From: John Buck To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 K2 1242 is now ready for field day with the KPA100 upgrade. -- snip -- The only test problem I had was a cockpit problem when I used a key with a mono plug on it. This hangs up the K2, locks in transmit, and ignores the menu button. You must use a stereo plug or else only push in the mono plug half way. Aloha, John KH7T +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 15:43:36 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Fred Bennett N9TA Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Reports of my AM'ing on TX ??? Hi Fred, If you are quite loud at the RX end it is not unusual for a weak carrier to be audible. The carrier is typically around 40 dB down from your signal, which is audible if you are S9+. The amount of power being used by the carrier is quite small though at this level. When running 100W it will be at .01W for -40 dB. 73, Eric ====== e Fred Bennett N9TA wrote: > > Hi gang > > I have had a couple of reports that I am not completely > suppressing the opposite carrier when I tx on SSB. Any > ideas on this will be VERY welcome!! > > Fred N9TA K2/100 #242 +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Ferguson, Kevin" To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: re. [Elecraft] Reports of my AM'ing on TX ??? Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2002 09:24:03 -0600 N9TA wrote: >I have had a couple of reports that I am not completely >suppressing the opposite carrier when I tx on SSB. Guessing here that you meant to type opposite _sideband_. If this is the problem, then you should also be able to clearly hear CW signals (in SSB mode) on both sides of zero as you tune through them,like when using a direct conversion reciever. You may need to revise your BFO ("filter") setting for FL 1 on the offending mode (USB, or LSB). Also check that the ground wires are well attached to the SSB filter crystal cans. The "book" settings per the manuual are normally close, but using spectrogram often gives some improvement. It is also possible to mis-figure the "book" settings. Also, if the setting for the 4 MHz MCU oscillator is off, it can change the calibration of everything, as the radio uses this for a reference for all other calibrations. If this were way off, then the "book" FL1 settings would be incorrect. It might not hurt to go through a full alignment....the BFO calibration could have shifted for example. On the other hand, if you are actually talking about _carrier_, (which there is only one of, so no "opposite" possible) then you need to tweek the balance pot on the SSB module as discribed in the manual for that kit. If you can't get a pronounced null (for example you run out of adjustment when things are still improving) then you need to do some troubleshooting, and figure out why. If (on the third hand) you are getting full carrier AM, as your choice of subject suggests, then it may be a combination of both of these, or perhaps a problem in the modulator itself. +++++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 20:57:06 -0400 From: Michael E Dobson Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 Speaker Wiring Question Looking at the speaker wiring directions for the KPA100 they appear to be the opposite polarity from the K2 assembly instructions. In the K2 the copper wire carries the audio and the silver wire is ground but in the KPA100 the silver wire carries the audio and the copper wire is ground. The actual wiring is correct but if you just look at the colors you might get confused and end up with crossed polarity. I would have thought that for unifromity the same wiring scheme would have been used for both. 73, Mike ++++++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 in EC2 Date: Tue, 2 Jul 2002 17:28:12 -0700 Hello Trevor! > ...Can anyone who has > already fitted the KPA100 in an EC2 let me know what free space is > available, including space on the rear apron for plugs and sockets etc. The KPA100 replaces the top panel. So the rear panel space is the entire rear panel of the bottom cover. I measure 1.07" on the inside of the EC2 case to the end of the lip. And of course you have the full width of the EC2. The KPA100 fills the top lid assembly, so you should assume you have no more than 1.07" clearance from the inside of the bottom of the case to the shield on the KPA100. In fact there is a little more than this, but not much. Finally, there is 1.375" from the inside of the front of the EC2 to the start of the KPA100 PCB, so you have the full height of the EC2 available across the front. Clear as mud, right? Maybe this will help (used fixed pitch font to display). It is a side view of the EC2 case. TOP 1.375" +-----------------------------+------+ | KPA100 fills this volume | | | | | REAR +-----------------------------+ | FRONT | | 1.07"| This volume is free space | +------------------------------------+ BOTTOM 72/73, Lyle KK7P +++++++++++++++++++ From: Unifiedtx at aol.com Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 00:17:06 EDT To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 Snug Fit to K2 With 160 Board I have found that the KPA100 does not fit snugly on the back side because the middle screw on the backside of the KPA100 shield touches the 160 meter relay. Eliminating the lockwasher on that screw will let the KPA100 fit as it should. This may be a problem only I had, but I thought I would mention it. Roy Morris W4WFB K2 #2225 ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 14:54:43 +0100 From: pjhend at ameritech.net To: k6se at juno.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] VFO ALC Mod Hi Earl - My KPA100 kit came with a detailed instruction sheet including pictures on how to make the mod's and included a small parts bag stapled to this sheet which includes the required components. World class support as usual from Elecraft! The KPA100 is now complete and I'm making these mod's to the K2 #2278 as I write this. Alignment later on today - with any luck QRO/QRP by 23:00utc :-) Best of luck to you! Paul kb9yvp > I decided to hold off on doing the mods until I buy the KPA100 kit next > month at the ARRL SW Division convention in Escondido (where I assume > that Elecraft will have a booth), because I assumed that the mod parts > would be included with the KPA100 kit. +++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002 13:41:49 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: k6se at juno.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: VFO ALC Mod k6se at juno.com wrote: > I decided to hold off on doing the mods until I buy the KPA100 kit next > month at the ARRL SW Division convention in Escondido (where I assume > that Elecraft will have a booth), because I assumed that the mod parts > would be included with the KPA100 kit. Earl, The parts for this modification are definitely included with the KPA100 kit. Almost all K2s meet FCC requirements without the modification, but we include the parts and ask that the builders make the mod just to be sure. We will indeed see you in Escondido. 73, Wayne N6KR +++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 11:08:00 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] VFO ALC/10M Mod kit We are currently shipping the VFO ALC/10M mod parts kit with all KPA100s. (This helps improve spectral purity on a small number of K2s that need it when running 100W). A few of you who received the first lot of KPA100s did not receive this kit and will be receiving it shortly from us. (Sorry we missed you in the initial shipping rush!) Please do -not- contact Gary ( support at elecraft.com ) unless it does not arrive over the next couple of weeks. This mod is not essential for basic K2s running without the KPA100. For those of you who feel you will not be purchasing a KPA100 and really want to do it now (some of us are mod addicts..) we will make it available for our cost 0f $15 plus shipping. Order the VFO ALC/10M mod kit, part number E850093, by adding this information in the comments section at the bottom of our secure order form at http://www.elecraft.com . 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 06 Nov 2002 08:35:18 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: N2ZDB at aol.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Posting of KAT100 Manual? The KAT100 manual is now on our manual download page in the K2 section at: http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm 73, Eric ====================== N2ZDB at aol.com wrote: > > Eric, > Any idea when the KAT100 Manual will be posted? > 73's Michael > N2ZDB ++++++++++++++++++