ELECRAFT KPA500 Manual

KPA500 and KAT500 Version 2.1 to 2.2 Changes

Section 2.7.1:
Remove reference to PR6.
Add:

Preamplifier Control

K3 transceivers have an internal 20 dB preamplifier that can be activated on 12-, 10-, and 6-meters in
S
the : PREAMP 2
CONFIG
described below. If you are a K3
A K3 user might use
DIGOUT1
meters. This conflicts with using
to inhibit the KPA500 on some other band, you will also disable it on 6 meters. You should set
DIGOUT1
the KPA500's
INHIBIT IN
preamplifier with
DIGOUT1
Added Section 2.8.2:
2.8.2 Setting the K3/K3
Many new K3/K3 users report that when operating in a voice or data mode the KPA500 output starts
S
off at a low power output that increases as the transmission continues. This is almost invariably caused
by improperly setting up the K3/K3
power differently than other amateur transceivers. ALC is not used to control the output power.
Therefore, set the K3/K3
instructions) which would have you set the power to full and adjust the power output with the audio
level. That does not work with Elecraft transceivers. To do so will result in erratic power output.

Microphone Gain and Compression Setting for SSB


Hold to put the K3/K3
TEST

Tap the compression

CMP 
Adjust

Hold to select the compression and ALC display.
METER

While speaking into your microphone with a normal voice, adjust
of about 5 – 7 bars with the 7
higher – higher settings may cause splatter!

CMP 
Adjust the
place to start, depending on your voice and
tests to confirm that your signal sounds OK.

Hold to return to the S-meter and power display.
METER

If you were in transmit test mode, hold

PWR 
Adjust the
menu. K3 owners do not have to worry about the dual use of the
S
user, skip ahead to Error! Reference source not found..
S
to turn on the PR6 six-meter preamplifier when switching the K3 to six
to inhibit the KPA500 operation because if you are using
DIGOUT1
menu to if you want to use the KPA500 on six meters and turn on the
DISABLE
.
ALC and Power Out
S
Mic Gain or Line In gain ALC level. Elecraft transceivers control
S
as indicated in the manual and ignore the internet advice (and some software
S
into transmit test mode. The
S
CMP 
knob and see that the green
to 0 .
th
bar just flickering. DO NOT turn up the microphone gain any
knob for the desired speech compression. About 7 – 10 dB or less is a good
knob for the output power you want.
icon will start to flash.
TX
CMP
MIC 
setting. You will want to do some on-the-air
to return to normal transmit.
TEST
DIGOUT1
LED is lit.
MIC 
for a peak ALC reading
signal