There is at least one advantage to using the accessory cable between K3 and KPA500. The K3 can sense when the amplifier is enabled, and adjust its output power to preset levels accordingly. I can set the K3 to transmit with 100 watts when the amplifier is in standby, and the 30 watts when the amplifier is in "operate", without constantly changing the K3 power.
I had a few "oops" moments with earlier transceiver/amplifier combinations when I forgot to adjust the exciter output. I don't use an amplifier all the time. Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Richard Squire - HB9ANM Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 7:33 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] VGA Cables It is clearly stated in the manual (as mentioned several times on the Reflector) that commercial VGA cables are NOT suitable for use with the KPA500 as some wires are grounded and/or connected together. The KPA500 will work with ANY radio providing PTT to ground. No cable required, except PTT! I do have the special cable between the K3 and the KPA500 but I also tried removing it and connecting the PTT cable only. Since the frequency sensor in the KPA500 supersedes any other band switching means (RTM!), there is no need, really, for a special cable when using non-Elecraft rigs. And the sensor does work, instantly and with only a fraction of a watt drive - even with the KPA500 in standby! I've just ordered another KPA500 for a friend (an Icom user), that's why I tried this out. So if you have anything else than a K3, don't worry, go PTT. The sensor will take care of the band switching just in case you forget. 73 and have fun with the KPA500 Richard ----- Richard - HB9ANM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/VGA-Cables-mate-to-K3-ACC-Jack-tp667109 7p6672612.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
