Look at the temperature...you are overheating the amp. RTTY is 100%
constant duty, SSB is not. You will see 1 KW in SSB. I use about 20
watts of drive for Digital for abt 400-450 watts out. If you can not
contact with 400..forget it. Tha LA-1K is NO 1000 watts in all
modes.
It is a great robust amp but you need to learn how best to use it.
Neil?? N4FN
On 20-Sep-18 3:12 PM, Bob KU5J wrote:
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I just acquired a new LA-1K yesterday, and put
it in service that evening.? At first, with 35 watts drive
in RTTY, the unit showed output on the LA-1K watt meter plus
an MFJ watt meter that I have of near 1000 watts. In fact,
with 40 watts drive, the unit was showing well over 1KW
output.? Over the next ten minutes, I ran some on the air
tests, and the unit performed perfectly, showing output of
1KW or more.? However, after that short time, it quit
putting out the higher power. Instead, with 40 watts output
using RTTY,? the output dropped to only 500 watts on? both
meters. I tried using two different radios on several
different bands, and the result was the same.? SWR as shown
on the LA-1K was in the 1.2-1.6 range. I do use a tuner
after the amplifier to keep SWR in control.? I did all these
tests with the ALC line unplugged.? With a voltmeter, I
verified the supplied operating voltage was? 235-240 volts.
Vd on the LA-1K stayed steady at 50, and Id varied a little,
but was always near 23.? I tried turning the amplifier on
and off and all sorts of other "tests" to see if it would
start to read 1KW again, but it never did go higher than 500
watts.? I also tried transmitting with a straight key on CW,
and on CW key down, it showed the same output as RTTY did.
At no time did I drive the amplifier with over 50 watts.?
I email Paul at
Palstar, and he told me RTTY output is only 500 watts, so
that's what I should expect it to show.? But, the unit was
showing a solid 1KW when I first powered it on.? And, on CW,
the specifications in the manual indicate the output is 1000
watts, not 500.? Yet, in both RTTY and CW, I am only getting
readings of 500 watts.
My question is,
do I have a problem?? Why would the amplifier first show
1000 watts out, and then moments later, drop to half that??
I did email Paul at Palstar back, but so far, no response.?
Thanks,
Bob KU5J
_._,_._,_
?
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I just acquired a new LA-1K yesterday, and put it in
service that evening.? At first, with 35 watts drive in RTTY, the unit showed output on the LA-1K watt meter plus an MFJ watt meter that I have of near 1000 watts. In fact, with 40 watts drive, the unit was showing
well over 1KW output.? Over the next ten minutes, I
ran some on the air tests, and the unit performed perfectly, showing output of 1KW or more.? However,
after that short time, it quit putting out the higher power. Instead,
with 40 watts output using RTTY,? the output dropped to only 500 watts on? both meters. I tried using two different radios on several different bands,
and the result was the same.? SWR as shown on the LA-1K was in the
1.2-1.6 range. I do use a tuner after the amplifier to keep SWR in
control.? I did all these tests with the ALC line unplugged.? With a
voltmeter, I verified the supplied operating voltage was? 235-240 volts.
Vd on the LA-1K stayed steady at 50, and Id varied a little, but was always near 23.? I tried turning the amplifier on and off and all sorts of other "tests" to see if it would start to read 1KW again, but it never did go higher than 500 watts.? I also tried transmitting with a straight key on CW, and on CW key down, it showed the same output as RTTY did. At no time did I drive the amplifier with over 50 watts.?
I email Paul at Palstar, and he told me RTTY output is only 500 watts, so that's what I should expect it to show.? But, the unit was showing a solid 1KW when I first powered it on.? And, on CW, the specifications in the manual indicate the output is 1000 watts, not 500.? Yet, in both RTTY and CW, I am only getting readings of 500 watts.
My question is, do I have a problem?? Why would the amplifier first show 1000 watts out, and then moments later, drop to half that?? I did email Paul at Palstar back, but so far, no response.?
Thanks, Bob KU5J
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Re: LA-1K Firmware V1.02E
Changes are listed as always on the web site
Neil?? N4FN
On 30-Aug-18 10:17 AM, Gene Caldwell
wrote:
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Pete,
What
has changed in the V1.02E
Thanks,
Gene
K3GC
?
From:
[email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Pete
Kovacs
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 4:00 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [la1k] LA-1K Firmware V1.02E
?
Just uploaded to : LA-1K
Firmware V1.02E?
Scroll down
to 5. Download LA-1K Firmware at
_._,_._,_
?
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Re: LA-1K Firmware V1.02E
LA-1K Firmware Summary:
- V1.01C: Reduced transmit sequencing delay from 14ms to 3 ms.
- V1.02A: Unkeys amplifier with low +50V (<44V) to protect transistors from damage if supply trips as on 120V > 32A conditions.
- V1.02B: Replaced the word "FAULT" with "BYPASS" for SWR Trip, Thermal Trip, and LW 50V Trip. Also, color changed from Red to Green on above (except temp#) when too hot.
- V1.02C: Firmware upgrade added arrows in selection windows showing currently selected value (Antenna or Band). An exit button was also added in these windows, even though it previously would exit when selection was entered.
- V1.02D: Firmware version not released.
- V1.02E: 1) Implements reverse RF protection against nearby transmitters that may "fool" the LA1K's SWR detector preventing the LA1K from keying when strong signals from close by transmitters are present, such as Field Day operating environments. 2) Implements basic overdrive protection that places the LA1K in bypass when RF input drive level exceeds around 68 Watts. (This is only sampled briefly before the LA-1K keys up, therefore slow rise time signals may not activate this protection).
? ?
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Just uploaded to www.palstar.com: LA-1K Firmware V1.02E?
?
Scroll down to 5. Download LA-1K Firmware at
thanks,
Pete Kovacs
Webmaster
Palstar, Inc.
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Attached (I hope) is a nice review of the LA-1K that appeared in The Spectrum Monitor
Neil? ?N4FN
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I am not sure my post on the article that appeared in the "Spectrum Monitor"
posted properly. If this is a duplicate I do apologize. This was a great review
73
Neil N4FN
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All:
I've had my LA-1K connected to an IC-7300 for a couple months now and find nothing I don't like or that people who hear me don't like. - Thanks Palstar!
This morning I had a thought to put one of my 4-20W military manpack radios on the amp, but then it struck me that these radios don't have TX contact out. Now you might think that's just a simple thing to bring out a TX line from the radio. It probably is, but we're talking about some completely unmodified and not particularly cheap radios that I'm not inclined to do that to.
I could of course build up an outboard RF sensing to TX out unit (RF VOX) to drive the TX in on the LA-1K. But of course the Amp already senses the RF, as we know. My question then is whether it makes sense to ask Palstar to add an RF VOX feature to the firmware and what the implications of that might be.
Would anyone else like this feature, have any fears, or have a favorite outboard RF sense relay circuit with adjustable drop-out delay they like?
Chuck - N8DNX
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Re: Use MFJ-998 Intellituner with LA-1K?
I've had my LA-1K for over two months now, over three months on the HF-Auto. I use it daily rag chewing SSB mode with full output, 40 watts drive, and it's been flawless. I had a concern in the beginning, but as usual it was operator error. It truly is like having a 1kw transceiver. I also have a MFJ-998 tuner, but it's in a box and have never tried it with the LA-1K, I don't know why it wouldn't work, but I can say do yourself a favor and get the HF-Auto too, it's the best tuner I have ever used ! The pair really look, and work good together. I don't work for or have any connections with Palstar, but I am a big fan of their products, I also have an AT2K in a box, that's the one I'd use for backup if needed before the 998.
73
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Re: Use MFJ-998 Intellituner with LA-1K?
Yup Mike. Important to me, too and All good points which I have mulled over far too long. Will make decision soon.?
All though the Palstar operation is simple & intuitive, I do think they need to write a better manual or do a You Tube Operational video ( save them answering same questions over & over on the phone )
and put some much better external / Internal High Rez pics on their website. rgds, tnx agn & have a great 4th, Mike N7KR
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Re: Use MFJ-998 Intellituner with LA-1K?
Mike, One big plus to the LA-1K is LDMOS finals. Vacuum relay switching, 3 antenna ports, auto sensed. USA made/2 yr warranty. Factory customer service. All important to me.
Have made over 300 q’s ft-8, ssb, cw, using this amp. All flawless.
Mike
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On Jul 3, 2018, at 07:27, n7kr@... wrote: [Edited Message Follows]
Hi agn Mike. Tnx for best LA-1K link out there so far..
I have watched it a few times & like the medical grade PS, hot switch band protection, etc.
Surely u looked at Ameritron ALS-1306 when you were looking for SS amp.
If so what didn't you like about it & what made the LA-1K stand out against the others?
BTW - saw your info on QRZ Call lookup.
I'm in Spokane and your Vancouver pics are killer!?
73, Mike N7KR
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Re: Use MFJ-998 Intellituner with LA-1K?
Hi agn Mike. Tnx for best LA-1K link out there so far..
I have watched it a few times & like the medical grade PS, hot switch band protection, etc.
Surely u looked at Ameritron ALS-1306 when you were looking for SS amp.
If so what didn't you like about it & what made the LA-1K stand out against the others?
BTW - saw your info on QRZ Call lookup.
I'm in Spokane and your Vancouver pics are killer!?
73, Mike N7KR
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Use MFJ-998 Intellituner with LA-1K?
Informative youtube on the LA-1K Mike KB7ME?
Begin forwarded message:
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Wow - that's great to hear on both Mike. I am having problems trying to decide between Ameritron ALS-1306 & the LA-1K. One minor worry I have with Palstar is how new a design it is, at the same time understand it's state of the art technology. rgds, tnx & 73, Mike > On July 2, 2018 at 9:08 PM Mike Coogan < mikegc5491@...> wrote: > > > My LA-1K works well with a LDG > AT-1000 Pro II tuner. Never tried > A MFJ-998. > Love the LA-1K > > Mike KB7ME > > >
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Re: Use MFJ-998 Intellituner with LA-1K?
My LA-1K works well with a LDG
AT-1000 Pro II tuner. Never tried
A MFJ-998.
Love the LA-1K
Mike KB7ME
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Use MFJ-998 Intellituner with LA-1K?
Hello all you happy Palstar owners - I am thinking about getting an LA-1K Amp but at least for now would want to use it with my MFJ-998 Tuner / Icom IC-7600. I wonder if any of you have used the LA-1K with the MFJ-998 Tuner. rgds & 73, Mike
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Re: Firmware Install Issue
It worked..I was able to launch the program..I will try installing firmware today…Thank You
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Did you extract the zip file first?
The only way I have been able to reproduce this error is if the zip file was not extracted.
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Re: Firmware Install Issue
Did you extract the zip file first?
The only way I have been able to reproduce this error is if the zip file was not extracted.
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Re: Firmware Install Issue
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On Jun 21, 2018, at 09:55, Dennis McCurdy < dennismccurdy@...> wrote: I still get this error message as soon as I run exe
<Screen Shot 2018-06-21 at 12.53.06 PM.png>
Win 10 latest version
Latest download from web
Hi Gene,
It's at the bottom of the LA-1K page:
You'll find it under the header "FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD."
Let me know if any issues arise in updating the LA-1K firmware.
Regards,
Pete
Palstar, Inc.
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Re: Firmware Install Issue
I still get this error message as soon as I run exe
Win 10 latest version
Latest download from web
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi Gene,
It's at the bottom of the LA-1K page:
You'll find it under the header "FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD."
Let me know if any issues arise in updating the LA-1K firmware.
Regards,
Pete
Palstar, Inc.
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Mike Stephens