Re: firmware version 1.04A
In an email exchange with Mark at Palstar about another issue he mentioned that 1.04A is the new version being shipped with all amps now. He didn't know why it wasn't on the web site yet. This was last week. I sent him another email about it this week but haven't heard anything back yet.
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73,
Jerry
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Just got new LA-1K,? boot screen is showing version 1.04A
What is this all about?? Cannot find any info on Palstar site.? Anyone have this firmware version or info?
73, W3KIT
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Love the amp…use it all the time on SSB but was wondering if I use it on FlDigi etc. what do I need to know ?
Thanks W4OZ
Dennis
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Re: LA-1K "Overdrive" in the middle of transmitting CW
Hi Dennis,
No Mark didn't mention it but it is interesting especially because the amp doesn't use ALC for CW so this spike you mention from the radio makes sense. This could also explain why it only happens in Direct mode.?
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73,
Jerry
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Re: LA-1K "Overdrive" in the middle of transmitting CW
Hi Jerry, ?? I'm sure Mark has mentioned this to you, but are you sure the exciter isn't spiking it's drive power?? The ALC circuits in many radios have enough delay in them that they'll spike on leading edges often WITHOUT regard to the selected power output.? It depends on how the radio limits it's power internally.? I use an external negative ALC voltage applied to my radio's ALC jack using a 9v battery and a 20-turn pot.? That way it doesn't wait for the radio's internal ALC to respond and limit output... it's there all of the time.? Some radios limit the power at an early stage so they don't spike.? I'm not familiar with the 7610.? You'll never see this on any meter, but it is visible on a scope sampling the output.? The LA-1K responds very rapidly to overdrive so the occasional leading-edge surge will activate overdrive protection. Best,
Dennis
On 4/4/2019 at 10:49 AM, "JERRY" <JERRY@...> wrote: [Edited Message Follows]
My LA-1K is connected to an HF-AUTO tuner and an ICOM 7610. I have the data cable connected from the 7610 to the amplifier. When the amplifier is in "Direct Mode" (using the data cable for PTT and band switching) and transmitting CW (Semi BKIN) it will go into "Overdrive" and stop after maybe 15 seconds. This doesn't happen with SSB. It doesn't matter how low the power I drive the amp with is. It resets quickly and will then do the same thing again after a few seconds of transmitting. When the amp is in "Normal Mode" even with the data cable still connected this does not happen at all. This behavior occurs as above with or without the RCA PTT connection being used.
I have been going back and forth with Mark at Palstar and so far he hasn't figured this one out. I'm wondering if it might be some strange thing going on with my setup or if anyone else here has experienced this. For now my solution is to just use CW in Normal Mode and SSB in Direct Mode.
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73,
Jerry
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LA-1K "Overdrive" in the middle of transmitting CW
My LA-1K is connected to an HF-AUTO tuner and an ICOM 7610. I have the data cable connected from the 7610 to the amplifier. When the amplifier is in "Direct Mode" (using the data cable for PTT and band switching) and transmitting CW (Semi BKIN) it will go into "Overdrive" and stop after maybe 15 seconds. This doesn't happen with SSB. It doesn't matter how low the power I drive the amp with is. It resets quickly and will then do the same thing again after a few seconds of transmitting. When the amp is in "Normal Mode" even with the data cable still connected this does not happen at all. This behavior occurs as above with or without the RCA PTT connection being used.
I have been going back and forth with Mark at Palstar and so far he hasn't figured this one out. I'm wondering if it might be some strange thing going on with my setup or if anyone else here has experienced this. For now my solution is to just use CW in Normal Mode and SSB in Direct Mode.
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73,
Jerry
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Thanks for that, I am surprised too the cable isn't just available
73,
Jerry
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I made the band switch cable as well but never have the need to use it.? Auto RF was pretty quick for what I was using the linear for.? I even try out using just the PTT cable on some Digital mode, working perfectly fine.
Something like this is probably what you need.? You can the vendor for the diagram for the cable before you purchase and compare it to your Yaesu manual for pin out and Palstar manual for pin out to see if they are match.? The cable should be pin for pin.
I am kind of surprised that Palstar does not have the cables for purchase as the part of an accessories.?
73, Komkit W3KIT
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Thanks I tried that and destroyed 2 DIN connectors in the process trying to solder wires onto those tiny pins. I was hoping there was one already made like for my ICOM radios. I found one on eBay which will work as the keying cable you described but is there no way to get the band signals from the radio to the amp like can be done on the ICOMs?
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Jerry,
I have the same setup.
You just need a PTT cable from 991A to LA-1K.? I am using 8 pins DIN plug and RCA plug in the other end.
It will be pin 2 TX GND and pin 3 GND.? More in for can be found on page 19 of the 991A manual under TUN/LIN drawing.
Or you could simply use a foot switch.
73, Komkit W3KIT
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Does anyone here know what cable is needed to connect the LA-1K to the Yaesu 991A?
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?If anyone in the group knows of someone looking?for a like new pristine LA-1K. Let me know off the reflector and I will put you in touch.
Neil? ?n4fn? "at"? ?
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If you get on CW you MUST have delay. Try it at low power int a dummy load and you should see what happens. If you have chatter you need delay. 73 Happy to help anytime Neil? ?N4FN
On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 5:12 PM Komkit Listisard via Groups.Io <w3kit= [email protected]> wrote: Neil, thank you for your help and all of the trouble looking for the 991A set up. Yes, that is all pretty much I can see on my 991A manual.
I guess I don't have to worry about it so much.? I only get on CW maybe once a week, if that much.? And if I do, I never used the full BK-IN.? I use SEMI BK-IN and normally I sent around 13-15 wpm with SEMI BK-IN and about 400 msec of CQ BK-IN delayed RX relay never kicks in unless I stop keying.
?
Basically if I am to use the linear mainly for SSB, I don't have to worry about TX delay.? Am I getting this correct?? I think I have got it mixed up when I read about SWR spiked and someone saying about TX delay.?
I think I am all good now.
73' Komkit W3KIT
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Neil, thank you for your help and all of the trouble looking for the 991A set up. Yes, that is all pretty much I can see on my 991A manual.
I guess I don't have to worry about it so much.? I only get on CW maybe once a week, if that much.? And if I do, I never used the full BK-IN.? I use SEMI BK-IN and normally I sent around 13-15 wpm with SEMI BK-IN and about 400 msec of CQ BK-IN delayed RX relay never kicks in unless I stop keying.
?
Basically if I am to use the linear mainly for SSB, I don't have to worry about TX delay.? Am I getting this correct?? I think I have got it mixed up when I read about SWR spiked and someone saying about TX delay.?
I think I am all good now.
73' Komkit W3KIT
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I downloaded the manual for the FT- 991A, and it talks about the delay on pages 78 and 79. Further explanation of hang time is on page 85 under the heading of ""CW Time Delay Setting". I hope that helps. As I mentioned earlier I do not know how other radios handle "hang time" and QSK issues. You have two fine pieces of equipment, enjoy them and take care of them. 73? ?Neil? ?N4FN
On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 1:57 PM Neil Foster via Groups.Io <archernf= [email protected]> wrote: Komkit, This is from the Ftdx5000 manual I suspect you have something similar in the 991 manual. I will see if I can find it. 73 es gud dx Neil? ?N4FN
On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 9:02 AM Neil Foster via Groups.Io <archernf= [email protected]> wrote:
Komkit,
As far as the discussions I have had with Paul at Palstar (Paul and
Eva have been dear friends for many years, sadly I will miss having
dinner with them at Dayton because at 85 the trip has gotten to be?
a bit much for me). OK the personal stuff aside.
The LA-1K is NOT a QSK amp so in CW one must insert
delay between the dits and dahs otherwise the relay will damage
itself in the radio. On the Yaesu FTdx5000 it is set when in the CW
mode by advancing the VOX delay control. This does NOT mean you are
using VOX in SSB. It will only have this effect in CW. That is how
the 5K handles it. Check your 991 manual and it should address this,
it should be the same. If you have any questions drop me a personal
email and i will call you on your phone. Email me at n4fn "at"
(replace the "at" with @ )
73
Neil? N4FN....BTW typically modern rigs do not use ALC feedback, but
most older rigs did
On 24-Mar-19 6:17 AM, Komkit Listisard
via Groups.Io wrote:
Neil,
The call here is
W3KIT, sorry about not posting it down. Thank you for the reply.
At any rate, very
good to hear that I don’t actually need the ALC cable.?? I am not an avid CW
operator, I do when I see some station I need or perhaps during
some contests.? Otherwise
pretty much SSB or some Digital mode.? For Digital mode I am not worry about it,
maybe I went up to 100 watts only a few times. ?Beside, I do have another
dedicated FT-991A for Digital mode that is not hook up to this
linear.
Where do you set
the TX delay on the FTDX-5000??
What does the menu call??
Maybe similar to 991A.
On SSB,? I am not using VOX just
the good old PTT button on my MD-100 desk mic.? However I may be using
the linear up to 250-300 watts next time I get on RTTY.
I could not
really find any info about the TX delay much at all.? The document is saying
very little.? I got the
amp late Friday day, I call Palstar and left the voice mail.? I have not yet speak to
any one,? I guess it
was Friday and getting close to their cutting off time.
I do not know if
the TX delay is apply to every mode this linear support or just
CW, may be RTTY or Digital.
73, Komkit W3KIT
|
Komkit, This is from the Ftdx5000 manual I suspect you have something similar in the 991 manual. I will see if I can find it. 73 es gud dx Neil? ?N4FN
On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 9:02 AM Neil Foster via Groups.Io <archernf= [email protected]> wrote:
Komkit,
As far as the discussions I have had with Paul at Palstar (Paul and
Eva have been dear friends for many years, sadly I will miss having
dinner with them at Dayton because at 85 the trip has gotten to be?
a bit much for me). OK the personal stuff aside.
The LA-1K is NOT a QSK amp so in CW one must insert
delay between the dits and dahs otherwise the relay will damage
itself in the radio. On the Yaesu FTdx5000 it is set when in the CW
mode by advancing the VOX delay control. This does NOT mean you are
using VOX in SSB. It will only have this effect in CW. That is how
the 5K handles it. Check your 991 manual and it should address this,
it should be the same. If you have any questions drop me a personal
email and i will call you on your phone. Email me at n4fn "at"
(replace the "at" with @ )
73
Neil? N4FN....BTW typically modern rigs do not use ALC feedback, but
most older rigs did
On 24-Mar-19 6:17 AM, Komkit Listisard
via Groups.Io wrote:
Neil,
The call here is
W3KIT, sorry about not posting it down. Thank you for the reply.
At any rate, very
good to hear that I don’t actually need the ALC cable.?? I am not an avid CW
operator, I do when I see some station I need or perhaps during
some contests.? Otherwise
pretty much SSB or some Digital mode.? For Digital mode I am not worry about it,
maybe I went up to 100 watts only a few times. ?Beside, I do have another
dedicated FT-991A for Digital mode that is not hook up to this
linear.
Where do you set
the TX delay on the FTDX-5000??
What does the menu call??
Maybe similar to 991A.
On SSB,? I am not using VOX just
the good old PTT button on my MD-100 desk mic.? However I may be using
the linear up to 250-300 watts next time I get on RTTY.
I could not
really find any info about the TX delay much at all.? The document is saying
very little.? I got the
amp late Friday day, I call Palstar and left the voice mail.? I have not yet speak to
any one,? I guess it
was Friday and getting close to their cutting off time.
I do not know if
the TX delay is apply to every mode this linear support or just
CW, may be RTTY or Digital.
73, Komkit W3KIT
|
Komkit,
As far as the discussions I have had with Paul at Palstar (Paul and
Eva have been dear friends for many years, sadly I will miss having
dinner with them at Dayton because at 85 the trip has gotten to be?
a bit much for me). OK the personal stuff aside.
The LA-1K is NOT a QSK amp so in CW one must insert
delay between the dits and dahs otherwise the relay will damage
itself in the radio. On the Yaesu FTdx5000 it is set when in the CW
mode by advancing the VOX delay control. This does NOT mean you are
using VOX in SSB. It will only have this effect in CW. That is how
the 5K handles it. Check your 991 manual and it should address this,
it should be the same. If you have any questions drop me a personal
email and i will call you on your phone. Email me at n4fn "at"
arrl.net (replace the "at" with @ )
73
Neil? N4FN....BTW typically modern rigs do not use ALC feedback, but
most older rigs did
On 24-Mar-19 6:17 AM, Komkit Listisard
via Groups.Io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Neil,
The call here is
W3KIT, sorry about not posting it down. Thank you for the reply.
At any rate, very
good to hear that I don’t actually need the ALC cable.?? I am not an avid CW
operator, I do when I see some station I need or perhaps during
some contests.? Otherwise
pretty much SSB or some Digital mode.? For Digital mode I am not worry about it,
maybe I went up to 100 watts only a few times. ?Beside, I do have another
dedicated FT-991A for Digital mode that is not hook up to this
linear.
Where do you set
the TX delay on the FTDX-5000??
What does the menu call??
Maybe similar to 991A.
On SSB,? I am not using VOX just
the good old PTT button on my MD-100 desk mic.? However I may be using
the linear up to 250-300 watts next time I get on RTTY.
I could not
really find any info about the TX delay much at all.? The document is saying
very little.? I got the
amp late Friday day, I call Palstar and left the voice mail.? I have not yet speak to
any one,? I guess it
was Friday and getting close to their cutting off time.
I do not know if
the TX delay is apply to every mode this linear support or just
CW, may be RTTY or Digital.
73, Komkit W3KIT
_._,_._,_
?
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The LA-1K is NOT a QSK amp, so when running CW you must enable some
hang time delay other wise the relay will be damaged. On my FTdx5000
this is enabled with the vox delay. This does mean you are running
vox in SSB in means there is a delay or hang time between dits and
dahs. so no damage occurs. While the RF is needed for the frequency
counter built in to the amp,? the hang time is for CW
That is per Paul at Palstar.
Perhaps he will comment on this since we are friends and he does
monitor this forum.
Neil?? N4FN
On 24-Mar-19 6:39 AM, BJN644 wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I think somewhere on this forum Paul, the creator of
the amp, said that the vacuum relay in the amp will not switch
until it senses RF. So no TX delay is required.?
N1UB
_._,_._,_
?
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I think somewhere on this forum Paul, the creator of the amp, said that the vacuum relay in the amp will not switch until it senses RF. So no TX delay is required.?
N1UB
|
Neil,
The call here is W3KIT, sorry about not posting it down. Thank you for the reply.
At any rate, very good to hear that I don’t actually need the ALC cable.?? I am not an avid CW operator, I do when I see some station I need or perhaps during some contests.? Otherwise pretty much SSB or some Digital mode.? For Digital mode I am not worry about it, maybe I went up to 100 watts only a few times. ?Beside, I do have another dedicated FT-991A for Digital mode that is not hook up to this linear.
Where do you set the TX delay on the FTDX-5000?? What does the menu call?? Maybe similar to 991A.
On SSB,? I am not using VOX just the good old PTT button on my MD-100 desk mic.? However I may be using the linear up to 250-300 watts next time I get on RTTY.
I could not really find any info about the TX delay much at all.? The document is saying very little.? I got the amp late Friday day, I call Palstar and left the voice mail.? I have not yet speak to any one,? I guess it was Friday and getting close to their cutting off time.
I do not know if the TX delay is apply to every mode this linear support or just CW, may be RTTY or Digital.
73, Komkit W3KIT
|
Jerry Raia