When I've used mine on a 110 outlet you can get 700-800 watts depending on the antenna.
Dear Friends,
? ? ? ?I'm about to purchase an LA1K and HF Auto.? I live in an apartment above a garage and would like to get a 240 v line installed.? The electrician called today and gave me an estimate of $700.00 to put a plug on my wall.? I think that excessive.? And so my question is what kind of output would I expect if I saved the $700.00 and plugged it into my existing 110 outlet?? I know that it will be less than the advertised output but how much less?? Thank you so much for your anticipated responses.
Bob
-- Eric D.Clanton DVM
1519 Pelham Rd
Jacksonville, AL 36265
256-435-8387
WN4WDE
"Life's tough......it's even tougher if you're stupid"?? -- John Wayne
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Dear Friends,
? ? ? ?I'm about to purchase an LA1K and HF Auto.? I live in an apartment above a garage and would like to get a 240 v line installed.? The electrician called today and gave me an estimate of $700.00 to put a plug on my wall.? I think that excessive.? And so my question is what kind of output would I expect if I saved the $700.00 and plugged it into my existing 110 outlet?? I know that it will be less than the advertised output but how much less?? Thank you so much for your anticipated responses.
Bob
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LA-1K use with lightning suppressor
So I recently received my LA-1K and put it in sequence with my Yaesu, FT 991a, to the amp, to Palstar?AT2K tuner,? to a lightning suppressor outside the shack?via lmr 240 coax,?to a balun?via coax and to a random length inverted the dipole.
The amp blew the output transistor first time I keyed the PTT.
Mark stated it was the lightning arrestor and when I explained I was in Florida the lightning capital of North America and required some sort of protection, he suggested an alpha Delpha?type switch at the radio. Well, it has always been my opinion that you need to keep the fox out of the henhouse. The?lightning arrester/protection?needs to be on the wall of the shack, outside,?not inside at the radio, where the amplifier and the tuner are susceptible to the hit prior to reaching the switch as protection.? So this made no sense to me. I would appreciate any input regarding Re attempting LA-1K use going forward. Thanks
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On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 07:36 PM, A.G. von Luternow wrote:
When someone purchases an amplifier which doesn't suit their needs
it's not an amplifier design flaw. It quite simply a poor buying
decision resulting from poor pre-purchase research. All the
corner-case examples in the world cannot change that fact.
My earlier post here /g/la1k/message/1285 pointed out "Btw, I had a telephone conversation with Mark Ward (Palstar technician) on their inferior design implementation in grouping 20M-15M as one band-select choice, shortly after I received my LA-1K.? Mr. Ward thought at the time surely the LA-1K would allow a 20M monobander on Ant 1 and a 15M monobander on Ant 2, if I wasn't using RF sensing.? So Mark tried doing it without RF sensing and was unsuccessful in making the LA-1K to permit a 20M monobander on Ant 1 and a 15M monobander on Ant 2.? Case closed!" Mark Ward is a longtime Palstar employee with whom I had a telephone conversation lasting about twenty (20) minutes going over anything that I might have missed relying on publicly available LA-1K information (e.g. Palstar.com, eHam.net) before I placed my LA-1K order.? Mr. Ward told me that he was employed by Palstar at the time the company introduced the LA-1K. in hindsight, maybe I should have a pre-purchase conversation with members of their LA-1K design team to go over their internal detailed design requirement documents so one can determine with any degree of certainty what would be regarded as a design flaw.? But then again, no telling if any of those original LA-1K design engineers chose to remain with the company during the COVID-19 pandemic. 73, Ray KJ5MI
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On Jun 8, 2023, at 7:36 PM, A.G. von Luternow <n4jvp@...> wrote:
?On Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:26:38 -0700, Ray KJ5MI wrote:
Great question; I have seen vintage RF amplifiers with inferior design implementation such as grouping bands (my bad; could be state-of-the-art design back then) that's acceptable in my Ameritron ALS-600 (see attached pic) for having only one RF output. You might want to see my post /g/la1k/message/1282 where I described an obscure antenna assignment limitation found in the LA-1K due to grouping *20M-15M* as one band-select choice. *Said limitation is a showstopper for hams that want to operate on those bands with a 20M monobander connected to Ant 1 and a 15M monobander connected to Ant 2, as an example.*
Selectable outputs is a feature found in today's solid-state
amplifiers. In years gone by antenna switching was done manually.
Amplifiers with tuned input circuits are another relatively new
feature.
There are 11 amateur bands between 160M and 6M inclusive. Using the
given example how many amplifier outputs are needed to have a truly
unflawed design? If there are multiple antennas selectable for a
single band, would that be an amplifier design flaw?
When someone purchases an amplifier which doesn't suit their needs
it's not an amplifier design flaw. It quite simply a poor buying
decision resulting from poor pre-purchase research. All the
corner-case examples in the world cannot change that fact.
73 de n4jvp
Fritz
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On Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:26:38 -0700, Ray KJ5MI wrote:
Great question; I have seen vintage RF amplifiers with inferior design implementation such as grouping bands (my bad; could be state-of-the-art design back then) that's acceptable in my Ameritron ALS-600 (see attached pic) for having only one RF output.? You might want to see my post /g/la1k/message/1282 where I described an obscure antenna assignment limitation found in the LA-1K due to grouping *20M-15M* as one band-select choice. *Said limitation is a showstopper for hams that want to operate on those bands with a 20M monobander connected to Ant 1 and a 15M monobander connected to Ant 2, as an example.*
Selectable outputs is a feature found in today's solid-state amplifiers. In years gone by antenna switching was done manually. Amplifiers with tuned input circuits are another relatively new feature. There are 11 amateur bands between 160M and 6M inclusive. Using the given example how many amplifier outputs are needed to have a truly unflawed design? If there are multiple antennas selectable for a single band, would that be an amplifier design flaw? When someone purchases an amplifier which doesn't suit their needs it's not an amplifier design flaw. It quite simply a poor buying decision resulting from poor pre-purchase research. All the corner-case examples in the world cannot change that fact. 73 de n4jvp Fritz
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Hi Norm,
The problem in CW Normal Mode is that the initial applied power is full power, NOT reduced power on the first dit or dah of each transmission. This is not tune mode; this is actual CW sending in a conversation. Since the first dit or dah is applied at full power, the power has to go somewhere. The LA1-K needs 20 ms to make a decision and select the band (at this input power!). At full transceiver output power, the amp relays now close. The relays must be hot-switched since the transceiver is at full output power during their closure. Note that the first dit or dah is always shortened by 20 ms! (High speed CW OPs, i.e. CWT OPs, be aware of the shortening!!)
In Direct Mode, the amp goes into transmit immediately when the transceiver outputs the amp key signal to it. This key signal is 10 ms to 15 ms BEFORE RF arrives at the amp. The relays are settled by the time RF arrives at the amp, and no hot switching occurs.
As for the cables, I am not the expert. Possibly Kent K9ZTV or someone else can help with those.
GL
.... Bill K3HZP
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On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 02:26 PM, Bill K3HZP wrote:
ln Normal Mode with semi break-in, the relays "always" hot switch on the first dit or dah of EACH transmission.
I'm possibly misunderstanding the timing diagram in the LA-1K manual. It would seem that low power drive is applied but the output relay is closed (and ready to pass high power) before the input relay is closed which would apply the drive power to the amp PAs. So, I'm not sure how it is being hot switched. About direct mode: I would prefer that but I think I would need the LA-1K to be able to read frequency data from either the HF-AUTO, or from DXLab Commander as it is set up now. Otherwise, I would need a special cable from my iCOM rigs to the amp (and I have three ICOM rigs). It is much more flexible to be able to read frequency data at the amp from any radio through a rig control program such as DXLab Commander than to have to use radio-specific cables which would have to be switched to the amp when rigs are changed. ? -- 73, Norm/KC1BMD
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On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 12:45 PM, Norm - KC1BMD wrote:
What is the purpose of grouping bands (20-15 and 12/10)?
Hi Norm, Great question; I have seen vintage RF amplifiers with inferior design implementation such as grouping bands (my bad; could be state-of-the-art design back then) that's acceptable in my Ameritron ALS-600 (see attached pic) for having only one RF output.? You might want to see my post /g/la1k/message/1282 where I described an obscure antenna assignment limitation found in the LA-1K due to grouping 20M-15M as one band-select choice.? Said limitation is a showstopper for hams that want to operate on those bands with a 20M monobander connected to Ant 1 and a 15M monobander connected to Ant 2, as an example.In terms of the 30M band situation, you will want to check out my post /g/la1k/message/1311 for my observations and rhetorical questions.? You will also want to check out my post /g/la1k/message/1328 where I have attached a copy of the original LA-1K Technical Manual, as submitted to the FCC by Palstar in 2017, for all to consider.? I will leave it to you to draw your own conclusions. 73, Ray KJ5MI
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Hi Norm,
Semi break-in works fine in Direct Mode. ln Normal Mode with semi break-in, the relays "always" hot switch on the first dit or dah of EACH transmission. In CW mode in contrast with SSB mode, "max" RF output power is applied immediately at the start time of each transmission when the relays are hot switching. There is no way around it in Normal Mode. SSB outputs less power at the start of each transmission making it a little safer.
l recommend using Direct Mode for "all" CW with any "auto band-switching" amp. It only makes sense!
73
.... Bill K3HZP
DX Connection
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The QSK-2500 seems to be a decent QSK solution if you must have it for a $395 price. I'm fine with semi-break-in. I assume the LA-1K works fine with semi-break-in using appropriate delay set on the transceiver to control excessive relay clicking, correct?
30m Band: I read the explanatory note about 30m in the LA-1K manual on Palstar's website. It still seems counter-intuitive to select [20-15] when you want to use the 30m band. That might make sense for 17m but not 30m in my opinion. It seems that the LA-1K was not really designed with 30m in mind. The manual comments that with a 200W limit the amp is normally not required. I don't quite understand that logic when so many other amplifiers have separate band selections for all bands 160-6m including all WARC bands. What is the purpose of grouping bands (20-15 and 12/10)? This could be a problem for me, since I use DXLabs to send frequency data to the HF-AUTO via the HF-AUTO SW app which works well and my ACOM amp reads the same data and sets the band accordingly. All this happens before any RF is applied. I'd really like to get the LA-1K but given its design, I'm not sure how well it would play in my setup.
--
73, Norm/KC1BMD
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On Wed, Jun 7, 2023 at 09:33 PM, A.G. von Luternow wrote:
The LA-1K technical manual found at <a>
href="</a>
differs from what you reference.
Page 7 describes how to adjust the backlight.
A direct quote from page 5 is :
- quote -
To switch bands (160M, 80M, 40M, 20M-15M, 12M/10M, 6M) press the
BAND button on the touch-screen display then select the desired band.
- end quote -
*As you can see in my observations above, the LA-1K has originally been designed to operate on the 30M band!*
Originally? How many years has the LA-1K been in production?
I have taken the time to download from FCC.gov a copy of the original LA-1K Technical Manual, as submitted to the FCC by Palstar in 2017, and attached it to this post for all to consider.? This is the same original LA-1K Technical Manual from which I based my observations, as presented in my post /g/la1k/message/1311 under the topic: FCC ID: 2ANZ2-LA-1K.? After careful examination of the contents available in said LA-1K Technical Manual, a reasonable person must conclude that the LA-1K has originally been designed to operate on the 30M band! While I don't have access to Palstar's internal production schedules for the LA-1K, I think the company would begin initial production quantity build soon after the company was in receipt of the FCC certification for equipment authorization. 73, Ray KJ5MI
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Hi James ...
I use the Direct Keying mode in the LA-1K with a DX Connections QSK2500 T/R switch ().
It's an excellent product and turns the LA-1K into a full QSK amp.
73, Kent K9ZTV
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jun 7, 2023, at 9:47 PM, James <JCM@...> wrote:
?
Thanks Kent? K9ZTV:? ? I have avoided using LA1K on CW because its relay(s) just are not designed for such service.? What procedure did you use to avoid premature death of the relay(s)?
Thanks? ? 73? ? James? ?N8TT
------ Original Message ------
Date 6/7/2023 10:00:14 PM
Subject [la1k] 30 METERS
The LA-1K operates perfectly
well on 30 meters at 200 watts, driven with 7 watts.
Just finished a long CW chat on 10.118.
See pictures.
End of discussion.
73,
Kent
K9ZTV
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Thanks Kent? K9ZTV:? ? I have avoided using LA1K on CW because its relay(s) just are not designed for such service.? What procedure did you use to avoid premature death of the relay(s)?
Thanks? ? 73? ? James? ?N8TT
------ Original Message ------
Date 6/7/2023 10:00:14 PM
Subject [la1k] 30 METERS
The LA-1K operates perfectly
well on 30 meters at 200 watts, driven with 7 watts.
Just finished a long CW chat on 10.118.
See pictures.
End of discussion.
73,
Kent
K9ZTV
|
The LA-1K operates perfectly
well on 30 meters at 200 watts, driven with 7 watts.
Just finished a long CW chat on 10.118.
See pictures.
End of discussion.
73,
Kent
K9ZTV
|
The LA-1K operates perfectly
well on 30 meters at 200 watts, driven with 7 watts.
Just finished a long CW chat on 10.118.
See pictures.
End of discussion.
73,
Kent
K9ZTV
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Guys please stop.? Thanks Paul NO0T
On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 1:34?AM A.G. von Luternow < n4jvp@...> wrote: On Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:04:58 -0700, you wrote:
>On Wed, Jun 7, 2023 at 06:38 PM, A.G. von Luternow wrote:
>
>>
>> Why
>> should/would the LA1K be tested to meet FCC standards on bands it
>> wasn't designed to operate on? Your angst appears to be misplaced.
>
>Reference my post /g/la1k/message/1311 where you will find my observations as follows:
>
>*LA-1K Technical Manual (initial release) Observations* :
>
>1.? The LA-1K front panel view (see Page 7 and Front Cover of the Technical Manual) clearly identifies *40M/30M* as being available on the original LA-1K touch-screen display.
>
>2.? It states near the top of Page 5 of the Technical Manual, in part, "BAND SELECT? To switch bands, 160M-80M-40- *30M* -20-15M-12-10M-6M, press the "BAND" button on the touchscreen display, then select desired band.? The LA-1K selects the proper band automatically when transmit is activated.
The LA-1K technical manual found at <a>
href=""?</a>
differs from what you reference.
Page 7 describes how to adjust the backlight.
A direct quote from page 5 is :
- quote -
To switch bands (160M, 80M, 40M, 20M-15M, 12M/10M, 6M) press the
BAND button on the touch-screen display then select the desired band.
- end quote -
>
>*As you can see in my observations above, the LA-1K has originally been designed to operate on the 30M band!*
>
Originally? How many years has the LA-1K been in production?
>Additionally, you will find near the bottom of this LA-1K page where Palstar entering a *very carefully worded LA-1K firmware release description:* " *V1.05B:* Allow 5MHz operation." *suggesting that the LA-1K is also suitable to operate on the 60M band.*
>
According to the Palstar website the current version of LA-1K firmware
is V1.08S. In its entirety the "very carefully worded" LA-1K firmware
release description of V1.05B is :
- quote -
Allow 5MHz operation.
- end quote -
Details of subsequent versions discuss how the amp's band detection
works with Icom and Kenwood control.
Apparently you have more than a little buyer's remorse with the LA-1K.
These things happen. Get rid of the amp and get on with your life.
Your bad mouthing of the LA-1K in this group is a waste of everyone's
time and energy.
73 de n4jvp
Fritz
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On Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:04:58 -0700, you wrote: On Wed, Jun 7, 2023 at 06:38 PM, A.G. von Luternow wrote:
Why
should/would the LA1K be tested to meet FCC standards on bands it
wasn't designed to operate on? Your angst appears to be misplaced.
Reference my post /g/la1k/message/1311 where you will find my observations as follows:
*LA-1K Technical Manual (initial release) Observations* :
1.? The LA-1K front panel view (see Page 7 and Front Cover of the Technical Manual) clearly identifies *40M/30M* as being available on the original LA-1K touch-screen display.
2.? It states near the top of Page 5 of the Technical Manual, in part, "BAND SELECT? To switch bands, 160M-80M-40- *30M* -20-15M-12-10M-6M, press the "BAND" button on the touchscreen display, then select desired band.? The LA-1K selects the proper band automatically when transmit is activated. The LA-1K technical manual found at <a> href="</a> differs from what you reference. Page 7 describes how to adjust the backlight. A direct quote from page 5 is : - quote - To switch bands (160M, 80M, 40M, 20M-15M, 12M/10M, 6M) press the BAND button on the touch-screen display then select the desired band. - end quote -
*As you can see in my observations above, the LA-1K has originally been designed to operate on the 30M band!*
Originally? How many years has the LA-1K been in production? Additionally, you will find near the bottom of this LA-1K page where Palstar entering a *very carefully worded LA-1K firmware release description:* " *V1.05B:* Allow 5MHz operation." *suggesting that the LA-1K is also suitable to operate on the 60M band.*
According to the Palstar website the current version of LA-1K firmware is V1.08S. In its entirety the "very carefully worded" LA-1K firmware release description of V1.05B is : - quote - Allow 5MHz operation. - end quote - Details of subsequent versions discuss how the amp's band detection works with Icom and Kenwood control. Apparently you have more than a little buyer's remorse with the LA-1K. These things happen. Get rid of the amp and get on with your life. Your bad mouthing of the LA-1K in this group is a waste of everyone's time and energy. 73 de n4jvp Fritz
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On Wed, Jun 7, 2023 at 06:38 PM, A.G. von Luternow wrote:
Why
should/would the LA1K be tested to meet FCC standards on bands it
wasn't designed to operate on? Your angst appears to be misplaced.
Reference my post /g/la1k/message/1311 where you will find my observations as follows: LA-1K Technical Manual (initial release) Observations: 1.? The LA-1K front panel view (see Page 7 and Front Cover of the Technical Manual) clearly identifies 40M/30M as being available on the original LA-1K touch-screen display. 2.? It states near the top of Page 5 of the Technical Manual, in part, "BAND SELECT? To switch bands, 160M-80M-40- 30M-20-15M-12-10M-6M, press the "BAND" button on the touchscreen display, then select desired band.? The LA-1K selects the proper band automatically when transmit is activated. As you can see in my observations above, the LA-1K has originally been designed to operate on the 30M band!Additionally, you will find near the bottom of this LA-1K page where Palstar entering a very carefully worded LA-1K firmware release description: " V1.05B: Allow 5MHz operation." suggesting that the LA-1K is also suitable to operate on the 60M band.73, Ray KJ5MI
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On Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:39:23 -0700, Ray KJ5MI wrote: Hi Hiram,
I use my Elecraft KX2 as a QRP exciter to operate on 5346.5 kHz USB with my Elecraft KPA1500 set to Band 5; staying well within the permissible 100W PEP ERP limit.? The built-in ATU of my KPA1500 even provides VSWR matching for my experimental 60M antenna.
I certainly wouldn't want to pair my LA-1K with the Elecraft KX2 in like manner for reasons cited in my posts here /g/la1k/topic/99360701#1316 under the topic of FCC ID: 2ANZ2-LA-1K.
So the KPA1500 was designed to include 30 and 60 meters while the LA1K was not. As others have pointed out; power limits make the use of an amplifier superfluous on those bands. What is the big deal? Why should/would the LA1K be tested to meet FCC standards on bands it wasn't designed to operate on? Your angst appears to be misplaced. 73 de n4jvp Fritz
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Eric Clanton
Brett Finkelstein
Bill K3HZP
Norm - KC1BMD
Paul