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Brand new LA1K.? Current firmware.? To keep it simple, we will go with the dummy load first. I will copy/paste his reports to me.? If ANYONE has a clue, please let me know.? He bought the LA1K at my suggestion, and things are not going well.
. ?I did try the ANT switching to 2 to 3 and back to 1.
And I did remove the band cable
In STBY mode it senses the correct frequency and changes band accordingly. ?I am set to 20 meters CW to a dummy load. ?10 watts. ?When I switch to OPR the amp shows the correct frequency 14040 but switches to 160 meters and then goes into bypass. ?I have no idea what is going on ... ?Then I switch to STBY and hit the key and the amp goes to 20 meters like it should. ?I can repeat the cycle.
I am not using ALC as that has no effect on CW.
. ?I did put a meter on my outlet and it shows 250V across the top two and 125V between either top ?and common.
. ?Also swapped out the coax to the dummy load, no change in behavior. ?I note that in STBY the frequency is correct and stable, while in OPR the frequency is correct but flashing.
On to the antennas (which work fine with an Alpha amp)
I did try it with a real antenna. ?Seems to work fine on the big 8040 vertical ( has a line isolator but no arrestor ). ?When I switched to the LPDA ( with arrestor ) it worked on 12 meters briefly, then went into BYPASS SWR. ?First time I have actually seen the BYPASS SWR on the display. ?Previously it was just showing BYPASS but not the BYPASS SWR. ?And now ( when operating properly ) the frequency is not flashing, so maybe frequency flashing is a clue.
Now I know and understand even less than I did before. ?Was on 40 meter CW, answered a CQ from F4DIA on 7008. ?Was running 800 watts to the 8040 vertical, SWR 1.3
?
Halfway through the QSO the amp kicks out, showing high SWR. ?Had to finish the QSO barefoot.
?
Went back to dummy load. ?900 watts CW 80 meters. ?SWR 1.0 ?Amp works, then goes into BYPASS with no BYPASS XXX but I don't have to reset it, just key again and it okay. ?Disconnected band cable ( again ) and no difference in behavior. ?It just keeps going into bypass ( flashing yellow BYPASS ) no BYPASS XXX just flashing BYPASS and flashing frequency when I key.
ANYONE????????????????
?
?
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Quick question, what exciter are you using?? I had the same problem with only ONE of the seven transcievers I have here.? The Kenwood TS-890s exhibited that problem.? I sent it to Kenwood twice and they could find no anomalies.?
Dennis
On 12/31/2020 at 11:48 AM, davenlr@... wrote: Brand new LA1K.? Current firmware.? To keep it simple, we will go with the dummy load first.
I will copy/paste his reports to me.? If ANYONE has a clue, please let me know.? He bought the LA1K at my suggestion, and things are not going well.
. ?I did try the ANT switching to 2 to 3 and back to 1.
And I did remove the band cable
In STBY mode it senses the correct frequency and changes band accordingly. ?I am set to 20 meters CW to a dummy load. ?10 watts. ?When I switch to OPR the amp shows the correct frequency 14040 but switches to 160 meters and then goes into bypass. ?I have no idea what is going on ... ?Then I switch to STBY and hit the key and the amp goes to 20 meters like it should. ?I can repeat the cycle.
I am not using ALC as that has no effect on CW.
. ?I did put a meter on my outlet and it shows 250V across the top two and 125V between either top ?and common.
. ?Also swapped out the coax to the dummy load, no change in behavior. ?I note that in STBY the frequency is correct and stable, while in OPR the frequency is correct but flashing.
On to the antennas (which work fine with an Alpha amp)
I did try it with a real antenna. ?Seems to work fine on the big 8040 vertical ( has a line isolator but no arrestor ). ?When I switched to the LPDA ( with arrestor ) it worked on 12 meters briefly, then went into BYPASS SWR. ?First time I have actually seen the BYPASS SWR on the display. ?Previously it was just showing BYPASS but not the BYPASS SWR. ?And now ( when operating properly ) the frequency is not flashing, so maybe frequency flashing is a clue.
Now I know and understand even less than I did before. ?Was on 40 meter CW, answered a CQ from F4DIA on 7008. ?Was running 800 watts to the 8040 vertical, SWR 1.3
?
Halfway through the QSO the amp kicks out, showing high SWR. ?Had to finish the QSO barefoot.
?
Went back to dummy load. ?900 watts CW 80 meters. ?SWR 1.0 ?Amp works, then goes into BYPASS with no BYPASS XXX but I don't have to reset it, just key again and it okay. ?Disconnected band cable ( again ) and no difference in behavior. ?It just keeps going into bypass ( flashing yellow BYPASS ) no BYPASS XXX just flashing BYPASS and flashing frequency when I key.
ANYONE????????????????
?
?
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I had issues with my amp at the start. Rf sensing indeed NOT. Solution for me was use the band cable connect it to the radio. Problem resolved.?
Quick question, what exciter are you using?? I had the same problem with only ONE of the seven transcievers I have here.? The Kenwood TS-890s exhibited that problem.? I sent it to Kenwood twice and they could find no anomalies.?
Dennis
On 12/31/2020 at 11:48 AM, davenlr@... wrote:Brand new LA1K.? Current firmware.? To keep it simple, we will go with the dummy load first.
I will copy/paste his reports to me.? If ANYONE has a clue, please let me know.? He bought the LA1K at my suggestion, and things are not going well.
.? I did try the ANT switching to 2 to 3 and back to 1.
And I did remove the band cable
In STBY mode it senses the correct frequency and changes band accordingly.? I am set to 20 meters CW to a dummy load. ?10 watts.? When I switch to OPR the amp shows the correct frequency 14040 but switches to 160 meters and then goes into bypass.? I have no idea what is going on ...? Then I switch to STBY and hit the key and the amp goes to 20 meters like it should.? I can repeat the cycle.
I am not using ALC as that has no effect on CW.
.? I did put a meter on my outlet and it shows 250V across the top two and 125V between either top ?and common.
.? Also swapped out the coax to the dummy load, no change in behavior.? I note that in STBY the frequency is correct and stable, while in OPR the frequency is correct but flashing.
On to the antennas (which work fine with an Alpha amp)
I did try it with a real antenna.? Seems to work fine on the big 8040 vertical ( has a line isolator but no arrestor ).? When I switched to the LPDA ( with arrestor ) it worked on 12 meters briefly, then went into BYPASS SWR.? First time I have actually seen the BYPASS SWR on the display.? Previously it was just showing BYPASS but not the BYPASS SWR.? And now ( when operating properly ) the frequency is not flashing, so maybe frequency flashing is a clue.
Now I know and understand even less than I did before.? Was on 40 meter CW, answered a CQ from F4DIA on 7008.? Was running 800 watts to the 8040 vertical, SWR 1.3
?
Halfway through the QSO the amp kicks out, showing high SWR.? Had to finish the QSO barefoot.
?
Went back to dummy load. ?900 watts CW 80 meters.? SWR 1.0 ?Amp works, then goes into BYPASS with no BYPASS XXX but I don't have to reset it, just key again and it okay.? Disconnected band cable ( again ) and no difference in behavior.? It just keeps going into bypass ( flashing yellow BYPASS ) no BYPASS XXX just flashing BYPASS and flashing frequency when I key.
ANYONE????????????????
?
?
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Once u use the direct cable u eliminate one issue. The rest is troubleshooting each coax. Each coax connector ( i physically went through each connector one at a time and focused on only 1 antenna, and that coax) each antenna. In my case if i had and issue on 80m. I spent all my time on only that band cables and antenna. I resoldered each connector. Got rid of anything in between. Eg, baluns replaced, arrestors, switches, or coax. I assumed if it was ok for a tube amp it was ok with a solid state amp. WRONG. This amp will go into bypass with the slightest short or flaw in your antenna system. ReSoldering connectors resolved my problems 90% of the time. Once that band (80m) has been throughly checked and you resolved that issue, move on to the other issue with another band. Else wise it gets too complicated. Its all troubleshooting. One band, one antenna, one coax at a time. If it does it on a dummy load, (try another patch cord) then that sounds like an amp issue.?
For me, i spent all last summer going through all my cables. Its all process of elimination. Spent hours troubleshooting. Trying new antenna/ replacing coax, and ends. Eg: tube amps are forgiving. Solid state not so much. This i learned. But i can assure you, once u get it all done right it will be a solid amp for you. I use my amp from 160m to 6m. I used to have bypass issues. Not anymore. Last weekend i made 630 contacts in the arrl ru. Not one issue.?
This is all i got.? 73 Gl VE6UM?
I had issues with my amp at the start. Rf sensing indeed NOT. Solution for me was use the band cable connect it to the radio. Problem resolved.? Quick question, what exciter are you using?? I had the same problem with only ONE of the seven transcievers I have here.? The Kenwood TS-890s exhibited that problem.? I sent it to Kenwood twice and they could find no anomalies.?
Dennis
On 12/31/2020 at 11:48 AM, davenlr@... wrote:Brand new LA1K.? Current firmware.? To keep it simple, we will go with the dummy load first.
I will copy/paste his reports to me.? If ANYONE has a clue, please let me know.? He bought the LA1K at my suggestion, and things are not going well.
.? I did try the ANT switching to 2 to 3 and back to 1.
And I did remove the band cable
In STBY mode it senses the correct frequency and changes band accordingly.? I am set to 20 meters CW to a dummy load. ?10 watts.? When I switch to OPR the amp shows the correct frequency 14040 but switches to 160 meters and then goes into bypass.? I have no idea what is going on ...? Then I switch to STBY and hit the key and the amp goes to 20 meters like it should.? I can repeat the cycle.
I am not using ALC as that has no effect on CW.
.? I did put a meter on my outlet and it shows 250V across the top two and 125V between either top ?and common.
.? Also swapped out the coax to the dummy load, no change in behavior.? I note that in STBY the frequency is correct and stable, while in OPR the frequency is correct but flashing.
On to the antennas (which work fine with an Alpha amp)
I did try it with a real antenna.? Seems to work fine on the big 8040 vertical ( has a line isolator but no arrestor ).? When I switched to the LPDA ( with arrestor ) it worked on 12 meters briefly, then went into BYPASS SWR.? First time I have actually seen the BYPASS SWR on the display.? Previously it was just showing BYPASS but not the BYPASS SWR.? And now ( when operating properly ) the frequency is not flashing, so maybe frequency flashing is a clue.
Now I know and understand even less than I did before.? Was on 40 meter CW, answered a CQ from F4DIA on 7008.? Was running 800 watts to the 8040 vertical, SWR 1.3
?
Halfway through the QSO the amp kicks out, showing high SWR.? Had to finish the QSO barefoot.
?
Went back to dummy load. ?900 watts CW 80 meters.? SWR 1.0 ?Amp works, then goes into BYPASS with no BYPASS XXX but I don't have to reset it, just key again and it okay.? Disconnected band cable ( again ) and no difference in behavior.? It just keeps going into bypass ( flashing yellow BYPASS ) no BYPASS XXX just flashing BYPASS and flashing frequency when I key.
ANYONE????????????????
?
?
|
Thanks.? My friend is monitoring this, awaiting approval to post.? Right now the issue is with a single coax going to a dummy load.? Moving the amp around appears to have fixed temporarily.? Its not that its cutting out with SWR bypass, its with or without band cable, changing from 20m to 160m in the middle of a CW transmission and THEN going into SWR bypass.? ?Will turn it over to the person with the issue, who should be approved to post soon.? ?Thanks.? N5GGG
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I would always use the ?direct cable. That eliminates one issue. Does it on a dummy load? Hmm. Sounds like either a bad patch cable or rf. Or maybe just a bad amp. I would have him call palstar if he doesnt resolve it.?
Thanks.? My friend is monitoring this, awaiting approval to post.? Right now the issue is with a single coax going to a dummy load.? Moving the amp around appears to have fixed temporarily.? Its not that its cutting out with SWR bypass, its with or without band cable, changing from 20m to 160m in the middle of a CW transmission and THEN going into SWR bypass.? ?Will turn it over to the person with the issue, who should be approved to post soon.? ?Thanks.? N5GGG
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Was just thinking. Stick with the dummy load at this time. Did he try ssb? If its ok with ssb on the dummy load, it could be a keying thing. Ive read, depending on the radio, it could be a setting in the radio. Also, make sure hes not using full break in. Keep the tx on solid during sending cw. Its not a full qsk amp/full break in.?
I would always use the ?direct cable. That eliminates one issue. Does it on a dummy load? Hmm. Sounds like either a bad patch cable or rf. Or maybe just a bad amp. I would have him call palstar if he doesnt resolve it.? Thanks.? My friend is monitoring this, awaiting approval to post.? Right now the issue is with a single coax going to a dummy load.? Moving the amp around appears to have fixed temporarily.? Its not that its cutting out with SWR bypass, its with or without band cable, changing from 20m to 160m in the middle of a CW transmission and THEN going into SWR bypass.? ?Will turn it over to the person with the issue, who should be approved to post soon.? ?Thanks.? N5GGG
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Hi Dennis.? I am using a Yaesu FTdx5000mp.
Since Dave posted the original message, I have swapped out the LA-1K for another SS Amp ( TokyoHyPower ) and the THP SS Amp works flawlessly.? That suggests my coax jumpers, connectors, dummy load, and keying line are good.
Swapped back to the Palstar and it still doesn't work properly.? Except sometimes it does, but not for very long.? I remain perplexed.
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Thanks Barry.
My replies are not getting posted until "moderated" maybe because I am new.
I am using a dummy load.? Also using a band cable and direct keying.? Have tried with and without band cable, with and without direct keying.? Have 700 ms delay time and 6 ms rise time.? My radio FTdx5000 cannot do larger than 6 ms.
And I have swapped the Palstar for a similar 1,000 watt SS amp that works flawlessly with my coax and cabling, etc.? When I go back to the Palstar being hooked up, it simply does not work reliably.? At best it works for a few minutes.? Most of the time not even that.? When it works I get full output.? But only for a while before kicking out again.
Given that the other SS amp works flawlessly and consistently with the same coax, connectors, and cabling, I don't think there is a problem with coax, connectors, or cables.
It does seem to work better on SSB than CW.? At least sometimes.
I have contacted Mark at Palstar.? But if we cannot get this figured out and fixed I will have to return the amp.
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Interesting. I also have the ftdx5000 and i used to have issues before i repaired all my connectors and some coax cable and even a balun. Sounds to me like its the amp then. Mark is helpful. I spoke to him a few times and made me avoid a return. Sorry to hear about the bypass on a dummy load. That in itself sounds like its the amp. Good luck with it all. 73 Barry VE6UM?
On Thu, Jan 7, 2021 at 06:59 Peter Lunn N4UP < bels@...> wrote: Thanks Barry.
My replies are not getting posted until "moderated" maybe because I am new.
I am using a dummy load.? Also using a band cable and direct keying.? Have tried with and without band cable, with and without direct keying.? Have 700 ms delay time and 6 ms rise time.? My radio FTdx5000 cannot do larger than 6 ms.
And I have swapped the Palstar for a similar 1,000 watt SS amp that works flawlessly with my coax and cabling, etc.? When I go back to the Palstar being hooked up, it simply does not work reliably.? At best it works for a few minutes.? Most of the time not even that.? When it works I get full output.? But only for a while before kicking out again.
Given that the other SS amp works flawlessly and consistently with the same coax, connectors, and cabling, I don't think there is a problem with coax, connectors, or cables.
It does seem to work better on SSB than CW.? At least sometimes.
I have contacted Mark at Palstar.? But if we cannot get this figured out and fixed I will have to return the amp.
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