Looking at a used LA1k anything specific I should be aware of ?? 2019 vintage if that matters :)?

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David

-W7GEL

Hi David

One issue I am aware of and have experienced on the LA-1K 2018 vintage. The ALC and PTT RCA phono jacks on the rear panel are not mechanically secured, only via solder to the circuit card. The legs of the jacks can break and cause either intermittent operation or no operation if the PTT. Causes - twisting and turning of RCA Plug/cable into the jack; stress on cable resulting in forces applied to the jack. I recommend a quick mechanical check - can you move either by hand. The work around for me was using the PTT signal via the DB-9 port. Took me two days of debugging the station to determine the issue and root cause.

Otherwise my LA-1K has been rock solid, no performance issues. Fans are loud even at idle let alone when actively using the amp - just be aware on the early vintage inits. I just replaced with the Icom IC-PW2 (extremely pleased so far) and passed the LA-1K along to a son for his station.

Good Luck

Dave

Out of the box the LA-1K is not capable of full QSK but can be made so with an external electronic T/R switch such as the DX Connections QSK-2500.

If you operate CW, use only the Direct Keying option. ?The Normal Keying option results in hot-switching and first-dit truncating. ?Direct Keying requires that a DE9 plug be inserted in one of the two rear DE9 jacks or the amp will revert to the Normal Keying option.

I use my LA-1K nightly with a TS-890S on several NTS nets in full break-in at 25-30 wpm. ?It's an excellent amplifier with PureSignal capability, if and when.

73,

Kent

K9ZTV

I purchased a used OLDER LA-1K, then sent Palstar the SN (32379). They informed me that it was one of the early models and would benefit from an upgrade to some of the circuit boards so I sent it back for the upgrades. ?This cost me about $149.99 plus $29.00 shipping. ?
Scope Included:

Replaced overdrive protective board and filter upgrades 20m/6m

Tested and calibrated

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Glen, WB4KTF, Austin, TX
Licensed since 1968

David,

I have experienced a problem with a failed power output device that allegedly was due to improper torquing of the device to the heat sink. Palstar replaced the failed power device for free and reworked the unit, and I think I paid return shipping or something like that (about $25). In any event, it was a very fair arrangement. If the unit you are looking at works now, and it is from 2019, the chances are it is in good shape. For me, it has been a "go" or "no go" type of device; there is no grey operational zone.

The plus side is that Paul, the president of Palstar, and the staff there are great albeit a little overworked. I highly recommend the amplifier. I have other of their products, and, as a formed RF design engineer, I can tell you that their products are well done. As far as service is concerned, you know the old saw, you can have it done well, done fast, or done cheap, but your can only pick two of the three options. My service has been done well and at a fair price, so if you need service, prepared to be patient. In my experience, it took twice as long as I expected to get the unit back (6-8 weeks), but it was worth it.

Good luck,

Bob, N3BD