Elecraft KPAK3AUX - Manual

KPAK3AUX CABLE SET INSTRUCTIONS
Rev. 1c, January 31, 2012
Introduction
The KPAK3AUX cable set consists of three components: a 15-Pin to 15-Pin DE-15 KPA500-K3 Aux cable, a
Y cable, and a Key Line Interrupter adapter. This cable set interfaces between the Elecraft KPA500 amplifier
and the K3 transceiver and provides enhanced functionality. These three components are shown in Figure 1.
KPA500-K3 Aux Cable Y-Cable Key Line Interrupter
Figure 1. KPAK3AUX Cable Set
Installation Procedure
Connect the dual DE-15 KPA500-K3 Aux cable between the KPA500 AUX jack and the K3 ACC jack. This
configuration is shown in Figure 2. When so connected, the K3 provides band data and key line signaling to the
KPA500 and the KPA500 provides ALC, amplifier status, and band button functionality back to the K3. See the
KPA500 Owner’s Manual for details. Please note that K3 firmware must be Rev. 4.36 or later, and RADIO
must be set to “K3” in the KPA500 menu to enable sending status and band button functionality back to the K3.
Figure 2. Basic Configuration
K3 users who require ACC functionality for other devices, such as transverters, etc., may insert the Y cable into
the K3 ACC jack. This allows using one output for the dual DE-15 cable to the KPA500 and the other for
transverters or other station accessories.
The Key Line Interrupter adapter opens the amplifier keying line inside the KPA500-K3 Aux cable for stations
that require such capability—when automatic antenna tuners, remotely tuned Yagi antennas, or high-SWR
protection devices (such as the Elecraft W2) are employed. When plugged into the KPA500-K3 Aux cable,
KEY OUT control from the K3 is no longer passed through. Instead, a separate cable between the KEY OUT
phono jack on the K3 and the PA KEY phono jack on the KPA500 is used. This cable could then be routed via
the antenna tuning control or high-SWR protective device, which would interrupt the KEY OUT line during
antenna tuning intervals or when high SWR exists.
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