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In this category, you can discuss different ways of connection between EE radios and external Power Amplifiers.

TOPIC: SS2DX + KPA500/KAT500

SunSDR2 DX/SDC/ Elecraft KPA500/KAT500 Interface 18 Jan 2022 23:24 #1

I have been playing with interfacing the KPA500/KAT500 for several months/weeks... I have been trying to do it via serial(USB) port communications. I have my KAT500 working well using SDC but I can't get the KPA500 to communicate... I have tested the port by using the KPA utility program so I know that it is working... I know that I could communicate with the amp via BCD but I was hoping for an easier solution. I am currently using ExpertSDR 2 (latest version) to interface with SDC. Can someone point me in the right direction?
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SunSDR2 DX/SDC/ Elecraft KPA500/KAT500 Interface 19 Jan 2022 11:42 #2

  • SM0JCA
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To control the Elecraft amp+tuner I suggest you use CAT commands. This is how I use the CAT control of my PSE Expert 1.3k-FA amplifier.
From Elecraft, quote:
"Enhanced Mode = Keying & Frequency Data from radio to select amplifier band and ATU frequency prior to TX."

For Elecraft amplifier plus tuner you will need a specially made Y-cable to connect to your PC USB port and split to one RS232 Dsub9 connector to amplifier and one 3.5mm phono plug to tuner. The USB to RS232 chip must be FTDI chip (Not Prolific).
For PTT make a cable from Radio Extrl. CTRL Dsub15 to amplifier PTT.

On your PC you will find the COM port number and set it to identical baudrates as PA and tuner (38400).

SDC is connected to ESDR2 via TCI.
SDC PA funtion sends CAT and PTT commands from ESDR2 TCI to amplifier CAT port.

The culprit is that you will nedd a virtual COM port pairs and Serial redirector virtual cables to connect SDC PA COMport to Amplifier and tuner COMport. These virtual COMport cables will carry the CAT commands to/from the amplifier+tuner.
In the "User Manual Addendum" document you will find very good information for all this, including the very important section for Virtual COM ports with Virtual Serial Port Emulator (VSPE) software. Search for "UMA" on this forum.

Maybe I got it all wrong but this is how I made it for a different amplifier. In the Elecraft amplifier manual you will look for Kenwood cable information.

73 de Erik SM0JCA
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SunSDR2 DX/SDC/ Elecraft KPA500/KAT500 Interface 19 Jan 2022 17:38 #3

  • SM0JCA
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The User Manual Addendum is a must read for a SunSDR radio owner.
Here is the link:
www.dropbox.com/s/lhvwwuyuxpoq7gs/Expert%20Electronics%20Addendum.pdf?dl=0

Erik SM0JCA
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SunSDR2 DX/SDC/ Elecraft KPA500/KAT500 Interface 21 Sep 2022 19:37 #4

  • Bagabonz
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I'm trying to get my MB1 and the KPA500/KAT500 connected properly. In the addendum the list of BCD data on pg. 17 shows 0101 20meters, and 0101 6 meters.
Which one is correct?

bsbllccdad did you ever get it working?

If I'm using both the tuner and the amp together, can I use a K3 aux. cable to sync the tuner and amp?

Sorry for the NOOB questions but I'm a fairly new HAM.
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