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PTT ERR when connecting the AUX cable to the KPA500
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Emory Haines WM3M
When I connect the aux cable between the K3 and KPA500 get PTT ERR error on the K3. I do not have the interrupter is there a way around this?
Thank you 73 Emory WM3M |
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Bob Wilson, N6TV
If you are seeing ERR PTT on the K3, it means one or more PTT lines are already shorted to ground when the K3 powers up. This could mean the AUX cable connecting the K3 and KPA500 is faulty, with Pin 4 (PTT IN) shorted to ground. Perhaps the wrong cable is connected to the PTT IN jack as well. Key Line Interrupter opens Pin 10 (KEY OUT), not Pin 4 (PTT IN). Never use a 15-pin cable or a VGA monitor cable to connect K3 and KPA500. Either use a genuine Elecraft AUX cable or a Y-BOX with a 15-pin cable. AUX cables that are twisted and flexed too much can go bad. Be sure there are no other PTT signals shorted to ground at power up, including: Footswitch or similar connected to K3 PTT IN Desk MIC connected to front panel, with PTT switch "locked" PC connected with software set to RTS=Always HIGH and CONFIG:PTT-KEY set to RTS-DTR WinKey or Mortty connected to K3 PTT IN with wrong COM port set in software. Then check Pin 4 in the AUX cable. It should be open at both ends, not connected end to end or shorted to ground. 73, Bob, N6TV On Sun, Oct 30, 2022 at 5:08 PM Emory Haines NNA3AH <wm3m73@...> wrote: When I connect the aux cable between the K3 and KPA500 get PTT ERR error on the K3. I do not have the interrupter is there a way around this? |
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Emory Haines WM3M
Thanks - I am using the Elecraft aux cable. Disconnected all PPT lines. It only does this when the aux cable is connected. If I disconnect the aux cable PTT err goes away. I will check pin 4 on each end.
Do I need the interrupter connector? Thank you 73 Emory WM3M |
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Bob Wilson, N6TV
What is the exact error message that you see? When is it displayed, at K3 power on, or when you try to transmit? Where is it displayed, on the K3, or on the KPA500? The Elecraft KEY LINE INTERRUPT adapter should not be used unless you have a separate SteppIR PTT cable or external tuner other than a KAT500 that is designed to open up the keying line to the app to prevent tuner damage. The Elecraft Key Line Interrupt opens the amp keying line (pin 10) included in the Elecraft AUX cable, not the PTT IN line (pin 4). If pin 10 is open, and there is no separate relay cable passing through a SteppIR controller or external tuner, the amp will not be keyed when the K3 transmits, and you may get an error message on the amp. What is the setting of CONFIG:PTT-KEY in your K3? 73, Bob, N6TV On Sun, Oct 30, 2022, 8:48 PM Emory Haines WM3M <wm3m73@...> wrote: Thanks - I am using the Elecraft aux cable. Disconnected all PPT lines. It only does this when the aux cable is connected. If I disconnect the aux cable PTT err goes away. I will check pin 4 on each end. |
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Emory Haines WM3M
Error message is ERR PTT on second line of the K3 display. It locks up the K3, it appears when the aux cable is connected to the K3 and KPA500. If I disconnect either end it goes away.
PTT-KEY setting is OFF-OFF. Error message on the KPA500 is INVALID. Thank you 73 Emory WM3M |
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Emory Haines WM3M
Pin 4 on the aux cable is connected end to end. I would think this is correct? Otherwise how would it work?
Thank you 73 Emory WM3M |
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Bob Wilson, N6TV
A good Elecraft AUX cable has no connection to pins 1, 4, 6, 7, and 8. The amp is keyed by Pin 10 (K3 KEYOUT-LP), not Pin 4 (K3 PTT IN). You need a new AUX cable or Y-BOX. Are you sure you didn't connect a VGA monitor cable by mistake? The connectors fit, but the wiring is all wrong. 73, Bob, N6TV On Mon, Oct 31, 2022, 8:08 AM Emory Haines WM3M <wm3m73@...> wrote: Pin 4 on the aux cable is connected end to end. I would think this is correct? Otherwise how would it work? |
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Emory Haines WM3M
Appreciate your help. I just ordered a new aux cable from Elecraft.
The one I am using I thought was the one I bought with the KPA500 and KAT500, so don't know what happened. I label my cables and this one is labeled K3 aux to KPA500? I don't have the KAT500 anymore, maybe cables somehow got switched. Thank you 73 Emory WM3M |
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Make sure none of the little pins on the KPA port are bent. Happened to me. Elecraft had the replacement board in stock and overnighted it to me.
Steve |
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