CI-V connection - Icom IC-7610/Elecraft KPA1500

[@c.shepherd9866]

Man, you just cured eight straight hours of frustration. This was like waiving a magic wand and poof, everything works. Thank you!

[@SuburbanDXing]

Thank you! I have benefited myself from "how to" videos numerous times, so I am glad to help out. 73! de WX0V

[@robertchambers5821]

Great Video, well thought out, logical, and a little humor, wonderful. I'm going to be purchasing a IC-7610 and will now look seriously at the Elecraft KPA-1500. Thank you.

[@SuburbanDXing]

Thank you for the kind words. I suggest watching all my Elecraft KPA1500 videos before making a purchase; notably those that cover the fan-speed noise. Some are ok with the fan noise, but others really hate it. My videos do not shy away from that topic (like the ARRL video did). 73! de WX0V

[@RAWilsonTV]

Very nice video. A mono cable should also work fine, but first, measure the cable with an ohmmeter. The DC resistance tip-to-tip should measure very few ohms. But many 3.5m mono cables with "Radioshack" embossed on both connectors are actually ATTENUATING PATCH CORDS with high DC resistance, so they will not work for CI-V. The KPA1500 should be able to auto-track any Icom CI-V output (but will need new KPA1500 firmware). If your older Icom transceiver has no "CI-V Output (for ANT)" option, try seting CI-V Transceive ON. If CI-V Transceive is OFF, tracking can still work IF a logging program is continuously polling the radio via CI-V. The KPA1500 sends no CI-V commands to radio, it only "listens."

[@SuburbanDXing]

Very interesting. Maybe I will try it will my PROIII some day. Thank you very much for your post, and 73! de WX0V

[@somarmd]

Great video. I'm getting ready to hook up the KPA 500/KAT combo to my IC 7300. I'll be curious if hook is the same? Thanks for posting.

[@SuburbanDXing]

Thank you. I'm not sure, but I think the KPA500/KAT500 has very similar interface with Icom radios such as your IC-7300 (great rig). I had a KPA500 but never hooked it up to my IC-7610...just lazy, I guess. I really liked the KPA500...good amplifier! Had it been 1KW and had a built-in antenna tuner, I would have kept it, but I wanted full legal limit for work on the low bands. Thanks for your comment and 73! de WX0V

[@somarmd]

@@SuburbanDXing I just purchased everything used, got a nice deal. Radio comes tomorrow and KPA500/Kat500 combo on Monday. I ordered a cable from Elecraft that will hook everything together. I'm not quite sure what it looks like as I couldn't find it on there website. Unfortunately, the girl who answered couldn't either, but was able to locate (with help) one to sell me. I'm hoping will work as flawless as your set up....:) Keep the videos coming, you do an excellent job!

[@SuburbanDXing]

Cool! I hope you are happy with your new gear. Take note; the KPA500 makes some noise when it operates. You will hear clicking and clanging; much like your vehicle does when it is cooling down. This is normal. The cooling fan will kick on when you drive it hard, and it's rather loud, so be prepared for that, as well. Enjoy your new set-up and make some Qs! 73! de WX0V

[@somarmd]

@@SuburbanDXing Thank you. Update, I spoke with Elecraft yesterday. They no longer sell the cable that connects the KPA500 to Icom radios. They no longer are contracted with the dealer who used to make them. Of course I can just use RCA to RCA and change bands myself but for the auto change, more cabling required. I have an email into one of the techs they suggested I speak with, who might know where else I can look for such cable. 73 KD2LMR

[@SuburbanDXing]

With the KPA1500, it's just a 3.5mm (1/8", for us old people) stereo plug. I got mine at Wal Mart for $6. Maybe it's something as easy as that? One thing, however, all you need to do is briefly key your exciter and the KPA500 switches the bands automatically. One dit on the CW key is all you need. I also suggest setting the amp up to go into "STAND-BY" mode when switching bands. That way your amp is not active until you manually put it into operational mode. That's just my preference 73! de WX0V

[@dghuss]

does it work for the Icom 7800??

[@SuburbanDXing]

Good question but I simply do not know. The IC-7800 is an incredible rig, but it is rather old. I would contact Elecraft...73! de WX0V

[@144002080]

Very interesting and well thought out video. Have you done the same for an ICom 7610 and Elecraft KPA500 ? 73 de OE5ROR

[@SuburbanDXing]

I have not done one and cannot because I do not have a KPA500. I had one years ago but sold it when I got the KPA1500. Thanks for your kind words and 73! de WX0V

[@daveborchard2019]

Are there any contention problems using CI-V for the amplifier control and not interfere with the CI-V control of WSJT-X or Ham Radio Deluxe? Thanks for the video. I have an Icom IC-7610, and I’d like to buy a KTA-1500. Dave KY0L

[@SuburbanDXing]

I do not run Ham Radio Deluxe, and I have my WSJT-X configured so it runs through a Signalink box (I have my reasons for doing this), so I am unable to answer your question. Thank you for the question and 73! de WX0V

[@FrankMD11]

Thanks for video. Very well done! 73 Frank WA3RSL

[@SuburbanDXing]

Thank you very much! 73 and good DX! de WX0V

[@Pazazzle]

You say to make sure the CI-V cable is a stereo cable?? The jack on the 7610 is monoaural, standard CI-V is just two wires.

[@SuburbanDXing]

That is a good point. I got my information from Elecraft, and in their manual they state to use a "3.5mm TRS Plug", which is stereo, from what I understand. You can download their manual from their web site for further information. All I can add is I use the stereo cable and it works perfectly. Thanks for your comment and 73! de WX0V

[@frankENZC]

Awesome video! Thanks de WA3RSL

[@SuburbanDXing]

Thank you...hope you found it helpful...73! de WX0V

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Why is the KPA so expensive? The SPE Expert is half the price - crazy...

[@SuburbanDXing]

I cannot answer that...probably a good one to ask Elecraft. Thanks for the post and 73! de WX0V