Tutorial: update the Micro PA50 HF amplifier to the latest firmware and resolve high SWR alarm.

[@BrianSlosson]

Thanks for posting this deep dive into upgrading the firmware on this amplifier. Wasn't sure if we would ever see a firmware update from the maker. Glad to see this update addressing issues and glad to see the Plus version also.

[@SFJF26]

Thanks for this! Amazon has a 6-pin version of the USB to serial adapter if anyone is not comfortable soldering.

[@bland-b7e]

So many options on Amazon.... I'm lost. Could you provide a link? Thanks

[@actioncollectibles5826]

So basically this update is optional? Thanks for the videos and manual/firmware downloads. Really appreciate it. 😁🍻

[@ldocull]

Good work! Thanks for gathering the files/info together. I updated mine from 2.0 -> 2.6 and it did make it more stable. 73! - WR9R

[@Htfhjooffhgghwwwwdf]

THANKYOU Kurt, this video is very helpful as are the ones you post on the Hermes-Lite2. 73 VK3AWA

[@virilis]

thank you for putting this all together, great tutorial! 73!

[@jempibassman3702]

Hi Kurt.. good movie.. did the upgrade yesterday..after receiving from ALI ( v2.7 )... no probs.. except with the AVrduddes v2.17.. ( no Arduino possibility ), but with other programmer OK ! Any news about newer firm higher than 2.8 ? Tnx Jemp, ON7MA

[@SQ5TK]

Thank you very much, good tutorial

[@tiagoguizzo3876]

Many thanks for this very useful video. I followed the instructions & bingo ! Upgraded my pa50 with no probs. It works better at least with my home antennas, I did not had a chance to test it portable yet. M0SVU

[@Funkwelle]

Thanks for the video. Do you have any official sources for the firmware? Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate you share the firmware with us. However it would be nice to have a constant and official source for updates. I also would love to see some kind of release notes. Or is there at least a way to get in touch with the author of the amp?

[@rttakezo2000]

Many thanks!

[@gabriellagallo4596]

sorry, I've already seen the video tutorial...I wanted to know where I can find the update file for the new version...(v2.6)

[@ronlewkowicz9656]

I did not ever have trouble with high SWR however after about 3 months of use the amplifier failed to a dead short with the mosfets blown. I replaced mosfets and rebiased gates to 20mA but on transmit as I hit about 400mW input there is feed back loop or something and the output power from the amp surges and mosfets blow again. PA50 is now trash. Invest a little more on a better amp and give the Micro PA50 a pass.

[@danielbaker2527]

Sorry to hear of your troubles - any recommendations as I'm in the market for one here soon...

[@wdycsqcsqwdy]

I deeply sympathize with what you are going through.You need to make sure you are replacing a real Infineon IRF530N, adjust the variable resistor, and test the drain current to 20mA instead of measuring the gate current

[@SQ9SugarQueen]

Dear friend, can you download the eeprom and share it with me, because I probably messed something up by using the wrong programmer. please help. I don't have anywhere to download it

[@russlee130]

with mine after many hours of deliberation and much trial and error i firstly connected a 1.1 balun to my ic 705 and that knocked the swr down, then i unplugged the fan and Bingo swr 1.00 but at 40 watts it gets hot quickly so i tried many options and 30 to 32 watts max it now runs ft8 all day and the temp never goes above 45deg , the fan in my opinion is causing the swr mismatch

[@mccooperman]

Hi, just read your comment and wondered if this is still the case I have the plus version running 2.8.6 from new and the SWR is too sensitive on FT8 but useable where as on SSB voice the amplifier is unusable even though I’ve followed all the recommendations around eliminating unwanted RF and ensuring the antenna is matched around 1.2:1… would appreciate your update on your workaround 👍

[@russlee130]

@@mccooperman so i have found that these options work for me to reduce the swr on the 50 i can not say regarding the 50plus as i don't have one. a 10,000 resister or a 32 / 33 ohm resister also try taking the fan from the inside to the outside or placing the palm of your hand on the top when tuning or placing a large toroid on the top close to the coax connections don't ask how but it works I'm convinced with the 50 there's a grounding issue because all those option take the swr from 3.1 to 1.1,yes the swr reading is lying but as long as you make sure the rig shows a low swr your safe but i did in the end put a large silent fan on the top and i used a 32ohm resister more for neatness than anything else

[@mccooperman]

@@russlee130 Thank you for the reply I will possibly go the 33ohm resistor route. But will try your suggestions around grounding etc … certainly my issue is mainly when using SSB voice … it’s interesting and fun 👍

[@gabriellagallo4596]

I saw your video, very interesting. However, I would like to know where I can download the firmware of the micro pa 50? thanks...73.. IU1NDC

[@ON7OFF]

links in the description

[@SQ9SugarQueen]

Dear friend, can you help me and provide me with the contact details of the amplifier manufacturer because after uploading the firmware I get the message ID: 58 33 35 31 34 34 08 0E 21, contact the merchant. In the first attempt to upload, I used the wrong programmer. Now I have a good one but after uploading the error still occurs. Please help

[@ON7OFF]

Send me an email, you can find my email address on QRZ dot com

[@SQ9SugarQueen]

@@ON7OFF I sent email Thanks

[@SQ9SugarQueen]

​@@ON7OFF I sent the movie

[@SQ9SugarQueen]

@@ON7OFF I sent new mail repair story :)