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Reviews For: KV5J Digital Display Unit for the Elecraft KPA500 amplifier

Category: SWR & Wattmeters & Dummy Loads

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Review Summary For : KV5J Digital Display Unit for the Elecraft KPA500 amplifier
Reviews: 13MSRP: $139
Description:
LCD readout SHOWS POWER, SWR, VOLTAGE, CURRENT AND TEMPERATURE AT THE SAME TIME. The Digital Display Unit for the Elecraft KPA500 allows you to monitor these crucial readings all at the same time. Metal 4" x 4" x 2" enclosure. 1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature 2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage 3. Power amplifier's current 4. Power amplifier's output power 5. SWR that the KPA500 sees at its output Display Unit can be located at a more visible location Up to 10 feet from KPA500 unit
Product is in production
More Info: http://kv5j.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00134.8
W0XXX Rating: 2023-02-12
I LIKE it! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.

I found this meter in a cabinet unused...I don't remember when I purchased it. I have a KPA500 as a backup which I put into service today. I really like the yellow display, and it does what it's supposed to do.

I liked it so much, I just ordered a second one for another KPA500.
W3FLH Rating: 2021-10-27
Excellent addition to the shack Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchased the DDU "Twins" (for the KPA500 & KAT500), and I find them to be a great addition to my set up. I have the complete K3-line (along w/the P3), so the amp and tuner follow the radio, meaning that dedicating the PC ports to the DDU doesn't adversely effect my normal operation. The only time I need the amp or tuner to communicate directly with the PC is to run the Utility program (mostly for upgrades, which don't occur often), so I used twist-ties to marry those cables to the ones for the DDU. and keep them handy.

Having all of the info on display simultaneously is extremely nice; with the KAT500, the only way to see the tuning solution was to access the Utility program, so this is much better. And even though my amp isn't far from reach - I still have to hit the Standby/Operate button manually - I no longer have to cycle through the info buttons to see what's happening with it.

All things considered, I definitely recommend these displays for the KPA500/KAT500. If you're running a non-Elecraft rig, seeing the full info full-time is a great peace-of-mind, but you would have to use a RS232 port switch or give up computer control of your accessories...or buy an Elecraft rig (ignoring the Kool-Aid moustache) and solve that dilemma!
K3USC Rating: 2021-10-15
Just do it ! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
What a handy and cool little accessory for the KPA500. Only thing I might change would be to make the screen color the same as the amp. Not a dealbreaker. I debated whether I really needed it (needs vs. wants) but I'm so happy I bought it. It's on when the amp is on. I like info.
Unit was shipped promptly, well packed, great documentation and maybe 15-20 minutes to set it up-much of that was just reaching behind all my gear plugging and unplugging stuff. If you are on the fence on buying this like I was, don't think twice-just do it !
W4KX Rating: 2021-02-26
Excellent Product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is an excellent addition to the shack!

I did notice that it tends to slide down towards the back of the radio, pulled down by the weight of the cables. I cut a small piece of anti-skid shelf liner and placed it below the DDU, and that cued it.
N9YB Rating: 2021-02-04
Great accessory for your Elecraft amp Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The DDU is what the display on my KPA500 should be. It sits under a computer monitor where it effectively displays the current telemetry of the amp. It is a great accessory that keeps me from having to reach over and press buttons on the amp to see what is going on. The DDU makes for more effective operations.
K9AMP Rating: 2021-01-23
Nice equipment addition Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Recently stumbled upon this item. It sounded just like what I wanted. It eliminates having to press the various buttons on the KPA500 to see the different readings. With this little box everything you need to know is right there at one time. It's bright and easily readable, yet it's small and takes up very little room.
Keith sent it within two days and I had it unboxed, connected and working in about 20 minutes.
This is definitely one of the more useful side items I'll be using in the shack.
WU2E Rating: 2020-12-05
If you have a KPA 500 this unit should be hooked up to it. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This unit is terrific and an excellent value for the money. Showing the 7 parameters and I like seeing all of the amplifier's vital readings. It looks good and works great. The unit arrived quickly via USPS and was packed extremely well. Very happy with this unit! Thank you, Keith.
KB7ME Rating: 2020-10-30
Great Product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have Keith's latest model. Now includes 7 parameters, not 5, that being the addition of band and operational status, all displayed at same time. The display is small yet very bright and visible. Can be placed up to 10' from the KPA500. Keith's communication and customer service top notch. Price is reasonable. If you own a KPA500, you need this product!
W3QT Rating: 2020-08-19
Nice accessory but impactful limitations Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have mixed feelings about the Digital Display Unit (DDU) and would evaluate it as only "OK." As far as what it's supposed to do, it does it well and in an attractive and visually pleasing package. I run into problems, however, when I try to integrate the unit with the rest of my station. I run a K3s, KPA500 and KAT500 and do so via software control program(s). The DDU requires polling of the KPA500 by connecting it to the RS232 PC port on the amp. That connection means the KPA500 can no longer be software controlled when the DDU is in-line. I only have software control of the K3s and KAT500 and am forced to manually control the KPA500. If you don't plan on connecting your KPA500 to a PC to allow for software control, you may find this unit useful. If, on the other hand, you do have your KPA500 integrated with rig control and/or other programs you will be required to sacrifice that convenience. As a stand alone accessory it's a nice addition to a station. For me, this DDU limitation within an integrated/interconnected station system outweighs it's contributions, and it's overall rating as pertains to my use must reflect that.
NC5G Rating: 2020-07-23
Nice Accessory Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Nice to see all the amp functions at at the same time. Display is easy to read. Very useful, especially if the amp is located away(within 10 feet) from the operating position.