Palstar LA-1K firmware
Palstar · LA-1K · LA-1K · Amplifier
Latest firmware for the Palstar LA-1K is v1.09E (September 9, 2026).
Changelog
LA-1K firmware changelog
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v1.08Cv1.08SBand change detection expanded with standby mode triggered for more band switching scenarios. -
v1.07Cv1.07EAdds relay sequencing delay adjustment to fix false tripping in direct keying mode; menu shows incorrect range and legacy unit note. -
v1.07Bv1.07CFixes false high SWR alarms from brief antenna disturbances by requiring sustained SWR elevation for 50 milliseconds.
Firmware history
All versions below were published by Palstar on palstar.com. Third-party and modified firmware is never listed.
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Source:
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Add an additional check that the selected band filter is correct at the start of amplification and set a fault if not.
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Source:
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Correct the display of the last version number when using a previously used brand of display module.
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Source:
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Added support for power combiner faulting both units if one tripped offline.
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Band change detection expanded with standby mode triggered for more band switching scenarios. — summary by updatemystuff.com
Source:
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Restrict the changing of the band or detecting a band error to a time window of about 20 ms after the PTT is energized.
When Operate mode is selected by the operator, a band cable input if any, results in the band selection to revert to the band as input through that cable.
If the remote computer control connection changes to the operate mode, if the 4 bit band control cable is connected then the filter will change to that selected filter, or if the ICOM voltage control cable is connected the filter will change to that selected filter.
The AM1; command to select operate mode needs to be sent twice when the band filter has been set to the wrong value. (The second command to select operate mode then changes the mode) Add the detection of additional band frequency changes that return the amplifier to the standby mode when there is a change detected going from one band to another band and also in direct keying mode.
The 160M 80M and 6M band changes are handled by the filter select handling process already in effect.
The Kenwood and four bit band control will now include detection for changes between 30M, 40M, 20M, 17M, 15M, 12M, and 10M bands.
The ICOM band control cable will be able to control changes between 30M, 40M, and 20M bands.
The ICOM band control cable does not distinguish between the 10M and 12M bands, or the 15m and 17M bands.
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Source:
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Allow the displayed frequency to show any changes for only 20 ms after the PTT is activated. Any changes in the frequency after that initial time window will not be displayed while the PTT remains activated.
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Source:
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Corrects an issue regarding false tripping of "TX Overdrive" on some units.
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Adds relay sequencing delay adjustment to fix false tripping in direct keying mode; menu shows incorrect range and legacy unit note. — summary by updatemystuff.com
Source:
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Allows hidden menu adjustment of transmit relay sequencing delay to correct false tripping when in direct keying mode, under certain operating conditions.
Default relay sequencing delay is 1 ms.
Max delay is 5 ms.
The menu incorrectly indicates 2 ms through 6 ms for this setting.
NOTE: LA-1Ks with serial number below 33728 should be left at a 2 ms default setting when this version is installed.
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Fixes false high SWR alarms from brief antenna disturbances by requiring sustained SWR elevation for 50 milliseconds. — summary by updatemystuff.com
Source:
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Correct occasional false high SWR tripping due to very short duration antenna disturbances such as corona discharge.. If the SWR is above 2.5:1, but less than 6:1, the SWR must be high for 50 milliseconds duration before the LA-1K trips and shows "Bypass SWR".
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Source:
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Increase the required raw power level required to update the frequency (avoiding problems that cause a transmission going into bypass).
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Source:
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Expand version 1.05E to test for the condition where the unit is transmitting only on antenna 2 or 3.
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If a band change while in direct keying, change to Standby.
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Improved fault reporting with enhanced display and firmware version information added to RS232 — summary by updatemystuff.com
Source:
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Expand keying status to include: 3= fault overdrive, 5= fault Id, 9= fault +Vd Added Firmware version information to the end of the RS232 status message.
Added variable Displayed_Fault that extends the display of the condition that caused the bypass of the amplifier and that indication will now be sent as the keying status through the RS232 and will blink on the TFT display.
The indication on the display will be cleared on the next PTT or if the mode is changed.
Blank out the ALC display when displaying a fault condition.
Increase the size of the fault display, capitalize 'OVERDRIVE'.
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Source:
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Increase the delay switch timing when a frequency change is detected that causes an antenna change.
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Source:
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Allow 5MHz operation.
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Disables low signal level SWR and frequency detection during standby mode. — summary by updatemystuff.com
Source:
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Remove low signal level SWR and frequency detect when in standby mode.
SPECIFICATIONS
- SSB Power:
- Power levels up to 1000W
- CW Mode:
- 1000 Watts CW ICAS
FM/RTTY
500 watts
AM
- 275 watts
- Frequency Range:
- 1.8 to 54 MHz
- Display:
- Color TFT touch screen
- Input Drive Level:
- 45W - 55W (All Bands)
- Output:
- 3 x RF SO-239 or Type N
ALC
- Exciter power control
- Gain:
- 13dB + or - 1dB (nominal)
- RF Sensing:
- Auto Band Switching without Band Data Cable from transceiver
- RF Output:
- Vacuum RELAY T/R Switching
- Power supply:
- Internal Medical grade
- AC power:
- 100-125VAC 15A or 200-250VAC 10A
- DC supply:
50VDC @42A
Power Devices: 2 x 5600H 600W LDMOS Auto-Protect: SWR/Short Circuit/Over Temp Cooling: Variable Speed Fans (3 speed) Intermod: Low IMD Distortion >-35dB Pure signal: Sample@+10dBm (Rear Panel@1kW output) Chassis: .090 ga. aluminium Top cover: .090 ga. aluminium powder coated Dimensions: 12.75" wide x 6.25" high x 16.5" deep Shipping weight: 27 lbs, 12.25 Kg Design concept: Full compatibility with the Palstar HF-AUTO autotuner Warranty: One year
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