Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment & Test Part II

[Neil Zampella]

Don,

I installed the 12pF cap as suggested didn't help, so I'm going to
request a replacement Q19.

Thanks,

Neil, KN3ILZ

On 12/25/2019 3:24 PM, Neil Zampella wrote:

Don,

Thanks, I'll work on that tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

Merry Christmas!!

Neil

On 12/25/2019 11:19 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Neil,

Your readings on the PLL range test show that Q19 is marginal. Q19 is
not oscillating properly at the high end of the PLL range.

The first thing to try is a small capacitor (12 to 15pF) from the
source of Q19 to ground.  You can easily mount the capacitor between
pins 1 and 12 of U4.  You can use one of the capacitors from the K2
kit and request a replacement from supp...@elecraft.com

If that does not allow proper frequencies for the PLL Range Test,
then get a replacement Q19 from pa...@elecraft.com.

Merry Christmas everyone.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/24/2019 6:19 PM, Neil Zampella wrote:

Hi,

Started to do the Align/Test Pt II, and properly saw the correct
frequency of 12090 +/- 30 kHz.   Tried the next part to adjust the
Reference Oscillator using my other K2 as the receiver and was able to
hear the oscillator at 3999, but C22 would not adjust to a
zero-beat. OK ... so it was close for the time being, so I figured
I'd use my KX3 to verify it later.  Moved on to the range test.   The
Band- and Band+ buttons did not affect the display.

Dug into the list archives, and saw a number of messages from Don to
check the solder joints, alignment, and type of D16, D17, R19, and
L31.    I realized that somehow I missed installing R19.   So I
installed the resistor, then restarted the alignment.   This time
when I
switched to CAL FCTR, the rig did not display the expected frequency of
12090, but  a frequency of 3560 or so, flickering between readings.
However, when I pressed the Band- button, it changed to a steady 12084,
but when the Band+ was pressed, back to the 3560 flickering.




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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment & Test Part II

[Neil Zampella]

Don,

Thanks, I'll work on that tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

Merry Christmas!!

Neil

On 12/25/2019 11:19 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Neil,

Your readings on the PLL range test show that Q19 is marginal. Q19 is
not oscillating properly at the high end of the PLL range.

The first thing to try is a small capacitor (12 to 15pF) from the
source of Q19 to ground.  You can easily mount the capacitor between
pins 1 and 12 of U4.  You can use one of the capacitors from the K2
kit and request a replacement from supp...@elecraft.com

If that does not allow proper frequencies for the PLL Range Test, then
get a replacement Q19 from pa...@elecraft.com.

Merry Christmas everyone.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/24/2019 6:19 PM, Neil Zampella wrote:

Hi,

Started to do the Align/Test Pt II, and properly saw the correct
frequency of 12090 +/- 30 kHz.   Tried the next part to adjust the
Reference Oscillator using my other K2 as the receiver and was able to
hear the oscillator at 3999, but C22 would not adjust to a
zero-beat. OK ... so it was close for the time being, so I figured
I'd use my KX3 to verify it later.  Moved on to the range test.   The
Band- and Band+ buttons did not affect the display.

Dug into the list archives, and saw a number of messages from Don to
check the solder joints, alignment, and type of D16, D17, R19, and
L31.    I realized that somehow I missed installing R19.   So I
installed the resistor, then restarted the alignment.   This time when I
switched to CAL FCTR, the rig did not display the expected frequency of
12090, but  a frequency of 3560 or so, flickering between readings.
However, when I pressed the Band- button, it changed to a steady 12084,
but when the Band+ was pressed, back to the 3560 flickering.




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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment & Test Part II

[Don Wilhelm]

Neil,

Your readings on the PLL range test show that Q19 is marginal.  Q19 is 
not oscillating properly at the high end of the PLL range.


The first thing to try is a small capacitor (12 to 15pF) from the source 
of Q19 to ground.  You can easily mount the capacitor between pins 1 and 
12 of U4.  You can use one of the capacitors from the K2 kit and request 
a replacement from supp...@elecraft.com


If that does not allow proper frequencies for the PLL Range Test, then 
get a replacement Q19 from pa...@elecraft.com.


Merry Christmas everyone.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/24/2019 6:19 PM, Neil Zampella wrote:

Hi,

Started to do the Align/Test Pt II, and properly saw the correct
frequency of 12090 +/- 30 kHz.   Tried the next part to adjust the
Reference Oscillator using my other K2 as the receiver and was able to
hear the oscillator at 3999, but C22 would not adjust to a
zero-beat. OK ... so it was close for the time being, so I figured
I'd use my KX3 to verify it later.  Moved on to the range test.   The
Band- and Band+ buttons did not affect the display.

Dug into the list archives, and saw a number of messages from Don to
check the solder joints, alignment, and type of D16, D17, R19, and
L31.    I realized that somehow I missed installing R19.   So I
installed the resistor, then restarted the alignment.   This time when I
switched to CAL FCTR, the rig did not display the expected frequency of
12090, but  a frequency of 3560 or so, flickering between readings.
However, when I pressed the Band- button, it changed to a steady 12084,
but when the Band+ was pressed, back to the 3560 flickering.


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Schroder]

Don,

I’m now confused. I did measure the resistance at the source of Q19, which 
measured 280 ohms.

Will voltage pass through a crystal only when it oscillates? I got excited when 
I saw the voltage on
both sides of L31 was 7.5 volts, but the voltage on both sides of diode D18 was 
zero.

I very much appreciate your help. I apologize if I am asking dumb questions, 
I’m trying to teach
this 75 year old brain. I’ll rotate the VFO and see what happens. I have much 
to learn!

Thanks much!
Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

From: Don Wilhelm<mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2018 3:38 PM
To: Don Schroder<mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>; 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

Don,

The voltage is likely coming through RP2 and making its way through
L31.  That is not the problem.
VFO through a 10 or 12 kHz range.  It should vary.

When the crystal oscillates, you should obtain a frequency at TP3.  That
is your next challenge.
As I said in the last email, measure the resistance at the source of
Q19. It should be near 270 ohms.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/29/2018 4:02 PM, Don Schroder wrote:
>
> Hi Don,
>
> I finally got some time to check your suggestions. D18 is oriented
> properly, and it looks like C84 & C85 are marked 121 (kind of hard to
> read since they are installed). So I thought I would check voltages
> for the PLL Reference Oscillator circuit. Didn’t take long to find 7.5
> volts going into X1 (the crystal) and 0 volts coming out! I resoldered
> the  pins to ensure no cold joints, and still 0 volts coming out. Do
> crystals go bad, or is it possible I burned it up by too much heat on
> the casing when grounding it? I think I will need a new one before I
> can check the BFO.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Don, KE0PVQ
>
>


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Wilhelm]

Don,

The voltage is likely coming through RP2 and making its way through 
L31.  That is not the problem.
If you want to verify that it is that path, read it while rotating the 
VFO through a 10 or 12 kHz range.  It should vary.


When the crystal oscillates, you should obtain a frequency at TP3.  That 
is your next challenge.
As I said in the last email, measure the resistance at the source of 
Q19. It should be near 270 ohms.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/29/2018 4:02 PM, Don Schroder wrote:


Hi Don,

I finally got some time to check your suggestions. D18 is oriented 
properly, and it looks like C84 & C85 are marked 121 (kind of hard to 
read since they are installed). So I thought I would check voltages 
for the PLL Reference Oscillator circuit. Didn’t take long to find 7.5 
volts going into X1 (the crystal) and 0 volts coming out! I resoldered 
the  pins to ensure no cold joints, and still 0 volts coming out. Do 
crystals go bad, or is it possible I burned it up by too much heat on 
the casing when grounding it? I think I will need a new one before I 
can check the BFO.


Thanks!

Don, KE0PVQ




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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Schroder]

Hi Don,

I finally got some time to check your suggestions. D18 is oriented properly, 
and it looks like C84 & C85 are marked 121 (kind of hard to read since they are 
installed). So I thought I would check voltages for the PLL Reference 
Oscillator circuit. Didn’t take long to find 7.5 volts going into X1 (the 
crystal) and 0 volts coming out! I resoldered the  pins to ensure no cold 
joints, and still 0 volts coming out. Do crystals go bad, or is it possible I 
burned it up by too much heat on the casing when grounding it? I think I will 
need a new one before I can check the BFO.

Thanks!
Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

From: Don Wilhelm<mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2018 7:34 PM
To: Don Schroder<mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>; 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

Don,

It seems you are having trouble with both the PLL Reference Oscillator
and the BFO (TP2 should be near 4915kHz).
The VFO TP1 is apparently oscillating if you have a frequency of
4918.88, but that frequency is not correct.

Tackle the PLL Reference first.
OK, the PLL Reference Oscillator is not oscillating for one reason or
another.  Chek all the components in the circuit for proper values and
good soldering.  You apparently can follow the schematic, if for no
other reason than to identify components in a circuit - that is helpful
information.
Make certain D18 is installed with the proper orientation, and that C84
and C85 are 120pF (marked 121).

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2018 8:07 PM, Don Schroder wrote:
>
> Don,
>
> All three test points are not zeros. TP1 reads a solid 4918.88, TP2
> reads between flickering 267 & 289, TP3 reads all zeros.
>
> The resistance from the source of Q19 to ground is 280 ohms.
>
> I did make an interesting discovery when I took voltages again.  U4,
> pin 5 (SDO) is 0 volts, pin 7 (SCK) is 4.8 volts. U5, pin 1 (SCK) is
> 4.8 volts, pin 2 (SDO) is 0 volts. These pins are just opposite what
> they should be (what does SDO and SCK represent?). Looks like
> something that is directional got switched?
>
> Sounds like we are making progress, but still a possible PLL problem?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Don, KE0PVQ
>
> Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
> Windows 10
>
> *From: *Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
> *Sent: *Thursday, September 27, 2018 4:11 PM
> *To: *Don Schroder <mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>;
> elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
> *Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues
>
> Don,
>
> While in CAL FCTR, try the probe in TP3 and TP1 and TP2.  If you have a
>
> zero reading in all 3 places, you most likely have a bad probe.
>
> Yes you might have a PLL problem, but that is not certain yet. One quick
>
> check is to measure the resistance from the source of Q19 to ground.  If
>
> it is high or infinite, check the leads of RFC14 like you did for
>
> RFC16.  The normal resistance is a bit more than 270 ohms.
>
> 73,
>
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 9/27/2018 4:41 PM, Don Schroder wrote:
>
> >
>
> > Don,
>
> >
>
> > Thank you for the excellent advice! I went to the bottom of the board
>
> > and checked the resistance between the ends of RFC16. It was infinite,
>
> > so I rewound RFC16 and ensured the leads were cleaned good. After
>
> > reinstalling, I now have 4.~ votes at U6 pin 5, and 8.~ at pin 8. Pin
>
> > 8 of the Thermistor Board has 8.~ volts, too.
>
> >
>
> > Now, when I select CAL FCTR and enable the frequency counter, the
>
> > counter shows 0.00. I believe this tells me there is a problem
>
> > with the PLL Reference Oscillator. I will continue to look at those
>
> > components. Any other suggestions?
>
> >
>
> > Thanks!
>
> >
>
> > Don, KE0PVQ
>
> >
>
> > Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
>
> > Windows 10
>
> >
>
> > *From: *Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
>
> > *Sent: *Thursday, September 27, 2018 1:34 PM
>
> > *To: *Don Schroder <mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>;
>
> > elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
>
> > *Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues
>
> >
>
> > Don,
>
> >
>
> > You apparently have a problem with the thermistor board - or the 8 volts
>
> >
>
> > to it.
>
> >
>
> > A "voltage rail" are those PC traces that carry v

Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Wilhelm]

Don,

It seems you are having trouble with both the PLL Reference Oscillator 
and the BFO (TP2 should be near 4915kHz).
The VFO TP1 is apparently oscillating if you have a frequency of 
4918.88, but that frequency is not correct.


Tackle the PLL Reference first.
OK, the PLL Reference Oscillator is not oscillating for one reason or 
another.  Chek all the components in the circuit for proper values and 
good soldering.  You apparently can follow the schematic, if for no 
other reason than to identify components in a circuit - that is helpful 
information.
Make certain D18 is installed with the proper orientation, and that C84 
and C85 are 120pF (marked 121).


73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2018 8:07 PM, Don Schroder wrote:


Don,

All three test points are not zeros. TP1 reads a solid 4918.88, TP2 
reads between flickering 267 & 289, TP3 reads all zeros.


The resistance from the source of Q19 to ground is 280 ohms.

I did make an interesting discovery when I took voltages again.  U4, 
pin 5 (SDO) is 0 volts, pin 7 (SCK) is 4.8 volts. U5, pin 1 (SCK) is 
4.8 volts, pin 2 (SDO) is 0 volts. These pins are just opposite what 
they should be (what does SDO and SCK represent?). Looks like 
something that is directional got switched?


Sounds like we are making progress, but still a possible PLL problem?

Thanks!

Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for 
Windows 10


*From: *Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
*Sent: *Thursday, September 27, 2018 4:11 PM
*To: *Don Schroder <mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>; 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>

*Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

Don,

While in CAL FCTR, try the probe in TP3 and TP1 and TP2.  If you have a

zero reading in all 3 places, you most likely have a bad probe.

Yes you might have a PLL problem, but that is not certain yet. One quick

check is to measure the resistance from the source of Q19 to ground.  If

it is high or infinite, check the leads of RFC14 like you did for

RFC16.  The normal resistance is a bit more than 270 ohms.

73,

Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2018 4:41 PM, Don Schroder wrote:

>

> Don,

>

> Thank you for the excellent advice! I went to the bottom of the board

> and checked the resistance between the ends of RFC16. It was infinite,

> so I rewound RFC16 and ensured the leads were cleaned good. After

> reinstalling, I now have 4.~ votes at U6 pin 5, and 8.~ at pin 8. Pin

> 8 of the Thermistor Board has 8.~ volts, too.

>

> Now, when I select CAL FCTR and enable the frequency counter, the

> counter shows 0.00. I believe this tells me there is a problem

> with the PLL Reference Oscillator. I will continue to look at those

> components. Any other suggestions?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Don, KE0PVQ

>

> Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for

> Windows 10

>

> *From: *Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>

> *Sent: *Thursday, September 27, 2018 1:34 PM

> *To: *Don Schroder <mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>;

> elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>

> *Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

>

> Don,

>

> You apparently have a problem with the thermistor board - or the 8 volts

>

> to it.

>

> A "voltage rail" are those PC traces that carry voltage to various parts

>

> of the circuit.

>

> In the K2, there is one for 12 volts, another for 8 volts and another

>

> for 5 volts.

>

> On the schematic they are labeled "12V", "8A" and "5V" respectively.

>

> The main 8 volt and 5 volt regulators are on the Control Board. You will

>

> find an "5B" voltage rail at the output of U8 on the RF Board and the

>

> "8B" voltage is sourced at the output side of RFC16.

>

> If you do not have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8, then

>

> investigate the stripping and tinning of the RFC16 leads.

>

> Once you have 8 volts at the thermistor board (RP3 position) pin 8, then

>

> recheck the voltage at U6 pin 5 - it should be quite close to 4 volts.

>

> 73,

>

> Don W3FPR

>

>



__
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Schroder]

Don,

All three test points are not zeros. TP1 reads a solid 4918.88, TP2 reads 
between flickering 267 & 289, TP3 reads all zeros.
The resistance from the source of Q19 to ground is 280 ohms.

I did make an interesting discovery when I took voltages again.  U4, pin 5 
(SDO) is 0 volts, pin 7 (SCK) is 4.8 volts. U5, pin 1 (SCK) is 4.8 volts, pin 2 
(SDO) is 0 volts. These pins are just opposite what they should be (what does 
SDO and SCK represent?). Looks like something that is directional got switched?

Sounds like we are making progress, but still a possible PLL problem?

Thanks!
Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

From: Don Wilhelm<mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2018 4:11 PM
To: Don Schroder<mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>; 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

Don,

While in CAL FCTR, try the probe in TP3 and TP1 and TP2.  If you have a
zero reading in all 3 places, you most likely have a bad probe.
Yes you might have a PLL problem, but that is not certain yet. One quick
check is to measure the resistance from the source of Q19 to ground.  If
it is high or infinite, check the leads of RFC14 like you did for
RFC16.  The normal resistance is a bit more than 270 ohms.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2018 4:41 PM, Don Schroder wrote:
>
> Don,
>
> Thank you for the excellent advice! I went to the bottom of the board
> and checked the resistance between the ends of RFC16. It was infinite,
> so I rewound RFC16 and ensured the leads were cleaned good. After
> reinstalling, I now have 4.~ votes at U6 pin 5, and 8.~ at pin 8. Pin
> 8 of the Thermistor Board has 8.~ volts, too.
>
> Now, when I select CAL FCTR and enable the frequency counter, the
> counter shows 0.00. I believe this tells me there is a problem
> with the PLL Reference Oscillator. I will continue to look at those
> components. Any other suggestions?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Don, KE0PVQ
>
> Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
> Windows 10
>
> *From: *Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
> *Sent: *Thursday, September 27, 2018 1:34 PM
> *To: *Don Schroder <mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>;
> elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
> *Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues
>
> Don,
>
> You apparently have a problem with the thermistor board - or the 8 volts
>
> to it.
>
> A "voltage rail" are those PC traces that carry voltage to various parts
>
> of the circuit.
>
> In the K2, there is one for 12 volts, another for 8 volts and another
>
> for 5 volts.
>
> On the schematic they are labeled "12V", "8A" and "5V" respectively.
>
> The main 8 volt and 5 volt regulators are on the Control Board. You will
>
> find an "5B" voltage rail at the output of U8 on the RF Board and the
>
> "8B" voltage is sourced at the output side of RFC16.
>
> If you do not have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8, then
>
> investigate the stripping and tinning of the RFC16 leads.
>
> Once you have 8 volts at the thermistor board (RP3 position) pin 8, then
>
> recheck the voltage at U6 pin 5 - it should be quite close to 4 volts.
>
> 73,
>
> Don W3FPR
>
>


__
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Wilhelm]

Don,

While in CAL FCTR, try the probe in TP3 and TP1 and TP2.  If you have a 
zero reading in all 3 places, you most likely have a bad probe.
Yes you might have a PLL problem, but that is not certain yet. One quick 
check is to measure the resistance from the source of Q19 to ground.  If 
it is high or infinite, check the leads of RFC14 like you did for 
RFC16.  The normal resistance is a bit more than 270 ohms.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2018 4:41 PM, Don Schroder wrote:


Don,

Thank you for the excellent advice! I went to the bottom of the board 
and checked the resistance between the ends of RFC16. It was infinite, 
so I rewound RFC16 and ensured the leads were cleaned good. After 
reinstalling, I now have 4.~ votes at U6 pin 5, and 8.~ at pin 8. Pin 
8 of the Thermistor Board has 8.~ volts, too.


Now, when I select CAL FCTR and enable the frequency counter, the 
counter shows 0.00. I believe this tells me there is a problem 
with the PLL Reference Oscillator. I will continue to look at those 
components. Any other suggestions?


Thanks!

Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for 
Windows 10


*From: *Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
*Sent: *Thursday, September 27, 2018 1:34 PM
*To: *Don Schroder <mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>; 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>

*Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

Don,

You apparently have a problem with the thermistor board - or the 8 volts

to it.

A "voltage rail" are those PC traces that carry voltage to various parts

of the circuit.

In the K2, there is one for 12 volts, another for 8 volts and another

for 5 volts.

On the schematic they are labeled "12V", "8A" and "5V" respectively.

The main 8 volt and 5 volt regulators are on the Control Board. You will

find an "5B" voltage rail at the output of U8 on the RF Board and the

"8B" voltage is sourced at the output side of RFC16.

If you do not have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8, then

investigate the stripping and tinning of the RFC16 leads.

Once you have 8 volts at the thermistor board (RP3 position) pin 8, then

recheck the voltage at U6 pin 5 - it should be quite close to 4 volts.

73,

Don W3FPR




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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Schroder]

Don,

Thank you for the excellent advice! I went to the bottom of the board and 
checked the resistance between the ends of RFC16. It was infinite, so I rewound 
RFC16 and ensured the leads were cleaned good. After reinstalling, I now have 
4.~ votes at U6 pin 5, and 8.~ at pin 8. Pin 8 of the Thermistor Board has 8.~ 
volts, too.

Now, when I select CAL FCTR and enable the frequency counter, the counter shows 
0.00. I believe this tells me there is a problem with the PLL Reference 
Oscillator. I will continue to look at those components. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!
Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

From: Don Wilhelm<mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2018 1:34 PM
To: Don Schroder<mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>; 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

Don,

You apparently have a problem with the thermistor board - or the 8 volts
to it.
A "voltage rail" are those PC traces that carry voltage to various parts
of the circuit.
In the K2, there is one for 12 volts, another for 8 volts and another
for 5 volts.
On the schematic they are labeled "12V", "8A" and "5V" respectively.
The main 8 volt and 5 volt regulators are on the Control Board. You will
find an "5B" voltage rail at the output of U8 on the RF Board and the
"8B" voltage is sourced at the output side of RFC16.
If you do not have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8, then
investigate the stripping and tinning of the RFC16 leads.
Once you have 8 volts at the thermistor board (RP3 position) pin 8, then
recheck the voltage at U6 pin 5 - it should be quite close to 4 volts.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2018 1:43 PM, Don Schroder wrote:
>
> Don,
>
> Board U6 pin 5
>
> Thank you for the suggestions! The DC voltage at RF Board U6 pin 5 is
> 0 volts. In fact, all pins of U6, except pin 6, are 0 volts. Pin 6 is
> less than 1 volt.
>
> I saw a bridge between C96 and RFC10, the schematic shows these two
> components connecting together, so that should be ok. I’m still
> looking for bridges.
>
> Could you elaborate a little on the ^voltage rail*? How do I identify
> the rail on a schematic, or can I? Which component is the 8 volt
> regulator? I feel I should know the answers to these questions, I must
> be having a senior moment. Your help and advice is much appreciarted!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Don, KE0PVQ
>
> Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
> Windows 10
>
> *From: *Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
> *Sent: *Thursday, September 27, 2018 11:01 AM
> *To: *Don Schroder <mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>;
> elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
> *Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues
>
> Don,
>
> First check the DC voltage at RF Board U6 pin 5 - it should be 4 volts
>
> (or 1/2 the 8 volt regulator output voltage).  If it is not correct, you
>
> have a problem with the thermistor board - most likely a solder bridge.
>
> You should have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8.  If that is not
>
> correct, look carefully for solder bridges.  That 8 volts comes directly
>
> from the 8 volt regulator voltage rail.
>
> It does sound like you have a problem with the PLL Reference Oscillator,
>
> but your voltage measurements on the thermistor board pins should be
>
> investigated first before drawing any other conclusions.
>
> Make sure you have good results with the PLL range tests just after that.
>
> The exact frequency of the 4 MHz Oscillator is not critical at this
>
> point - for now it only substantiates that the oscillator is working. If
>
> you put a probe on C22, it will pull the frequency.  If your frequency
>
> counter is sufficiently accurate, wait until you have a good frequency
>
> at TP1, and then measure the frequency with both the counter and the
>
> internal counter probe using CAL FCTR. Adjust C22 so CAL FCTR frequency
>
> is the same as your external counter.
>
> I do not know the accuracy of your counter, but mine is accurate to 10
>
> exp-9 and I can set C22 with it for good K2 Dial Calibration.  There are
>
> other methods for setting C22 that do not depend on the accuracy of your
>
> frequency counter.  When you can receive WWV at 10 or better 15 MHz,
>
> look at my website www.w3fpr.com article on K2 Dial Calibration to
>
> accurately set C22 and achieve good K2 dial calibration.
>
> 73,
>
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 9/26/2018 8:14 PM, Don Schroder wrote:
>
> > Hi folks,
>
> >
>
> > Got to the subject location on my K2 k

Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Wilhelm]

Don,

You apparently have a problem with the thermistor board - or the 8 volts 
to it.
A "voltage rail" are those PC traces that carry voltage to various parts 
of the circuit.
In the K2, there is one for 12 volts, another for 8 volts and another 
for 5 volts.

On the schematic they are labeled "12V", "8A" and "5V" respectively.
The main 8 volt and 5 volt regulators are on the Control Board. You will 
find an "5B" voltage rail at the output of U8 on the RF Board and the 
"8B" voltage is sourced at the output side of RFC16.
If you do not have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8, then 
investigate the stripping and tinning of the RFC16 leads.
Once you have 8 volts at the thermistor board (RP3 position) pin 8, then 
recheck the voltage at U6 pin 5 - it should be quite close to 4 volts.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2018 1:43 PM, Don Schroder wrote:


Don,

Board U6 pin 5

Thank you for the suggestions! The DC voltage at RF Board U6 pin 5 is 
0 volts. In fact, all pins of U6, except pin 6, are 0 volts. Pin 6 is 
less than 1 volt.


I saw a bridge between C96 and RFC10, the schematic shows these two 
components connecting together, so that should be ok. I’m still 
looking for bridges.


Could you elaborate a little on the ^voltage rail*? How do I identify 
the rail on a schematic, or can I? Which component is the 8 volt 
regulator? I feel I should know the answers to these questions, I must 
be having a senior moment. Your help and advice is much appreciarted!


Thanks!

Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for 
Windows 10


*From: *Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
*Sent: *Thursday, September 27, 2018 11:01 AM
*To: *Don Schroder <mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>; 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>

*Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

Don,

First check the DC voltage at RF Board U6 pin 5 - it should be 4 volts

(or 1/2 the 8 volt regulator output voltage).  If it is not correct, you

have a problem with the thermistor board - most likely a solder bridge.

You should have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8.  If that is not

correct, look carefully for solder bridges.  That 8 volts comes directly

from the 8 volt regulator voltage rail.

It does sound like you have a problem with the PLL Reference Oscillator,

but your voltage measurements on the thermistor board pins should be

investigated first before drawing any other conclusions.

Make sure you have good results with the PLL range tests just after that.

The exact frequency of the 4 MHz Oscillator is not critical at this

point - for now it only substantiates that the oscillator is working. If

you put a probe on C22, it will pull the frequency.  If your frequency

counter is sufficiently accurate, wait until you have a good frequency

at TP1, and then measure the frequency with both the counter and the

internal counter probe using CAL FCTR. Adjust C22 so CAL FCTR frequency

is the same as your external counter.

I do not know the accuracy of your counter, but mine is accurate to 10

exp-9 and I can set C22 with it for good K2 Dial Calibration.  There are

other methods for setting C22 that do not depend on the accuracy of your

frequency counter.  When you can receive WWV at 10 or better 15 MHz,

look at my website www.w3fpr.com article on K2 Dial Calibration to

accurately set C22 and achieve good K2 dial calibration.

73,

Don W3FPR

On 9/26/2018 8:14 PM, Don Schroder wrote:

> Hi folks,

>

> Got to the subject location on my K2 kit #7818, and am having some 
difficulties with the tests. My frequency counter, when touched to the 
left side of trimmer capacitor C22, reads 3999.98 on the LCD. This 
makes me believe there is no problem with the frequency counter probe 
that I assembled.


>

> On page 63, under *4 MHz Oscillator Calibration,  I selected CAL 
FCTR, and the LCD displays a rapidly changing frequency between 185.~ 
to 188.~. It does not show a frequency of 12090 kHz  suggested by the 
manual.  This tells me I have a problem with the PLL Reference 
Oscillator (since the frequency counter probe appeared to be ok). I 
then decided to check voltages, and discovered that I am missing some 
+5v signals from U4 and U5.


>

> Any suggestions on where to look next? I’d like to trace the 5v 
signals, but I don’t see how to do that using the schematics. I did 
measure voltages on the 8 pins of the Thermistor Board, they were all 
0 volts! That didn’t seem right, either.


>

> Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

> Don, KE0PVQ

>

> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for 
Windows 10


>

> __

> Elecraft mailing list

> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm

>

Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Schroder]

Don,
Board U6 pin 5
Thank you for the suggestions! The DC voltage at RF Board U6 pin 5 is 0 volts. 
In fact, all pins of U6, except pin 6, are 0 volts. Pin 6 is less than 1 volt.

I saw a bridge between C96 and RFC10, the schematic shows these two components 
connecting together, so that should be ok. I’m still looking for bridges.

Could you elaborate a little on the ^voltage rail*? How do I identify the rail 
on a schematic, or can I? Which component is the 8 volt regulator? I feel I 
should know the answers to these questions, I must be having a senior moment. 
Your help and advice is much appreciarted!

Thanks!
Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10

From: Don Wilhelm<mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2018 11:01 AM
To: Don Schroder<mailto:donandde...@hotmail.com>; 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

Don,

First check the DC voltage at RF Board U6 pin 5 - it should be 4 volts
(or 1/2 the 8 volt regulator output voltage).  If it is not correct, you
have a problem with the thermistor board - most likely a solder bridge.

You should have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8.  If that is not
correct, look carefully for solder bridges.  That 8 volts comes directly
from the 8 volt regulator voltage rail.

It does sound like you have a problem with the PLL Reference Oscillator,
but your voltage measurements on the thermistor board pins should be
investigated first before drawing any other conclusions.

Make sure you have good results with the PLL range tests just after that.

The exact frequency of the 4 MHz Oscillator is not critical at this
point - for now it only substantiates that the oscillator is working. If
you put a probe on C22, it will pull the frequency.  If your frequency
counter is sufficiently accurate, wait until you have a good frequency
at TP1, and then measure the frequency with both the counter and the
internal counter probe using CAL FCTR.  Adjust C22 so CAL FCTR frequency
is the same as your external counter.

I do not know the accuracy of your counter, but mine is accurate to 10
exp-9 and I can set C22 with it for good K2 Dial Calibration.  There are
other methods for setting C22 that do not depend on the accuracy of your
frequency counter.  When you can receive WWV at 10 or better 15 MHz,
look at my website www.w3fpr.com article on K2 Dial Calibration to
accurately set C22 and achieve good K2 dial calibration.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/26/2018 8:14 PM, Don Schroder wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> Got to the subject location on my K2 kit #7818, and am having some 
> difficulties with the tests. My frequency counter, when touched to the left 
> side of trimmer capacitor C22, reads 3999.98 on the LCD. This makes me 
> believe there is no problem with the frequency counter probe that I assembled.
>
> On page 63, under *4 MHz Oscillator Calibration,  I selected CAL FCTR, and 
> the LCD displays a rapidly changing frequency between 185.~ to 188.~. It does 
> not show a frequency of 12090 kHz  suggested by the manual.  This tells me I 
> have a problem with the PLL Reference Oscillator (since the frequency counter 
> probe appeared to be ok). I then decided to check voltages, and discovered 
> that I am missing some +5v signals from U4 and U5.
>
> Any suggestions on where to look next? I’d like to trace the 5v signals, but 
> I don’t see how to do that using the schematics. I did measure voltages on 
> the 8 pins of the Thermistor Board, they were all 0 volts! That didn’t seem 
> right, either.
>
> Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!
> Don, KE0PVQ
>
> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Wilhelm]

Don,

First check the DC voltage at RF Board U6 pin 5 - it should be 4 volts 
(or 1/2 the 8 volt regulator output voltage).  If it is not correct, you 
have a problem with the thermistor board - most likely a solder bridge.


You should have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8.  If that is not 
correct, look carefully for solder bridges.  That 8 volts comes directly 
from the 8 volt regulator voltage rail.


It does sound like you have a problem with the PLL Reference Oscillator, 
but your voltage measurements on the thermistor board pins should be 
investigated first before drawing any other conclusions.


Make sure you have good results with the PLL range tests just after that.

The exact frequency of the 4 MHz Oscillator is not critical at this 
point - for now it only substantiates that the oscillator is working. If 
you put a probe on C22, it will pull the frequency.  If your frequency 
counter is sufficiently accurate, wait until you have a good frequency 
at TP1, and then measure the frequency with both the counter and the 
internal counter probe using CAL FCTR.  Adjust C22 so CAL FCTR frequency 
is the same as your external counter.


I do not know the accuracy of your counter, but mine is accurate to 10 
exp-9 and I can set C22 with it for good K2 Dial Calibration.  There are 
other methods for setting C22 that do not depend on the accuracy of your 
frequency counter.  When you can receive WWV at 10 or better 15 MHz, 
look at my website www.w3fpr.com article on K2 Dial Calibration to 
accurately set C22 and achieve good K2 dial calibration.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/26/2018 8:14 PM, Don Schroder wrote:

Hi folks,

Got to the subject location on my K2 kit #7818, and am having some difficulties 
with the tests. My frequency counter, when touched to the left side of trimmer 
capacitor C22, reads 3999.98 on the LCD. This makes me believe there is no 
problem with the frequency counter probe that I assembled.

On page 63, under *4 MHz Oscillator Calibration,  I selected CAL FCTR, and the 
LCD displays a rapidly changing frequency between 185.~ to 188.~. It does not 
show a frequency of 12090 kHz  suggested by the manual.  This tells me I have a 
problem with the PLL Reference Oscillator (since the frequency counter probe 
appeared to be ok). I then decided to check voltages, and discovered that I am 
missing some +5v signals from U4 and U5.

Any suggestions on where to look next? I’d like to trace the 5v signals, but I 
don’t see how to do that using the schematics. I did measure voltages on the 8 
pins of the Thermistor Board, they were all 0 volts! That didn’t seem right, 
either.

Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!
Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II issues

[Don Wilhelm]

Don,

First check the DC voltage at RF Board U6 pin 5 - it should be 4 volts 
(or 1/2 the 8 volt regulator output voltage).  If it is not correct, you 
have a problem with the thermistor board - most likely a solder bridge.


You should have 8 volts at the thermistor board pin 8.  If that is not 
correct, look carefully for solder bridges.  That 8 volts comes directly 
from the 8 volt regulator voltage rail.


It does sound like you have a problem with the PLL Reference Oscillator, 
but your voltage measurements on the thermistor board pins should be 
investigated first before drawing any other conclusions.


Make sure you have good results with the PLL range tests just after that.

The exact frequency of the 4 MHz Oscillator is not critical at this 
point - for now it only substantiates that the oscillator is working. 
If you put a probe on C22, it will pull the frequency.  If your 
frequency counter is sufficiently accurate, wait until you have a good 
frequency at TP1, and then measure the frequency with both the counter 
and the internal counter probe using CAL FCTR.  Adjust C22 so CAL FCTR 
frequency is the same as your external counter.


I do not know the accuracy of your counter, but mine is accurate to 10 
exp-9 and I can set C22 with it for good K2 Dial Calibration.  There are 
other methods for setting C22 that do not depend on the accuracy of your 
frequency counter.  When you can receive WWV at 10 or better 15 MHz, 
look at my website www.w3fpr.com article on K2 Dial Calibration to 
accurately set C22 and achieve good K2 dial calibration.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/26/2018 8:14 PM, Don Schroder wrote:

Hi folks,

Got to the subject location on my K2 kit #7818, and am having some difficulties 
with the tests. My frequency counter, when touched to the left side of trimmer 
capacitor C22, reads 3999.98 on the LCD. This makes me believe there is no 
problem with the frequency counter probe that I assembled.

On page 63, under *4 MHz Oscillator Calibration,  I selected CAL FCTR, and the 
LCD displays a rapidly changing frequency between 185.~ to 188.~. It does not 
show a frequency of 12090 kHz  suggested by the manual.  This tells me I have a 
problem with the PLL Reference Oscillator (since the frequency counter probe 
appeared to be ok). I then decided to check voltages, and discovered that I am 
missing some +5v signals from U4 and U5.

Any suggestions on where to look next? I’d like to trace the 5v signals, but I 
don’t see how to do that using the schematics. I did measure voltages on the 8 
pins of the Thermistor Board, they were all 0 volts! That didn’t seem right, 
either.

Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!
Don, KE0PVQ

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment

[Don Wilhelm]

Tom,

Your limited BFO range will only be a problem when aligning the IF 
filters.  If you find you cannot align the filters properly, then you 
will have to correct that problem, but it may be a case that you have a 
marginal solder connection somewhere in the BFO area and re-flowing the 
soldering will give you a wider range.  Look at the RF Board schematic 
sheet 2 in the lower right corner to identify the components involved 
with the BFO.


Typically the K2 does not drift but a few Hz after being given a bit of 
a warmup period (10 or 15 minutes).
Proper dial calibration and drift are 2 different things.  Drift is the 
frequency change over a short period of time, such as a single operating 
session (usually do to temperature changes).
Dial Calibration can change over time, but typically does not vary much 
because the calibration data is contained in EEPROM and does not depend 
on any realtime reference oscillator for accuracy and consistency.


If your situation is really drift (by my definition above), then I need 
to ask how old is your K2 (serial number please).  If it is SN 3000 or 
below, does it have the A to B upgrades as well as the other Elecraft 
mods installed.  There are 2 mod kits that are important for temperature 
stability - the BFOMDKT and  E850138 (the PLL temperature compensation 
mod - so called thermistor mod).  Look at the BFO inductor L33 on the 
bottom of the RF board - if it has many turns of fine wire and is held 
in place by a 1/8 watt resistor, then you have the BFOMDKT installed.
Then look on the top of the RF board on the left side near the Control 
Board for RP3 (it may be under the KDSP2 or KAF2 if you have those options).
If you see a small board with resistors on it in the RP3 location, you 
have the thermistor mod installed.


Especially since you have the K2/100, if either of those mods are 
missing, I suggest you install them.  In addition, if your K2 is below 
SN 3000, you may want to consider doing the entire set of A to B upgrade 
mods (I recommend it).


Once you have checked those mods, go on with your calibration and 
alignment process.
For the K2 Dial Calibration and filter alignment, I suggest you use 
Spectrogram or another audio spectrum analyzer for the best results.  
See my webpage www.w3fpr.com article on K2 Dial Calibration.


OK, I have given you more information at one time than you may have 
wanted.  However, it is all related to dial calibration and drift 
(again, two different things).  Work through it one step at a time, and 
if you have questions as you go along, please ask.


73,
Don W3FPR



On 7/11/2015 1:48 PM, Tom Field wrote:

I've been using my K2/100 for a couple of years, and have been very
satisfied. I have noted some drift in the freq, so decided to go through a
complete realignment process.

On Page 65 of the manual it describes a measurement of the BFO range as
being 4-6 kHz. I measure 3.52 kHz. Question one, is this sufficiently out
to be of concern? and question 2, what are the next steps to correct any
problem?




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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment

[Matt Maguire]

It is a bit on the low side, but may still be ok. Where the limited range could 
become a problem is in the filter alignment stage. You could try continuing and 
see how it goes; if the restricted range prevents you from aligning the filters 
properly, then some attention to the BFO circuitry may be required.

73, Matt VK2RQ




On Sat, Jul 11, 2015 at 10:48 AM -0700, Tom Field docw...@gmail.com wrote:










I've been using my K2/100 for a couple of years, and have been very
satisfied. I have noted some drift in the freq, so decided to go through a
complete realignment process.

On Page 65 of the manual it describes a measurement of the BFO range as
being 4-6 kHz. I measure 3.52 kHz. Question one, is this sufficiently out
to be of concern? and question 2, what are the next steps to correct any
problem?

Tom
KN6DR
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment Part 1

[Don Wilhelm]

Aaron,

One common source of problems like that are caused by the encoder board 
contacting the pins on the Control Board.
You can test for that condition by removing the screws from the Control 
Board and tilting the to of it toward the rear of the K2 (as added 
assurance that there is no contact, slide a piece of card stock behind 
the encoder board).
After that, see if the display is normal.  If it is, then get yourself 
some plush cutters and flush trim all the leads on the encoder board and 
also the leads on the control board where the encoder board can make 
contact.  As a further measure, you can glue some fish paper on the 
encoder board or lacking that, cover it with a couple strips of 
electrical tape.


If those steps do not correct it, tell us the full contents of the 
display after ELECRAFT has timed out.


If you do not have flush cutters, I have found inexpensive flush cutters 
in the tools area of Home Depot - look for Xcelite (or Cooper or Lufkin) 
170M - they are often packaged with a pair of small long nose pliers # 378M.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/14/2015 12:24 PM, Aaron Scott wrote:

I'm building a K2 and I'm at the Alignment and Test Part 1. When I turn it
on is says ELECRAFT then it changes to a screen that says 0250. I can't
find this problem in the manual. Does anyone know what this is and how to
fix it?



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment and test part 2

[Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

The best use of the 'scope is during the transmit bandpass filter 
alignment - just connect the 'scope (with a 10X probe) across your dummy 
load, and use it to indicate the RF amplitude - that is faster then 
looking at the slower to change display on the K2.
If you have the KAT2 option (or the KPA100), you can use the 'scope 
amplitude reading to calibrate the wattmeter for forward power.  Use the 
peak to peak voltage and square it, then divide by 400 to give you the 
power (assuming your dummy load is a good one at 50 ohms pure resistive).


Other than that, you will not have to use the 'scope much at all -- of 
course if you need to do some signal tracing, it is the best tool to 
use.  Hint for that, multiply the 'Expected' RF voltages in the manual 
by 2.8 to give the expected peak to peak voltage.


As far as frequency calibration, I would not believe the frequency 
counter in a 'scope would be sufficiently accurate for doing the dial 
calibration.  You may want to defer the dial calibration until the last 
step after you have Part III done and then look at the K2 Dial 
Calibration article on my website www.w3fpr.com to set the 4 MHz 
reference accurately and achieve good dial calibration.


For the filter alignment, use the information in part 3 of the dial 
calibration article for use of Spectrogram to get the best results.
If you do not have a good copy of Spectrogram, look for the download 
links on my home page - near the bottom.


The XG3 is excellent for setting the S-meter HI reading (CAL S HI)
Yes, you can use it when doing the receive bandpass filter alignment.

The K2 is designed to use minimal external equipment for the alignment 
and calibration.  Most of the essential tools are built into the K2, and 
they work very well.


73,
Don W3FPR
On 8/4/2013 3:35 PM, Mike Weir wrote:

In my K2 build I am approaching the alignment and test part 2 stage. I
have the Rigol DS1052E scope (software upgraded to 100mhz) I would like
to use the scope on my K2 build. I do know there is spectrogram, and
features on the K2 that I can use BUT I would like to use the scope as
well.
I was wondering the following?
1. Can I use the scope when asked to use a frequency counter?
2. Can I use the scope to measure the voltages that are asked to be measured in 
the alignment checkouts?
So
  for 4 mhz oscillator calibration, PLL Reff oscillator range test, VCO
test, VCO alignment and so on can the Rigol scope be used in these and
other procedures?

I was also wondering I have the XG3 as well and
  could I use that in 40m band pass filter alignment and what else could
the XG3 be used for in the K2 build?

Thanks very much for time.
Mike
VE3WDM  



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment and test part 2

[VE3WDM]

Don thanks very much for taking the time to get back to me and I will use the
scope for the procedures you indicated. 
Mike 



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment and test part 2

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

IF your scope is well calibrated you can use it for many d-c measurements as
well. 

Whenever I'm adjusting a level for a peak or minimum reading, audio or dc, I
prefer my scope instead of a DMM because the scope is instantaneous and
provides an analogue (moving trace) instead of a digital readout, even
though my DMM provides a bar indication below the numbers to emulate
something approaching an analog display.

Of course, the scope is ideal for such adjustments at RF as well as Don
mentioned. 

Indeed, my scope gets used to provide me an analogue display for setting a
signal level as much as any other use. If I could only have one piece of
test equipment to troubleshoot something, it would be my 'scope.

(Don't forget to convert the RMS values given for a-c measurements to
peak-to-peak as Don mentioned.)

One bane of digital displays is that they often provide a false sense of
accuracy and lead the unwary into thinking their digital exactness is
important or even desirable. It's almost never important to whether a
voltage is 4.12V or a bit over 4 volts. 

I will confess to being one of the early adopters of digital watches decades
ago, but I soon replaced it with a round faced pulsar. I had no interest in
learning that it was 9:56 a.m. when all I wanted to know was that it was
almost 10. 

73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of VE3WDM
Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2013 2:25 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment and test part 2

Don thanks very much for taking the time to get back to me and I will use
the scope for the procedures you indicated. 
Mike 



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7577395.html
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test Part 1

[Cecil Turquette]

Don - Appears problem solved.  Pin 4 of the encoder measured open to ground.  
I messed around for an hour trying to figure out why.  I finally found the wire 
from the circuit board to the encoder termal #4 broken.  I used trimmed 
component leads to make the four connections as called out in the book. 
Apparently the one on #4 had a nick in it; flexing of the wire during assembly 
of the front panel caused it to break.  The break was well hidden.  I replaced 
the wire and encoder functions properly.  Ready to move on! Thanks for your 
help, 73, Cecil
 
 Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:37:16 -0400
 From: w3...@embarqmail.com
 To: cecilsm...@hotmail.com
 CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test Part 1
 
 Cecil,
 
 I suggest you check the soldering on the front panel board, be 
 especially aware that on all ICs pin 1 is soldered, that is easy to miss.
 Check the schematic for the front panel board and look at the symbol for 
 the encoder.  Measure to make certain you have 5 volts on the 5 volt pin 
 (measure at the encoder terminal not the board), then turn power off and 
 measure the resistance from the encoder ground terminal and ground - 
 expect zero volts. {updated to read ohms per Don}
 
 Having made those measurements, monitor the voltage at the ENC A 
 connection while you *slowly* rotate the encoder shaft.  The voltage 
 should change from low (about zero volts) to high (about 5 volts) as you 
 rotate the shaft.  Make the same check for the ENC B signal line.
 If those checks reveal that the voltage is always near zero, the first 
 suspect is a damaged input on U3 - that IC is quite sensitive to static 
 during the installation process.
 
 I would suggest that the voltage checks on the Front Panel board can be 
 misleading if you are not familiar with the K2 - the conditions set up 
 prior to measurement must be carefully observed.  You are dealing with 
 digital signals which are highly dependent on all the conditions being 
 the same as on the unit that was measured for the manual list - if any 
 condition is different, the results will be different.
 
 73,
 Don W3FPR
 
 On 10/25/2012 7:05 PM, Cecil Turquette wrote:
  In process of building an older K2 kit, SN 3943. I'm at the Part 1 
  alignment page 42 - the optical encoder test.

  Status:  All ok to this point with display reading 40M 7100.00c and VFO A  
  However, the indication does not change when turning the VFO knob.  I've 
  verified per the steps in Appendix E 012 on page 2, voltages in step 050 on 
  page 3, and all of step 075 on page 5.  The 4 mhz osc can be heard in my 
  station receiver and will change when I adjust C22 on the control board.

  The next test: the relay test appears to work as the band changes and the 
  display reads out for each band.  But as with the 40M position, the 
  frequency does not change when turning the VFO knob.

  Is there anything I should check before beginning the voltage checks 
  beginning on page 15?
 
 

  
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test Part 1

[Don Wilhelm]

Cecil,

That is great news.  Enjoy the rest of the build.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/26/2012 3:57 PM, Cecil Turquette wrote:
 Don - Appears problem solved.  Pin 4 of the encoder measured open to 
 ground.  I messed around for an hour trying to figure out why.  I finally 
 found the wire from the circuit board to the encoder termal #4 broken.  I 
 used trimmed component leads to make the four connections as called out in 
 the book. Apparently the one on #4 had a nick in it; flexing of the wire 
 during assembly of the front panel caused it to break.  The break was well 
 hidden.  I replaced the wire and encoder functions properly.  Ready to move 
 on! Thanks for your help, 73, Cecil


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test Part 1

[Don Wilhelm]

Cecil,

I suggest you check the soldering on the front panel board, be 
especially aware that on all ICs pin 1 is soldered, that is easy to miss.
Check the schematic for the front panel board and look at the symbol for 
the encoder.  Measure to make certain you have 5 volts on the 5 volt pin 
(measure at the encoder terminal not the board), then turn power off and 
measure the resistance from the encoder ground terminal and ground - 
expect zero volts.

Having made those measurements, monitor the voltage at the ENC A 
connection while you *slowly* rotate the encoder shaft.  The voltage 
should change from low (about zero volts) to high (about 5 volts) as you 
rotate the shaft.  Make the same check for the ENC B signal line.
If those checks reveal that the voltage is always near zero, the first 
suspect is a damaged input on U3 - that IC is quite sensitive to static 
during the installation process.

I would suggest that the voltage checks on the Front Panel board can be 
misleading if you are not familiar with the K2 - the conditions set up 
prior to measurement must be carefully observed.  You are dealing with 
digital signals which are highly dependent on all the conditions being 
the same as on the unit that was measured for the manual list - if any 
condition is different, the results will be different.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/25/2012 7:05 PM, Cecil Turquette wrote:
 In process of building an older K2 kit, SN 3943. I'm at the Part 1 alignment 
 page 42 - the optical encoder test.
   
 Status:  All ok to this point with display reading 40M 7100.00c and VFO A  
 However, the indication does not change when turning the VFO knob.  I've 
 verified per the steps in Appendix E 012 on page 2, voltages in step 050 on 
 page 3, and all of step 075 on page 5.  The 4 mhz osc can be heard in my 
 station receiver and will change when I adjust C22 on the control board.
   
 The next test: the relay test appears to work as the band changes and the 
 display reads out for each band.  But as with the 40M position, the frequency 
 does not change when turning the VFO knob.
   
 Is there anything I should check before beginning the voltage checks 
 beginning on page 15?


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test Part 1

[Don Wilhelm]

End of first paragraph - should be ohms instead of volts.

73,
Don W3FPR

Cecil,

I suggest you check the soldering on the front panel board, be 
especially aware that on all ICs pin 1 is soldered, that is easy to miss.
Check the schematic for the front panel board and look at the symbol for 
the encoder.  Measure to make certain you have 5 volts on the 5 volt pin 
(measure at the encoder terminal not the board), then turn power off and 
measure the resistance from the encoder ground terminal and ground - 
expect zero volts.

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test Part II: VCO Test fails

[Matthew Ellis]

Don,

Thanks to your pointing me in the right direction I appear to have 
tracked down my issue:  Capacitor R68 (10pf, next to K15) was duff 
(probably damaged when I inserted it as the holes on the pcb are wider 
than the lead spacing on the capacitor).  The final clue was when I 
broke an unrelated capacitor lead off which showed how easily they can 
be damaged (I've put hundreds of capacitors into circuits without issue 
before),   The other clue was that when I touched my frequency meter 
probe to TP1 I got a very brief reading before it dropped to zero, and 
while it would continue to read zero if I touched tp1 repeatedly, if I 
left it for a while (a minute or so) then touched the probe again, I 
once again got a brief reading.  This suggested to me that T5 was 
probably OK (your telling me it was a Hartley oscillator helped there as 
I then looked it up to get a better idea of the operation).

Lets hope it doesn't take me two weeks to get each of the various tests 
to pass!

Thanks again,

Matthew

On 15/07/2012 14:14, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 Matthew.

 Zero Hz. says that Q18 is not oscillating.
 To help you visualize a little better, forget about the PLL part and 
 concentrate on Q18 only.  That is just a Hartley oscillator.

 You have already shorted out the VFO ALC with the short across C60 - 
 and that is a good debugging step.  The tuned circuit inductance 
 consists of L30 in parallel with the red winding of T5 and the 
 capacitance is made up of the varactors and capacitors switched in and 
 out of the circuit by K13, K14 and K15.  That is really all there is 
 to it as far as basic oscillation is concerned.
 Once it oscillates, then you can consider the other appendages like 
 the R30 voltage and the VFO ALC.

 So, go over the circuit once again with that in mind.  There is a 
 reason Q18 is not oscillating -  Several possibilities:  the green 
 winding of T5 is wound backwards, the diodes are oriented backwards, 
 The varactors are mounted backwards,  Q18 is oriented incorrectly, Q18 
 is damaged,

 Note also that the path to TP1 includes U3 (which also could be 
 failing).  Since you have an external frequency counter, check for 
 oscillation at the source or Q18 rather than just at TP1.

 You should first be trying to just get Q18 to oscillate.  Once that is 
 working, the other parts come into play to make the frequency of 
 oscillation correct.

 73,
 Don W3FPR



 On 7/15/2012 3:44 AM, Matthew Ellis wrote:
 Hi,

 I'm struggling to track down an issue with the VCO test in part 2 of the
 alignment for my K2 (page 64 in my manual).

 The 4MHz Oscillator calibration looks OK as the frequency on TP3 shows
 as 12096hz stable (both on the internal test probe and an external freq
 counter).  The PLL test is in range as well.  But I get nothing (0hz) on
 TP1 for the VCO test with both the internal probe and a standalone
 frequency meter.

 I've checked and re-wound/re-fitted Transformer 5, gone over my assembly
 with a magnifying glass a few times (both top and bottom side of the
 pcb), confirmed all the components in the VCO area are present and
 correctly oriented.  I've also used a signal scanner on the i2c lines to
 confirm the pll ic is getting the 'change freq' instructions.  Most
 voltages appear good compared to the manual, although the voltage on Q16
 C and Q17 G is off (initially 8v then dropped to near 0v after i
 re-soldered the joints of resistor R9).  I have shorted C60 to
 completely bypass the VFO ALC (suggestion from Elecraft).

 All prior tests were fine, everything in expected range.  Also the
 correct frequency shows on pins 1 and 2 of U4 (MC145170), and voltages
 look good on U3,4  6.

 I'm in the UK, so sending it back to Elecraft is not my preferred option
 (time/cost).

 Has anyone got experience of issues in this area?

 Thanks,




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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test Part II: VCO Test fails

[Don Wilhelm]

Matthew,

Great that you found the source of your problems.  Onward and upward.

When you get all finished with your K2 and want to do a good dial 
calibration, take a look at the K2 Dial Calibration article on my 
website www.w3fpr.com and you should be able to get it right on with 
that procedure.  I do several every week, and I can tell you that the 
method does work and works quite well.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/17/2012 3:35 PM, Matthew Ellis wrote:
 Don,

 Thanks to your pointing me in the right direction I appear to have 
 tracked down my issue:  Capacitor R68 (10pf, next to K15) was duff 
 (probably damaged when I inserted it as the holes on the pcb are wider 
 than the lead spacing on the capacitor).  The final clue was when I 
 broke an unrelated capacitor lead off which showed how easily they can 
 be damaged (I've put hundreds of capacitors into circuits without 
 issue before),   The other clue was that when I touched my frequency 
 meter probe to TP1 I got a very brief reading before it dropped to 
 zero, and while it would continue to read zero if I touched tp1 
 repeatedly, if I left it for a while (a minute or so) then touched the 
 probe again, I once again got a brief reading.  This suggested to me 
 that T5 was probably OK (your telling me it was a Hartley oscillator 
 helped there as I then looked it up to get a better idea of the 
 operation).

 Lets hope it doesn't take me two weeks to get each of the various 
 tests to pass!

 Thanks again,

 Matthew

 On 15/07/2012 14:14, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 Matthew.

 Zero Hz. says that Q18 is not oscillating.
 To help you visualize a little better, forget about the PLL part and 
 concentrate on Q18 only.  That is just a Hartley oscillator.

 You have already shorted out the VFO ALC with the short across C60 - 
 and that is a good debugging step.  The tuned circuit inductance 
 consists of L30 in parallel with the red winding of T5 and the 
 capacitance is made up of the varactors and capacitors switched in 
 and out of the circuit by K13, K14 and K15.  That is really all there 
 is to it as far as basic oscillation is concerned.
 Once it oscillates, then you can consider the other appendages like 
 the R30 voltage and the VFO ALC.

 So, go over the circuit once again with that in mind.  There is a 
 reason Q18 is not oscillating -  Several possibilities:  the green 
 winding of T5 is wound backwards, the diodes are oriented backwards, 
 The varactors are mounted backwards,  Q18 is oriented incorrectly, 
 Q18 is damaged,

 Note also that the path to TP1 includes U3 (which also could be 
 failing).  Since you have an external frequency counter, check for 
 oscillation at the source or Q18 rather than just at TP1.

 You should first be trying to just get Q18 to oscillate.  Once that 
 is working, the other parts come into play to make the frequency of 
 oscillation correct.

 73,
 Don W3FPR



 On 7/15/2012 3:44 AM, Matthew Ellis wrote:
 Hi,

 I'm struggling to track down an issue with the VCO test in part 2 of 
 the
 alignment for my K2 (page 64 in my manual).

 The 4MHz Oscillator calibration looks OK as the frequency on TP3 shows
 as 12096hz stable (both on the internal test probe and an external freq
 counter).  The PLL test is in range as well.  But I get nothing 
 (0hz) on
 TP1 for the VCO test with both the internal probe and a standalone
 frequency meter.

 I've checked and re-wound/re-fitted Transformer 5, gone over my 
 assembly
 with a magnifying glass a few times (both top and bottom side of the
 pcb), confirmed all the components in the VCO area are present and
 correctly oriented.  I've also used a signal scanner on the i2c 
 lines to
 confirm the pll ic is getting the 'change freq' instructions. Most
 voltages appear good compared to the manual, although the voltage on 
 Q16
 C and Q17 G is off (initially 8v then dropped to near 0v after i
 re-soldered the joints of resistor R9).  I have shorted C60 to
 completely bypass the VFO ALC (suggestion from Elecraft).

 All prior tests were fine, everything in expected range.  Also the
 correct frequency shows on pins 1 and 2 of U4 (MC145170), and voltages
 look good on U3,4  6.

 I'm in the UK, so sending it back to Elecraft is not my preferred 
 option
 (time/cost).

 Has anyone got experience of issues in this area?

 Thanks,







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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test Part II: VCO Test fails

[Don Wilhelm]

Matthew.

Zero Hz. says that Q18 is not oscillating.
To help you visualize a little better, forget about the PLL part and 
concentrate on Q18 only.  That is just a Hartley oscillator.

You have already shorted out the VFO ALC with the short across C60 - and 
that is a good debugging step.  The tuned circuit inductance consists of 
L30 in parallel with the red winding of T5 and the capacitance is made 
up of the varactors and capacitors switched in and out of the circuit by 
K13, K14 and K15.  That is really all there is to it as far as basic 
oscillation is concerned.
Once it oscillates, then you can consider the other appendages like 
the R30 voltage and the VFO ALC.

So, go over the circuit once again with that in mind.  There is a reason 
Q18 is not oscillating -  Several possibilities:  the green winding of 
T5 is wound backwards, the diodes are oriented backwards, The varactors 
are mounted backwards,  Q18 is oriented incorrectly, Q18 is damaged,

Note also that the path to TP1 includes U3 (which also could be 
failing).  Since you have an external frequency counter, check for 
oscillation at the source or Q18 rather than just at TP1.

You should first be trying to just get Q18 to oscillate.  Once that is 
working, the other parts come into play to make the frequency of 
oscillation correct.

73,
Don W3FPR



On 7/15/2012 3:44 AM, Matthew Ellis wrote:
 Hi,

 I'm struggling to track down an issue with the VCO test in part 2 of the
 alignment for my K2 (page 64 in my manual).

 The 4MHz Oscillator calibration looks OK as the frequency on TP3 shows
 as 12096hz stable (both on the internal test probe and an external freq
 counter).  The PLL test is in range as well.  But I get nothing (0hz) on
 TP1 for the VCO test with both the internal probe and a standalone
 frequency meter.

 I've checked and re-wound/re-fitted Transformer 5, gone over my assembly
 with a magnifying glass a few times (both top and bottom side of the
 pcb), confirmed all the components in the VCO area are present and
 correctly oriented.  I've also used a signal scanner on the i2c lines to
 confirm the pll ic is getting the 'change freq' instructions.  Most
 voltages appear good compared to the manual, although the voltage on Q16
 C and Q17 G is off (initially 8v then dropped to near 0v after i
 re-soldered the joints of resistor R9).  I have shorted C60 to
 completely bypass the VFO ALC (suggestion from Elecraft).

 All prior tests were fine, everything in expected range.  Also the
 correct frequency shows on pins 1 and 2 of U4 (MC145170), and voltages
 look good on U3,4  6.

 I'm in the UK, so sending it back to Elecraft is not my preferred option
 (time/cost).

 Has anyone got experience of issues in this area?

 Thanks,



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Cameron Haines]

Good morning,

I finally have my probe setup. Here is my readings which seem way off.

4 Mhz Oscillator Calibration = 1817.00 which should be reading 12090 +/- 30 kHz 
per manual

PLL Reference Range Test

Seems correct range but frequency is wrong as with Osc calibration.

VCO Test
 
3 - 4 kHz as opposed to 8 - 10 Mhz.

Any thoughts were I have gone wrong?

Thanks,
Cameron 
AE5UZ



 From: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
To: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
 

Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder why 
the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

Thanks David!



 From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
 
Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is actually 
oscillating?  

Dave K9SW



On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.
 
 
 Hey Guys,
 
 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator calibration 
 and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different frequency 
 counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been good. Checked 
 all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error message on 
 startup. 
 
 Any ideas where to go from here?
 
 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Don Wilhelm]

Cameron,

The first thing is to determine whether you have a problem with the 
counter probe or with the PLL reference oscillator.  Plug the probe into 
TP2 and expect a reading close to 4913 to 4916 kHz.  If that is true, 
the the probe is OK.

If the probe is good, then check the PLL crystal.  It should be a 12,096 
mHz crystal.
I do not know why it would oscillate at 1817 kHz, that has no 
relationship to the proper frequency.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/5/2012 12:47 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Good morning,

 I finally have my probe setup. Here is my readings which seem way off.

 4 Mhz Oscillator Calibration = 1817.00 which should be reading 12090 +/- 30 
 kHz per manual

 PLL Reference Range Test

 Seems correct range but frequency is wrong as with Osc calibration.

 VCO Test
   
 3 - 4 kHz as opposed to 8 - 10 Mhz.

 Any thoughts were I have gone wrong?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ


 
   From: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 To: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:40 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
   

 Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder why 
 the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

 Thanks David!


 
   From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
   
 Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is actually 
 oscillating?

 Dave K9SW



 On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.


 Hey Guys,

 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator calibration 
 and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different frequency 
 counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been good. 
 Checked all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error message 
 on startup.

 Any ideas where to go from here?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
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   http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Cameron Haines]

Don,

Probe is good and was at 4913 plus a few hz via TP2. Crystal in X1is the 12096 
crystal. I checked continuity and double checked solder joints all looks good. 
I still get the strange reading as before via TP2 however.

Cameron



 From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2012 12:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
 
Cameron,

The first thing is to determine whether you have a problem with the 
counter probe or with the PLL reference oscillator.  Plug the probe into 
TP2 and expect a reading close to 4913 to 4916 kHz.  If that is true, 
the the probe is OK.

If the probe is good, then check the PLL crystal.  It should be a 12,096 
mHz crystal.
I do not know why it would oscillate at 1817 kHz, that has no 
relationship to the proper frequency.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/5/2012 12:47 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Good morning,

 I finally have my probe setup. Here is my readings which seem way off.

 4 Mhz Oscillator Calibration = 1817.00 which should be reading 12090 +/- 30 
 kHz per manual

 PLL Reference Range Test

 Seems correct range but frequency is wrong as with Osc calibration.

 VCO Test
  
 3 - 4 kHz as opposed to 8 - 10 Mhz.

 Any thoughts were I have gone wrong?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ


 
   From: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 To: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:40 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
  

 Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder why 
 the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

 Thanks David!


 
   From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
  
 Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is actually 
 oscillating?

 Dave K9SW



 On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.


 Hey Guys,

 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator calibration 
 and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different frequency 
 counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been good. 
 Checked all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error message 
 on startup.

 Any ideas where to go from here?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help:
   http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Don Wilhelm]

Ok, initial data has been satisfied, and it has been determined that you 
have a problem.
1817 kHz does not relate to 12.096 kHz in any harmonic combination that 
I can find, so I conclude that your counter probe is measuring noise at TP1.

Recheck the soldering at all points for the PLL Reference - the 
components are indicated on the schematic sheet 1 of 4 at the back of 
the manual.



On 7/5/2012 1:53 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Don,

 Probe is good and was at 4913 plus a few hz via TP2. Crystal in X1is the 
 12096 crystal. I checked continuity and double checked solder joints all 
 looks good. I still get the strange reading as before via TP2 however.

 Cameron


 
   From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2012 12:20 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
   
 Cameron,

 The first thing is to determine whether you have a problem with the
 counter probe or with the PLL reference oscillator.  Plug the probe into
 TP2 and expect a reading close to 4913 to 4916 kHz.  If that is true,
 the the probe is OK.

 If the probe is good, then check the PLL crystal.  It should be a 12,096
 mHz crystal.
 I do not know why it would oscillate at 1817 kHz, that has no
 relationship to the proper frequency.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 On 7/5/2012 12:47 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Good morning,

 I finally have my probe setup. Here is my readings which seem way off.

 4 Mhz Oscillator Calibration = 1817.00 which should be reading 12090 +/- 30 
 kHz per manual

 PLL Reference Range Test

 Seems correct range but frequency is wrong as with Osc calibration.

 VCO Test

 3 - 4 kHz as opposed to 8 - 10 Mhz.

 Any thoughts were I have gone wrong?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ


 
 From: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 To: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:40 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3


 Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder 
 why the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

 Thanks David!


 
 From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

 Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is 
 actually oscillating?

 Dave K9SW



 On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.


 Hey Guys,

 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator 
 calibration and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different 
 frequency counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been 
 good. Checked all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error 
 message on startup.

 Any ideas where to go from here?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help:
 http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Cameron Haines]

Well, beating my head against the wall at this point. Went through that section 
in schematic and rechecked all component placement along with values. Checked 
all joints plus touched up a few places. Still same results. Checked on the 
meter what I could in so far as resistance and continuity all looks well. 



 From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2012 4:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
 
Ok, initial data has been satisfied, and it has been determined that you 
have a problem.
1817 kHz does not relate to 12.096 kHz in any harmonic combination that 
I can find, so I conclude that your counter probe is measuring noise at TP1.

Recheck the soldering at all points for the PLL Reference - the 
components are indicated on the schematic sheet 1 of 4 at the back of 
the manual.



On 7/5/2012 1:53 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Don,

 Probe is good and was at 4913 plus a few hz via TP2. Crystal in X1is the 
 12096 crystal. I checked continuity and double checked solder joints all 
 looks good. I still get the strange reading as before via TP2 however.

 Cameron


 
   From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2012 12:20 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
  
 Cameron,

 The first thing is to determine whether you have a problem with the
 counter probe or with the PLL reference oscillator.  Plug the probe into
 TP2 and expect a reading close to 4913 to 4916 kHz.  If that is true,
 the the probe is OK.

 If the probe is good, then check the PLL crystal.  It should be a 12,096
 mHz crystal.
 I do not know why it would oscillate at 1817 kHz, that has no
 relationship to the proper frequency.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 On 7/5/2012 12:47 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Good morning,

 I finally have my probe setup. Here is my readings which seem way off.

 4 Mhz Oscillator Calibration = 1817.00 which should be reading 12090 +/- 30 
 kHz per manual

 PLL Reference Range Test

 Seems correct range but frequency is wrong as with Osc calibration.

 VCO Test
    
 3 - 4 kHz as opposed to 8 - 10 Mhz.

 Any thoughts were I have gone wrong?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ


 
     From: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 To: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:40 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
    

 Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder 
 why the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

 Thanks David!


 
     From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
    
 Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is 
 actually oscillating?

 Dave K9SW



 On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.


 Hey Guys,

 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator 
 calibration and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different 
 frequency counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been 
 good. Checked all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error 
 message on startup.

 Any ideas where to go from here?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help:
     http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[David Moorman]

Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is actually 
oscillating?  

Dave K9SW



On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.
 
 
 Hey Guys,
 
 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator calibration 
 and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different frequency 
 counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been good. Checked 
 all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error message on 
 startup. 
 
 Any ideas where to go from here?
 
 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
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 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Don Wilhelm]

Cameron,

In order to calibrate the 4 MHz reference as stated, you must have a 
very accurate frequency counter (the first bullet), or you can listen 
with another calibrated receiver (2nd bullet), or you can just do as the 
3rd bullet indicates and set the C22 trimmer to center.  Whichever you 
use will not change the rest of your bringup of the K2.  When you have 
all bands working, I do encourage you to do a good dial frequency 
calibration - see my website www.w3fpr.com article for the procedure.

OK, now back to your problem.  I am not certain from your words, but I 
assume you read all zeros in the K2 display when you attempt CAL FCTR 
and the probe in TP3.  That may mean that the PLL reference oscillator 
is not working, or it could mean that your counter probe is not working.

If that is the case, try the probe in TP2 to see if you can read the BFO 
frequency.  If both TP2 and TP3 show all zeros, I would conclude that 
you have a faulty internal frequency probe or problems with Q9 and Q10 
on the Control Board.

If you have a good BFO frequency response at TP2, but all zeros at TP3, 
that means the PLL reference oscillator is not working.  Go to the 
schematic (RF Board sheet 1 of 4) and look in the upper left corner.  
The components shown there (over to but not including U4) are the ones 
you need to check for good soldering, and the diodes for proper 
orientation.  If you need help with diode orientation, look at the parts 
placement diagram in the back of the manual.  Then move on to the DC 
voltage measurements for Q19 to see if all looks well there.

You will need to get some reasonably proper frequency readout from TP3 
(The next and more important step is the PLL range which is the test in 
the right column).  That must be correct before moving on.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/3/2012 7:41 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Correction.


 Hey Guys,

 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator calibration 
 and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different frequency 
 counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been good. Checked 
 all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error message on 
 startup.

 Any ideas where to go from here?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
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 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Cameron Haines]

Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder why 
the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

Thanks David!



 From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
 
Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is actually 
oscillating?  

Dave K9SW



On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.
 
 
 Hey Guys,
 
 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator calibration 
 and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different frequency 
 counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been good. Checked 
 all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error message on 
 startup. 
 
 Any ideas where to go from here?
 
 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Don Wilhelm]

Cameron,

Read my last post carefully.  Then tell us whether you are seeing all 
zeros when plugged into TP3 and in CAL FCTR.  If you have all zeros, 
either your probe is bad or your PLL reference is not oscillating.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/3/2012 8:40 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder why 
 the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

 Thanks David!


 
   From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
   
 Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is actually 
 oscillating?

 Dave K9SW



 On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.


 Hey Guys,

 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator calibration 
 and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different frequency 
 counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been good. 
 Checked all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error message 
 on startup.

 Any ideas where to go from here?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Cameron Haines]

Don,

Great advice. I wasn't able to construct the probe for the frequency counter; 
missing the capacitor in the kit, either lost it or wasn't included. 

I decided to use a external counter instead. Now, if I simply jumper P6 to T2 
and T3, I do get a reading, though sure its inaccurate, but reading 
nonetheless. I will email Elecraft for missing capacitor. In the interim, do 
you have a suggestion or replacement cap that will give same or near results 
until part comes in or another work-around?

Cameron



 From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com 
Cc: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 8:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
 
Cameron,

Read my last post carefully.  Then tell us whether you are seeing all 
zeros when plugged into TP3 and in CAL FCTR.  If you have all zeros, 
either your probe is bad or your PLL reference is not oscillating.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/3/2012 8:40 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder why 
 the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

 Thanks David!


 
   From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
  
 Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is actually 
 oscillating?

 Dave K9SW



 On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.


 Hey Guys,

 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator calibration 
 and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different frequency 
 counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been good. 
 Checked all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error message 
 on startup.

 Any ideas where to go from here?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

[Don Wilhelm]

Cameron,

Yes, do get the capacitor for the probe, you will need it for your 
filter alignment even if you do not choose to follow my instructions for 
achieving good K2 Dial Calibration.  Any 10 pF capacitor will do, but 
the axial one is better physically - it fits nicely under the heat 
shrink.  I have a few counter probes with lumps because I substituted 
10 pF disc ceramics for the axial capacitors.  Note that I lose probes 
often - or more correctly, I leave them in my customer's K2s, so when I 
ger down to a qwuantity of one, I build another from whatever materials 
I have at hand - there is no magic it is just a shielded wire with a 
10 pF capacitor at the probe end. BTW, a #14 AWG wire fits the probe 
sockets very nicely if you are inclined toward building your own probe 
tip.  A small amount of grinding/filing will round the tip.

Just jumpering between CB P6 and RF board TP2 or TP3 can lead to 
erroneous readings because any DC present is not being blocked, and that 
can skew the readings.

If you have an external frequency counter, you can move on to the PLL 
range tests and the BFO range tests using the external counter rather 
than the internal one.  Don't worry about the 4 MHZ reference for now 
(it may end up being slightly different than exactly 4.0 MHZ) - just set 
the trimmer slot as indicated by bullet 3.



On 7/3/2012 9:33 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Don,

 Great advice. I wasn't able to construct the probe for the frequency counter; 
 missing the capacitor in the kit, either lost it or wasn't included.

 I decided to use a external counter instead. Now, if I simply jumper P6 to T2 
 and T3, I do get a reading, though sure its inaccurate, but reading 
 nonetheless. I will email Elecraft for missing capacitor. In the interim, do 
 you have a suggestion or replacement cap that will give same or near results 
 until part comes in or another work-around?

 Cameron


 
   From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 8:00 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3
   
 Cameron,

 Read my last post carefully.  Then tell us whether you are seeing all
 zeros when plugged into TP3 and in CAL FCTR.  If you have all zeros,
 either your probe is bad or your PLL reference is not oscillating.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 On 7/3/2012 8:40 PM, Cameron Haines wrote:
 Great suggestion. I can hear it a 4Mhz now.. from my Softrock SDR. Wonder 
 why the Freq counters couldn't pick it up however. hmm.

 Thanks David!


 
 From: David Moorman dmoorm...@comcast.net
 To: Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:03 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2  Alignment and Test, Part II - No signal on TP3

 Do you have a receiver you can listen on to see if the oscillator is 
 actually oscillating?

 Dave K9SW



 On Jul 3, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Cameron Haines camhai...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Correction.


 Hey Guys,

 Well, I am at the part where I need to test the 4 MHz oscillator 
 calibration and ran into a snag. I am not getting anything on two different 
 frequency counters when connected to TP3. Test up to this point have been 
 good. Checked all the components around X1 and all look correct. No error 
 message on startup.

 Any ideas where to go from here?

 Thanks,
 Cameron
 AE5UZ
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment and test, part III problem

[Don Wilhelm]

Bill,

For the headache, take 2 aspirin and call me in the morning! :-)

Since you do not have 8 volts on the anode of D7 during transmit, that 
says the 8T voltage rail is not producing voltage, and that 8T voltage 
is needed to power the transmit mixer and a few other transmit stages - 
so bottom line, it will not transmit without voltage on the 8T voltage rail.

The source of your problem is on the control board, and involves Q1 and 
Q3 as well as the TX output from the MCU.  During Transmit (or better a 
TUNE), the gate of Q3 should go to +5 volts, and its drain should go to 
zero volts.  If the gate of Q3 is at 5 volts and the drain does not go 
to zero volts, then Q3 is damaged.

The action of Q3 in turn should make Q1 conduct with the emitter at 
about 8 volts and the base at a lower voltage (by more than 0.6 volts) - 
in other words less than 7.4 volts on the base of Q1.  If those 
conditions are true, then Q1 will conduct and 8 volts will appear at the 
collector of Q1.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/2/2012 7:50 PM, William Schmidt wrote:
 I just finished up the RF board and am proceeding to the testing.  Much to my 
 dismay, however, I got no power output when I tried to
 adjust the 40 m BPF.  I'm getting 13.5 v to all of the collectors and I pull 
 220 ma on receive and 420 ma on tune.
 The RF detector resistors and diode are correct and the transformers look 
 good.
 With an RF probe I get zero volts on the xmit mixer output (U10 pin 4).
 So I went back further and did some basic voltage checks and found some 
 interesting results.  The key down voltage on the anode of D7 is
 0 v when it should be 8 v.  The anode voltage on D6 is 0.645 v on key down 
 instead of 0 v.  On receive it is 8v.

 I'm having some trouble getting my head around how this relates to my lack of 
 output power.  Another symptom I'm having is that the menu and display 
 controls cease to function when I plug in a straight key.  But they work ok 
 with a paddle attached.

 I feel a headache starting.  Any suggestions on how to proceed?

 Dazed and confused,
 Bill, WV1N
   
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment and test, part III problem

[Alan Davenport]

Bill, 
 
   I can answer your issue about the key. Make sure you use a STEREO plug. If 
you use a mono plug it will behave as you describe.
 
    Good luck with your no-power issue. I had the same thing which I eventually 
tracked down to a solder bridge on the control board. Hang in there.
 
    73 de Al, W2GZN
 


 From: William Schmidt fretj...@hotmail.com
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Friday, March 2, 2012 7:50 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 alignment and test, part III problem
  

I just finished up the RF board and am proceeding to the testing.  Much to my 
dismay, however, I got no power output when I tried to 
adjust the 40 m BPF.  I'm getting 13.5 v to all of the collectors and I pull 
220 ma on receive and 420 ma on tune.
The RF detector resistors and diode are correct and the transformers look 
good.  
With an RF probe I get zero volts on the xmit mixer output (U10 pin 4).
So I went back further and did some basic voltage checks and found some 
interesting results.  The key down voltage on the anode of D7 is 
0 v when it should be 8 v.  The anode voltage on D6 is 0.645 v on key down 
instead of 0 v.  On receive it is 8v.

I'm having some trouble getting my head around how this relates to my lack of 
output power.  Another symptom I'm having is that the menu and display controls 
cease to function when I plug in a straight key.  But they work ok with a 
paddle attached.

I feel a headache starting.  Any suggestions on how to proceed?

Dazed and confused, 
Bill, WV1N
                          
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment tool XG2 or XG3

[K1FFX]

I used the N-gen ... worked fine for initial alignment and, together with the
free
version of Spectrogram, worked very well for filter alignment.

Cheers -

Bruce


-
Bruce Rosen
K1FFX
K2/100 6982

--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-alignment-tool-XG2-or-XG3-tp7135796p7137278.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment

[Don Wilhelm]

Phil,

If the K2 has been properly aligned before (R30 voltages, bandpass 
filter tuning, L34 tuning, SSB carrier balance and AGC settings), those 
things should still be in good alignment unless something in those areas 
was repaired in the meantime.  K2s that I have worked on hold those 
settings even after several years.  I do find that many K2s have never 
been properly aligned, so make your decision on your confidence level 
for the prior alignment.

So I would suggest that you just do the C22 setting, CAL PLL and CAL FIL 
to get the dial calibration on target.  For what I believe is the 
easiest way to do that, go to my website www.w3fpr.com and look at my K2 
Dial Calibration article.  The use of Spectrogram or other audio 
spectrum analyzer to verify the proper tuning of WWV is highly recommended.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/22/2011 12:26 AM, Phillip Shepard wrote:
 I have a seven year old K2 that has not been aligned since the initial
 testing.  It works well, but I notice that the VFO is off a bit.  I'm 70Hz
 low on 40m, 100Hz low on 20m and 20Hz high on 15m, etc.  Given the age of
 the radio, is it recommended to do a full alignment, or should I just
 address the frequency issues?  What parts of the alignment procedures should
 I perform?  Thank you.

 73,
 Phil
 NS7P

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment Part II

[Dick Dievendorff]

Typically zero beat means getting the beat note down to zero, where you
hear no tone. 

In the days of AM transmission, you'd hear the beat note between the other
station and could get your transmitter onto the same frequency by keying
your transmitter (at low power) with a spot function, and then adjust your
transmitter VFO for the lowest possible beat note. If you were lucky and had
a good audio system and a fine-grained stable VFO, as the note got really
low you'd hear a rhythmic pulsing that you can adjust to very close to zero.

In other more modern use with CW, you hear two tones and you need to line
them up.  If you're asked to zero beat with another station on CW, you
want your transceiver side tone to match the other station's tone, and you
want the transceiver side tone to be offset appropriately to make this
happen.  Many transceivers have a PITCH control to set the CW offset tone
for user preference.  Some advanced transceivers have a CW Spot function
that adjusts the transceiver VFO to match the side tone, putting you on the
right frequency as another CW signal.  In SSB communications it's a little
harder, you have to tune your VFO so that the other guy speech sounds
natural.  If you don’t know the other guys' voice, you might tend to be off
a few cycles.  I can understand SSB signals at some distance from zero beat,
and in the heat of a contest I might not tune very accurately.  Fortunately
many others can understand this as well.

Some of us have more trouble than others matching two pitches.  People who
do this well scored high on the Navy Boot Camp Sonar aptitude test. Others
of us are tone deaf and cannot discern the difference between two notes
that don't differ by much.

Dick


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of David Dietrich
Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 12:30 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment Part II

Hi Everyone!

I am starting the second part of the K2 alignment.  I went and redid the
first part of the alignment because I tweaked R1 by accident.  Some of the
numbers came out different than the last time because I had more stuff on
the board.

I do have a question about the 4 MHz Oscillator Calibration:

This may sound like a stupid question, but what am I supposed to be
listening for on my receiver when I zero-beat to the crystal?  I am hearing
a tone, and it changes when I adjust C22, but I am not sure to what tone I
need to adjust it to.

Any clarification on this would be great!

Thanks  73,

David
KC9EHQ
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment Part II

[Don Wilhelm]

David,

Bypass that - that initial 4 MHz Oscillator Test is just to make 
certain the 4 MHz oscillator is working.
What you are doing is comparing the 4 MHz oscillator output to what the 
firmware thinks is a 4 MHz source.  So as long as it is oscillating, 
the test will always pass.

If calibration of the 4 MHz oscillator is your goal, and you have the K2 
capable of receiving WWV (or some other station of known frequency), go 
to my website www.w3fpr.com and look at the K2 Dial Calibration 
article.  The N6KR method will provide you with precise setting of C22 
with no external equipment, and that method compensates for any 
variables in the various oscillators involved.

The use of Spectrogram or other audio spectrum analyzer software to 
detect the tones transmitted by WWV is strongly recommended.  Tuning to 
the standard station correctly is the key to success when using that 
procedure.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/27/2011 3:30 PM, David Dietrich wrote:
 Hi Everyone!

 I am starting the second part of the K2 alignment.  I went and redid the 
 first part of the alignment because I tweaked R1 by accident.  Some of the 
 numbers came out different than the last time because I had more stuff on the 
 board.

 I do have a question about the 4 MHz Oscillator Calibration:

 This may sound like a stupid question, but what am I supposed to be listening 
 for on my receiver when I zero-beat to the crystal?  I am hearing a tone, and 
 it changes when I adjust C22, but I am not sure to what tone I need to adjust 
 it to.

 Any clarification on this would be great!

 Thanks  73,

 David
 KC9EHQ
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment with Signal Generator?

[Don Wilhelm]

Jim,

If everything is built correctly, alignment can proceed with no hitches 
or additional equipment.  A signal generator is quite handy if you run 
into difficulties and need to do some troubleshooting.

For alignment of the bandpass filters during receive, a noise generator 
like the Elecraft N-gen can actually work better than the XG3, and the 
N-Gen along with a Spectrogram display is the easiest way to align the 
IF filters for optimum performance - (see the K2 Dial Calibration 
article on my website www.w3fpr.com for the complete procedure).

The receiver bandpass tuning is not as critical as peaking those filters 
during transmit (which will come later)

The XG3 (or the XG1 or XG2 for that matter) provides a calibrated 
amplitude source that you can use for setting the S-meter deflection.

The XG3 can function as a very good generalized signal generator (when 
used with the XG3 Utility) and for that it is a bargain at its price.

What I am saying is that you can accomplish the K2 tuning with no signal 
generator at all, but the N-Gen makes the IF filter alignment easier 
(when used with Spectrogram) because you can see the entire passband and 
place it as desired - but often just listening on an empty and noisy 
band will work the same as using the N-Gen..

  The XG3 has many other uses around the shack that make it worth the 
investment if you will be doing any receiver work (particularly 
Troubleshooting using Signal Tracing) in the future.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/10/2011 3:56 PM, Jim Stephens wrote:
 Happily building K2 #7141.  Reading ahead to the alignment sections.  At
 various places the use of a signal generator is suggested (or an alternative
 procedure is described).  Will I get a better or more precise alignment if
 I use a signal generator?  If so, assume the XG3 would work well?  Willing
 to buy same if using it improves the alignment process.  Thanks for any
 feedback.

 Jim Stephens, NX8Z
 Hurricane, West Virginia, USA

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment part 2 question

[Don Wilhelm]

  Ron,

Yes, the frequency should not revert to the high reading - it should stay.
Check the soldering at RF Board U5 carefully for solder bridges and also 
J8 pins 15 and 16.  Then on the control board check U6 pins 19 and 20 as 
well as J8 pins 15 and 16.  Make certain all those points are well 
soldered.  If there is excess solder, wick it away and re-flow the 
solder with a hot soldering iron (750 degF or higher)

What I suspect is happening is that the DAC2CS digital signal is going 
low at times it should not because it is shorted to another digital line.

If you find nothing in those areas, ask again and I will give you some 
other checks that you can do in the analog realm.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/8/2011 12:39 AM, R Thompson wrote:
   I'm doing the alignment at the end of part 2 of the assembly.  So
 far all seems to be well.  There is a quirky little thing that I wanted
 to ask about.

   From page 63, PLL Reference Oscillator Range Test, step 3.

 When you're in frequency counter mode, the BAND+ and BAND- switches can
 be used to check the range of the PLL reference oscillator.  First, tap
 BAND+ and write down the frequency reading below (typically about 12100
 KHz).  Then tap BAND- and write down this frequency reading (typically
 12080-12090 KHz).

   The range is fine, 13.25 KHz, but I noticed that when I tapped the
 BAND- switch that the Ref. Low Freq. was only displayed for a short
 time, from a fraction of a second to a couple of seconds, and then the
 screen went back to the Ref. High Freq..  I was expecting the Ref. Low
 Freq. to stay displayed until BAND+ was tapped again, as it does for the
 BFO Test on page 65.

   Is this normal behaviour for this test?  If not, is it anything to
 be concerned about?

   Thanks,

 Ron VE8RT

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment part 2 question

[R Thompson]

Hi Don,

I took it in to work today, to use some of the test gear during my
lunch hour.  U5 pin 3 (LD/CS) looks good.  There is a steady high on
this pin (measurements made on the IC pins, not on the board, to rule
out soldering problems at the board) with good well shaped pulses
pulling it low.  Pulses on pin 2, DIN, appear to be OK.  VOUT on pin 7
makes sharp transitions between the high and low states.  Unfortunately
I was working with only one scope probe, I really wanted to see if there
was a second DAC2CS pulse on pin 3 that coincided with the undesired
toggle back to the high state (on VOUT), but failed to catch it.  My
lunch time is too short, I used some of it to go over the Part II
alignment using the calibrated shop gear.

   At the moment, it appears to me that it may be software or digital
problem.  The software level on my PIC is 2.04R.

   Any thoughts?  Everything else in the part II alignment went well, no
problems, error codes, or other discrepancies of any kind, thankfully.

   Ron VE8RT

On Fri, 2011-07-08 at 08:13 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 Ron,
 
 Yes, the frequency should not revert to the high reading - it should stay.
 Check the soldering at RF Board U5 carefully for solder bridges and also 
 J8 pins 15 and 16.  Then on the control board check U6 pins 19 and 20 as 
 well as J8 pins 15 and 16.  Make certain all those points are well 
 soldered.  If there is excess solder, wick it away and re-flow the 
 solder with a hot soldering iron (750 degF or higher)
 
 What I suspect is happening is that the DAC2CS digital signal is going 
 low at times it should not because it is shorted to another digital line.
 
 If you find nothing in those areas, ask again and I will give you some 
 other checks that you can do in the analog realm.
 
 73,
 Don W3FPR
 
 On 7/8/2011 12:39 AM, R Thompson wrote:
I'm doing the alignment at the end of part 2 of the assembly.  So
  far all seems to be well.  There is a quirky little thing that I wanted
  to ask about.
 
From page 63, PLL Reference Oscillator Range Test, step 3.
 
  When you're in frequency counter mode, the BAND+ and BAND- switches can
  be used to check the range of the PLL reference oscillator.  First, tap
  BAND+ and write down the frequency reading below (typically about 12100
  KHz).  Then tap BAND- and write down this frequency reading (typically
  12080-12090 KHz).
 
The range is fine, 13.25 KHz, but I noticed that when I tapped the
  BAND- switch that the Ref. Low Freq. was only displayed for a short
  time, from a fraction of a second to a couple of seconds, and then the
  screen went back to the Ref. High Freq..  I was expecting the Ref. Low
  Freq. to stay displayed until BAND+ was tapped again, as it does for the
  BFO Test on page 65.
 
Is this normal behaviour for this test?  If not, is it anything to
  be concerned about?
 
Thanks,
 
  Ron VE8RT
 
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment part 2 question

[Don Wilhelm]

  Ron,

It is very difficult to detect a 2nd pulse on the DAC2CS signal with a 
regular 'scope - a digital 'scope that is conditioned to trigger on 
events where DAC2CS goes low is required to capture the culprit.

Did you confirm that U5 pin 7 goes to a high state and stays there when 
BAND- is tapped?
It should do that.  If it stays high for a while and then goes low, the 
problem has to be that the DAC2CS went low in the interim period.

Failure of parts in any kit is a rare thing.  Assembly problems are the 
usual cause of failures.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/8/2011 7:39 PM, R Thompson wrote:
 Hi Don,

  I took it in to work today, to use some of the test gear during my
 lunch hour.  U5 pin 3 (LD/CS) looks good.  There is a steady high on
 this pin (measurements made on the IC pins, not on the board, to rule
 out soldering problems at the board) with good well shaped pulses
 pulling it low.  Pulses on pin 2, DIN, appear to be OK.  VOUT on pin 7
 makes sharp transitions between the high and low states.  Unfortunately
 I was working with only one scope probe, I really wanted to see if there
 was a second DAC2CS pulse on pin 3 that coincided with the undesired
 toggle back to the high state (on VOUT), but failed to catch it.  My
 lunch time is too short, I used some of it to go over the Part II
 alignment using the calibrated shop gear.

 At the moment, it appears to me that it may be software or digital
 problem.  The software level on my PIC is 2.04R.

 Any thoughts?  Everything else in the part II alignment went well, no
 problems, error codes, or other discrepancies of any kind, thankfully.

 Ron VE8RT

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment with Spectrogram

[Fred Jensen]

On 5/3/2011 9:39 AM, Jim Faulkner wrote:

 There is a lot of noise riding on the signal, maybe 5dB-10dB worth.

I had to unplug my laptop and run on battery because of the noise coming 
from the switching brick power supply.  The mic input on my sound card 
is pretty low level and to get rid of all the noise, I had to mute it 
and use the line in jack with a 10:1 divider in the cable and the K2 
audio turned up.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011
- www.cqp.org
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment with Spectrogram

[Don Wilhelm]

  Jim,

You may be picking up noise on your soundcard input cable.
The only thing you really need to see are the skirts of the passband (so 
you can discern the center for CW and the proper placement of the low 
frequency skirt close to 300 Hz for the SSB filters) - most everything 
else can be ignored for the purpose of aligning the filters.  In other 
words, you are not analyzing all aspects of the audio signal, just 
determining where the passband is.  You should have only noise coming 
into the K2.  If there is a signal present, it will only confuse the 
display and make things more difficult.

For the L34 adjustment, tune to the birdie at 7000 kHz - turn the preamp 
on so it is more pronounced.
Use something close to a 700 Hz wide filter.  Then first adjust L34 so 
the signal spike goes up as far as possible - then tune around that 
point (about a turn either direction) while observing the high frequency 
end of the audio spectral display to see if you can reduce the noise 
level there without reducing the height of the signal spike.  If you do 
not observe any difference, leave L34 set at the peak for the spike.

That is all there is to it.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/3/2011 12:39 PM, Jim Faulkner wrote:
 My K2 S/N 5149 has been up and running well for about 5 years. I finally
 decided to check out the filter alignment using Spectrogram. I
 downloaded v.16, and am running it through Wine since I'm using Ubuntu
 as an operating system. I couldn't get the version on Tom's page to run
 this way, and right now, I don't have easy access to a Windows machine.


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment with Spectrogram

[Jim Faulkner]

Don,

Thanks a lot. It appears that I'm probably over-thinking this. I'm using
my n-gen for a source, and I can identify the skirts. I did as you
suggested with L-34, and then adjusted it again using my ears. With
Spectrogram, as I adjusted the height of the peak of the spike, the
noise on the signal did not ever change. Using my ears I could tell that
the noise was being reduced, so you're probably right about picking up
the noise between the rig and computer. 

L-34 is still maxed out. I wonder if that's a problem, and if there
would be more to be gained if there were more adjustment, or should I
just declare victory, and move on?

73, Jim KO5V

On Tue, 2011-05-03 at 13:32 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 Jim,
 
 You may be picking up noise on your soundcard input cable.
 The only thing you really need to see are the skirts of the passband (so 
 you can discern the center for CW and the proper placement of the low 
 frequency skirt close to 300 Hz for the SSB filters) - most everything 
 else can be ignored for the purpose of aligning the filters.  In other 
 words, you are not analyzing all aspects of the audio signal, just 
 determining where the passband is.  You should have only noise coming 
 into the K2.  If there is a signal present, it will only confuse the 
 display and make things more difficult.
 
 For the L34 adjustment, tune to the birdie at 7000 kHz - turn the preamp 
 on so it is more pronounced.
 Use something close to a 700 Hz wide filter.  Then first adjust L34 so 
 the signal spike goes up as far as possible - then tune around that 
 point (about a turn either direction) while observing the high frequency 
 end of the audio spectral display to see if you can reduce the noise 
 level there without reducing the height of the signal spike.  If you do 
 not observe any difference, leave L34 set at the peak for the spike.
 
 That is all there is to it.
 
 73,
 Don W3FPR

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment

[David Pratt]

Nothing to worry about, Ian.  The KAT3 automatically reduces the power
while tuning up to protect the relays.  But you do need to set the power
control to over about 5W or else you will get a Lo P warning, which
indicates that the power is set too low for the KAT3 to perform the
tuning operation.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Ian Liston-Smith ian...@hotmail.co.uk writes

The power output varies sometimes when [TUNE] is selected. Set to 2W
and sometimes it's about 1.5W and sometimes 2.5W.
-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds, England |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment

[Don Wilhelm]

  Ian,

What you are seeing in TUNE is normal.  The power control is not as 
responsive in TUNE as it is in normal operation.
There is a reason for it - think of those using a manual tuner.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/13/2010 6:28 AM, Ian Liston-Smith wrote:
 K2 s/n 6905

 I have just got to the 40-metre TX alignment and peaked up L1/L2; minor 
 issue/observation.

 The power output varies sometimes when [TUNE] is selected. Set to 2W and 
 sometimes it's about 1.5W and sometimes 2.5W.

 I've checked the output on a 20 MHz scope and there is no obvious 
 instability. Battery 11.7, volts current about 1.26A when on higher output 
 and about 1.1A when it's jumped to the lower output. I have not seen this 
 change during TUNE, just when hitting TUNE, rx, TUNE, etc.

 When adjusting the power control and looking at the output on the scope, 
 there are discrete jumps rather than a smooth variation. Presumably this is 
 normal, but if the power setting is set on the edge of a 'jump' then maybe 
 this is to be expected...? Seems a bit strange is this is the case. Maybe it 
 does not occur in normal use?

 I have had a quick look in the archive (power varies) but not found 
 anything that really matches these symptoms.

 Any thoughts?

 Thanks and regards,

 Ian, G4JQT


   
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment problem at 10/12m

[Andy Webster]

After finding some time to look at the transmit signal tracing with the RF 
probe it looks like I have a problem in the bandpass filter for 10/12m 
although the power output on 10m looks OK at the moment... The measurements 
from the xmit mixer out do indeed vary widely so I'll list them here in case 
this indicates another problem (I did 40m for reference as in the manual and 
12m and 10m as these are my suspect bands):

Xmit Mixer Output:  1.2mV (40m)   180mV (12m)   25mV (10m)

Buffer Output:  53mV (40m)   1600mV (12m)   450mV (10m)

BPF output:   15.3mV (40m)   0.3mV (12m)   50mV (10m)

...so the values do vary widely between bands (do these look reasonable?) 
and the 12m tx path clearly falls over at the BPF. Interestingly 10m doesn't 
seem to suffer the same effect so the big question is what is different 
between 12m and 10m?

Although 10m and 12m use the same BPF and LPF sections, there are relay 
clicks when switching between these two bands - what is happening there?

I've swapped the tuning capacitors (C44 and C46) with the other tuning caps 
from the 15/17m BPF area and the fault didn't move.

I've lost count of the times I've inspected the area around the BPF for any 
visible faults and I'll admit to a certain degree of frustration now...

...any ideas anyone?

Thanks again,

Andy
G7UHN

--
From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
Sent: Monday, July 05, 2010 11:13 PM
To: Andy Webster elecr...@alloutput.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment problem at 10/12m

 Andy,

 Are you peaking the inductors for 10 meters before you peak the trimmers
 on 12 meters?  That is the required order for the bandpass filters - of
 the band pairs, the inductors must be peaked first and then the 
 capacitors.

 On your 10 meter problem, check all the components in the Low Pass
 Filter again.  Re-count the turns on the toroids making certain you
 count the number of times the wire passes through the center of the core.
 Normally high current messages combined with low power output point to a
 problem either with T4 or the LPF.

 Does the power start to drop off on all the higher frequency bands?
 With a 13.8 volt supply, the normal power output from a well constructed
 K2 will be above 14 watts on all except 10 meters and possibly 12
 meters.  If the power drops off for bands below 12 meters, look
 carefully at T4 - the bare link wires should go straight through one
 hole of the core (not wrapped around).

 When you find your 'scope probe, you can investigate the RF Voltage at
 various points along the transmit chain (build the RF Probe from the
 parts in the K2 kit if you can't find the probe, or it is not a 10X
 probe).  You can compare a working band with a non-working band at each
 point.

 While looking at the RF voltage levels, keep in mind how the K2 does the
 power control - it samples the output, and if not up to the requested
 power, the microprocessor increases drive in an attempt to provide more
 output.  That means you will have HIGHER than the expected RF Voltages
 at every point that is OK - the problem will be found just before the
 point where the RF voltage drops substantially.
 Set the power at 5 watts for that Signal Tracing, and refer to the
 Transmit Signal Tracing portion of the Troubleshooting Appendix in the
 back of the K2 manual for the expected values and test points.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 Andy Webster wrote:
 Hello all,

 First up I'd like to say what a superb kit the K2 is, I've really enjoyed 
 the time spent quietly soldering away and the instructions are first 
 class with some great finishing touches (all the resistors in sequence on 
 a custom strip - what will they think of next!). It's a shame it's nearly 
 over...

 Anyway, I have a problem on the final part of alignment. All of the lower 
 bands seem fine on both pre-alignment (receive signals peaked for signal 
 strength) and transmitter alignment (filters peaked for ~2W output) 
 except on 12m and 10m bands.

 On 12m the receiver is very quiet (although I can hear a broadcast 
 station to try and peak the filter against) and there seems to be little 
 effect when adjusting C44 and C46. On transmit into a dummy load there is 
 consistently only 0.2-0.3W showing.

 On 10m the receiver seems OK (receiving some strong CW) and L12 and L13 
 can be peaked for maximum response but transmit into the dummy load is 
 hit and miss, sometimes approx. 2W, sometime it shows a High Current 
 warning and displays around 10-15W before I quickly deselect Tune.

 Obviously these two bands share filters so my attention is drawn there 
 but I thought I'd float the exact symptoms at the collective while I 
 search for my 'scope probe. I've closely inspected the band pass and LPF 
 areas for faults and resoldered all the joints just in case of a dodgy 
 one to no avail. The number of turns on the LPF toroids is correct. Does 
 the different behaviour

Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment problem at 10/12m

[Alexey Kats]

You should hear relay clicks because they are switching trimming
capacitors in and out when you switch between 10m and 12m. Out of
curiosity, could it be a faulty relay somewhere in the band pass
filter area? If it cannot connect both trimming capacitors to the
filter when you switch to 12m it might explain why you cannot peak BP
filter on proper frequency and it would cause output power to be low
while still having internal RF voltages high.

On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 6:36 AM, Andy Webster elecr...@alloutput.com wrote:
 Although 10m and 12m use the same BPF and LPF sections, there are relay
 clicks when switching between these two bands - what is happening there?

-- 
Alexey Kats (neko)
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment problem at 10/12m

[Don Wilhelm]

Andy,

That is indeed strange.  Yes from your readings it would *seem* that 
there is a bandpass filter problem on 12 meters.
The only thing that changes (other than the frequency) between 10 meters 
and 12 meters is that relay K3 switches to ground the trimmer capacitors 
C44 and C46.

Do you have a signal source for 12 meters?  Another transmitter working 
into a dummy load?  If so, peak the 12 meter BPF on receive while 
listening to that signal source.  If you find a peak, then you know the 
BPF is tuning properly.  Peak 10 meters first using about 2 watts of 
power into a dummy load, and then peak the 12 meter bandpass on 
receive.  If you cannnot hear the 12 meter signal source, then check the 
VCO frequency (see below).

So, check the VCO frequency at TP1 while the K2 is tuned to the low end 
of 12 meters - use CAL FCTR and you should see something near 19,975 kHz.

If the VCO frequency is correct, then check the values of the components 
between the buffer output and the input of the bandpass filter.
R33, C54, RFC13 and C55  Check the values carefully and make certain 
they are well soldered.

Is the RF voltage at the cathode of D6 and D7 about the same as the 
output of the BPF?  If so, the BPF is OK and you have a problem in the 
components between the Buffer and the BPF.  An incorrect value for RFC13 
or an incorrect capacitor C54 or C55 could act like a series resonant 
trap at 12 meters and 'suck' all the 12 meter signal away before it gets 
to the BPF.

73,
Don W3FPR

Andy Webster wrote:
 After finding some time to look at the transmit signal tracing with the RF 
 probe it looks like I have a problem in the bandpass filter for 10/12m 
 although the power output on 10m looks OK at the moment... The measurements 
 from the xmit mixer out do indeed vary widely so I'll list them here in case 
 this indicates another problem (I did 40m for reference as in the manual and 
 12m and 10m as these are my suspect bands):

 Xmit Mixer Output:  1.2mV (40m)   180mV (12m)   25mV (10m)

 Buffer Output:  53mV (40m)   1600mV (12m)   450mV (10m)

 BPF output:   15.3mV (40m)   0.3mV (12m)   50mV (10m)

 ...so the values do vary widely between bands (do these look reasonable?) 
 and the 12m tx path clearly falls over at the BPF. Interestingly 10m doesn't 
 seem to suffer the same effect so the big question is what is different 
 between 12m and 10m?

 Although 10m and 12m use the same BPF and LPF sections, there are relay 
 clicks when switching between these two bands - what is happening there?

 I've swapped the tuning capacitors (C44 and C46) with the other tuning caps 
 from the 15/17m BPF area and the fault didn't move.

 I've lost count of the times I've inspected the area around the BPF for any 
 visible faults and I'll admit to a certain degree of frustration now...

 ...any ideas anyone?

 Thanks again,

 Andy
 G7UHN

 --
 From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
 Sent: Monday, July 05, 2010 11:13 PM
 To: Andy Webster elecr...@alloutput.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment problem at 10/12m

   
 Andy,

 Are you peaking the inductors for 10 meters before you peak the trimmers
 on 12 meters?  That is the required order for the bandpass filters - of
 the band pairs, the inductors must be peaked first and then the 
 capacitors.

 On your 10 meter problem, check all the components in the Low Pass
 Filter again.  Re-count the turns on the toroids making certain you
 count the number of times the wire passes through the center of the core.
 Normally high current messages combined with low power output point to a
 problem either with T4 or the LPF.

 Does the power start to drop off on all the higher frequency bands?
 With a 13.8 volt supply, the normal power output from a well constructed
 K2 will be above 14 watts on all except 10 meters and possibly 12
 meters.  If the power drops off for bands below 12 meters, look
 carefully at T4 - the bare link wires should go straight through one
 hole of the core (not wrapped around).

 When you find your 'scope probe, you can investigate the RF Voltage at
 various points along the transmit chain (build the RF Probe from the
 parts in the K2 kit if you can't find the probe, or it is not a 10X
 probe).  You can compare a working band with a non-working band at each
 point.

 While looking at the RF voltage levels, keep in mind how the K2 does the
 power control - it samples the output, and if not up to the requested
 power, the microprocessor increases drive in an attempt to provide more
 output.  That means you will have HIGHER than the expected RF Voltages
 at every point that is OK - the problem will be found just before the
 point where the RF voltage drops substantially.
 Set the power at 5 watts for that Signal Tracing, and refer to the
 Transmit Signal Tracing portion of the Troubleshooting Appendix in the
 back of the K2 manual for the expected values and test

Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment problem at 10/12m

[Don Wilhelm]

Andy,

Are you peaking the inductors for 10 meters before you peak the trimmers 
on 12 meters?  That is the required order for the bandpass filters - of 
the band pairs, the inductors must be peaked first and then the capacitors.

On your 10 meter problem, check all the components in the Low Pass 
Filter again.  Re-count the turns on the toroids making certain you 
count the number of times the wire passes through the center of the core.
Normally high current messages combined with low power output point to a 
problem either with T4 or the LPF.

Does the power start to drop off on all the higher frequency bands?  
With a 13.8 volt supply, the normal power output from a well constructed 
K2 will be above 14 watts on all except 10 meters and possibly 12 
meters.  If the power drops off for bands below 12 meters, look 
carefully at T4 - the bare link wires should go straight through one 
hole of the core (not wrapped around).

When you find your 'scope probe, you can investigate the RF Voltage at 
various points along the transmit chain (build the RF Probe from the 
parts in the K2 kit if you can't find the probe, or it is not a 10X 
probe).  You can compare a working band with a non-working band at each 
point.

While looking at the RF voltage levels, keep in mind how the K2 does the 
power control - it samples the output, and if not up to the requested 
power, the microprocessor increases drive in an attempt to provide more 
output.  That means you will have HIGHER than the expected RF Voltages 
at every point that is OK - the problem will be found just before the 
point where the RF voltage drops substantially.
Set the power at 5 watts for that Signal Tracing, and refer to the 
Transmit Signal Tracing portion of the Troubleshooting Appendix in the 
back of the K2 manual for the expected values and test points.

73,
Don W3FPR

Andy Webster wrote:
 Hello all,

 First up I'd like to say what a superb kit the K2 is, I've really enjoyed the 
 time spent quietly soldering away and the instructions are first class with 
 some great finishing touches (all the resistors in sequence on a custom strip 
 - what will they think of next!). It's a shame it's nearly over...

 Anyway, I have a problem on the final part of alignment. All of the lower 
 bands seem fine on both pre-alignment (receive signals peaked for signal 
 strength) and transmitter alignment (filters peaked for ~2W output) except on 
 12m and 10m bands.

 On 12m the receiver is very quiet (although I can hear a broadcast station to 
 try and peak the filter against) and there seems to be little effect when 
 adjusting C44 and C46. On transmit into a dummy load there is consistently 
 only 0.2-0.3W showing.

 On 10m the receiver seems OK (receiving some strong CW) and L12 and L13 can 
 be peaked for maximum response but transmit into the dummy load is hit and 
 miss, sometimes approx. 2W, sometime it shows a High Current warning and 
 displays around 10-15W before I quickly deselect Tune.

 Obviously these two bands share filters so my attention is drawn there but I 
 thought I'd float the exact symptoms at the collective while I search for my 
 'scope probe. I've closely inspected the band pass and LPF areas for faults 
 and resoldered all the joints just in case of a dodgy one to no avail. The 
 number of turns on the LPF toroids is correct. Does the different behaviour 
 of the two bands on tune tx indicate a more specific area for attention?

 Next step for me is to run a scope along the signal path but appreciate any 
 thoughts as to schoolboy errors I have obviously made...

   
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II results with missing resistor

[Don Wilhelm]

Bob,

Those 2 resistors are not likely to change any of the alignments 
significantly, but do swap them because they could change the stability 
of the VFO.

With respect to the 4 MHz Reference alignment, I would encourage you to 
re-do that anyway after the K2 is complete.  Your attempts to set it at 
exactly 4 MHz, while good, do not assure you of accurate dial 
calibration.  After you have everything together and working, I 
encourage you to do the steps in the K2 Dial Calibration article on my 
website www.w3fpr.com.  You will not need an external frequency counter 
at all, but you will want to use Spectrogram or some other audio 
spectrum analyzer to get it just right and align your filters as well 
(an important part of the overall process).  The settings in the manual 
will get your filters 'in the ballpark', but they do need to be 
refined.  Wait until you have the KSB2 and the K160RX and the K60XV 
options installed if indeed you will be installing those options.

73,
Don W3FPR

Bob G. wrote:
 After successfully completing Part II of the receiver alignment and test I
 look back and see where I skipped R29 (10k) on the RF board bottom side.  I
 installed R29's resistor at R19 instead.  So R29 was empty and R19 held a
 10k instead of 2.7k.  Your most excellent method of orienting the resistors
 in a strip raised the red flag for me when I started installing resistors
 again.  So much for my careful review and inspection.  The Part II alignment
 came out excellent.  Do these two errors affect the alignment results such
 that I need to go back and do the session over again?  I hope it did not
 affect the 4 MHz Oscillator Calibration - I worked hard to find and use an
 external counter and hope not to re-do it.  Thanks for any thoughts.

 Bob Gordon
 KE5WZK
 K2 S/N 6667
   
   
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II Question

[Don Wilhelm]

Ken,

That is not normal - but you may not be able to discern the peak if you 
are using band noise for the alignment.
Check the orientation of D1 and D2, D3 and D4 in the T/R switch.  Check 
the soldering for the above components as well as R38.
If you do not find anything revealing, check the resistance between pins 
7 and 8 of K1 - it should be close to zero when 40 meters is selected.
Check the soldering of L2, C7 and C8 as well as C6.
If you have the rework eliminators installed, did you plug in the K60XV 
unpcb?

73,
Don W3FPR

KEN wrote:
 Hello all,

 Page 6440-Meter Band Pass Alignment..

 I can get get good peak with L1 but rotating L2 thru it's complete range 
 yields no peak or dip at all.

 Is this normal? L1 and L2 are mirror images as far as surrounding parts go.


 Thanks, Ken, W2GIW
   

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part II questions

[Don Wilhelm]

Ken,

That information is a bit sketchy - I don't know the accuracy of your 
frequency counter.  Did the CAL FCTR frequency display change at all 
when adjusting C22?  If it did not change at all, then you may have a 
faulty C22 (it does not change capacity), but if it did change, then I 
will ask again about your confidence in your external counter's accuracy.

Your PLL range seems to be OK, and yes the BFO range is a bit on the 
high side, but that may change a bit once you are able to get the C22 
adjustment correct.

In any case, you can continue the build while the problem is being 
discussed and (hopefully) resolved.  The correct C22 setting will affect 
the dial calibration accuracy, but other than that, the other functions 
will still work fine business even though the frequency display may be a 
bit in error.

Just remember these items, and if necessary, resolve them later.

Once you have completed the K2, and can receive 10 MHz WWV, you can set 
the 4 MHz reference oscillator very accurately using only the K2 and WWV 
(which removes many variables).  See my website www.w3fpr.com article on 
K2 dial calibration for the details of how to do that.  The instructions 
in the manual are OK, but are written assuming no external equipment 
(and no complex instructions).  It is worth going the 'extra mile' to 
get things better than that obtained by the manual instructions.

73,
Don W3FPR


KEN wrote:
 Hello all,

 Page 60 the 4MHZ Oscillator Calibration, shows 12089 on my freq counter at 
 TP3. I can't get C22 to go above 12050 to match the 12089...Is this a 
 problem?  

 PLL Reference Oscillator Range..high 12098.99low 12086.21.

 BFO Test.high 4917.26low 4912.89. Low range is a bit high, supposed 
 to be less than 4912.7..Is this a problem?

 Thanks, Ken W2GIW
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment problem 20m and 17m

[Don Wilhelm]

Guido,

I would first look at the bandpass filter - on 20 meters, capacitors C28 
and C29 and trimmers C21 and C23.  The symptoms sound like a bad solder 
connection.
For the 17 meter problem, check trimmer capacitors C32 and C34.  If that 
does not produce results, then check the VFO frequency when tuned to 
18000 kHz, it should be 22915 kHz (use the internal counter probe 
plugged into TP1 and CAL FCTR  to check the frequency if you have no 
external counter.

73,
Don W3FPR

DM1GP - Dr. Guido Pelz wrote:
 Dear K2 specialists,

 I recently finished my K2 with (more or less) no problems. Everything is
 fine, expect the transmitter alignment for 17m and 20m. Here are the 
 symptoms
 found while doing the alignment with 2W output in tune mode:

 1. On 20m, the output power is rapidly changing between 0.1 and about 9W.
 2. On 17m, I have a problem reaching 2W output. The maximum I get is 0.5W.

 Any idea?

 73,

 Guido - DM1GP
   

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Testing Part 1 Troubles

[Ken K3IU]

G'morning Curt:

Sorry I can't help you with your specific problem, but PLEASE don't 
think that this list is mainly for K3 owners. It may look like it at 
times, but this list was here long before the K3 was even announced and 
is open to any and all issues related to any Elecraft product. It is 
certainly appropriate to pose your K2 related query here.


Hope that the new MCU fixes your problem.

73,
Ken K3IU
~
Curt wrote:
I know this list is mainly for K3 owners.  Still notice few postings 
for K2, so am hoping for some help.


I am having a rather vexing time with Alignment  Testing Phase 1.  My 
problem is that all of the front-panel controls and display work as 
they should EXCEPT for the Menu/Edit button.  The button press is 
making it to U2, can see the voltage change on pin 6. All the chip 
voltage checks seem normal.  I have performed the master reset 
operation, it proceeds as expected but doesn't fix the problem.  One 
additional behavior noted is that if the K2 rests overnight without 
power connected, then the Menu button is pushed immediately after 
power-up and initialization is completed ( 7.100 c on display ), the 
st L 40 appears.  Usually this will only work once or twice,  
thereafter it stops working.  Elecraft is sending a new MCU, but 
somehow I suspect this isn't the problem because everything else seems 
to be working so well.


Has anyone else experienced this problem, or does anyone have advice 
about how to determine the root cause of the problem ?


73, Curt KB5JO
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Testing Part 1 Troubles

[Don Wilhelm]

Curt,

This list is for *Elecraft* owners, and those interested in any Elecraft 
gear.  That includes the KX1, K1, K2, transverters, KRC2, the 
mini-modules and yes, the K3.  Discussion about the K3 has filled the 
reflector contents of late, but there are others asking about the other 
products.


Have you considered that you might have a bad pushbutton?  Since you say 
all the other buttons work, that just might be the case.  I would 
specifically ask if the XIT button works.  How about the BAND+ and BAND- 
buttons?  The MENU and XIT buttons share the same line to Front Panel U2 
(pin 6) and RP1 pin 3 must be well soldered.


In addition, consider that the MENU pushbutton may have a bad solder 
connection - the legs do not stick very far through the board.  Try 
soldering the pushbutton from the top of the board.


The fact that you can sometimes get it to work points to a bad solder 
connection rather than a firmware chip problem.  Check the soldering at 
the points I mentioned above.


73,
Don W3FPR


Curt wrote:
I know this list is mainly for K3 owners.  Still notice few postings 
for K2, so am hoping for some help.


I am having a rather vexing time with Alignment  Testing Phase 1.  My 
problem is that all of the front-panel controls and display work as 
they should EXCEPT for the Menu/Edit button.  The button press is 
making it to U2, can see the voltage change on pin 6. All the chip 
voltage checks seem normal.  I have performed the master reset 
operation, it proceeds as expected but doesn't fix the problem.  One 
additional behavior noted is that if the K2 rests overnight without 
power connected, then the Menu button is pushed immediately after 
power-up and initialization is completed ( 7.100 c on display ), the 
st L 40 appears.  Usually this will only work once or twice,  
thereafter it stops working.  Elecraft is sending a new MCU, but 
somehow I suspect this isn't the problem because everything else seems 
to be working so well.


Has anyone else experienced this problem, or does anyone have advice 
about how to determine the root cause of the problem ?
  

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment question

[Darrell Bellerive]

DW,

It is always recommended that the basic K2 be completed before adding options. 
That way you have a known working base to move forward from. Then again there 
are those of us who don't follow the rules. There is no effect on the CW 
filter setup whether the SSB adapter is installed or not. Just more work to 
remove it if something isn't working properly.

Also use the external speaker output of the K2 to drive your sound card input. 
If your sound card has a line in, use it rather than the mic in. I place the 
top cover beside the K2 and connect the cable from the K2 speaker to the 
audio out on the K2 RF board, then connect my PC via the K2 external speaker 
jack. I suppose one could also make a cable to go from the K2 audio out 
connector on the RF board to the sound card.

73,
Darrell


On Wednesday 12 March 2008 07:20, DW Holtman wrote:
 Hello,

 My basic K2 is finally working and finished. I'm going to do the filter
 alignment using Spectrograph and have a question. Does it make any
 difference if I should do the procedure first for CW before installing the
 KSB2 option? I'm guessing I need to make a cable from the headphone jack to
 the mic input on my laptop to interface with the Spectrograph software?

 Best,
 DW Holtman
 WB7SSN
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-- 
Darrell Bellerive
Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA
Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment confusion...

[DolfinDon]

Hi

You must set the power control to about 1/2 scale and hold the tune button 
to get into tune mode then as you tune L1 and L2 as the power comes up 
readjust the power pot up or down a little to make the MPU re-measure the 
power. You should reach a point where L1 and L2 will peak. If this does not 
work and you got a peak when doing the receiver test earlier then you have a 
problem in the transmitter somewhere. Usually a bad solder joint on a toroid 
or a missed solder joint. Look at the relays it is easy to miss pin one on 
the relays as they look like feed throughs

Don Brown
KD5NDB


- Original Message - 
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:13 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 alignment confusion...


I am at the 40-meter transmitter alignment stage in Alignment and
Test, Part III.

It instructs me to Place the K2 into tune mode and activate the
built-in wattmeter by holding TUNE.  Using the alignment tool,
adjust L1 for maximum output.  And, do the same with L2, etc. etc. etc.

SNIP

Any direction would be appreciated.  This build has checked out on
every step to  date...but I'm stumped.

David King 

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment confusion...

[dking]

Thank you Don.

I got the peak at the earlier receiver stage.

I have also gone back over the solder joints and all the relays three  
times since last night with nothing spotted.  I'll comb through the  
toroid connex again...


Adjusting the power with the front panel power control while in Tune  
makes no difference...and neither does moving L1 or L2.


dk

Quoting [EMAIL PROTECTED]:


Hi

You must set the power control to about 1/2 scale and hold the tune button
to get into tune mode then as you tune L1 and L2 as the power comes up
readjust the power pot up or down a little to make the MPU re-measure the
power. You should reach a point where L1 and L2 will peak. If this does not
work and you got a peak when doing the receiver test earlier then you have a
problem in the transmitter somewhere. Usually a bad solder joint on a toroid
or a missed solder joint. Look at the relays it is easy to miss pin one on
the relays as they look like feed throughs

Don Brown
KD5NDB


- Original Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:13 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 alignment confusion...


I am at the 40-meter transmitter alignment stage in Alignment and
Test, Part III.

It instructs me to Place the K2 into tune mode and activate the
built-in wattmeter by holding TUNE.  Using the alignment tool,
adjust L1 for maximum output.  And, do the same with L2, etc. etc. etc.

SNIP

Any direction would be appreciated.  This build has checked out on
every step to  date...but I'm stumped.

David King






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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment confusion...

[DolfinDon]

Hi

To help any more we need some measurements in the transmitter. Did you build 
the RF probe and go through the troubleshooting section of the manual? What 
test equipment do you have. A scope would be nice but the RF 
probe/multimeter should be good enough to find the problem. Basically you 
start at the transmit mixer and check each stage following looking for a 
loss of signal. 70-80% of the time the problem is a toroid wound wrong or a 
toroid lead not tined properly and not making a good connection to its 
solder pad.

I will be away from my computer for a week so I can not give you any more 
help but if you make the measurements in the manual someone on the reflector 
should be able to help you out.

Don Brown

KD5NDB


- Original Message - 
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 5:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment confusion...


Thank you Don.

I got the peak at the earlier receiver stage.

I have also gone back over the solder joints and all the relays three
times since last night with nothing spotted.  I'll comb through the
toroid connex again...

Adjusting the power with the front panel power control while in Tune
makes no difference...and neither does moving L1 or L2.

dk 

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 alignment confusion...

[Don Wilhelm]

David,

Don Brown has already given you some good leads - here are my additions:

What you are saying is that your K2 has little or no power output - a 
reading of 0.1 or 0.2 watts really means no power output because that is 
the lowest indication that the microprocessor is programmed to indicate.


You can do the checks in the 'troubleshooting section' by trying the 
things listed, but I suggest that you page forward to the 'Transmit 
Signal Tracing' section beyond that chart and use the RF Probe (the 
parts are provided with the K2 kit, so if you have not built it yet, now 
is a good time).


If you have no power output, the RF voltage readings that you measure 
when following the steps in transmit signal tracing will be *higher* 
than the 'expected' value - *until* you get to the stage that is 
failing.  Once you come to the point where the RF voltage is 
substantially lower than the expected value, stop, for you have 
identified the failing stage and troubleshooting that one stage for the 
problem is easier than guessing about the entire transmit chain.


If instead, you want to just 'shotgun it', then you should check all 
components in the transmit section for proper values, good soldering, 
and good tinning of all the toroid leads.


While it is possible that one of the transistors is not working right, I 
must point out that is a rare thing - most problems are first soldering, 
followed closely by improperly prepared toroid leads.


Sorry I could not respond sooner, but I have other irons in the fire 
here too.


73,
Don W3FPR

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I am at the 40-meter transmitter alignment stage in Alignment and 
Test, Part III.


It instructs me to Place the K2 into tune mode and activate the 
built-in wattmeter by holding TUNE.  Using the alignment tool, 
adjust L1 for maximum output.  And, do the same with L2, etc. etc. etc.


First, I'm going into a 50W dummy load/Wattmeter (MFJ 267).  And I 
have my Cal Curr setting at 2.0, and Power is set to 2.0 as well.  I 
also have the radio set to 7100  for freq.


When I put it into Tune mode, I get a reading of P. 0.2 or P. 0.3 
through 0.4  It will flicker back and forth across those three values 
whether I turn the tap on L1 or L2 or just leave it completely alone.


At the info triangle at the start of this section, it says you'll 
place the K2 into TUNE mode by holding TUNE.  However, if you hold 
the button in it makes no difference from what happens if you just 
hold it in long enough to activate the P. 0.2 (etc.) display


I do not have a key plugged in, so I obviously am not keying anything 
at the time of tuning...but it did not state you needed a key 
attached, and I presume putting it into Tune mode is keying the 
radio anyhowwhich may be an incorrect presumption...heck if I know.


I went into the trouble shooting section, and it appears I need to be 
looking at Problem 150 through 160


The resistors are correct, the Diode appears to be correct (so small I 
can't read any numbers on it, but it checked out at the time of 
installation and is oriented correctly.,  I've not been able to find 
any shorts, the Transformers T1-T4 are wound as per part III of the 
assembly section.


I've not checked the DC voltages because I cant' find in the manual 
what they should be reading or whether to check with power on or off 
and have reached the end of my patience for the evening and am not 
certain I'm even on the right path...


Any direction would be appreciated.  This build has checked out on 
every step to  date...but I'm stumped.


David King



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Alignment/Test Part II

[Tree]

On Mon, Aug 27, 2007 at 12:16:17PM -0400, JT Croteau wrote:

 I have the counter probe on TP3 and measuring 12099 kHz as I should
 according to the manual.  However, it is changing back and forth
 somewhat rapidly between 12099.28 and 12099.29 kHz.  Is this normal or
 do I have something wrong with the PLL Reference Oscillator?

This is normal.  The frequency isn't changing - it is just that you 
occasionally have one more - or less - count during the gate time of
the frequency counter.  

Tree N6TR
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Alignment/Test Part II

[Don Wilhelm]

JT,

That is the 'last digit indecision' type flicker, and it is not 
avoidable in a digital display except for really high end and expensive 
equipment.  The actual frequency is in between 12099.28 and 12099.29 and 
the gate interval of the counter sometimes picks up one more cycle than 
at other times.


Rapid variations in the higher order digits are an indication of a 
problem, but no problem when just the last digit is flickering between 2 
consecutive digits.


73,
Don W3FPR

JT Croteau wrote:

Just completed assembly of the RF Board, Part II.  Getting closer by the day!

I have the counter probe on TP3 and measuring 12099 kHz as I should
according to the manual.  However, it is changing back and forth
somewhat rapidly between 12099.28 and 12099.29 kHz.  Is this normal or
do I have something wrong with the PLL Reference Oscillator?

Thanks

  

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Alignment/Test Part II

[JT Croteau]

Thanks to N6TR, N0SS, and W3FPR for their explanations and reassurances.

I've just completed all of the Part II test/alignment procedures
except for the Band Pass Filter Alignment.  I'm ordering an N-Gen next
week and may hold off on this alignment until it arrives.  My 40-Meter
dipole is currently coiled up under the bench waiting for helpers to
come over and get it in the air.  The only antenna up at the moment
here is an indoor 6-Meter dipole.

-- 
JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Alignment/Test Part II

[Don Wilhelm]

JT,

No need to wait for the N-Gen for the Bandpass filter alignment - just 
initially peak the BPF in receive using only band noise (connect your 6 
meter antenna or just a piece of wire to the antenna jack center 
conductor).   Once you have the BPF peaked on receive (this is only an 
initial alignment to get things 'into the ballpark' - peak for maximum 
antenna noise), then do the Transmit BPF alignment.  It is easier to 
observe the peak during the transmit alignment, and when that is done, 
it will be correct for both receive and transmit.


The N-Gen will come in handy when you are doing the IF filter alignment 
(CAL FIL) using the Spectrogram display - for that process,  a broadband 
noise source is best - and the N-Gen is a broadband noise generator.


73,
Don W3FPR

JT Croteau wrote:

Thanks to N6TR, N0SS, and W3FPR for their explanations and reassurances.

I've just completed all of the Part II test/alignment procedures
except for the Band Pass Filter Alignment.  I'm ordering an N-Gen next
week and may hold off on this alignment until it arrives.  My 40-Meter
dipole is currently coiled up under the bench waiting for helpers to
come over and get it in the air.  The only antenna up at the moment
here is an indoor 6-Meter dipole.

  

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment Part I

[Don Wilhelm]

Gerard,

If you had ST L come up when you tapped the DISPLAY button, that is 
abnormal behavior, and is an indication that the pushbutton matrix is 
not being properly decoded.


Check the soldering on the Front Panel Board carefully.  Reflow the 
soldering with a hot soldering iron if necessary.


A master reset is not likely to help.

73,
Don W3FPR

Gerard Provoost wrote:

Hi Folks,

I have a strange behaviour with my K2 #6026 in the alignment and test 
procedure at page 43 of the manual. All went ok, untill after power up I 
tapped Display, the display said St L 040 and stayed in that menu, 
untill I tapped Menu, then everything was normal and stayed normal - 
untill next power up. I tried to reset the EEPROM, by powering up with 
4+5+6 held, but this had no effect. It seems nothing is reset. All other 
tests went ok.

I checked and rechecked soldering.
If anyone has an idea, please.

73, Gerard PA1GP
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


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RE: [Elecraft] k2 Alignment and Test, Part 1

[Don Wilhelm]

Dennis,

Read a bit further down on the Appendix E page and you will find the first
steps - Remove the Control Board and inspect U7 and surrounding traces.
Verify that U7 is properly soldered.

73,
Don W3FPR

 -Original Message-

 I have conducted test. page 42, right column, step 6. Applied
 power to K2 and Display indicated Info 090. Appendix E says 090
 EEPROM test #1 failed.
 Please advise.  Dennis Vavra,  AD5LY

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[David Walker]

I asked Gary at Elecraft if he finds much variation in performance with 
the radios he works on and repairs.  I recall he said that if the radios 
have been built correctly there is no variation between radios.  I have 
compared my rig to the PROII and I could not detected any difference in 
relation to sensitivity.  My only weakness in my station setup is my 
antenna.

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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment, etc. What don't I get?

[Arie Kleingeld PA3A]

First of all: HNY guys and may 2007 bring all good to you.

I'm not a super experienced builder but I've done a few things here and
there.
If you are able to build an Elecraft K2, then you simple must be able to
do the alignments. Alignment is not the difficult part. Just do it.

Getting the right parts in the proper places and solder everything right
without any damage; that's the challenge.
I'm reading this reflector for about6 months now and have learned a lot
about the K2 this way. IMHO nearly all the messages are about faulty
components, right components in wrong places, solder blobs etc. Problems
with alignments are mostly traced back to a small mistake during the
building of the kit. 

Therefore I think the problem is not the alignment of the K2, it is
faultfinding. Question is if one would like to send a not aligned (or
better not alignable) K2 to one of the experts of this group for
alignment? I'm afraid it will come down to faultfinding. (Again my
humble opinion).


73,
Arie PA3A



-Oorspronkelijk bericht-
Van: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Namens Fred (FL)
Verzonden: zondag 31 december 2006 17:55
Aan: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Onderwerp: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment, etc. What don't I get?


When I built K2 # 54xx last May 2006, I had high
hope of eventually sending the completed K2 back into Elecraft's
Service Dept and having it aligned and checked over by the experts.  I
would have been willing to spend that extra $$$.

But - Elecraft Inc. said NO.  At which point I came to
believe that Elecraft Inc. has no service dept.  

Sounds like a good opportunity, for us 5800+
K2's alone - to offer this professional factory
service.  I've often felt - should the 4 or 5
experts on the email list - ever drop out or
go away, we'd be left fully on our own!  Possibly
the K2 email list archives - would helm us through 
these troubled waters.  Or other experts would
surface.  

Luckily, my K2 build came thru with flying colors,
and with the help of Spectrogram - even the filter
setup, went seemingly well.

But the notion, that many K2's are out there in
poor alignment and in poor performance shape - is
a little scarey.

Do you remember the Heathkit Color TV Kits?  It was
a handfull to build, and it too even had its own
test and alignment circuits inside.  I don't recall
what Heathkit's position was on Service Department?
(Benton Harbor, MI)

Happy New Year,
Fred, FL



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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment, etc. What don't I get?

[Siu Johnny]

Hi Group,

Happy New Year!

Although I cannot consider myself as an Elecraft expert, I have already 
built 10 K2 plus numerious modules.  The merit of K2 is that it does not 
require laboratory type of equipment to calibrate and align.  I think this 
has been repeatedly mentioned by other Elecraft experts here.


All you need is to closely follow the manual in calibration.  With the 
advancement of technology, good quality frequency counter can be obtained 
at a very cheap price say US$100.  You would need it for frequency 
calibration.


Other than the frequency counter, you will need a Power meter to peak the 
filters.  Any power meters will do a fine job because you need a relative 
reading only.  I have recently bought an advanced LP100 meter from Larry 
Philip.  Upon recalibraton of my K2, I do not see any major difference from 
the past.


For alignment of BFO, the spectrogram is a very handy tool and easy to 
operate.  Again, you do not need expensive equipment. Even you do not use 
the spectrogram and just follow the suggested settings in the manual, the 
result is not bad at all.


To conclude, I do NOT feel there is a need for factory alignment service.  
In fact, the design criteria is to avoid calibration using laboratory type 
equipment.



73

Johnny Siu VR2XMC


From: Fred (FL) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment, etc. What don't I get?
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2006 08:55:27 -0800 (PST)

When I built K2 # 54xx last May 2006, I had high
hope of eventually sending the completed K2 back into
Elecraft's Service Dept and having it aligned and
checked over by the experts.  I would have been
willing to spend that extra $$$.

But - Elecraft Inc. said NO.  At which point I came to
believe that Elecraft Inc. has no service dept.

Sounds like a good opportunity, for us 5800+
K2's alone - to offer this professional factory
service.  I've often felt - should the 4 or 5
experts on the email list - ever drop out or
go away, we'd be left fully on our own!  Possibly
the K2 email list archives - would helm us through
these troubled waters.  Or other experts would
surface.

Luckily, my K2 build came thru with flying colors,
and with the help of Spectrogram - even the filter
setup, went seemingly well.

But the notion, that many K2's are out there in
poor alignment and in poor performance shape - is
a little scarey.

Do you remember the Heathkit Color TV Kits?  It was
a handfull to build, and it too even had its own
test and alignment circuits inside.  I don't recall
what Heathkit's position was on Service Department?
(Benton Harbor, MI)

Happy New Year,
Fred, FL

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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Chuck Guenther]

As Don, W3FPR has already pointed out, alignment of the K2 is straightforward 
and requires no test equipment.  By following the instructions in the manual, 
as well as the frequency calibration info provided on Don's website, my dial 
calibration is now accurate within about 20 Hz, using WWV as a reference.  I 
calibrated my BFO frequencies by ear, using on the air signals. When I have an 
opportunity to check them using Spectrogram, I expect this will only serve to 
verify the settings I have.

The most difficult part of the alignment involved the peaking of the various 
inductors-- only because it was an iterative process.  My K2 is receiving at 
least as good as, and on some bands, better than my Omni 6, Option 1.  Pardon 
my owner's pride, but I really don't see how a factory alignment by Elecraft 
could improve my K2.

I think my experience demonstrates just how well designed the K2 and its 
supporting documentation are.  People told me how good the K2 was, and 
everything they told me was true! 

73,
Chuck  NI0C 
K2 s/n 5853
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Jurgen ON5MF]

Mmm, not really sure about that any more... as stated a few days ago I 
have seen the signals transmitted by my K2 (SN 5549) and I'm not really 
happy with them (especially on 10-12 and 30m).


Anyhow, in a few days a friend of mine with (semi-) professional  will 
try to tweak the filters to see if we can improve on that.


Am I one of the only ones who is also interested in the purity of the 
transmitted signal and not only in the quality of the receiver?


Chuck Guenther wrote:

As Don, W3FPR has already pointed out, alignment of the K2 is straightforward 
and requires no test equipment.  By following the instructions in the manual, 
as well as the frequency calibration info provided on Don's website, my dial 
calibration is now accurate within about 20 Hz, using WWV as a reference.  I 
calibrated my BFO frequencies by ear, using on the air signals. When I have an 
opportunity to check them using Spectrogram, I expect this will only serve to 
verify the settings I have.

The most difficult part of the alignment involved the peaking of the various 
inductors-- only because it was an iterative process.  My K2 is receiving at 
least as good as, and on some bands, better than my Omni 6, Option 1.  Pardon 
my owner's pride, but I really don't see how a factory alignment by Elecraft 
could improve my K2.

I think my experience demonstrates just how well designed the K2 and its supporting documentation are.  People told me how good the K2 was, and everything they told me was true! 


73,
Chuck  NI0C 
K2 s/n 5853

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--

73

Jurgen Geldhof
ON5MF

[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]



my site:www.on5mf.be http://www.ktk.be  

our club:   www.ktk.be http://www.ktk.be

the Belgian Amateur Radio Society:  www.uba.be http://www.uba.be


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Jack Smith]

Jurgen ON5MF wrote:
Mmm, not really sure about that any more... as stated a few days ago I 
have seen the signals transmitted by my K2 (SN 5549) and I'm not 
really happy with them (especially on 10-12 and 30m).


Anyhow, in a few days a friend of mine with (semi-) professional  will 
try to tweak the filters to see if we can improve on that.


Am I one of the only ones who is also interested in the purity of the 
transmitted signal and not only in the quality of the receiver?



Jurgen:

I've made some simple receiver sensitivity measurements and posted my 
results, along with those made by W5EWA, at 
http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/k2_rx_sensitivity.htm. I also plan to 
make some spurious output measurements today and will post those as 
well. I've done earlier measurements on my K2 with an HP8558B spectrum 
analyzer, but now have a much better Advantek R3463 spectrum analyzer 
with an easier way of getting data into the PC.


Do you have specific test frequencies that are of concern to you?


Jack K8ZOA
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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Don Wilhelm]

Jurgen,

You will probably find that even with better filter alignment, your spurs
will not be reduced.
I would tend to believe that you have an oscillator in the K2 that is not
behaving properly.  You should check both the BFO and VCO for signal purity
with the Spectrum Analyzer and work on the one that is causing your spur
problems - that is not normal.

73,
Don W3FPR

 -Original Message-

 Mmm, not really sure about that any more... as stated a few days ago I
 have seen the signals transmitted by my K2 (SN 5549) and I'm not really
 happy with them (especially on 10-12 and 30m).

 Anyhow, in a few days a friend of mine with (semi-) professional  will
 try to tweak the filters to see if we can improve on that.

 Am I one of the only ones who is also interested in the purity of the
 transmitted signal and not only in the quality of the receiver?


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[David A. Belsley]

Boy, I don't get this one at all.  The whole essence of Elecraft,  
IMHO, is doing it yourself and getting something really great for the  
effort.  That's a conjunction: doing it oneself AND getting a great  
product.  If all you want is the latter, there are plenty of other  
sources.  And if you want the former, then do the former.  It's good  
to have self doubts, but they work best when they lead you to do  
what's necessary to remove them -- yourself. Don, W3FPR, is a nice  
guy and provides a nice answer, but Mike, I hope you don't try to  
avail yourself of someone else to tweak your K2.  The K2 is really an  
amazingly simple rig to align properly, and the necessary  
instructions are well stated in the manual or on the Elecraft site.   
This is a job you can do for yourself -- just perfectly.


best wishes,

dave belsley, w1euy (getting to be, according to the wife -- among  
other people --, an ol' curmudgeon)




On Dec 29, 2006, at 7:56 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

Does Elecraft offer an alignment and verification of  
specifications  service?
I'm sure many people would like to have their K2's aligned to  
factory
specifications and have those performance numbers documented, kind  
of like  having

an oscilloscope calibrated and verified with a sticker.
It would be nice to see what your own individual K2 performance  
numbers are

against an expensive spectrum analyzer that most of us don't have.
I, for one, would be willing to pay for that service, within reason of
course.
Hopefully there are others that would too that would make this a  
service

Elecraft could offer?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Mike  AC6JA
K2 #028
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david a belsley
professor of economics
boston college


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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Craig Rairdin]

 Boy, I don't get this one at all.  The whole essence of Elecraft,  
 IMHO, is doing it yourself and getting something really great for 
 the effort.  

To each his own. Some people don't have the confidence to do the alignment.
Send me your K2 and $100 (I accept PayPal) and I'll align it to factory
specs. :-)

Craig
NZ0R

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[dave]

Seems to me that a few might be missing the main point here.  While 
assembling a K2 there are a few hundred parts to be stuffed into holes.  
It is not all that difficult to stuff the wrong part into a pair of 
holes.  Seems that I remember a firm (Sherwood Engineering I believe was 
the name, but not positive) who loudly and longly claimed that the K2 
did not meet its published specs nor those of the ARRL tests.   Seems 
that the fellow was testing just such a K2 as I'm describing.  The 
testing firm was not the builder and the builder had made errors.  That 
sample did indeed not meet spec.  When he later tested a good sample the 
results fell in line with expectations.


Knowing the propensity of folks to make errors, I'd say that at least 
10% of the K2's out there, and maybe as high as 25%, do not meet the 
published specs.  Although I'm a very careful worker I'm well aware that 
the one I built might not meet spec.  I don't have the test equip to 
fully test it so don't know for sure.


So it does not seem to me to be all that bad of an idea to have someone 
who would run assembled K2's through a rigorous series of tests - 
similar to those the ARRL does - to assure that a unit is in proper 
working order.  These would be more than the simple alignment tests 
proposed so far in this thread, and would include IMD3 (at 1 or 2 kHz 
spacing as well as wider spacings), IMD2, actual sensitivity, and 
whatever else was needed to assure that the unit is up to speed.


I would think that anyone buying a used K2 would be interested in such a 
service.


I am aware that one cannot make single errors in the assembly process - 
if the wrong part is stuffed into a pair of holes then the correct part 
must then be stuffed into the wrong pair, making for two errors rather 
than one.  This means the builder has two chances to catch their error.  
But most of us have, at one time or another, bought a used kit, looked 
it over carefully and found assembly errors.  One small transceiver I 
bought - nowhere near as complex as a K2 - had 8 such errors.  (And, 
yes, the builder claimed to be an expert builder.)  Others have had the 
far-more-common poor solder joints.  This kind of stuff happens every 
day.  Be good to have a way of testing for it.


73 de dave
ab9ca





David A. Belsley wrote:
Boy, I don't get this one at all.  The whole essence of Elecraft, 
IMHO, is doing it yourself and getting something really great for the 
effort.  That's a conjunction: doing it oneself AND getting a great 
product.  If all you want is the latter, there are plenty of other 
sources.  And if you want the former, then do the former.  It's good 
to have self doubts, but they work best when they lead you to do 
what's necessary to remove them -- yourself. Don,

___


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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[pc5m, Carel]

Just measure this:

TX: 28.400, 10W
 
Spurious found at 27.317 MHz approx 30-40 dB down !. This spur is coming
from (I think) 2 * VCO - 4 * IF (2 * 23.485 - 4 * 4.915)
It depends a lot on the power control setting, if you go above 10W it will
increase a lot and below 10W it will get better, but still at 1W output only
50 dB down. This spur can't be attenuated by the BPF because it can become
very close to the carrier.

Gl,

Carel. 

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jurgen ON5MF
Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2006 2:55 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

Mmm, not really sure about that any more... as stated a few days ago I 
have seen the signals transmitted by my K2 (SN 5549) and I'm not really 
happy with them (especially on 10-12 and 30m).

Anyhow, in a few days a friend of mine with (semi-) professional  will 
try to tweak the filters to see if we can improve on that.

Am I one of the only ones who is also interested in the purity of the 
transmitted signal and not only in the quality of the receiver?

Chuck Guenther wrote:
 As Don, W3FPR has already pointed out, alignment of the K2 is
straightforward and requires no test equipment.  By following the
instructions in the manual, as well as the frequency calibration info
provided on Don's website, my dial calibration is now accurate within about
20 Hz, using WWV as a reference.  I calibrated my BFO frequencies by ear,
using on the air signals. When I have an opportunity to check them using
Spectrogram, I expect this will only serve to verify the settings I have.

 The most difficult part of the alignment involved the peaking of the
various inductors-- only because it was an iterative process.  My K2 is
receiving at least as good as, and on some bands, better than my Omni 6,
Option 1.  Pardon my owner's pride, but I really don't see how a factory
alignment by Elecraft could improve my K2.

 I think my experience demonstrates just how well designed the K2 and its
supporting documentation are.  People told me how good the K2 was, and
everything they told me was true! 

 73,
 Chuck  NI0C 
 K2 s/n 5853
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-- 

73

Jurgen Geldhof
ON5MF

[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]



my site:www.on5mf.be http://www.ktk.be

our club:   www.ktk.be http://www.ktk.be  

the Belgian Amateur Radio Society:  www.uba.be
http://www.uba.be


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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Don Wilhelm]

Dave,

Yes, I agree.  Several folks have sent me their K2 just for such a checkout
and calibration and alignment.  I have the advantage of being familiar with
the K2 and its normal behavior.  BUT with a little bit of ingenuity, each
builder can determine if his K2 is performing up to par without sending it
away (see below).

I do have an good array of test equipment for testing the receiver path, but
I do not (yet) have a spectrum analyzer here which limits my ability to
check the purity of the transmitter output.  I can however do narrow band
spectrum analysis with a block converter to bring a portion of the spectrum
down to baseband where it can be analyzed with Spectrogram or other FFT
analyzer.  That technique is good for analyzing near-in transmission
products and works well for driving with a two-tone test signal (the
Elecraft 2T-gen), but would take forever to check the entire spectrum in
that manner (Spectrogram limits the span to about 11kHz).

The time to do a full lab evaluation of any transceiver similar to the ARRL
product evaluation tests would be too costly to consider IMHO.  If I were to
do that type of evaluation, I figure I would have to charge something on the
order of $500 to $1000 per test because of the calibration costs and
equipment maintenance that I would have to assume and amortize it over the
number of jobs that I anticipate - I don't believe many hams would like to
spend that kind of money for such a detailed analyis of their K2 - you are
really asking for certification similar to that which would be obtained from
a calibration lab - check their prices for comparison.

Even 'off the assembly line' transceivers do not receive that level of
testing you are suggesting.  They would be tested with a few simplified
tests after assembly, but for assembly level testing, the K2 already has the
instructions for the builder in the manual.  If one wants a quick additional
check on performance, one can purchase the Elecraft XG1 or XG2 mini-module
and do an MDS test to see if their K2 is performing within the normal
range - cost for that is either $39 or $59, and you have a tool for other
purposes too.  Add a CP1 to your toolkit as well and you can drive the input
of a fellow ham's spectrum analyzer if you want to check out the transmit
spectrum.  Those mini-modules can offer a lot of test capability, and if one
wishes to learn other methods of using such tools, buy a copy of
Experimental Methods In RF Design and read the chapter on Measurements.  It
is amazing how much can be done with only a few pieces of precision test
equipment - one oscilliscope whose vertical deflection has been verified
(see my website for a Voltage 'standard') can go a long way to calibrating
other measurement devices - it may not be to calibration lab standards, but
it is usually acceptable for ham use.

73,
Don W3FPR

 -Original Message-

 Seems to me that a few might be missing the main point here.  While
 assembling a K2 there are a few hundred parts to be stuffed into holes.
 It is not all that difficult to stuff the wrong part into a pair of
 holes.  Seems that I remember a firm (Sherwood Engineering I believe was
 the name, but not positive) who loudly and longly claimed that the K2
 did not meet its published specs nor those of the ARRL tests.   Seems
 that the fellow was testing just such a K2 as I'm describing.  The
 testing firm was not the builder and the builder had made errors.  That
 sample did indeed not meet spec.  When he later tested a good sample the
 results fell in line with expectations.

 Knowing the propensity of folks to make errors, I'd say that at least
 10% of the K2's out there, and maybe as high as 25%, do not meet the
 published specs.  Although I'm a very careful worker I'm well aware that
 the one I built might not meet spec.  I don't have the test equip to
 fully test it so don't know for sure.

 So it does not seem to me to be all that bad of an idea to have someone
 who would run assembled K2's through a rigorous series of tests -
 similar to those the ARRL does - to assure that a unit is in proper
 working order.  These would be more than the simple alignment tests
 proposed so far in this thread, and would include IMD3 (at 1 or 2 kHz
 spacing as well as wider spacings), IMD2, actual sensitivity, and
 whatever else was needed to assure that the unit is up to speed.

 I would think that anyone buying a used K2 would be interested in such a
 service.

 I am aware that one cannot make single errors in the assembly process -
 if the wrong part is stuffed into a pair of holes then the correct part
 must then be stuffed into the wrong pair, making for two errors rather
 than one.  This means the builder has two chances to catch their error.
 But most of us have, at one time or another, bought a used kit, looked
 it over carefully and found assembly errors.  One small transceiver I
 bought - nowhere near as complex as a K2 - had 8 such errors.  (And,
 yes, the builder claimed 

Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

Mike,

If you have the time to do it, I believe that it is well worthwhile arming 
yourself with test equipment to do the job yourself. Although this sounds 
like a tall order, most of the test and calibration equipment required to 
check the K2 can be in fact be homebrewed, which obviously takes time but 
saves $$ and which can be used when building other things. The ham 
literature contains some designs which could be useful including at least 
one for a spectrum analyzer and several low phase noise oscillators (QEX). 
If you do go down this route, a pair of honest step attenuators capable of 
60db or more attenuation over the required frequency range and into VHF are 
critical items, I 'rescued' my 90 db step attenuators from a German 
Standards Lab for peanuts. For the more 'difficult' measurements such as 
receiver Input Intercepts where two or more signals are involved (ARRL uses 
only two) various items are available from Mini-Circuits such as power 
splitters / combiners which can be used to set up a RF test bench without 
too much difficulty or cost, using double screened coax interconnections. 
BTW I do not work for them!


I believe that the saying 'practice makes perfect' is applicable here, and 
doing the tests oneself is interesting and helps to prevent future build 
mistakes.


73,
Geoff
GM4ESD


- Original Message - 
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2006 12:56 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications


Does Elecraft offer an alignment and verification of specifications 
service?

I'm sure many people would like to have their K2's aligned to factory
specifications and have those performance numbers documented, kind of like 
having

an oscilloscope calibrated and verified with a sticker.
It would be nice to see what your own individual K2 performance numbers 
are

against an expensive spectrum analyzer that most of us don't have.
I, for one, would be willing to pay for that service, within reason of
course.
Hopefully there are others that would too that would make this a service
Elecraft could offer?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Mike  AC6JA
K2 #028




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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Chuck Guenther]

Geoff, G3NAQ wrote:

 So I have installed a dummy panel in the shack on which a number of
 difficult-to-adjust trimmers and coils are mounted, all requiring
different
 trimming tools which I usually have to hunt around to find. Thus, when I
 hear that weak DX I just can't copy, and get those twiddler's withdrawl
 symptoms, I just go to this panel where I have something to 'optimise'!

 This doesn't help with the DX, and hasn't cured my problem, but it does
 relieve the symptoms.

 Geoff   G3NAQ


My winter antenna is a ground-mounted vertical for the lowbands.  Whenever I
get beat up in a pileup, I go out and install a couple more radials.  (I
have lots of radials!)

73,
Chuck  NI0C

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[dave]

Don,

Not sure the price for the tests required would be as steep as you 
mention.  I think it would be an expense that some would be willing to 
pay to be assured that the rig they are using is up to speed.  Remember 
we are not looking for 1 dB or even 3 dB here, we expect to find 
elephants.  The calibration of the gear should not be terribly 
critical.  If someone has placed a .047 in where a 47 pf belongs (I have 
found that exact problem) the effects are apt to be noticeable.


The needed test equip could be home brewed.  EMRFD by Hayward, et al, 
has designs for it.  If I understand it all correctly the biggest 
problem is getting oscillators that are strong enough and clean enough 
to do the IMD and other dynamic range tests.  Seems to me a couple of 
crystal controlled oscillators driving clean amps should do the job.   
The Elecraft mini modules are adequate for sensitivity testing.  I don't 
believe it would be necessary to test the K2's full IMD3 dynamic range, 
which IIRC is north of 130 dB.  Remember that we expect to find 
elephants.  Testing to 100 dB or so should be adequate.  And test 
equipment for that range is easier to come by. 

When I suggest doing something similar to the ARRL tests, I'm thinking 
the needed tests, but not to the level of precision that is done there. 

There are other ways to go about it.  One you mention - having someone 
with quite a lot of experience check out the rig to see how it compares 
to others.  An individual with access to 2 or 3 other K2's could do this 
on their own - if they could borrow the rigs long enough for an adequate 
testing period.  No real test equipment required.  With over 5000 K2's 
out there now, this one should be available to almost all builders.  
Whether or not one should trust a comparison to a single K2 is an open 
question.


Someone such as yourself, and a number of others, are quite capable of 
sitting a rig on the bench and running some a/b type tests and knowing 
whether there is a real problem.


Another approach is to do a full audit of each board to be sure each 
component is in the correct location.  This requires nothing except the 
assembly manual and a good magnifier.  But quite a few of the components 
cannot be read once installed.  I've not tried this and it may be easier 
than I think.


The K2 is an excellent design and if the boards are populated and 
soldered correctly, it will work up to spec.  It is simply experience 
that makes me raise a caution flag.  This type of 
testing/verification/comparison is something I'd think buyers of used 
K2's would be interested in.


You mention that factory assembled rigs do not go through the testing I 
mentioned, and this is true.  But they are assembled in a very different 
environment. Most are machine assembled and errors are either zero or 
100%.  Those are easier to find.  Those factories that do hand assembly 
are more likely to have problems, but about all such factories have a 
few Don's around who know exactly the expected results from each 
module or subassembly.  Errors are generally spotted quickly and 
corrected.  This is *not* to say that factory assembled rigs come with 
zero defects, but their percentage is lower, much lower, than home 
assembled kits (MFJ excluded).


73 de dave
ab9ca





Don Wilhelm wrote:

Dave,

Yes, I agree.  Several folks have sent me their K2 just for such a checkout
and calibration and alignment.  I have the advantage of being familiar with
the K2 and its normal behavior.  BUT with a little bit of ingenuity, each
builder can determine if his K2 is performing up to par without sending it
away (see below).

  


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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

Several 'builders for hire' will offer that service for you if you would
like it done for a fee.

The Facts of The Case are that you can Do It Yourself.  Follow the
instructions in the K2 manual for peaking the K2 bandpass filters (in
transmit), and set the IF filters using Spectrogram, and you will heve most
all of the critical alignment done.  Expensive and exotic lab instruments
are not required.

The 'critical tool' is Spectrogram.  You can download the last freeware
version form Tom Hammond's website www.n0ss.net, and use the instructions at
Tom's website, the Elecraft website, or the one that I like best, my website
http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com.  All you need to know about aligning the filters
and setting the K2 for accurate dial calibration may be found in my article
on K2 Dial Calibration.  It is not hard to do at all, and when you are done,
you can not only say I built it, but also say I aligned it to
perfection.

As I said, there is no 'magic', and there are no exotic tools required.  You
can 'DIY' with a DMM, and the free Spectrogram program running on your
computer - a wideband noise generator is nice to have, but not essential
(see my website article).

Honest folks, that is all there is to aligning the K2 - try it and see,
nothing exotic, just follow the instructions in the manual and use
Spectrogram as a visual aid for the precision filter alignment.

73,
Don W3FPR


 -Original Message-

 Does Elecraft offer an alignment and verification of
 specifications  service?
 I'm sure many people would like to have their K2's aligned to factory
 specifications and have those performance numbers documented,
 kind of like  having
 an oscilloscope calibrated and verified with a sticker.
 It would be nice to see what your own individual K2 performance
 numbers are
 against an expensive spectrum analyzer that most of us don't have.
 I, for one, would be willing to pay for that service, within reason of
 course.
 Hopefully there are others that would too that would make this a service
 Elecraft could offer?
 Any input would be appreciated.
 Thanks!

 Mike  AC6JA
 K2 #028

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part III

[Scheidler, Dale A.]

Don,

 

I did not see obvious solder connection problems and have started the
part 155 on page 7 in Troubleshooting.  R67/R68, R66/R69 and D9 were
visually checked.  As for checking component values in the RF detector,
I went to page 17 and am working on the table RF Board.   Have
completed down through Q18.  My measurement is listed last.

 

D1  A  0  0  D2  A  8.0  7.8  D3  A8.0  7.8 D4  A  8.0  7.8
D5 A 0  0  D6 A 8.0  7.8D7 A 0 0

  C  7.5  7.1   C7.5  7.1 C 7.5  7.15 C  7.5
7.16 C8.0  7.8   C7.5  7.2  C7.5  7.2

 

Q5 E 0.6, 0 Q6 B 1.0,0Q7 B 0.6,0 Q8 B 0.6,0
Q10 S 1.6, 0 Q11 E 0.0,0 Q12 S 0.0,0

 B 1.3,0C13.3,13.4C13.4,13.4C 13.4,13.4
G 8.1,0 B 0.6,0G6.0,0

 C 12.4,13.4  E0.4,0  E0.0,0   E0.0,0
D1.6,4.7   C1.3,0  D0.0,0

 

Q13 E0.6,0   Q16 E0.6,0  Q17S0.00,0   Q18G-1.0,0

   B1.3,0  B0.6,.6G2.2,2.1
S2to3,1.9

   C7.5,0  C2.2,2.1  D2to3,2
D6.3,7.9

 

Thank you,

Dale, kc9cwb

 

Dale,

 

Go directly to troubleshooting to locate the source of the failure - you
may have to get into the Transmit Signal Tracing section of
Troubleshooting (look following the tables).  Once you locate the
failing stage, it will be easy to locate the failing component (we can
help at that point - right now all we can say is that 'It's broke' G).

 

All in all, you will most likely find a bad solder connection or
unsoldered connection, and the second most likely is that you will find
an incorrectly placed component.  So it may be a good idea to try a good
visual inspection first, you may get lucky and not have to wade through
the troubleshooting.

 

When you do get into the troubleshooting, go to section 155 Power output
low and follow the steps there - do not skip around (shotgunning), do
things in order and your progress will be much faster.

 

73,

Don W3FPR

 

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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Test, Part III

[Don Wilhelm]

Dale,

Go directly to troubleshooting to locate the source of the failure - you may
have to get into the Transmit Signal Tracing section of Troubleshooting
(look following the tables).  Once you locate the failing stage, it will be
easy to locate the failing component (we can help at that point - right now
all we can say is that 'It's broke' G).

All in all, you will most likely find a bad solder connection or unsoldered
connection, and the second most likely is that you will find an incorrectly
placed component.  So it may be a good idea to try a good visual inspection
first, you may get lucky and not have to wade through the troubleshooting.

When you do get into the troubleshooting, go to section 155 Power output low
and follow the steps there - do not skip around (shotgunning), do things in
order and your progress will be much faster.

73,
Don W3FPR

 -Original Message-

 I have a K2 and have completed up to page 74.  On page 75 the 40-Meter
 Transmitter Alignment did not work.  When in TUNE, my readings are .3 on
 the built-in wattmeter.  Adjusting L1 and L2 does not make any change.
 If you cannot get power output to 2.0 watts or higher, see
 Troubleshooting.  There is no increase.  There is a 50 ohm dummy load
 hooked to the antenna bnc.   Could someone please let me know if there
 is MENUE or EDIT function that may not be enabled?  Should I go directly
 to the Trouble shooting and take measurements?


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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment Problems

[Don Wilhelm]

Julius,

Check the thermistor board VERY carefully for solder bridges.  As a quick
sanity check on the health of the thermistor board, measure the voltage at
RF board U6 pin 4 - if is not close to 4 volts, you can be certian there is
a thermistor board problem.  Note: that does not fully check out the
thermistor board, but it is only a quick first check.

You can usually examine the back of the Thermistor Board by removing the
Control Board and Front panel.

73,
Don W3FPR


 -Original Message-

 Have made it to the first Alignment on the K2 and am
 not getting the appropriate 12.096 +/- reading. What I
 am seeing is a reading in the 7 to 8 Mhz range
 drifting up and down.

 L31, as provided with my kit, is marked 10uH. I've
 gone over the soldering and components several times
 (which means I've probably missed something obvious).



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RE: [Elecraft] K2 alignment question

[Don Wilhelm]

Gary,

'It all depends' is the correct answer.  Some receivers display the
frequency that they are tuned to and others consider the CW offset when
displaying the frequency.  If your other receiver uses the offset method,
then you would tune to the pitch of the offset.

You could tune it in SSB mode and there should be no offset to consider, and
then you would have ot tune for 0 Hz.  The problem with tuning to zero Hz,
is that neither the human ear nor the receiver audio circuits can detect
that - the audio response of a receiver usually ends at more than 20 0r 30
Hz, so it is better to use CW and tune to produce a beat with a sidetone
(listen for the 'wow-wow-wow' pulsating sound and tune so the pulsing gets
as slow as possible).

An easy way to check how your receiver handles the offset is to tune to WWV
duing a silent minute and tune the carrier to zero beat, then look to see
whether the frequency on the dial is 1.00 kHz or something slightly
different.

Now that your direct question has been answered, there are more accurate
ways of setting the reference oscillator, but you will have to wait until
you have completed the K2.  The procedure on the Elecraft website is quite
accurate and I have information on my website article about K2 Dial
Calibration at http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com .  I would recommend that you not
fuss with getting it exact at this time and do the more accurate setting
just before a calibration run (CAL PLL and CAL FIL) after you have spent a
bit of time with the completed K2.

73,
Don W3FPR


 -Original Message-

 I'm performing the Alignment  Test, Part II

 It says under Alternatively, ..

 Tune the receiver to 4.000 MHz, and adjust C22 until you hear a
 zero-beat (pitch=0 hz).

 I'm taking that to mean that I adjust C22 until the tone
 disappears and I don't hear anything (pitch=0 Hz).correct ???

 Gary


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RE: [Elecraft] K2 ALIGNMENT TEST, PART I....R1 ADJUSTMENT ??

[Don Wilhelm]

Ken,

3.79 is nominally 3.8 volts.  However, since your 8 volt regulator is on the
lower side of tolerance rather than the high side, I suggest setting the AGC
Threshold for 3.7 or 3.75 volts - either will work and after you complete
your K2 you may want to optimize the AGC Threshold for maximum receiver
sensitivity.  Ask about that when you are ready - or check the archives for
the optimizing procedure.

73,
Don W3FPR


 -Original Message-


 Hello Elecraft K2 Builders


 Page 47 says to adjust R1 for a suggested setting of 3.80 volts.
 The maximum I can get is 3.79 at full rotation.

 Supply voltage is 13.8V on the K2 voltmeter.

 Any comments/suggestions much appreciated.

 THANKS !!


 Ken...W2GIW



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment ACCURACY?

[Mike Harris]

G'day,

| L's - and the LED Display changes little or flickers
| side to side.  An analog display, or meter would seem
| so much more accurate.

Spot on.

Digital displays are rubbish when it comes to peaking anything.  It is so
much easier to peak the swing of a meter needle than follow changing
numbers or coarse steps on a bar display.  I did all my band pass filter
tuning on TX using a WM-2 watt meter.  Smooth an' easy.

Regards,

Mike VP8NO

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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment ACCURACY?

[Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

I agree, I personally use a 'scope with its 10X probe connected directly
across the dummy load for my peak indicator - just watch for the highest
deflection on the 'scope and it is 'Spot On' - easy and no ambiguity.

For those not having access to an analog indicator, the K2 display does work
fine, but one must tune slowly because the digital display takes a bit of
time to 'catch up' - with fast tuning, the peak can be missed.

Bottom line - if you have anything analog that will indicate the peak, use
it, the peak will be more obvious than with the digital display. That
includes inserting an analog SWR meter in-line with the dummy load -  no
matter that the SWR meter or Wattmeter is inaccurate, you are interested
only in the peak when doing this tuning, not the absolute power (measurement
of the power comes later).

The original question was about determining the peak during the receive
pre-alignment, be aware that this is only a preliminary alignment, the
better (more precise) alignment will be done using Transmit, so if one gets
the receive pre-alignment reasonably close to correct, the final peaking can
be easily done with the transmit alignment.

73,
Don W3FPR

 -Original Message-

 G'day,

 | L's - and the LED Display changes little or flickers
 | side to side.  An analog display, or meter would seem
 | so much more accurate.

 Spot on.

 Digital displays are rubbish when it comes to peaking anything.  It is so
 much easier to peak the swing of a meter needle than follow changing
 numbers or coarse steps on a bar display.  I did all my band pass filter
 tuning on TX using a WM-2 watt meter.  Smooth an' easy.



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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment ACCURACY?

[Don Wilhelm]

Fred,

You can use your ears rather than the S-meter - just tune for the strongest
signal strength.  Close your eyes and listen, you should hear a peak as you
rotate the inductor slug (or capacitor trimmer).  You should be able to
resolve the peak within about 1/4 turn with just your ears.  The peak on 80
meters is a bit more broad than the peak on other bands.

If you get the tuning anywhere close, that should be good enough for now,
read the title on page 76 literally, this is PRE-ALIGNMENT.  When you turn
to page 77, you will be tuning the same inductors and trimmer caps using
transmit mode, and the indication is much more precise than for the receive
pre-alignment.  If you did the steps for 40 meters on page 75, you should
already have a sense for the process - the procedure for the other bands is
similar to that used for 40 meters.

Your 12 foot copper wire is not really a very good antenna, and you will
likely hear only a few signals (perhaps none at certain times of the day) -
when you connect a good outdoor antenna tuned properly for a 50 ohm
impedance, you will hear a lot more.

73,
Don W3FPR

 -Original Message-

 I've got the base K2 # 5422 built - and am doing the
 Alignment  Test, Part III - Receiver Pre-Alignment,
 Transmitter Alignment  (page 74):

 The difficulty I'm finding:  It seems like the whole
 testing and peaking adjustment, is based on BAR
 GRAPH 10-LED Display and tweaking the various L1/L2,
 L3/L4, C21/C23, L8/L9, L10/L11, C32/C34, L12/L13,
 and C44/C46.   There seems to be so much slop in the
 various L core adjustment - one can turn one of the
 L's - and the LED Display changes little or flickers
 side to side.  An analog display, or meter would seem
 so much more accurate.

 It almost seems like one could mis-adjust L3, or
 any of them - by as much as a 1/2 turn - based
 solely on what the flickering of the 10-LED
 display looks like.

 Is there a better way of peaking and checking,
 when I attempt this?

 I've gone thru this process twice.  On 40 - I
 can copy CW and some SSB sigs too.  (12' copper wire
 antenna)

 Thanks,
 Fred N3CSY


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Re: RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment Test, Part II PLL problem, Continued

[rootboy]

I'm back

I got the new components (D16, D17, C84, C85,  Q19) from Scott over at 
Elecraft and installed them. I still got the same readings so I re-read the 
instructions and checked each and every component to make sure that I had 
everything installed correctly. 

I did find one mistake, I had soldered C88 to pins 11  12 of U4 instead of 
pins 12  13. I relocated the cap and the frequency went up slightly (reading 
524 instead of 495). The cap measured ~58 picos (in circuit) so it's in the 
ballpark.

I also touched up a few soldering joints along the way, more for looks than 
anything else.

The voltage readings on pins 1, 2,  3 of U6 are the same as before, and both 
variactors seem to be working just fine. 

Any ideas?


Thanks again for all of your help,

John


 
 From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Date: 2006/04/11 Tue PM 08:18:46 CDT
 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], 
   elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment  Test, Part II PLL problem, Continued
 
 John,
 
 For the time being (until you solve the current problem) the only voltages
 at U6 that matter are pins 1, 2 and 3 - and those are correct.  The other
 pins will likely fall into line after you have this problem fixed and if not
 there is another problem with the VCO.
 
 Right now, the voltages being fed out of U6 pin 1 are correct for the
 stimulus you provided (CAL FCTR and tapping BAND+ and BAND-).  Now check to
 see if that (proper) 0 to 8 volt swing between pressing BAND+ and BAND- is
 carried on through R19 and then through the RP2 sections and then onto the
 cathodes of D16 and D17.  If you get a decent voltage swing between BAND+
 and BAND- (you can expect a bit of voltage drop on the 8 volts end) at the
 varactor cathodes, then look for something else wrong in the PLL Reference
 oscillator (upper left of the schematic sheet - but only as far to the right
 as TP3), the PLL chip does not matter until the PLL Reference oscillator is
 functioning properly.
 
 If you do get a good voltage swing at the varactors, then all I can say is
 either Q19 oscillations quit when the varactor capacitance is reduced, or
 there is something wrong at C84, C85, D17 or D16 which is stopping the
 oscillation.  If you suspect Q19 itself, you could try swapping it with one
 of the J310s on the Control Board at Q6 or Q7 (these in a less-critical
 audio circuit rather than being used as an RF Oscillator).
 
 73,
 Don W3FPR
 
  -Original Message-
 
  Thanks for the help Don. :)
 
  I tried your suggestions (and a few others as well) and L31
  (which is a 12 µHz inductor on my unit) is the correct part.
 
  Diodes D16, D17,  D18, are in properly and pass their in-circuit
  tests just fine.
 
  R19, RP2, R20, R21, RFC14, C84, C85, Q19, RFC14, Q19 and the
  thermistor board are all installed properly and certainly look good.
 
 
  Scott at Elecraft suggested holding the 4, 5,  6 buttons while
  turning the unit on (which showed INFO 201) to see if that
  corrected the problem but no luck there either.
 
  I took reading off of U6 while switching between BAND - and
  BAND + in CAL FCTR mode, and here's what I got:
 
  BAND +, The display reads 488Hz  (Bad)
 
  U6 Readings:
  Pin 1 = 7.63V
  Pin 2 = 4.09V
  Pin 3 = 4.09V
  Pin 4 = 0V
  Pin 5 = 3.96V
  Pin 6 = 4.91V
  Pin 7 = .02V
  Pin 8 = 7.95V
 
 
  BAND -, The display reads 12086Hz  (Good)
 
  U6 Readings:
  Pin 1 = .00V
  Pin 2 = .09V
  Pin 3 = .02
  Pin 4 = 0V
  Pin 5 = 3.96V
  Pin 6 = 3.96V
  Pin 7 = 1.64V
  Pin 8 = 7.95V
 
 
  Pins 2, 3, 6, especially Pin 6, are out of tolerance.
 
  Taking resistance readings off of the thermistor board looks good.
 
  Pins 6/7 to Pin 8 reads about 5k ohms.
  Pins 4/5 to Pin 8 reads about 295 ohms.
  Pins 2/3 to Pins 4/5 reads about 1.96k ohms.
  Pins 6/7 to Pin 1 reads about 8.76k ohms.
  Pin 1 to Pins 2/3 reads about 1.8k ohms.
 
  All of these readings more or less mathematically work out to
  what the meter says (with the exception of the second reading
  which is 8V to Ground so no surprise there).
 
  The output from the DAC is 4.092 (4,092 counts), so it's near its
  top end.
 
 
  My partner suggests removing R19 and inserting a pot to swing the
  voltage going into the oscillator circuit from 0 to 7-ish volts
  to see if that stabilizes.
 
 
  I got another suggestion to double check D36 for proper
  installation. It's in correctly, and checks out (in circuit) okay.
 
  Possibly I left a component out, so I'll double check that I
  didn't skip anything during the installation phase.
 
 
  Thanks again for all the help,
 
  John
 
 
 
 

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Re: RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment Test, Part II PLL problem, Continued

[rootboy]

Both you and Don made that same suggestion, so I called up Scott today and 
asked him for another of these as well (the man has the patience of a saint).

For grins I took C87 out so that I could isolate the oscillator section from 
the PLL section (U4). I ended up seeing 0Hz for the high range (was 450 -550) 
but still got my trustworthy 12086 for the low end reading. The reason why I 
yanked C87 was because I was concerned that my mistake with C88 might have 
damaged U4. This doesn't seem to be the case. 

So it looks like U4 isn't causing any trouble, and the other good news is that 
the list of original parts left to be replaced is dwindling. :)


Thanks again for all the help,

John


 
 From: k4zm [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Date: 2006/04/19 Wed AM 07:26:45 CDT
 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Subject: Re: RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment  Test, Part II PLL problem, 
 Continued
 
 John:
 
 The other possibility is a bad X1.  Maybe it can't oscillate at that wide a 
 frequency range.  As stated earlier it has to be in the area of the PLL Ref 
 Oscillator because that is all you are looking at in that test. The test is 
 to make sure the crystal can be shifted the proper amount so that the PLL 
 circuits will work properly.
 
 73
 Jim Younce K4ZM 
 
 
 

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