Re: [Elecraft] Problems with KRX3A

[Rick Bates, NK7I]

Gareth,

The information you have been given is correct but it's a challenge to 
wrap ones head around the details, a couple are subtle.

It is ultimately the items you have installed (the tuner, with the 
second antenna port) AND the connection of cables to the KRX3 (which 
connector source is chosen), THEN the setting in menu (KRX3 = ANT | BNC) 
to match those choices.

[The KRX3 will listen to ANT 1 | 2 with a tuner OR will listen to MAIN 
(whatever the main RX is using) | BNC; with or without a tuner (I think 
that's all inclusive).]

Then, the use of the front panel to engage which feed is in play, based 
on the options above (ANT 1 or 2; with a tuner| Main or BNC).

In my case, with a tuner (unused, one port to a KPA1500, the other to a 
dummy load) I chose to use the BNC as the RX source for the KRX3, simply 
so I cannot transmit into it, ever, and have diversity reception.  I can 
listen via main or BNC (RX system) and worry less about doing something 
stupid like blowing up the RX system and/or finals.

It also means that if I want the main receiver to hear the RX antenna 
(but transmit on the transmit antenna) I have to move a cable on the K3 
in the back (or provide a antenna switch), both are BNC, one is more 
challenging to reach through the maze of wires.

I'm hoping from the comments, that the K4 will be simpler to configure 
(on the fly) as most of us need simpler as we age ;-)   The most 
difficult part is deciding how one will use the tools most effectively, 
then put the parts in the right place to meet that/those goal/s.

None of which answers your original question.

I don't mean to be pedantic or insulting; I try to be complete because 
it's always the simplest of things that are the most elusive; details 
matter.

Assuming that the menu is set to enable a KRX3 and both SYN are showing 
expected results based on which SYN is installed (you've done this):

Hearing the rx audio 'rush' noise is a good start (use headphones, don't 
mix audio from the main RX); the audio stage is working, now look backwards.

Check the KRX3 filter selection to make sure that (a) the filter (menu) 
choice is correct (right filter) and (b) visually confirm the presence 
of the filter (DOH!) and (c) is actually IN the slot chosen (menu 
setting again).  Nothing is automatic, you tell the firmware what and 
where filters are installed.  (A quick test is to change the filter 
bandwidth on the front panel [B SEL or speaker/headphone audio]; note 
any audio changes from wide to narrow, if any.)

Then (if no success) I would start with actually seeing how the TMP 
cables are connected (you need to know anyway then change if needed to 
meet your goals); ARE they in the correct place; testing them along the 
way for continuity and shorting; then make sure that each is seated 
_fully_ (easy to miss) and correctly (hemostats or very small point 
pliers on the cable metal connector, very gently but firmly; tactile 
senses cranked up, damage is easy).  Do NOT ever pull on the cable itself.

Recheck the menu for the correct source settings again (in particular if 
you made changes).

If still no joy, based on your time difference to CA, an email of your 
test/findings to the repair team at Elecraft would be the best choice.

Please post your results, good and bad so others can learn too.

73,
Rick NK7I



On 5/28/2020 8:54 AM, Gareth M5KVK wrote:
Thanks, Clark
I think I’m going to open her up again and test all the connecting cables.

Never mind, at least I get to use my K2 for a change 😊

Gareth, M5KVK

From: Clark Macaulay <clark.macau...@gmail.com>
Date: Thursday, 28 May 2020 at 16:47
To: Gareth M5KVK <gareth.m5...@gmail.com>
Cc: Mark Musick <markmus...@outlook.com>, "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" 
<elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Problems with KRX3A

Hi, Gareth.

Well...you certainly have a mystery here. I found the documentation in the 
Elecraft manual on this subject a little hard to follow; the book by Fred Cady 
on the K3 is better and, if you'd don't have have it, I highly recommend it.

I think you said on a previous post that you can hear the noise of the SUB when 
enabling it, then you are correct that there is something blocking the signal 
from the antenna.  Assuming the configuration is correct, it might be the cable 
inside the K3 that feeds the signal to the SUB.  When I opened up my K3 a while 
back to add a filter to the SUB. I noticed that one of the little coax cables 
entered the SUB at a pinched right angle (at least it was in mine).  While I 
didn't have a problem, it seemed like it could be a problem if I didn't make 
sure the little connector was firmly inserted.

I'm afraid I'm now beyond my pay grade on this...

On Thu, May 28, 2020 at 11:36 AM Gareth M5KVK 
<gareth.m5...@gmail.com<mailto:gareth.m5...@gmail.com>> wrote:
Thanks Mark
Sadly, Changing the CONFIG KRX3 to be ANT=ATU makes no difference.

Gareth

On 28/05/2020, 16:08, "Mark Musick" 
<markmus...@outlook.com<mailto:markmus...@outlook.com>> wrote:

     HI Gareth,
     Sorry, I sent my previous e-mail to you before seeing this one.
     You have jogged my memory.
     I still believe KRX3 ANT= ATU is correct, but what jogged my memory Gareth 
is I believe, and I'll have to check, is that if you have the ATU installed 
with the two antenna ports you can use the non-transmit port for a receive 
antenna. In other words if you have the ATU and have ANT1 selected as the 
transmit antenna you can select ANT2 for receive. It may be that setting is set 
to ANT2 when it should be ANT1. However, I believe the K3 is smart enough to 
know that ANT1 is the only one available when there is no ATU installed.

     73,
     Mark, WB9CIF

     -----Original Message-----
     From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> 
<elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net>> On Behalf 
Of Gareth M5KVK
     Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 14:53
     To: Nr4c <n...@widomaker.com<mailto:n...@widomaker.com>>
     Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
     Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Problems with KRX3A

     Hi Bill
     The documentation around this is a bit confusing, but my understanding is 
that this setting defines where the SUB gets its AUX antenna feed from. It can 
either be BNC (the Aux RF socket on the back panel), or (if you have the ATU 
installed and therefore two ANT sockets) it can get it from whichever ANT 
socket is not being used by MAIN. As I do not have ATU installed, the only 
option that works is bnc.

     I can choose either MAIN or AUX ant for the SUB by pressing RX ANT

     Does this make sense?

     Gareth, M5KVK

     On 28/05/2020, 14:03, "Nr4c" 
<n...@widomaker.com<mailto:n...@widomaker.com>> wrote:

         Sorry!

         KRX3 Ant=bnc does not agree with both on MAIN.

         Sent from my iPhone
         ...nr4c. bill


         > On May 28, 2020, at 8:54 AM, Gareth M5KVK 
<gareth.m5...@gmail.com<mailto:gareth.m5...@gmail.com>> wrote:
         >
         > I spent last evening checking the installation of the KRX3A. I did 
find one bit of incorrect plumbing (in the cables that connect the KRX3A to the 
rest of the K3S): however correcting it made no discernible difference.
         >
         > The post-installation setup instructions pass OK and all the CONFIG 
menu options seem to be correct: though it is difficult to be sure.
         >
         > With SUB on, SUB AF/RF at Max and Main AF at min: I get noise out of 
the speaker, but no signal: even though A and B are equal and the Main is 
definitely receiving a signal.
         > CONFIG
         >  KRX3 Ant=bnc
         >  L-MIX-R A B
         >  SPKRS 1
         >  SUB AF nor
         >
         > Looks like an email to support is next.
         >
         > Gareth, M5KVK
         >
         > From: Gareth M5KVK 
<gareth.m5...@gmail.com<mailto:gareth.m5...@gmail.com>>
         > Date: Tuesday, 26 May 2020 at 16:05
         > To: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>" 
<elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>>
         > Subject: Problems with KRX3A
         >
         > Hi there
         > I bought a s/h K3S a couple of years ago (SN 10901). It has a KRX3A 
installed, but I’ve never tried to use it until now. When I enabled the sub 
receiver this morning, I found I was getting no signal.
         >
         > I’ve checked various CONFIG settings and it’s set to use the MAIN 
ANT and it’s AF is independent of the K3S. In an attempt to make progress, I 
reviewed the installation instructions.
         >
         > Item 4, after enabling TECH MD, is Tap DISP and rotate VFO B to 
display SYN1 and SYN2. I do not see these items. Any idea how to debug this?
         >
         > 73
         >
         > Gareth, M5KVK
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--
73,

Clark, WU4B
Little Pistol With Wires
QRPARCI #10815
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"It is vain to do with more what can be done with less."
Attributed to William of Occam (1288 AD - 1348 AD)

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