Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

[Edward R Cole]

I accidentally connected the wrong BNC connector to my Aux Ant jack 
with directly connects to my KRX3 IF and transmitted 28-MHz 1mw 
briefly into it.  Suffered no damage and still works. whew!


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] FW: KPA PA Transistors

[Dauer, Edward]

Yup; here it is, from the KPA 100 Manual:


IMPORTANT: The hardware holding the RF power transistors in place will loosen 
slightly during initial use. After 5-10 hours of normal operation at 50 watts 
or more, remove the KPA100 assembly and its shield, then re-tighten the 
mounting hardware for Q1/Q2 approximately 1/8 turn.

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Re: [Elecraft] PA Transistors Maintenance in K2

[Don Wilhelm]

Ted,

Not Q7 and Q8 in the base K2, but for the KPA100, yes tightening the 
screws for Q1 and Q2 should be done after 5 to 10 hours of operation at 
greater then 50 watts.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/27/2017 11:15 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that after some number of hours of 
operation – maybe 50 – the hardware holding Q7 and Q8 onto the heat sink should 
be tightened, I presume to maintain good heat conduction from the tabs to the 
sink.  But I can’t find that instruction in the manual now.  Anyone know where 
I might have gotten that notion, or did I just make it up?

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Re: [Elecraft] PA Transistors Maintenance in K2

[Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP]

On page 51 of the Rev 2 KPA100 manual, I found the following:

--
IMPORTANT: The hardware holding the RF power
transistors in place will loosen slightly during initial use.
After 5-10 hours of normal operation at 50 watts or more,
remove the KPA100 assembly and its shield, then re-tighten
the mounting hardware for Q1/Q2 approximately 1/8 turn.
---

I didn't look to see if this was in other versions of the manual; this 
was the first place I looked.



73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
On 28 Oct 2017 06:15, Dauer, Edward wrote:

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that after some number of hours of 
operation – maybe 50 – the hardware holding Q7 and Q8 onto the heat sink should 
be tightened, I presume to maintain good heat conduction from the tabs to the 
sink.  But I can’t find that instruction in the manual now.  Anyone know where 
I might have gotten that notion, or did I just make it up?

Thanks,

Ted, KN1CBR

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Re: [Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100?

[Tom]

Hi,
The problem appears to be blown relays for the 20m LPF in the KXPA100.
73 Tom
va2fsq.com

-Original Message- 
From: Don Wilhelm 
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 5:48 PM 
To: Tom ; Elecraft 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100? 


Tom,

I certainly don't know what the problem may be, but someone in support 
may be able to help you.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/27/2017 4:56 PM, Tom wrote:

Hi,
No, I didn't.
However, it seems that the amp is not blown.
I have no idea what's happening...

Ok, Elecraft recommended a TX Gain calibration.  That was successful 
on all bands.

I changed all the RF cables and the KXPA100 still shows no output...

However, this was on 20m.
If I switch bands, the KPXA100 is working fine on all other bands.  It 
just so happens that this seems to happen only on 20m.
Everything looks the same as far as I can tell, same antenna (all 
testing is into a dummy load)

So it is only on 20m.
What have I missed?


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 display flashes when sdrplay active from IF Out

[Tom]

HI,
Nope, never saw or heard a report of this.  I know quite a few people doing 
this.
Did you try the usual? Swapping cables, Opening the P3 and resetting any 
connectors or boards?


73
va2fsq.com

-Original Message- 
From: Tom Schaefer

Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 5:46 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] P3 display flashes when sdrplay active from IF Out


I noticed that when I have an SDRPlay RSP 2 active that the P3 display 
flashes. The SDR is connected to IF Out on the P3.


Has anyone else seen this happen?

Thanks

Tom NY4I
Principal Solutions Architect
Better Software Solutions, Inc.
727-437-2771
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[Elecraft] PA Transistors Maintenance in K2

[Dauer, Edward]

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that after some number of hours of 
operation – maybe 50 – the hardware holding Q7 and Q8 onto the heat sink should 
be tightened, I presume to maintain good heat conduction from the tabs to the 
sink.  But I can’t find that instruction in the manual now.  Anyone know where 
I might have gotten that notion, or did I just make it up?

Thanks,

Ted, KN1CBR


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Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

Honestly they should make that a simple field replaceable part.


On 10/27/2017 1:02 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:

Diode D5 on the KXV3 is one weak link.  A more robust replacement
is available from Digikey for $0.42
https://marc.info/?l=elecraft=145323127930319=2


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ



-Original Message- From: brian
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 10:35 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

I'm going out on a limb. I've heard that some other DXpeditions
had K3
failures in the RX section.  RX dead TX OK.  Apparently, the
protection
circuitry was not enough in the close quarter multi-transmitter
operations.  It would be nice to know the details or if this or
is just
rumor.  If this is so what in the field fixes could be done?
Alternatively, what additional steps in such contemplated
operation
could be taken to further minimize such failures.

73 de Brian/K3KO

On 10/27/2017 17:02 PM, Merv Schweigert via Elecraft wrote:

Here is the latest from 3C0L guys,  and an insight to the K3
failures,
lot of negative comments on some lists,  this puts it in
perspective.



   Regarding K3s - those who posted negative comments on
DX-Cluster about
failing K3s, please bear in mind the conditions they were being
operated
at 3C0 (jumping mains voltage 120-180 V). If you dare to test
transceiver,
or even better - two of them - of your beloved brand in similar
conditions
for about 12 days, then lets compare the results."
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Re: [Elecraft] KLPA3A power transistor thermal stress concerns

[Don Wilhelm]

Bill is entirely correct.
Once in my prior career, I did a study of Mean Time Between Failure for 
IC circuits (same applies to transistors).  That study had to consider 
the case temperature of the IC (or transistor) with respect to the 
junction temperature.
The specification for the IC or transistor package will include a 
thermal resistance parameter, which must be considered to obtain the 
maximum temperature for the case of the device.


Bill's comment about the screw tightness is entirely correct - the heat 
of the device case must be transferred to the heatsink in an efficient 
manner.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/27/2017 6:07 PM, Nr4c wrote:

Yes. But I believe that is Junction temperature, not case on heatsink temp.  
Remember the case bottom is heatsink for those. Make sure screws are tight.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill



On Oct 27, 2017, at 12:19 PM, N2TK, Tony  wrote:

50C is not hot for a transistor. Commercial transistors are usually speced to 
85C. JANS (space) transistors are speced to 125C and actually baked without 
bias for 320 hours at 200C. The hFE is measured before and after to check for 
change.



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Re: [Elecraft] KLPA3A power transistor thermal stress concerns

[Nr4c]

Yes. But I believe that is Junction temperature, not case on heatsink temp.  
Remember the case bottom is heatsink for those. Make sure screws are tight. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Oct 27, 2017, at 12:19 PM, N2TK, Tony  wrote:
> 
> 50C is not hot for a transistor. Commercial transistors are usually speced to 
> 85C. JANS (space) transistors are speced to 125C and actually baked without 
> bias for 320 hours at 200C. The hFE is measured before and after to check for 
> change.
> 73
> N2TK, Tony
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Oct 24, 2017, at 8:23 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
>> 
>> Nick,
>> 
>> Yes, I believe that should be no problem.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>> 
>>> On 10/24/2017 8:57 PM, Nick - VE3EY wrote:
>>> Hi Don
>>> 
>>> Good question.   I happen to have a Infrared Thermometer.   After bashing 
>>> at it for about 20 minutes, the temperature in the vicinity of two 
>>> transistors (as measured against the bottom cover) peaked at 50 degrees 
>>> Celsius (122 F) but it did not go beyond that.  I ran the rig at 10 watts 
>>> on 10 meters which is where most of the drive power is needed.
>>> 
>>> I suppose that should be OK than.
>>> 
>>> 73 and thanks for your feedback,
>>> 
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100?

[Don Wilhelm]

Tom,

I certainly don't know what the problem may be, but someone in support 
may be able to help you.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/27/2017 4:56 PM, Tom wrote:

Hi,
No, I didn't.
However, it seems that the amp is not blown.
I have no idea what's happening...

Ok, Elecraft recommended a TX Gain calibration.  That was successful 
on all bands.

I changed all the RF cables and the KXPA100 still shows no output...

However, this was on 20m.
If I switch bands, the KPXA100 is working fine on all other bands.  It 
just so happens that this seems to happen only on 20m.
Everything looks the same as far as I can tell, same antenna (all 
testing is into a dummy load)

So it is only on 20m.
What have I missed?


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[Elecraft] P3 display flashes when sdrplay active from IF Out

[Tom Schaefer]

I noticed that when I have an SDRPlay RSP 2 active that the P3 display flashes. 
The SDR is connected to IF Out on the P3. 

Has anyone else seen this happen?

Thanks 

Tom NY4I 
Principal Solutions Architect
Better Software Solutions, Inc. 
727-437-2771
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 RX broken :-( ... where to look at first?

[Oliver Dröse]

Thanks to Dave's, K6LL, tip on the 3C0L thread, I could identify D25 on 
the RF board to have gone south. Ordered spares already and thanks to 
Heiko, DG1BHA who is lending his K3 so I can do the contest at least ... 
73, Olli


Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de


Am 27.10.2017 um 20:32 schrieb Oliver Dröse:

Hi,

just setting up for WWDX SSB and probably due to too much RF around 
(HIGH RFI indication shortly on the display) my K3 main RX died. Seems 
the 2nd RX is still operational, at least I can hear signals when 
switching to AUX antenna which is wired from ATU to sub-RX if I 
remember correctly.


Any hint?

Seem to remember there were similar cases in the past where a 
protection diode died which was not on the main board but somewhere else?


Thanks,
Olli - DH8BQA



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Re: [Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100?

[Tom]

Hi,
No, I didn't.
However, it seems that the amp is not blown.
I have no idea what's happening...

Ok, Elecraft recommended a TX Gain calibration.  That was successful on all 
bands.

I changed all the RF cables and the KXPA100 still shows no output...

However, this was on 20m.
If I switch bands, the KPXA100 is working fine on all other bands.  It just 
so happens that this seems to happen only on 20m.
Everything looks the same as far as I can tell, same antenna (all testing is 
into a dummy load)

So it is only on 20m.
What have I missed?

Thanks, Tom


-Original Message- 
From: Don Wilhelm

Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 4:34 PM
To: Tom ; Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100?

Tom,

Did you connect the KX3 Keyout signal into the KXPA100 PA KEY input?
That is necessary for 'Basic Operation' - see page 18 of the manual.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/27/2017 3:24 PM, Tom wrote:

Hi,
Just to be sure, I disconnected all control signal, only RF into the amp 
at 10W
No output, but no errors in the KXPA100 utility. 



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Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

[Jim Brown]

This is far too conservative, and a far too limited approach.  I can 
offer several examples.


At home, I have two 3-el 20M Yagis spaced about 130 ft, and regularly 
use two K3s to drive two 1,500W amps. If I aim those two Yagis so that 
their driven elements are approximately colinear with each other, I can 
operate CW on the same band within 60 kHz of each other and not know the 
other is there! I first experienced this about four years ago with the 
original K3.


Successful multi-transmitter operations require both very good radios 
and very good SYSTEMS ENGINEERING. I regularly operate from W6GJB's 
contesting trailer on county expeditions for CQP and 7QP. From the 
trailer, we regularly run two stations, each equipped with a K3, 
P3/SVGA, KPA500, KAT500, and W3NQN bandpass filter sets. We mostly work 
CW, and usually have the two stations on adjacent harmonically related 
bands. The 80M and 40M antennas each have double stubs inline to 
suppress amplifier harmonics, and there is a serious common mode choke 
on each antenna at its feedpoint. Antennas for all three bands are 
within about five feet of each other on a 46 ft pneumatic mast.  The K3s 
have the new synth boards installed.  There are photos of the trailer at 
k9yc.com/7QP.pdf  Since these photos were taken in May 2016, Glen 
(W6GJB) has rigged the tri-bander to be at the top of the mast above the 
40M dipole.


For CQP, we run at least one SSB station in addition to the two CW 
stations, and we regularly operate CW and SSB on the same band. This 
does, of course, require good separation of antennas, and, when 
possible, colinear alignment. Operating from the same site for several 
years with colinear alignment of the antennas, we found that 200 ft was 
sufficient running tribanders on 20, 15, and 10, and 300-400 ft was 
enough on 40 and 80 with dipoles. The SSB station(s) have the same 
equipment as the CW stations.


As to failures at 3C0L -- the generator regulation failures could easily 
fry power supplies, which could include frying their regulators, which 
could fry the K3s. But the failures could also have been the result of 
poor system engineering, or operator errors, or both. Every human being 
I've ever run into screws up now and then, especially when we are tired.


As the examples cited above clearly show, there is far more to a 
DXpedition or contest than hooking up a bunch of radios to a bunch of 
antennas! The most successful of these operations have team members who 
are good operators and are worker bees, and at least some who are good 
engineers. I've seen drawings for the setups for DXpeditions that 
demonstrated careful planning and great engineering. The 2008 VP6DX 
expedition is a great example. It used some of the very first K3s to 
come off the production line, and the systems engineering was 
spectacularly good. Be sure to look at the site map and click on it to 
blow it up to see the antenna layout.


http://ducie2008.dl1mgb.com/index.php

This pdf describes the receive antennas for the low bands.

http://ncjweb.com/bonus-content/200807NCJVP6DXreceiveantenna1.pdf

73, Jim K9YC

On 10/27/2017 11:33 AM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

Successful multi-transmitter operation begins with a rational antenna layout
considering the power levels involved. IMX, we've always used at least one
wavelength between transmitters running 100 watts or so (250 feet on 80, 120
feet on 40, and so on) and we orient the antennas to minimize coupling.



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Re: [Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100?

[Don Wilhelm]

Tom,

Did you connect the KX3 Keyout signal into the KXPA100 PA KEY input? 
That is necessary for 'Basic Operation' - see page 18 of the manual.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/27/2017 3:24 PM, Tom wrote:

Hi,
Just to be sure, I disconnected all control signal, only RF into the amp 
at 10W

No output, but no errors in the KXPA100 utility.

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Re: [Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100?

[Tom]

Hi,
Just to be sure, I disconnected all control signal, only RF into the amp at 
10W

No output, but no errors in the KXPA100 utility.
73 Tom
va2fsq.com

-Original Message- 
From: Tom

Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 3:15 PM
To: Elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100?

HI,

I seem to be having troubles with my KXPA100.
There is no power output as indicated on the power out display on the amp 
either into an antenna or dummy load.  The amp’s TX light does go on.
If I open the KXPA utility and look at the Operate section, Input power 
always stays at 0, even though the KX3 shows power output near 100W on it’s 
power display except when you press the Tune button.  Then it shows 10W


Sending the output of the KX3 to a dummy load shows that the amp is getting 
10W power ..
If I transmit on the KX3 into the KXPA100 with 10W, the Operate section in 
the KPXA utility shows the following:


Input Power = 0.0
Drain Current = 4-8A (using voice)
Supply Voltage 13.4V
Dissipated power = 50-90W

Forward power = 0
reflected power =0
Last SWR= 1.2

This is into a dummy load or antenna
Holding down the tune button the KX3 shows Input power at 10.0 but of course 
the amp then goes into bypass.

Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks, Tom


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[Elecraft] Did I fry my KXPA100?

[Tom]

HI,

I seem to be having troubles with my KXPA100.
There is no power output as indicated on the power out display on the amp 
either into an antenna or dummy load.  The amp’s TX light does go on.
If I open the KXPA utility and look at the Operate section, Input power always 
stays at 0, even though the KX3 shows power output near 100W on it’s power 
display except when you press the Tune button.  Then it shows 10W

Sending the output of the KX3 to a dummy load shows that the amp is getting 10W 
power ..
If I transmit on the KX3 into the KXPA100 with 10W, the Operate section in the 
KPXA utility shows the following:

Input Power = 0.0
Drain Current = 4-8A (using voice)
Supply Voltage 13.4V
Dissipated power = 50-90W

Forward power = 0
reflected power =0
Last SWR= 1.2

This is into a dummy load or antenna
Holding down the tune button the KX3 shows Input power at 10.0 but of course 
the amp then goes into bypass.
Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks, Tom


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Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

[Dave Hachadorian]

Diode D5 on the KXV3 is one weak link.  A more robust replacement
is available from Digikey for $0.42
https://marc.info/?l=elecraft=145323127930319=2


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ



-Original Message- 
From: brian

Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 10:35 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

I'm going out on a limb. I've heard that some other DXpeditions
had K3
failures in the RX section.  RX dead TX OK.  Apparently, the
protection
circuitry was not enough in the close quarter multi-transmitter
operations.  It would be nice to know the details or if this or
is just
rumor.  If this is so what in the field fixes could be done?
Alternatively, what additional steps in such contemplated
operation
could be taken to further minimize such failures.

73 de Brian/K3KO

On 10/27/2017 17:02 PM, Merv Schweigert via Elecraft wrote:

Here is the latest from 3C0L guys,  and an insight to the K3
failures,
lot of negative comments on some lists,  this puts it in
perspective.



   Regarding K3s - those who posted negative comments on
DX-Cluster about
failing K3s, please bear in mind the conditions they were being
operated
at 3C0 (jumping mains voltage 120-180 V). If you dare to test
transceiver,
or even better - two of them - of your beloved brand in similar
conditions
for about 12 days, then lets compare the results."
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Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

OMG a radio broke.No other Dxpeditions have ever had equipment 
failures?




On 10/27/2017 12:33 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

I doubt if anyone expects the receiver to survive if you hook the output of
even a 10 watt transmitter directly to the receiver antenna connector. If
the layout of a multi-transmitter site does not include consideration for
substantial separation between antennas, there will be failures.

The K3/K3S receivers (sub and main) are protected by carrier-operated relays
that shunt signals to ground in the event they are strong enough to cause
damage. Of course any protective device can be defeated (or destroyed) if
punished too hard.

Successful multi-transmitter operation begins with a rational antenna layout
considering the power levels involved. IMX, we've always used at least one
wavelength between transmitters running 100 watts or so (250 feet on 80, 120
feet on 40, and so on) and we orient the antennas to minimize coupling.

73, Ron AC7AC

  


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of brian
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 10:35 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

I'm going out on a limb. I've heard that some other DXpeditions had K3
failures in the RX section.  RX dead TX OK.  Apparently, the protection
circuitry was not enough in the close quarter multi-transmitter operations.
It would be nice to know the details or if this or is just rumor.  If this
is so what in the field fixes could be done?
Alternatively, what additional steps in such contemplated operation could be
taken to further minimize such failures.

73 de Brian/K3KO


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Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I doubt if anyone expects the receiver to survive if you hook the output of
even a 10 watt transmitter directly to the receiver antenna connector. If
the layout of a multi-transmitter site does not include consideration for
substantial separation between antennas, there will be failures. 

The K3/K3S receivers (sub and main) are protected by carrier-operated relays
that shunt signals to ground in the event they are strong enough to cause
damage. Of course any protective device can be defeated (or destroyed) if
punished too hard. 

Successful multi-transmitter operation begins with a rational antenna layout
considering the power levels involved. IMX, we've always used at least one
wavelength between transmitters running 100 watts or so (250 feet on 80, 120
feet on 40, and so on) and we orient the antennas to minimize coupling. 

73, Ron AC7AC 

 

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of brian
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 10:35 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

I'm going out on a limb. I've heard that some other DXpeditions had K3
failures in the RX section.  RX dead TX OK.  Apparently, the protection
circuitry was not enough in the close quarter multi-transmitter operations.
It would be nice to know the details or if this or is just rumor.  If this
is so what in the field fixes could be done? 
Alternatively, what additional steps in such contemplated operation could be
taken to further minimize such failures.

73 de Brian/K3KO


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[Elecraft] K3 RX broken :-( ... where to look at first?

[Oliver Dröse]

Hi,

just setting up for WWDX SSB and probably due to too much RF around 
(HIGH RFI indication shortly on the display) my K3 main RX died. Seems 
the 2nd RX is still operational, at least I can hear signals when 
switching to AUX antenna which is wired from ATU to sub-RX if I remember 
correctly.


Any hint?

Seem to remember there were similar cases in the past where a protection 
diode died which was not on the main board but somewhere else?


Thanks,
Olli - DH8BQA

--

Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de


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Re: [Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

[brian]

I'm going out on a limb. I've heard that some other DXpeditions had K3 
failures in the RX section.  RX dead TX OK.  Apparently, the protection 
circuitry was not enough in the close quarter multi-transmitter 
operations.  It would be nice to know the details or if this or is just 
rumor.  If this is so what in the field fixes could be done? 
Alternatively, what additional steps in such contemplated operation 
could be taken to further minimize such failures.


73 de Brian/K3KO

On 10/27/2017 17:02 PM, Merv Schweigert via Elecraft wrote:

Here is the latest from 3C0L guys,  and an insight to the K3 failures,
lot of negative comments on some lists,  this puts it in perspective.



   Regarding K3s - those who posted negative comments on DX-Cluster about
failing K3s, please bear in mind the conditions they were being operated
at 3C0 (jumping mains voltage 120-180 V). If you dare to test transceiver,
or even better - two of them - of your beloved brand in similar conditions
for about 12 days, then lets compare the results."
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[Elecraft] Failing K3 at 3C0L

[Merv Schweigert via Elecraft]

Here is the latest from 3C0L guys,  and an insight to the K3 failures,
lot of negative comments on some lists,  this puts it in perspective.



  Regarding K3s - those who posted negative comments on DX-Cluster about
failing K3s, please bear in mind the conditions they were being operated
at 3C0 (jumping mains voltage 120-180 V). If you dare to test transceiver,
or even better - two of them - of your beloved brand in similar conditions
for about 12 days, then lets compare the results."
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Re: [Elecraft] KLPA3A power transistor thermal stress concerns

[N2TK, Tony]

50C is not hot for a transistor. Commercial transistors are usually speced to 
85C. JANS (space) transistors are speced to 125C and actually baked without 
bias for 320 hours at 200C. The hFE is measured before and after to check for 
change.
73
N2TK, Tony

Sent from my iPad

> On Oct 24, 2017, at 8:23 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> 
> Nick,
> 
> Yes, I believe that should be no problem.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
>> On 10/24/2017 8:57 PM, Nick - VE3EY wrote:
>> Hi Don
>> 
>> Good question.   I happen to have a Infrared Thermometer.   After bashing at 
>> it for about 20 minutes, the temperature in the vicinity of two transistors 
>> (as measured against the bottom cover) peaked at 50 degrees Celsius (122 F) 
>> but it did not go beyond that.  I ran the rig at 10 watts on 10 meters which 
>> is where most of the drive power is needed.
>> 
>> I suppose that should be OK than.
>> 
>> 73 and thanks for your feedback,
>> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Using a quadcopter to hang an antenna

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

I built my own and chose the spiderwire fishing line.  Works great.  The 
fishing line is hard as heck to see  but super strong.  Goes over 100ft 
trees with no effort.



On 10/26/2017 10:55 PM, Benny Aumala wrote:

GA,

I have used CSV19 from:

http://www.antennalaunchers.com/antlaunching.html

Best way to use it is: one club-member has it and use it,

but service is available for all members.

This way the antenna will be launched OVER THE TREE.

All styles have been tried: army launch, sling-shots, shotgus etc.

This has been absolutely number one up to now.

Hydrocopter is promising if used properly.

Benny   OH9NB


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Re: [Elecraft] Re using quad copter to hang antenna

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

I don't think you are going to have much luck with a $49.00 drone.


On 10/27/2017 6:35 AM, W4EDN wrote:

I just ordered one from Amazon for 47.00 will post after I get and try it.
Bill w4edn


Sent from my iPod
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Re: [Elecraft] FT8 output power KX2/KX3

[Neil Zampella]

FWIW ... with one of the KX3 aftermarket heat sinks, and after I 
performed the VFO Temperature Compensation routine, I was regularly 
doing 10W on the rig with JT65 with its 42 sec Tx cycle.   The heatsink 
did get warm enough that it worried me, and I added a salvaged 12v fan 
from an old desktop computer to assist, but I never had it shut down due 
to the heat.   If you have one of the KX3s without a heatsink, I'd 
definitely get one and install it.


Neil, KN3ILZ


On 10/26/2017 8:30 AM, Tommy wrote:

I use 5-10 watts without any issues. 3-4 bars on the ALC.

73!

Tom - KB2SMS

KX2 #01927


On 10/26/2017 07:50 AM, Barry N1EU wrote:

What is the recommended max power output setting for the KX2 and for the
KX3 for normal FT8 use without after-market heatsink?

Thanks & 73,
Barry N1EU





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[Elecraft] Re using quad copter to hang antenna

[W4EDN]

I just ordered one from Amazon for 47.00 will post after I get and try it.
Bill w4edn


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Bad CW signal

[Don Wilhelm]

Micha,

The signal paths for TUNE and CW transmit are the same from the MCU outward.

However, I recently repaired a K2 with the same problem.  The problem 
was traced (using a spectrum analyzer) to RF Board U4 in that particular 
case.


However, your problem could be different - look at the keying waveshape 
components first (Control Board U10A and Q8) as well as the PLL 
Reference Oscillator.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/27/2017 2:47 AM, Micha DF4WX wrote:

Dear community

I am having problems with my K2. I got complaints about a lousy signal (e.g. rst 591). 
When I checked my signal with an external RX I heard a kind of a noise instead of a clean 
CW signal. When I press the "Tune" button, I have a very clear tone (as usual) 
in the control-RX. With all power levels the PA current is the same both in tune and in 
normal CW TX-mode. Only the resulting signal is different.

What could be the root cause of this issue? Are the signal paths of CW-TX and 
tune different to each other?

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[Elecraft] K2 Bad CW signal

[Micha DF4WX]

Dear community

I am having problems with my K2. I got complaints about a lousy signal (e.g. 
rst 591). When I checked my signal with an external RX I heard a kind of a 
noise instead of a clean CW signal. When I press the "Tune" button, I have a 
very clear tone (as usual) in the control-RX. With all power levels the PA 
current is the same both in tune and in normal CW TX-mode. Only the resulting 
signal is different.

What could be the root cause of this issue? Are the signal paths of CW-TX and 
tune different to each other?

Any hint is highly appreciated.

Best regards
Micha, DF4WX

K2 #7488 with all options installed
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