[Elecraft] Expected voltage reading K3 Display ? at full RF output.
Just a general question, thought my new power supply was dropping voltage on TX but no it is rock solid, I get about 1V drop at full power CW on the K3 Display. Is this normal, I have already replaced the troublesome PA pins is there something else that would cause this. Don't think the drop over the power lead would cause it Any ideas appreciated, Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
[Elecraft] Its not over yet, I've gone back to basic K2 troubleshooting and find i have what seems a massive loss through the variable Crystal filter ?
Still having issues with my K2, I did align the filters using the Spectrogram software so I believe they are ok Well I decided to start from scratch and started RX troubleshooting/signal tracing before I go back to TX side want to make sure the RX is 100% and while the stages up to the input of the crystal filter look ok the output compared to the manual is extremely low. I ended up using the RF probe supplied in the kit so all is known. Also removed the SSB board and fitted the corresponding jumpers at W2 and W3 and C167 Here is what i am seeing with a 0.14Vrms input to the antenna I used 10.1Mhz but I tried other bands with similar results. All voltages up to the input of the variable crystal filter look normal. Case or collector of Q22 = 2.3Vrms At W2 = ~ 2Vrms cathode D30 =0.89Vrms cathode D31 =0.95Vrms cathode D32 =0.757Vrms cathode D33 =0.767Vrms cathode D34 =0.735Vrms W3 = 0.080Vrms the K2 book on Page 11 says it should be about 0.34Vrms , I am way low compared to that. I suspect either D34 or T7 ? Also I don't appear to be able to saturate IF amp it says I should read approx 0.15Vrms at Pin 8 of U12 Am I on the right track. Thanks again, Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Its not over yet, I've gone back to basic K2 troubleshooting and find i have what seems a massive loss through the variable Crystal filter ?
Ok Don, T7 is right way round, continuity seems good Audio does increase when AGC turned off Unfortunately U12 output at pin 8 is much lower than pin4 with 0.14Vrms Ant input and RFgain at minimum 0.365Vrms at Pin4 0.025vRMS at Pin 8 changing to 0.151 when RF gain turned fully up. U12 DC Voltages seem ok. 17.74 27.74 3 0 4 0 5 4 6 2.467 7 0 8 7.73 73 Cliff VK2CCJ On Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 1:27 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Cliff, When looking at the RF voltage after the IF filter, tune the K2 slowly while looking for the peak RF voltage at U12 pin 4. You will not be able to see the IF amplifier saturation with diodes D40 and D41 in place - that information is prior to the introduction of those diodes. T7 should be with the green winding closest to the crystal filter, the red winding adjacent to pins 4 and 5 of U12. Turn off the AGC (press PRE and REV buttons together) and see if the audio level comes up. You should have more RF voltage at U12 pin 8 than you do at U12 pin 4. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/29/2013 8:21 PM, Clifford Hynds wrote: Still having issues with my K2, I did align the filters using the Spectrogram software so I believe they are ok Well I decided to start from scratch and started RX troubleshooting/signal tracing before I go back to TX side want to make sure the RX is 100% and while the stages up to the input of the crystal filter look ok the output compared to the manual is extremely low. I ended up using the RF probe supplied in the kit so all is known. Also removed the SSB board and fitted the corresponding jumpers at W2 and W3 and C167 Here is what i am seeing with a 0.14Vrms input to the antenna I used 10.1Mhz but I tried other bands with similar results. All voltages up to the input of the variable crystal filter look normal. Case or collector of Q22 = 2.3Vrms At W2 = ~ 2Vrms cathode D30 =0.89Vrms cathode D31 =0.95Vrms cathode D32 =0.757Vrms cathode D33 =0.767Vrms cathode D34 =0.735Vrms W3 = 0.080Vrms the K2 book on Page 11 says it should be about 0.34Vrms , I am way low compared to that. I suspect either D34 or T7 ? Also I don't appear to be able to saturate IF amp it says I should read approx 0.15Vrms at Pin 8 of U12 Am I on the right track. Thanks again, Cliff VK2CCJ __**__**__ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecrafthttp://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htmhttp://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.**net Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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
[Elecraft] Seems R98 was the main culprit with my K2 Low power TX fault bad solder joint though looked ok.Now 90%+ there
Thanks to Don and Geoff and the everyone on the Elecraft reflector, Seems R98 was the main culprit with my K2 fault bad solder joint though looked ok. Resoldered several others in the area of Q5. Now 90%+ there Now have at least 15W max up to 15M and then 9.7W 12M and 6.7W on 10M Also had my first contact with my K2 callbacks for the VK2WI news broadcast on 40M SSB, reported a little scratchy but at least it worked. Checked on the BAL function on SSB and the audio sounds good using the MH2 Microphone. Can't detect a carrier so carrier balance seems good. Also notice on the power setting control without transmitting 12M and 10M only go to 10W while all the others go to 15.2W is that normal? 73 Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Repairs on hold while i fix my K3 12V ERR - now Fixed
Hi Fred and group, Well yes I suppose it could be called a disease Hi! I actually started not long ago when an unbuilt K2 with SSB kit was up for sale and i felt I wanted to build something for a change, It is complete but have some kind of transmit problem where the power drops off 15W at 80M and progressively drops off to 10M. Strange ! Receiver side seems fine. Have Gone over the adjustments to no avail suspect the Transmit Mixer output may be low. Anyway later on I bought the following also second hand K3,P3 and KPA500 came up second hand on our VK classified site. I've owned a lot of tranceivers over the years but the Elecraft gear id different somehow, no small p[art to the support and enthusiasm of the owners and company. Also like the idea of standard type connectors not proprietory . Good old DB9's etc. 73 Cliff On Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 8:39 PM, Fred Smith m...@mo-net.com wrote: Cliff and Group What is it about the Elecraft line that once you own one piece of their gear it seems that it becomes for lack of a better word a Disease. One that spreads to more and more of the Elecraft name on your desk like the Chicken Pox there are so thick 8). There is some good news here though it is subsiding some as I have at least one piece of all their gear from K2 forward, until several more options come out for the KX3 expected soon. The bad news on the other hand is that Eric seems to have a constant stream of new products in devolvement or to introduce, ones that people want and cause a backlog to get one of whatever. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Clifford Hynds Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2013 11:00 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Repairs on hold while i fix my K3 12V ERR - now Fixed Well, Yet another fault in my shack the K3 decided to stop putting out power over 12W this last night and came up with the Error 12V ERR so off to the internet to see if it was an easy fix, well yes and no. Turns out i is a common problem in older K3 mine is 891 not ancient but older and as the previous owner was a contester probably worked hard. The fault was the discoloured pins on P67B on main board from high current, The older units did not have gold plated pins. The entire rear end had to be disassembled but pretty easy. PA removed and the PAIO board , anyway this is probably not new to the group but I must say the modular design simplifies the repair. After replacing the six blackened pins from parts left over from my K2 build all good. Not to mention the step by step repair here http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KPA3%20Power%20Connector%20Replacement.pdf So now the K3 after reassembly back up and running. Now back to fixing my K2 which hasn't even been on air yet. 73 Cliff __ 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 __ 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
[Elecraft] K2 Repairs on hold while i fix my K3 12V ERR - now Fixed
Well, Yet another fault in my shack the K3 decided to stop putting out power over 12W this last night and came up with the Error 12V ERR so off to the internet to see if it was an easy fix, well yes and no. Turns out i is a common problem in older K3 mine is 891 not ancient but older and as the previous owner was a contester probably worked hard. The fault was the discoloured pins on P67B on main board from high current, The older units did not have gold plated pins. The entire rear end had to be disassembled but pretty easy. PA removed and the PAIO board , anyway this is probably not new to the group but I must say the modular design simplifies the repair. After replacing the six blackened pins from parts left over from my K2 build all good. Not to mention the step by step repair here http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KPA3%20Power%20Connector%20Replacement.pdf So now the K3 after reassembly back up and running. Now back to fixing my K2 which hasn't even been on air yet. 73 Cliff __ 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
[Elecraft] Troubleshooting my K2 U4 on RF board Pin 7 shows 4.8V manual says 0 ?
Troubleshooting my K2 U4 on RF board Pin 7 shows 4.8V DC manual says 0 ? other pins correct . Any one confirm this please, thank you Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
[Elecraft] My K2 is now Transmitting 15W on 80M CW but power drops off as I go up bands
This is strange,, My K2 is now Transmitting Max 15W on 80M CW but power drops off as I go up bands 6W on 40M about 3W on 30 and not much at all on the other bands. What would cause a pregressive drop off like this , PA must be ok otherwise I wouldn't be getting 15W out on 80M . I have adjusted to peak the output as per manual but something is obviously not right. Receive side seems to be working correctly, noise when antenna connected on all bands , very quiet with no antenna. thanks for any ideas , seems I am close to a working K2 been spoilt in the past most everything I have built worked first time not so the K2 TX side. thanks for any ideas, Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] My K2 is finished up to testing stage but no Transmit - receives fine all bands ideas? Now TX sought of?
Ok fixed the no transmit problem Don, Found a small solder bridge from the 8T Q1 Collector to ground at the mic header. So now it transmits but after aligning get low power about 5W on 80 40 30 and not much at all on the other bands. So back to troubleshooting again. Disappointing. Dc Voltages around the PA seems ok, I did notice the ALC voltage at U8 seems a bit high at 2.8 -2.9V The RF troubleshooting in the manual shows similar readings but differfent as i am using a Fluke RF probe. Might be time to dig out the scope. So I think I am close but not there yet. 73 Cliff VK2CCJ On Sat, Jan 5, 2013 at 6:23 AM, Clifford Hynds vk2...@gmail.com wrote: Thanks Don, Will get back to it but working the weekend may be tonight I'll take some more readings . One thing when I hit the tune button it shows 0.5W but no actual output ? You may be right in that Q20 is fried, I did use a wriststrap etc.. Hope it is something simple, 73 Cliff VK2CCJ On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 8:25 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Cliff, If you have RF From the TX mixer, then the K2 is going into transmit - U10 is powered from the 8T voltage rail and that only comes on during transmit. 8R and 8T control everything. Help me understand your statement that U9 shows higher voltages. My guess is that pin 3 stays close to 12 volts. If that is the case, then your problem is most likely that Q20 is the problem - it should conduct during TX and if it is working properly it will reduce the voltage on U9 pin 3 to about 6 volts. Those 2N7000 FETs are easily damaged by static. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/3/2013 2:17 PM, Clifford Hynds wrote: Well I finished the K2 only to find no TX preliminary troubleshooting seems to suggest the T/R switch D6 and D7 are not getting the control signal from the control board, Also U9 shows higher voltages , Is there anything common that may be wrong, All bands peak fine on receive. thanks for any ideas. I followed the troubleshooting in the manual and there is no RF right from the TX mixer buffer stages which suggests it is not being switched into TX mode. thanks 73 Cliff VK2CCJ __**__**__ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecrafthttp://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htmhttp://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.**net Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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
[Elecraft] Suggested key/paddle for CW for a the K3 and others (not expensive)
HI, OK this is probably a hard question but I am looking at something other than a straight key to try my hand at CW again. Thought it time to go back to basics and QRP. Single or Dual paddles , suggested paddles? Open to suggestions ? thanks in advance, Cliff Vk2CCJ __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Suggested key/paddle for CW for a the K3 and others (not expensive)
Thank you Ken and everyone else for their input and suggestions, has given me some idea , what I would like is an iambic that could be changed to a single paddle if I find that is not my thing. A really good straight key is of cause an option but want to try the paddles first. 73 Cliff VK2CCJ On Sat, Jan 5, 2013 at 1:32 PM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Cliff ! I have a Bencher/Elecraft HexKey. It's -very- good. I also have two Bencher BY-series paddles, and they're good. Paddles are like women perhaps ... but a lot less expensive to audition. I've been a CW for 61 years ... even made a living with it ... but never managed to be good at iambic keying. I've recently purchased a really fine straight key ... a Model ZN-HKC by Tony, N3ZN. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 9:40 PM, Clifford Hynds vk2...@gmail.com wrote: __ 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
[Elecraft] My K2 is finished up to testing stage but no Transmit - receives fine all bands ideas?
Well I finished the K2 only to find no TX preliminary troubleshooting seems to suggest the T/R switch D6 and D7 are not getting the control signal from the control board, Also U9 shows higher voltages , Is there anything common that may be wrong, All bands peak fine on receive. thanks for any ideas. I followed the troubleshooting in the manual and there is no RF right from the TX mixer buffer stages which suggests it is not being switched into TX mode. thanks 73 Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
[Elecraft] Is it possible to generate 1750Hz tone on HF with the K3 ?
I just found there is a SSTV repeater in VK5 on 14236 and it requires a 1750Hz tone for access, any way to do this ? 73 Cliff __ 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
[Elecraft] Thump through speakers when switching on and mute probs with headset.
Hi all, I am getting a pretty sizable thump through the external speakers at switch on, Also last night found using my headset Yamaha CM500 and an external RX antenna the audio was not muting fully and I would get a thump through the external or if disconnected internal one intermittently on receive. I have the menu item on phone with no speaker ? Could be a faulty or worn phone jack - using front panel headphone connector and rear Mic connector. Any one else experience this ? 73 Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
[Elecraft] Al W6LX asked what is VFO TRK - used in AM for ECSS
Hi, Don't know if you got your answer Al but VFO TRK is a ECSS (Exalted Carrier Selectable Sideband) mainly used for SWL on AM but can of course be used on Amateur AM reception to minimise fading and with selectable sidebands minimise QRM from one side. The K3 has a clever system that tracks the carrier automatically. Works very well, 73 Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
[Elecraft] Intermittent Buzz from relay on IF I/O board in P3 any fix ?
Hi, Intermittent Buzz from relay on IF I/O board in P3 any fix ? I have completely re-soldered the board and checked it as the current schematic and all seems ok, Sometimes it will buzz continuously other times intermittently, really annoying. and the display jumps at the same time. Any ideas? 73 Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
[Elecraft] Poor Low audio frequency response on JT65 mode with my K3 ?
Hope someone has an answer, I am a recent owner of the K3 having just bought a K3, P3 and KPA500 station from another ham. Probably you would have to be a regular user of the JT65 mode to notice but I seem to get little or no output when I am below about -500hz or so on the waterfall on JT65HFand nothing really at -1000Hz, fine from there up. Probably affect other data modes also ? I am using line in/out on the K3 and DATA mode so no equalisation, Had no problems with other rigs FT847,FT817 and TS950SDX had no problems with the low end. Could be as simple as increasing the input capacitor for the line audio or as the audio is controlled by the DSP perhaps an upgraded DSP unit. The K3 is in the 1000 Serial numbers 718 if i remember not in front of it at the moment. Hope someone has an answer, thanks Cliff VK2CCJ __ 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
