Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[la3rk]

Thanks to all who responded. Checked and realigned all connectors, no
apparent errors, all male pins in place, connectors firmly seated.

Removed KRX3 and SUBIN/OUT module, reinstalled and reconnected. Similar
advice received both from group and from Elecraft support.

Still same problem, main rx uses signal. According to info from German ham,
he has had same problem and it was traced to faulty pin diode on SUBIN/OUT
module.

It is kind of amusing how a technical subject like this turns into
differences in languages use between USA and England. It would be nice if
posters keep to original subject and not stray off in a completely different
direction. Of 22 postings just 3 or 4 of them was on the original subject
and problem.

I am fairly certain that the problem is located within the SUBIN/OUT module,
but will check with Elecraft support. The easiest will be to change the
whole module, it is just a relay, some diodes and two small RF transformers.

73 de Olaf - LA3RK



-
73 de LA3RK Olaf
--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-with-subrx-intermittent-main-RX-problem-and-pwr-out-tp7630294p7630318.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Matt Zilmer]

That's what seemed like a normal language difference to me too.  Thanks, 
Bill.


73,

matt W6NIA


On 5/4/2017 7:11 PM, Bill Johnson wrote:

Matt, a difference in the language.  I would take them to be the same.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Matt 
Zilmer
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 11:44 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

Sorry to be thick  Is a dry joint same as a cold joint?

Thanks and 73,

matt W6NIA


On 5/4/2017 9:12 AM, Alan. G4GNX wrote:

FWIW we thought that a relay was failing on our club's KAT500. I
bought a new one from Elecraft and replaced it without thinking about
it. They're quite cheap and it wasn't worth chancing an intermittent
relay.
Whilst I was re-assembling the tuner, I discovered that the tag washer
connecting Ant 1 to its screw terminal had developed a dry joint,
which was the real cause of the intermittency. I don't know whether it
was a manufacturing fault or someone had been heavy handed when
assembling it.

It would be worth checking soldered joints and other connections
before replacing a relay. You may need to use a magnifying glass as it
may not show up on a meter test. Another thing to try is what we used
to do as service technicians; use an aerosol freezer spray in small
areas around the suspected area and possibly a hair dryer on a warm
setting (not hot) and observe for changes under test.

73,

Alan. G4GNX

-Original Message- From: Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 3:07 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem
and pwr out

Well, I had a relay fail on my KAT3 board. I don't remember which one.
Elecraft sent me a replacement. It wasn't hard to replace, but it
happens.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 4 May 2017 16:46, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Olaf,

The relays used by Elecraft are quite reliable, so I suspect that is
not a reasonable source of the problem.  In more than 12 years of
repairing the Elecraft legacy gear (more than 1200 repairs), I have
had to replace only a small handful of relays due to failure.  I have
replaced several where the builder has distorted the case with a soldering iron.

I would double and triple check the SUBIN and SUBOUT connectors.  A
connector failure is much more likely than a relay failure.

You might contact K3support to see if they have encountered a
situation like yours before.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/4/2017 3:31 AM, la3rk wrote:

I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA,
antenna tuner and in/out module.

When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at
the same time power out goes to zero.

__
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
mzil...@roadrunner.com

--
"A delay is better than a disaster."
-- unknown

Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
[Shiraz]

__
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 k9...@live.com


--
"A delay is better than a disaster."
-- unknown

Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
[Shiraz]

__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Bill Johnson]

Matt, a difference in the language.  I would take them to be the same.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Matt 
Zilmer
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 11:44 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

Sorry to be thick  Is a dry joint same as a cold joint?

Thanks and 73,

matt W6NIA


On 5/4/2017 9:12 AM, Alan. G4GNX wrote:
> FWIW we thought that a relay was failing on our club's KAT500. I 
> bought a new one from Elecraft and replaced it without thinking about 
> it. They're quite cheap and it wasn't worth chancing an intermittent 
> relay.
> Whilst I was re-assembling the tuner, I discovered that the tag washer 
> connecting Ant 1 to its screw terminal had developed a dry joint, 
> which was the real cause of the intermittency. I don't know whether it 
> was a manufacturing fault or someone had been heavy handed when 
> assembling it.
>
> It would be worth checking soldered joints and other connections 
> before replacing a relay. You may need to use a magnifying glass as it 
> may not show up on a meter test. Another thing to try is what we used 
> to do as service technicians; use an aerosol freezer spray in small 
> areas around the suspected area and possibly a hair dryer on a warm 
> setting (not hot) and observe for changes under test.
>
> 73,
>
> Alan. G4GNX
>
> -Original Message- From: Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP
> Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 3:07 PM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem 
> and pwr out
>
> Well, I had a relay fail on my KAT3 board. I don't remember which one.
> Elecraft sent me a replacement. It wasn't hard to replace, but it 
> happens.
>
> 73,
> Victor, 4X6GP
> Rehovot, Israel
> Formerly K2VCO
> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
>
> On 4 May 2017 16:46, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Olaf,
>>
>> The relays used by Elecraft are quite reliable, so I suspect that is 
>> not a reasonable source of the problem.  In more than 12 years of 
>> repairing the Elecraft legacy gear (more than 1200 repairs), I have 
>> had to replace only a small handful of relays due to failure.  I have 
>> replaced several where the builder has distorted the case with a soldering 
>> iron.
>>
>> I would double and triple check the SUBIN and SUBOUT connectors.  A 
>> connector failure is much more likely than a relay failure.
>>
>> You might contact K3support to see if they have encountered a 
>> situation like yours before.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 5/4/2017 3:31 AM, la3rk wrote:
>>> I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA, 
>>> antenna tuner and in/out module.
>>>
>>> When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at 
>>> the same time power out goes to zero.
>
> __
> 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 
> mzil...@roadrunner.com

--
"A delay is better than a disaster."
-- unknown

Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
[Shiraz]

__
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 k9...@live.com
__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Alan Baker]

Solder lug/solder tag/tag washer all the same thing. :-)

Perhaps instead of dry joint I should have said "broken joint". The bond 
between the solder lug and the connecting wire had become broken, 
resulting in the effect of a dry joint. This could have been caused by 
someone being over enthusiastic with a screwdriver, resulting in the lug 
being put under great strain by the securing screw being turned and 
breaking the solder joint by force rather than by movement whilst the 
solder was cooling at manufacture.


73,

Alan. G4GNX

On 04/05/2017 18:28, Fred Jensen wrote:
"Two countries separated by a common language."  I believe "tag 
washer" is a "solder lug" on our side of the Atlantic.  I think Alan 
might mean the screw connection on that lug becoming intermittent due 
to oxidation and/or inadequate tightening.  Generally speaking, cold 
solder joints are "cold" immediately after the soldering process and 
don't develop later, although I've seen that happen due to very minor 
extended vibration of the joint.


73,

Fred ("Skip") K6DGW
Sparks NV USA
Washoe County DM09dn


__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Alan. G4GNX]

Matt.

You are not at all thick. We all have to learn somewhere. The only time you 
could be considered thick is if you never asked the question. :-)


The wiki/dictionary description of dry and cold joints describes slightly 
different observable effects but to all intents and purposes a dry or cold 
solder joint will produce the same result. Both usually result in a breakage 
of the bond between the two components that are soldered. The simple 
solution is to re-solder the joint using sufficient heat to melt the old 
solder. You can either remove the old solder and apply new solder, or you 
can add a little flux when you heat the joint. I would prefer to remove the 
old solder and replace it with new flux cored solder. If you haven't done 
much of this type of work, probably the easiest way to remove old solder is 
with some "solder wick" which you can purchase for pennies on eBay. Place 
the wick braid on the solder to be removed and apply a hot soldering iron. 
The wick will soak up the solder and if it doesn't remove it all first time, 
re-apply the wick a 2nd or 3rd time.


One thing you ABSOLUTELY MUST do before you start ANY work inside your rig, 
is to observe ANTI-STATIC precautions. Use a wrist strap specially made for 
the job and preferably use an anti-static mat. DO NOT EVER connect yourself 
directly to any anti-static ground source - you could DIE!


73,

Alan. G4GNX

-Original Message- 
From: Matt Zilmer

Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 5:43 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr 
out


Sorry to be thick  Is a dry joint same as a cold joint?

Thanks and 73,

matt W6NIA 


__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Fred Jensen]

"Two countries separated by a common language."  I believe "tag washer" 
is a "solder lug" on our side of the Atlantic.  I think Alan might mean 
the screw connection on that lug becoming intermittent due to oxidation 
and/or inadequate tightening.  Generally speaking, cold solder joints 
are "cold" immediately after the soldering process and don't develop 
later, although I've seen that happen due to very minor extended 
vibration of the joint.


73,

Fred ("Skip") K6DGW
Sparks NV USA
Washoe County DM09dn

On 5/4/2017 9:43 AM, Matt Zilmer wrote:

Sorry to be thick  Is a dry joint same as a cold joint?

Thanks and 73,

matt W6NIA


On 5/4/2017 9:12 AM, Alan. G4GNX wrote:
FWIW we thought that a relay was failing on our club's KAT500. I 
bought a new one from Elecraft and replaced it without thinking about 
it. They're quite cheap and it wasn't worth chancing an intermittent 
relay.
Whilst I was re-assembling the tuner, I discovered that the tag 
washer connecting Ant 1 to its screw terminal had developed a dry 
joint, which was the real cause of the intermittency. I don't know 
whether it was a manufacturing fault or someone had been heavy handed 
when assembling it.


It would be worth checking soldered joints and other connections 
before replacing a relay. You may need to use a magnifying glass as 
it may not show up on a meter test. Another thing to try is what we 
used to do as service technicians; use an aerosol freezer spray in 
small areas around the suspected area and possibly a hair dryer on a 
warm setting (not hot) and observe for changes under test.


73,

Alan. G4GNX


__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[GRANT YOUNGMAN]

I had this happen with the 2M module, too.  What I do now with these is try to 
support the little teflon insulator in the socket from the rear with a small 
flat-blade screwdriver — at least the ones I get to that way.

Took a while to figure out what the problem was, since everything looks 
“normal" from the outside …


> On May 4, 2017, at 1:05 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire  wrote:
> 
> An intermittent or open circuit problem that has occurred on occasion is
> caused by misaligning TMP male and pressing it too hard into the socket.
> ...
> 
> The solution is to visually inspect the various TMP connectors on the KRX3
> board as well as those on the KREF3 and Aux KSYN3 board. Looking into the
> socket you should see the metal receptacle inside the white plastic
> (Teflon?). IF all you can see is plastic, you may have pushed the metal
> socket back out of the connector. 
> 
> 

Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091, KX3 #8342



__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

An intermittent or open circuit problem that has occurred on occasion is
caused by misaligning TMP male and pressing it too hard into the socket.
What can happen is that the male pin hits the metal edge of the female
socket inside the connector and actually pushes the metal socket out of its
housing. The result is that the female socket edge is just resting against
the male pin rather than having the male pin inside the socket even though
the connector appears properly mated. This results in an intermittent
contact. 

The solution is to visually inspect the various TMP connectors on the KRX3
board as well as those on the KREF3 and Aux KSYN3 board. Looking into the
socket you should see the metal receptacle inside the white plastic
(Teflon?). IF all you can see is plastic, you may have pushed the metal
socket back out of the connector. 

You can get access to the back of the connector and push the metal
receptacle back in place but it will likely tend to bend again more easily
now that it has been pushed out of place once. Be especially careful of it
when plugging in the TMP cable.

73, Ron AC7AC 

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of la3rk
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 12:32 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA, antenna
tuner and in/out module.

When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at the same
time power out goes to zero.

Looking at the diagrams, I suspect there is an intermittent contact problem
in relay K1 shown on the SUBIN schematic. This relay is responsible for
sending antenna signals to the splitter when using the subrx and also
connects the splitter output back to the main rx. The same contacts on the
relay is also a path for the low level tx signal. An intermittent contact on
this relay and particularly contacts 3-4 could explain the behaviour I see.

Has anybody experience relay failures and if yes have they managed to change
out the relay?

Sending the K3 back to Elecraft is not a preferred option as shipping
charges to/from Norway will be fairly expensive.

Regards
LA3RK - Olaf Devik



-
73 de LA3RK Olaf
--
View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-with-subrx-intermittent-main-RX-prob
lem-and-pwr-out-tp7630294.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
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 r...@elecraft.com

__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Matt Zilmer]

Sorry to be thick  Is a dry joint same as a cold joint?

Thanks and 73,

matt W6NIA


On 5/4/2017 9:12 AM, Alan. G4GNX wrote:
FWIW we thought that a relay was failing on our club's KAT500. I 
bought a new one from Elecraft and replaced it without thinking about 
it. They're quite cheap and it wasn't worth chancing an intermittent 
relay.
Whilst I was re-assembling the tuner, I discovered that the tag washer 
connecting Ant 1 to its screw terminal had developed a dry joint, 
which was the real cause of the intermittency. I don't know whether it 
was a manufacturing fault or someone had been heavy handed when 
assembling it.


It would be worth checking soldered joints and other connections 
before replacing a relay. You may need to use a magnifying glass as it 
may not show up on a meter test. Another thing to try is what we used 
to do as service technicians; use an aerosol freezer spray in small 
areas around the suspected area and possibly a hair dryer on a warm 
setting (not hot) and observe for changes under test.


73,

Alan. G4GNX

-Original Message- From: Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 3:07 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem 
and pwr out


Well, I had a relay fail on my KAT3 board. I don't remember which one.
Elecraft sent me a replacement. It wasn't hard to replace, but it 
happens.


73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 4 May 2017 16:46, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Olaf,

The relays used by Elecraft are quite reliable, so I suspect that is not
a reasonable source of the problem.  In more than 12 years of repairing
the Elecraft legacy gear (more than 1200 repairs), I have had to replace
only a small handful of relays due to failure.  I have replaced several
where the builder has distorted the case with a soldering iron.

I would double and triple check the SUBIN and SUBOUT connectors.  A
connector failure is much more likely than a relay failure.

You might contact K3support to see if they have encountered a situation
like yours before.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/4/2017 3:31 AM, la3rk wrote:

I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA,
antenna
tuner and in/out module.

When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at
the same
time power out goes to zero. 


__
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 mzil...@roadrunner.com


--
"A delay is better than a disaster."
-- unknown

Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
[Shiraz]

__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Alan. G4GNX]

FWIW we thought that a relay was failing on our club's KAT500. I bought a 
new one from Elecraft and replaced it without thinking about it. They're 
quite cheap and it wasn't worth chancing an intermittent relay.
Whilst I was re-assembling the tuner, I discovered that the tag washer 
connecting Ant 1 to its screw terminal had developed a dry joint, which was 
the real cause of the intermittency. I don't know whether it was a 
manufacturing fault or someone had been heavy handed when assembling it.


It would be worth checking soldered joints and other connections before 
replacing a relay. You may need to use a magnifying glass as it may not show 
up on a meter test. Another thing to try is what we used to do as service 
technicians; use an aerosol freezer spray in small areas around the 
suspected area and possibly a hair dryer on a warm setting (not hot) and 
observe for changes under test.


73,

Alan. G4GNX

-Original Message- 
From: Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP

Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 3:07 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr 
out


Well, I had a relay fail on my KAT3 board. I don't remember which one.
Elecraft sent me a replacement. It wasn't hard to replace, but it happens.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 4 May 2017 16:46, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Olaf,

The relays used by Elecraft are quite reliable, so I suspect that is not
a reasonable source of the problem.  In more than 12 years of repairing
the Elecraft legacy gear (more than 1200 repairs), I have had to replace
only a small handful of relays due to failure.  I have replaced several
where the builder has distorted the case with a soldering iron.

I would double and triple check the SUBIN and SUBOUT connectors.  A
connector failure is much more likely than a relay failure.

You might contact K3support to see if they have encountered a situation
like yours before.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/4/2017 3:31 AM, la3rk wrote:

I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA,
antenna
tuner and in/out module.

When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at
the same
time power out goes to zero. 


__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[brian]

Also make sure TMP connectors to and from synthesizer/KREF/Subrx boards 
are secure.


Brian/K3KO

On 5/4/2017 13:46 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Olaf,

The relays used by Elecraft are quite reliable, so I suspect that is not
a reasonable source of the problem.  In more than 12 years of repairing
the Elecraft legacy gear (more than 1200 repairs), I have had to replace
only a small handful of relays due to failure.  I have replaced several
where the builder has distorted the case with a soldering iron.

I would double and triple check the SUBIN and SUBOUT connectors.  A
connector failure is much more likely than a relay failure.

You might contact K3support to see if they have encountered a situation
like yours before.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/4/2017 3:31 AM, la3rk wrote:

I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA,
antenna
tuner and in/out module.

When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at
the same
time power out goes to zero.


__
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 als...@comcast.net

__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP]

Well, I had a relay fail on my KAT3 board. I don't remember which one. 
Elecraft sent me a replacement. It wasn't hard to replace, but it happens.


73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 4 May 2017 16:46, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Olaf,

The relays used by Elecraft are quite reliable, so I suspect that is not
a reasonable source of the problem.  In more than 12 years of repairing
the Elecraft legacy gear (more than 1200 repairs), I have had to replace
only a small handful of relays due to failure.  I have replaced several
where the builder has distorted the case with a soldering iron.

I would double and triple check the SUBIN and SUBOUT connectors.  A
connector failure is much more likely than a relay failure.

You might contact K3support to see if they have encountered a situation
like yours before.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/4/2017 3:31 AM, la3rk wrote:

I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA,
antenna
tuner and in/out module.

When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at
the same
time power out goes to zero.

__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

Must underscore what Don said. Busted BNC connector/coax wiring is so
very common. If they were hand-done with soldering iron and NOT RG400
coax (teflon, won't melt) or were not crimped with specific tool
required for the specific connector and specific coax, they are more
likely to go bad over time. This is because BNC connections get moved
and moved and moved

The basic rule is never open up the Elecraft case until braine phartes
and *all* external connections are *ruled out*, and in extreme cases
the manual is read.  Save yourself tons of time in the long run.

73, Guy K2AV

On Thu, May 4, 2017 at 9:46 AM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> Olaf,
>
> The relays used by Elecraft are quite reliable, so I suspect that is not a
> reasonable source of the problem.  In more than 12 years of repairing the
> Elecraft legacy gear (more than 1200 repairs), I have had to replace only a
> small handful of relays due to failure.  I have replaced several where the
> builder has distorted the case with a soldering iron.
>
> I would double and triple check the SUBIN and SUBOUT connectors.  A
> connector failure is much more likely than a relay failure.
>
> You might contact K3support to see if they have encountered a situation like
> yours before.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 5/4/2017 3:31 AM, la3rk wrote:
>>
>> I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA,
>> antenna
>> tuner and in/out module.
>>
>> When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at the
>> same
>> time power out goes to zero.
>>
> __
> 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 k2av@gmail.com
__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 with subrx - intermittent main RX problem and pwr out

[Don Wilhelm]

Olaf,

The relays used by Elecraft are quite reliable, so I suspect that is not 
a reasonable source of the problem.  In more than 12 years of repairing 
the Elecraft legacy gear (more than 1200 repairs), I have had to replace 
only a small handful of relays due to failure.  I have replaced several 
where the builder has distorted the case with a soldering iron.


I would double and triple check the SUBIN and SUBOUT connectors.  A 
connector failure is much more likely than a relay failure.


You might contact K3support to see if they have encountered a situation 
like yours before.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/4/2017 3:31 AM, la3rk wrote:

I have a K3 approx 8 years old. Fully equipped with subrx, 100W PA, antenna
tuner and in/out module.

When I connect the subrx, the main rx sometimes loses signal and at the same
time power out goes to zero.


__
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 arch...@mail-archive.com