All,
Thanks for the input. Glad the K3 seems to be operating up to snuff. I
now consider this issue closed.
73 and have a great weekend.
--Ian
Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA EM74ua
km4ik@gmail.com
K3 #281, P3 #688
HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team
On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 11:27 PM, Don Wilhelm
So, several weeks after originally starting this thread, I finally had
time this evening to sit down and take some voltage and current
measurements. I used my Astron SS-30 power supply connected to the 40A
DC-in port on my Rigrunner. I then ran the Elecraft power cord from a
25A port on the
...@garymcduffie.com
Cc: elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
So, several weeks after originally starting this thread, I finally had time
this evening to sit down and take some voltage and current measurements. I
used my Astron SS-30 power supply connected to the 40A DC-in port on my
Ian,
So your K3 is operating a bit more efficiently than average - what is to
be worried about, be glad.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 1/10/2013 10:23 PM, Ian Kahn - Ham wrote:
So, several weeks after originally starting this thread, I finally had
time this evening to sit down and take some voltage and
, n0ce
- Original Message -
From: bill ny9h
To: Richard Fjeld ; n...@aol.com
Cc: elecraft posting
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 7:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue, and a new question
I used a piece of red/black paired wire ..
prompts me
across our large fuses during normal use.
Thanks again,
Rich, n0ce
- Original Message -
From: Don Wilhelm
To: Richard Fjeld
Cc: bill ny9h
Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2012 10:43 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue, and a new question
Rich,
The 10 ga. wire
First of all, regarding a DC power distribution strip: I used a RigRuner
4009 and found that there was
a significant voltage drop from the power source (Astron RS-35M) to the K3.
Having taken measurements
with a DVM, I concluded that the largest drop was from the distribution
strip to the
, December 26, 2012 11:56 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue, and a new question
First of all, regarding a DC power distribution strip: I used a RigRuner
4009 and found that there was
a significant voltage drop from the power source (Astron RS-35M) to the K3.
Having taken
I used a piece of red/black paired wire ..
prompts me to mention that just because it says it is 10 gauge or 12
or whatever gauge
take a good look before you buy that spool...i have bought
stuff red/black that was NOT as printed on the spool or the
wire. and as you might
Not a problem if you buy from reputable dealers, My preferences are The
Wireman and RF Parts Connection.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 12/26/2012 8:12 PM, bill ny9h wrote:
I used a piece of red/black paired wire ..
prompts me to mention that just because it says it is 10 gauge or 12
or
On Mon, 24 Dec 2012 13:58:35 -0500, Brian Alsop wrote:
The first rule in troubleshooting is to unplug everything that isn't
absolutely necessary to the equipment being diagnosed.
In this case all that would be needed is power, ant/dummy load and the K3.
Absolutely. Make sure you use good
Message -
From: Don Wilhelm
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 6:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Despite the potential for voltage drop, I would not forget the fuse at
the power supply end of the wire unless you are certain the power
Gary wrote:
A typical old style tuner will lose you around 5 watts or more.
Perhaps, but there's no reason why a modern tuner is any more efficient.
Any badly designed or improperly operated matching network (a.k.a tuner) can
be very inefficient.
73, Ron AC7AC
Update on my low output issue:
I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with
flying colors.
I am seeing about a 4-4.5V drop across the radio when going from rx to
tx. Rx voltage sits at 13.8V, but when I transmit, voltage across the
rig drops to between 9 and 9.5V.
One other thing I forgot to mention in my last post - when I change
bands, I get the message GEX on the display of my K3. I can't find a
reference to that message in my K3 owner's manual, Fred Cady's book, or
the Elecraft web site. Can anyone shed any meaning on what that message
means? I'm
Using a DVM or other self-contained voltmeter, measure the voltage at
the power supply end of the cable during Rx and Tx. Is the voltage drop
small (under 1/2 volt)?
Measure the voltage at the radio end of the cable (using the same
voltmeter) during Tx and Rx. Compare it to the K3
...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ian Kahn - Ham
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 7:18 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Update on my low output issue:
I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with
flying colors.
I am seeing
Ian,
With that much voltage drop, I would strongly recommend you look at your
power supply and the power cable to the K3.
First measure the drop while transmitting right at the power supply. If
you have significant sag there, either your power supply is marginal or
the output terminals at
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 9:32 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
One other thing I forgot to mention in my last post - when I change
bands, I get the message GEX on the display of my K3. I can't find a
reference to that message in my K3 owner's manual, Fred Cady's book
Don/all,
It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of
this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over
4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to
.82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal
I'd check the accuracy of the meter, with nearly 20A being drawn on TX, I'd
expect 100W out of the rig...
Best regards, Tim Hague
Skype m0afj.Tim
Sent on my iPad
On 24 Dec 2012, at 16:51, Ian Kahn - Ham km4ik@gmail.com wrote:
Don/all,
It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner,
Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the
internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external
wattmeter.
If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is
reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is
only 70
So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem
appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank
you to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and
troubleshot.
Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas!
--Ian
Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA
Ian,
Any chance of borrowing another wattmeter for a sanity check on your
external meter?
It sounds like your external meter may be reading quite low.
19.8 amps on TX would indicate 100 watts or greater output.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 12/24/2012 11:51 AM, Ian Kahn - Ham wrote:
Don/all,
It is
The first rule in troubleshooting is to unplug everything that isn't
absolutely necessary to the equipment being diagnosed.
In this case all that would be needed is power, ant/dummy load and the K3.
Then start plugging things in until you find the offending device.
73 de Brian/K3KO
Ian Kahn
Bet it's the Power Pole connectors, meaning the installation of the connectors.
But if it is the RigRunner, West Mountain will take care of it.
Glad you isolated the problem!
On Dec 24, 2012, at 12:52 PM, Ian Kahn - Ham km4ik@gmail.com wrote:
So, it looks like I tracked down my low
/Diversen/EP925/ep925eng.htm)
Merry X-mass and a happy new year to you all.
Twan - PA0KV
K3 -1770
Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:18:27 -0500
From: Ian Kahn - Hamkm4ik@gmail.com
To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output
Forgot to mention, absolutely run the calibration again with the correct 13.8V
supply. Then address the power output - if it still exists.
On Dec 24, 2012, at 12:52 PM, Ian Kahn - Ham km4ik@gmail.com wrote:
So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears to
be
I don't get this. How is the rig runner implicated? The power doesn't go thru
it...DC or RF. So are you saying the drive was insufficient? And if so, how is
that not easy to diagnose?
Sent from my iPad
Chuck, KE9UW
(Jack for BMW motorcycles)
On Dec 24, 2012, at 1:13 PM, Jack Berry
I don't get this. How is the rig runner implicated? The power doesn't go
thru it...DC or RF.
Of course it does- the Rig Runner is a DC power distribution panel.
-Bruce, N1RX
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home:
Oh sorry, I see that. I was thinking of those digital interface boxes.
Sent from my iPhone
Chuck (Jack)
On Dec 24, 2012, at 1:21 PM, Bruce Beford bruce.bef...@myfairpoint.net
wrote:
I don't get this. How is the rig runner implicated? The power doesn't go
thru it...DC or RF.
Of course it
Johnson
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears
to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank you to all
who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and troubleshot
it further.
73,
Bill
K9YEQ
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill K9YEQ
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 5:26 PM
To: 'Ian Kahn - Ham'
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Despite the potential for voltage drop, I would not forget the fuse at
the power supply end of the wire unless you are certain the power source
has adequate overcurrent protection built in. The blade type fuses with
tight fitting sockets will cause very little voltage drop. If the
connection
] New Output Power Issue
Ron,
With all due respect, this 40-watt power loss is noted in a watt meter
connected directly to the ANT1 output on my K3, and then directly to a
300-watt dummy load. There is nothing else in between to cause a power
drop. Where else would you recommend I look
: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Ron,
With all due respect, this 40-watt power loss is noted in a watt meter
connected directly to the ANT1 output on my K3, and then directly to a
300-watt dummy load. There is nothing else in between to cause a power
drop. Where else would you recommend I look
Several people suggested I run the Calibrate transmitter gain on my
rig, which I'll do. But I have one question about the calibration that
hopefully someone here can answer - does it matter what frquency/portion
of the band I'm in on each band when I run the calibration test? Or do
I just
, 2012 3:28 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Several people suggested I run the Calibrate transmitter gain on my
rig, which I'll do. But I have one question about the calibration that
hopefully someone here can answer - does it matter what frquency/portion
of the band I'm
Ian,
If you use K3 Utility to do that calibration, if there is a need to set
a specific frequency, I am certain the Utility does it for you.
73 Happy Holidays to all (Merry Christmas for those of us who
celebrate it),
Don W3FPR
On 12/23/2012 4:28 PM, Ian Kahn - Ham wrote:
Several people
, December 23, 2012 3:51 PM
To: Ian Kahn - Ham
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Ian,
If you use K3 Utility to do that calibration, if there is a need to set
a specific frequency, I am certain the Utility does it for you.
73 Happy Holidays to all (Merry
Chuck,
It could - defer decisions on that until after doing the TX Gain
Calibration.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 12/23/2012 5:01 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote:
Could it be/affect a 40% difference?
Chuck, KE9UW
Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224
Have you run Calibrate Transmitter Gain using the K3 Utility from Elecraft?
Just follow the instructions carefully and it's very simple and fast. There are
two levels to run, 5 and 50 watts if I remember correctly. You will get a
report at the end and can watch the progress on you K3 display.
And you'll likely find the cause of your low signal strength is somewhere
else, since 60 watts is only 2 dB - about 1/3 of an S-unit - below 100
watts.
That difference is not usually detectable on HF given normal variations in
propagation that go on constantly.
73 Ron AC7AC
-Original
Ron,
With all due respect, this 40-watt power loss is noted in a watt meter
connected directly to the ANT1 output on my K3, and then directly to a
300-watt dummy load. There is nothing else in between to cause a power
drop. Where else would you recommend I look for the source of my
...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ian Kahn - Ham
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2012 5:51 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Ron,
With all due respect, this 40-watt power loss is noted in a watt meter
connected directly to the ANT1 output on my K3
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