Pete,
That advice is good for Elecraft rigs, and of course fine for this email
list.
I'd just caution readers that come across this to realize that their
rig's manual will tell them where to set the ALC for digital modes. It
does vary by rig manufacturer.
73,
-- Dave, N8SBE, Hamshack Hotline 590-0971, HamsOverIP 101018,
AmateurWire 1348
On 2024-08-28 10:21, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
I think many of us do this, but months ago I also started following
advice on the WSJT reflector and made sure to set my audio so that the
ALC indication peaked at 4 bars or just occasionally tickling the 5th.
Said to clean up the FT8 signal.
73, Pete N4ZR
On 8/28/2024 10:12 AM, Dave New, N8SBE wrote:
Also, for digital modes, I run my equipment at half power, max. So,
for a 100W XCVR, I run it at 50W.
This serves two purposes. One, it's easier on the PA, and two, it
leaves a 3dB 'overhead' for the digital mode, and less likelihood of
distortion getting into your TX signal. This has been SOP for many
years for digital modes.
A difference of 1/2 S-unit on the receiving end will generally be
unnoticed, and your equipment will thank you, as well as any receiving
nodes that may not be able to decode your signal if you are pushing
your equipment to its limits.
73,
-- Dave, N8SBE, Hamshack Hotline 590-0971, HamsOverIP 101018,
AmateurWire 1348
On 2024-08-28 07:24, G4GNX wrote:
My K3S did this a couple of months ago - 40m SSB - 100W. I restarted
it and it continued for nearly another month before switching off
again. It did it a couple of times more over a week or so, before
finally turning off and refusing to turn on again.
On investigation, I realised that I had “temporarily” connected the
K3S power cable to a distribution box, using PowerPoles - bad move.
When tracing the cable routing, I pressed against one of the
PowerPoles and the radio came back on again. I found it impossible to
pull the PowerPoles apart, which was due to the plastic covers being
badly distorted by heat. I eventually got round to pulling the
PowerPoles apart by force and unfortunately the + connector flew in
the air and I haven’t found it yet. 😀
However, the contact in the dis-box looks suspiciously like it’s
gotten hot and coupled with the other “evidence” I conclude that the
contacts deformed under heat caused by high current spikes (SSB).
Also, my IC-9700 (although connected to a different PSU - via
PowerPoles) did the same thing, but unlike the K3S, it just rebooted
itself.
I have completely rewired all of the high power cables in my shack
directly back to the PSU (Sharman Multicom - 60A) and I’ve had no
more problems.
In your case, you’re running 100W for longer periods and that is one
possible cause of a premature breakdown. You could save yourself a
lot of trouble, by examining all of the power connections, including
the PowerPoles on the K3 itself.
73,
Alan - G4GNX
South Coast UK
Elecraft K4D / KPA500 / KAT500 / IC-9700
On 28 Aug 2024, at 03:30, Glenn Thorne <kd0q.gl...@gmail.com> wrote:
Just tonight my K3 with KPA3 running 100 watts shuts down during
digital
transmissions. It appears that it happens after the PA temp is 47
C.
Maybe the first time it hits 48 C?
I checked the KPA3 FN1 - 4 settings and it appears that the fans
work.
At what PA temps should the fans come on? Increased speed?
Any ideas where to start troubleshooting will be appreciated.
Glenn - KD0Q
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