Re: [Elecraft] K3 err 12v

[K6ST Barry Bettman]

Ed, I had a similar issue, I too have an early serial number k3. Elecraft
says my rig needs to go in for repairs, there are some old pins on boards
that they say need upgrading to solve the power output issue.  73, Barry
K6ST


Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2018 13:57:05 -0800
From: Ed Schuller <eschul...@ymail.com>
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 err 12v
Message-ID: <f09f7f79-d563-46ab-bc65-68261d572...@ymail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=utf-8

My tired old K3 (serial 1298) displayed this while I was on RTTY today. The
rig works at 10w and under, so I assume that this indicates an issue with
the power amp. I checked the book for possible other issues, but came up
with either bad connector seating or circuit breaker issues, neither which
seem to be the case.

I guess this means a trip back to the factoryhopefully turn around time
isn?t too bad

73,
Ed K6CTA




-- 
73,

Barry K6ST
https://twitter.com/barrybettman
http://www.linkedin.com/in/barrybettman
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 err 12v

[K6ST Barry Bettman]

Ed, I had a similar issue, I too have an early serial number k3. Elecraft
says my rig needs to go in for repairs, there are some old pins on boards
that they say need upgrading to solve the power output issue.  73, Barry
K6ST


Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2018 13:57:05 -0800
From: Ed Schuller <eschul...@ymail.com>
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 err 12v
Message-ID: <f09f7f79-d563-46ab-bc65-68261d572...@ymail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=utf-8

My tired old K3 (serial 1298) displayed this while I was on RTTY today. The
rig works at 10w and under, so I assume that this indicates an issue with
the power amp. I checked the book for possible other issues, but came up
with either bad connector seating or circuit breaker issues, neither which
seem to be the case.

I guess this means a trip back to the factoryhopefully turn around time
isn?t too bad

73,
Ed K6CTA




-- 
73,

Barry K6ST
https://twitter.com/barrybettman
http://www.linkedin.com/in/barrybettman
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 err 12v

[Ralph Parker]

>http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740182%20KPA3CONMDKT%20Instruction%20Manual.pdf

My K3, of a similar vintage, had the same problem. The URL above 
describes the problem, and a permanent fix.
I didn't trust myself to change the pins on the mother board, so I used 
a temporary "bypass operation" - jumper wires around the two connectors 
to the PA. Done with 4 short wires.
Elecraft was kind enough to send me pictures of the installation. Has 
been working well for 7 years.

If the radio ever goes back to the factory, they'll change the pins for me.

VE7XF

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 err 12v

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

On Sat, Feb 24, 2018 at 1:57 PM, Ed Schuller via Elecraft
 wrote:
> My tired old K3 (serial 1298) displayed this while I was on RTTY today. The 
> rig works at 10w and under, so I assume that this indicates an issue with the 
> power amp. I checked the book for possible other issues, but came up with 
> either bad connector seating or circuit breaker issues, neither which seem to 
> be the case.

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740182%20KPA3CONMDKT%20Instruction%20Manual.pdf

73,

~iain / N6ML
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 err 12v

[Dave Cole (NK7Z)]

Is your power supply sagging?

73s and thanks,
Dave
NK7Z
https://www.nk7z.net

On 02/24/2018 01:57 PM, Ed Schuller via Elecraft wrote:

My tired old K3 (serial 1298) displayed this while I was on RTTY today. The rig 
works at 10w and under, so I assume that this indicates an issue with the power 
amp. I checked the book for possible other issues, but came up with either bad 
connector seating or circuit breaker issues, neither which seem to be the case.

I guess this means a trip back to the factoryhopefully turn around time 
isn’t too bad

73,
Ed K6CTA

Sent from my iPhone



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[Elecraft] K3 err 12v

[Ed Schuller via Elecraft]

My tired old K3 (serial 1298) displayed this while I was on RTTY today. The rig 
works at 10w and under, so I assume that this indicates an issue with the power 
amp. I checked the book for possible other issues, but came up with either bad 
connector seating or circuit breaker issues, neither which seem to be the case.

I guess this means a trip back to the factoryhopefully turn around time 
isn’t too bad

73,
Ed K6CTA

Sent from my iPhone



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[Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V problem - fixed

[Barry Simpson]

Last week, I sought help on this reflector in relation to the ERR 12V
problem that my K3 had developed.

The several replies I received from three different continents all pointed
me the same way and Elecraft confirmed the diagnosis.

I ordered the parts on 22 December and they arrived in today's post late
morning. This afternoon, I undertook the necessary repairs involving
partial replacement of one of the KPA3 power connectors.

The progress was slightly impeded as I found that my Hako 808 desoldering
tool, which I had not used for several years, no longer worked. Thus I was
reduced to using my soldering iron and a small manual vacuum solder sucker.
I got there eventually !

The rig went back together without difficulty and has passed the initial
test into a dummy load with flying colours, maximum power being achieved on
all bands.

Tomorrow I will put it back into one of my operating positions.

Thanks to all who provided help and advice, to Elecraft with their super
fast response and to the US Postal Service and Australia Post who both
excelled over the Christmas period.

Barry Simpson  VK2BJ
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[Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V fix, not so bad

[Carl Clawson]

At the ripe old age of nine my K3 developed the ERR 12V problem (in the
middle of a contest, of course). I've seen posts here where owners had some
trepidation about the difficulty of the fix, which is to inspect and
replace some connectors using parts from KPA3CONMDKT.

Relax. It's a bit tedious but it's easy. If you've had any experience at
all with through-hole rework I wouldn't hesitate.

Have a beefy soldering iron handy just in case. Some of the pins were hard
to remove with a small iron. A 40 W iron with 1/4" tip made short work of
them. A circuit board vise or a helper to hold the  KPAIO3 board while you
work on it is also a big plus.

Radio and operator are both happy again.

73 and thanks for listening,
Carl WS7L
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V problem

[Barry Simpson]

Thank you to everyone who replied with advice on my problem.

The advice all points one way so I will have a look at the KPA power
connection pins over the holiday period and then do the necessary repair
with replacemnt pins from Elecraft as required - or just hardwire them as
per one suggestion.

I will advise the outcome when I have resolved it.

Thanks again to all.

73

Barry Simpson  VK2BJ

On 17 December 2017 at 23:58, Drew AF2Z  wrote:

> I also have an early K3, ser nr apprx 400 earlier than yours. I got the
> ERR 12V fault a couple of months ago. As others have mentioned it was the
> KPA pins. They were not corroded so much as discolored. I replaced them
> and the two front panel connectors at the same time.
>
> There's a good blogpost and photos of the front panel connector
> replacement process at
>
> http://wb5bkl.blogspot.com/2012/07/elecraft-k3-p30-and-p35-
> replacement.html
>
> That should give you a good idea. It looks tedious with all those pins but
> it goes pretty quick if you use a solder sucker. A cheap spring-loaded one
> will do. Also, use an alligator clip to extract the cut pins from the board.
>
>
> 73,
> Drew
> AF2Z
>
>
>
> On 12/17/17 01:36, Barry Simpson wrote:
>
>> I have an early model K3 s/n 1397 which I built and which I upgraded
>> around
>> 12 months ago with the new synthesizers etc.
>>
>> It has the second receiver and numerous filters in both receivers.
>>
>> I have never had a moment's trouble with it since the original build in
>> around 2009 and since the big upgrade.
>>
>> However, a couple of weeks ago, I had an ERR 12V message come up in the
>> middle of a CQ and the rig stopped working. I simply turned it off and
>> back
>> on again and it seemed to be fixed.
>>
>> A little earlier today, I was calling CQ on 17m CW using the KPA 500 and
>> the ERR 12V occurred again.
>>
>> This time I read the manual and saw that it could be related to the  K3 PA
>> module.
>>
>> I powered off the rig again and checked to find that there was some new
>> firmware which I duly downloaded successfully. I then performed a TX gain
>> calibration at 5w and 50w and that was successful.
>>
>> I then did a band by band check of the maximum CW power out. All seemed
>> normal except for 24.9 MHz where the power out was around 130W - too high.
>>
>> However, as I was testing on 50.1 MHz the dreaded ERR 12V occurred again
>> and after a power down and restart the same thing.
>>
>> Before I enlist the help of Elecraft, can anyone point me in the right
>> direction to check for a short in the PA module. What should I be looking
>> at/for ?  The rig has not emitted any smoke nor has there been any burning
>> smells or unusual noises.
>>
>> Any pointers would be appreciated before I take the rig apart.
>>
>> Thanks and 73
>>
>> Barry Simpson  VK2BJ
>> __
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>>
>>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V

[Ralph Parker]

I had this problem with #1823 just after I returned from an expedition 
in 2010. (lucky, eh?)
It is indeed a result of the steel pins carrying the 12v to the PA 
becoming tarnished.
Not trusting myself to replace the pins, I opted for the "bypass 
operation" - wire jumpers around the pins (Elecraft can send you picturs 
and instructions). Piece of cake, and works FB.
Elecraft replaced the pins on a second K3 with gold ones when it was in 
for service.
Frustrating when you don't know why it happens, but an easy fix in 
either case.


VE7XF

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V problem

[Drew AF2Z]

I also have an early K3, ser nr apprx 400 earlier than yours. I got the 
ERR 12V fault a couple of months ago. As others have mentioned it was 
the KPA pins. They were not corroded so much as discolored. I replaced 
them  and the two front panel connectors at the same time.


There's a good blogpost and photos of the front panel connector 
replacement process at


http://wb5bkl.blogspot.com/2012/07/elecraft-k3-p30-and-p35-replacement.html

That should give you a good idea. It looks tedious with all those pins 
but it goes pretty quick if you use a solder sucker. A cheap 
spring-loaded one will do. Also, use an alligator clip to extract the 
cut pins from the board.



73,
Drew
AF2Z



On 12/17/17 01:36, Barry Simpson wrote:

I have an early model K3 s/n 1397 which I built and which I upgraded around
12 months ago with the new synthesizers etc.

It has the second receiver and numerous filters in both receivers.

I have never had a moment's trouble with it since the original build in
around 2009 and since the big upgrade.

However, a couple of weeks ago, I had an ERR 12V message come up in the
middle of a CQ and the rig stopped working. I simply turned it off and back
on again and it seemed to be fixed.

A little earlier today, I was calling CQ on 17m CW using the KPA 500 and
the ERR 12V occurred again.

This time I read the manual and saw that it could be related to the  K3 PA
module.

I powered off the rig again and checked to find that there was some new
firmware which I duly downloaded successfully. I then performed a TX gain
calibration at 5w and 50w and that was successful.

I then did a band by band check of the maximum CW power out. All seemed
normal except for 24.9 MHz where the power out was around 130W - too high.

However, as I was testing on 50.1 MHz the dreaded ERR 12V occurred again
and after a power down and restart the same thing.

Before I enlist the help of Elecraft, can anyone point me in the right
direction to check for a short in the PA module. What should I be looking
at/for ?  The rig has not emitted any smoke nor has there been any burning
smells or unusual noises.

Any pointers would be appreciated before I take the rig apart.

Thanks and 73

Barry Simpson  VK2BJ
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V problem

[Don Wilhelm]

Barry,

Contact Elecraft support and request the Gold Pins kit.
Also obtain E560002 which is the KPA3 12V Sense Modification.

You might want to consider other updates to the K3.  See the website 
listing for Spare Parts and Mod Kits for the K3.  Click on "Order" to 
get there.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/17/2017 1:36 AM, Barry Simpson wrote:

I have an early model K3 s/n 1397 which I built and which I upgraded around
12 months ago with the new synthesizers etc.

It has the second receiver and numerous filters in both receivers.

I have never had a moment's trouble with it since the original build in
around 2009 and since the big upgrade.

However, a couple of weeks ago, I had an ERR 12V message come up in the
middle of a CQ and the rig stopped working. I simply turned it off and back
on again and it seemed to be fixed.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V problem

[Ken K3IU]

Good Morning, Barry:
Sounds like a problem that raised its head quite a while back with 
corrosion of the 12V pins on the KPA3 connector. I am not near my rig 
and info at the moment so I can't confirm that.

73 and Happy Holidays,
Ken K3IU

On 12/17/2017 1:36 AM, Barry Simpson wrote:

I have an early model K3 s/n 1397 which I built and which I upgraded around
12 months ago with the new synthesizers etc.

It has the second receiver and numerous filters in both receivers.

I have never had a moment's trouble with it since the original build in
around 2009 and since the big upgrade.

However, a couple of weeks ago, I had an ERR 12V message come up in the
middle of a CQ and the rig stopped working. I simply turned it off and back
on again and it seemed to be fixed.

A little earlier today, I was calling CQ on 17m CW using the KPA 500 and
the ERR 12V occurred again.

This time I read the manual and saw that it could be related to the  K3 PA
module.

I powered off the rig again and checked to find that there was some new
firmware which I duly downloaded successfully. I then performed a TX gain
calibration at 5w and 50w and that was successful.

I then did a band by band check of the maximum CW power out. All seemed
normal except for 24.9 MHz where the power out was around 130W - too high.

However, as I was testing on 50.1 MHz the dreaded ERR 12V occurred again
and after a power down and restart the same thing.

Before I enlist the help of Elecraft, can anyone point me in the right
direction to check for a short in the PA module. What should I be looking
at/for ?  The rig has not emitted any smoke nor has there been any burning
smells or unusual noises.

Any pointers would be appreciated before I take the rig apart.

Thanks and 73

Barry Simpson  VK2BJ
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[Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V problem

[Barry Simpson]

I have an early model K3 s/n 1397 which I built and which I upgraded around
12 months ago with the new synthesizers etc.

It has the second receiver and numerous filters in both receivers.

I have never had a moment's trouble with it since the original build in
around 2009 and since the big upgrade.

However, a couple of weeks ago, I had an ERR 12V message come up in the
middle of a CQ and the rig stopped working. I simply turned it off and back
on again and it seemed to be fixed.

A little earlier today, I was calling CQ on 17m CW using the KPA 500 and
the ERR 12V occurred again.

This time I read the manual and saw that it could be related to the  K3 PA
module.

I powered off the rig again and checked to find that there was some new
firmware which I duly downloaded successfully. I then performed a TX gain
calibration at 5w and 50w and that was successful.

I then did a band by band check of the maximum CW power out. All seemed
normal except for 24.9 MHz where the power out was around 130W - too high.

However, as I was testing on 50.1 MHz the dreaded ERR 12V occurred again
and after a power down and restart the same thing.

Before I enlist the help of Elecraft, can anyone point me in the right
direction to check for a short in the PA module. What should I be looking
at/for ?  The rig has not emitted any smoke nor has there been any burning
smells or unusual noises.

Any pointers would be appreciated before I take the rig apart.

Thanks and 73

Barry Simpson  VK2BJ
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[Elecraft] K3: ERR 12V vs current draw

[Ralph Parker]

I have come to no conclusions re my earlier posts.
The K3 quit on QSO #3 in the 160 last night, again with the 'ERR 12V'
message, neccesitating a switch to the Pro-3 (my Mk.V is out on loan). Talk
about day and night!

My 'power off' current drain had been back to 0 amps over the last couple
of weeks, but after the ERR 12V shutdown, the 'power off' current was 1.7
amps again. Something is definitely rotten in OZ (no offence to the Danes)!

At least I'll have more details for the K3 Support gang to work with.
I have not yet changed the KPA3/100 pins as they suggested.
I can't see how they would cause the mysterious current drain.

Ralph, VE7XF
#1823

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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Err 12v

[Hardy Landskov]

I recently had Q6 on the LPA board fail shorted, in which case you will get 
no power out at all.
It's a MOSFET and very prone to an ESD event since it is on the antenna. 
Check gate-to-source resistance with an ohm meter. Should be 800 or so ohms.
73 N7RT

- Original Message - 
From: Randy Moore wrmoor...@comcast.net
To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, January 07, 2011 7:45 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] Err 12v


I am working on an friends K3 (#4446), recently purchased used.  When I
 got it, Power-On resulted in ERR DSE. Firmware load failed, so I did
 EEINIT, and then the firmware (4.22) loaded correctly.  After going
 through filter setups to match the on-board filters, things seemed to be
 working correctly.  But then I tried to increase power beyond 12w, and
 now I get the ERR 12V, which my friend had seen before.  When that
 error occurs, the KPA3 fans come on.  The manual says to reset the
 circuit breaker, but it wasn't tripped.  Just for kicks, I tried to do
 the Tx Gain Calibration through the K3 Utility (dummy load attached),
 and even at the 5w level, it fails.

 I need some advice on how to proceed.

 Tnx es 73,
 Randy, KS4L
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] ERR 12v

[Randy Moore]

Bingo, Ed!  That did the trick!!

Thanks a bunch es 73,
Randy, KS4L

On 1/7/2011 9:44 PM, Ed Gilliland wrote:
 Hello Randy,

 I had ERR 12V alarms and recrimped the lugs on the wires that attach 
 to the circuit breaker.  I've run two or three contests since with no 
 alarm messages.

 Good luck, Ed/W5TM

 - Original Message - From: Randy Moore wrmoor...@gmail.com
 To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Friday, January 07, 2011 8:47 PM
 Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] ERR 12v


 I am working on an friends K3 (#4446), recently purchased used.  When I
 got it, Power-On resulted in ERR DSE. Firmware load failed, so I did
 EEINIT, and then the firmware loaded correctly.  After going through
 filter setups to match the on-board filters, things seemed to be working
 correctly.  But then I tried to increase power beyond 12w, and now I get
 the ERR 12V, which my friend had seen before.  When that error occurs,
 the KPA3 fans come on.  Just for kicks, I tried to do the Tx Gain
 Calibration through the K3 Utility (dummy load attached), and even at
 the 5w level, it fails.

 The seller of this K3 says none of this was happening before he shipped
 the unit.

 I need some advice on how to proceed.

 Tnx es 73,
 Randy, KS4L

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[Elecraft] [K3] Err 12v

[Randy Moore]

I am working on an friends K3 (#4446), recently purchased used.  When I 
got it, Power-On resulted in ERR DSE. Firmware load failed, so I did 
EEINIT, and then the firmware (4.22) loaded correctly.  After going 
through filter setups to match the on-board filters, things seemed to be 
working correctly.  But then I tried to increase power beyond 12w, and 
now I get the ERR 12V, which my friend had seen before.  When that 
error occurs, the KPA3 fans come on.  The manual says to reset the 
circuit breaker, but it wasn't tripped.  Just for kicks, I tried to do 
the Tx Gain Calibration through the K3 Utility (dummy load attached), 
and even at the 5w level, it fails.

I need some advice on how to proceed.

Tnx es 73,
Randy, KS4L
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[Elecraft] [K3] ERR 12v

[Randy Moore]

I am working on an friends K3 (#4446), recently purchased used.  When I 
got it, Power-On resulted in ERR DSE. Firmware load failed, so I did 
EEINIT, and then the firmware loaded correctly.  After going through 
filter setups to match the on-board filters, things seemed to be working 
correctly.  But then I tried to increase power beyond 12w, and now I get 
the ERR 12V, which my friend had seen before.  When that error occurs, 
the KPA3 fans come on.  Just for kicks, I tried to do the Tx Gain 
Calibration through the K3 Utility (dummy load attached), and even at 
the 5w level, it fails.

The seller of this K3 says none of this was happening before he shipped 
the unit.

I need some advice on how to proceed.

Tnx es 73,
Randy, KS4L
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V???

[Craig WØLV]

Don 

Did all you said and the rig ran for a while and the same thing happened,
also saw and 80C det temp on the PA and it was not that hot.  Cool air from
the fans.

Craig
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V???

[Ed K1EP]

Have you examined pins 21 through 26 of J67/P67?

At 2/14/2010 06:49 PM, Craig WØLV wrote:

Don

Did all you said and the rig ran for a while and the same thing happened,
also saw and 80C det temp on the PA and it was not that hot.  Cool air from
the fans.

Craig
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[Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V???

[Craig WØLV]

I was running WPX RTTY contest using abt 80W and it had ran for over an hour
with no problems.  I have done it many times and the PA temp stayed around
50  All of the sudden I received the ERR 12V.  I was watching the PA
temp and it was staying around 45 to 49C.  The rig was running 3 bars on
ALC, so was not overdriving the PA. Output was abt 80W.

I went into the Config menu and turned the PA off and then back on and it
still does not show up in the display menu to monitor PA temp.  I have power
cycled the rig and power supply a number of times and no luck??? 

Any Suggestions?  All I can get out of it is 12 W now and the PA is cool. 
Cold air out of the back of the rig.  The Voltage from the power supply is
13.9V and I have a solid connection to the PS.  I cannot even get it to
display the PA temp at all now even when I go into the Config menu and make
sure it is turned on.  PA is set to NOR in Config menu.

Thanks
Craig WØLV
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V???

[Don Wilhelm]

Craig,

Did you do as suggested in the manual list of error messages?  Check the 
circuit breaker first.

73,
Don W3FPR

Craig WØLV wrote:
 I was running WPX RTTY contest using abt 80W and it had ran for over an hour
 with no problems.  I have done it many times and the PA temp stayed around
 50  All of the sudden I received the ERR 12V.  I was watching the PA
 temp and it was staying around 45 to 49C.  The rig was running 3 bars on
 ALC, so was not overdriving the PA. Output was abt 80W.

 I went into the Config menu and turned the PA off and then back on and it
 still does not show up in the display menu to monitor PA temp.  I have power
 cycled the rig and power supply a number of times and no luck??? 

 Any Suggestions?  All I can get out of it is 12 W now and the PA is cool. 
 Cold air out of the back of the rig.  The Voltage from the power supply is
 13.9V and I have a solid connection to the PS.  I cannot even get it to
 display the PA temp at all now even when I go into the Config menu and make
 sure it is turned on.  PA is set to NOR in Config menu.

 Thanks
 Craig WØLV
   
 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V???

[Craig WØLV]

Hey  Don

Thanks for the input.  The rig will poser on and only TX at 12W.  Is there a
seperate breaker for th ePA?

Craig
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V???

[Don Wilhelm]

Craig,

Yes, on the back near the fans.   See page 4 of the K2 Owner's Manual - 
the identifier labeled 38 in that diagram.

73,
Don W3FPR

Craig WØLV wrote:
 Hey  Don

 Thanks for the input.  The rig will poser on and only TX at 12W.  Is there a
 seperate breaker for th ePA?

 Craig
   
   
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V???

[Craig WØLV]

Thanks guys for all of the input.  This is an older K3 serial 1085.  I have
done some of the mods to it, but still more to do.

I have not had a chance to get the rig apart yet.  I did look at the breaker
and it is OK.  The fans are stuck on High and I have not had a chance to do
anything else.

Craig WØLV
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V - FIXED

[Ed K1EP]

I didn't have time to work on the radio until a couple of days 
ago.  When I first looked at the problem last weekend in the middle 
of the Elecraft QSO Party, I removed the top cover and the fan 
assembly.  I pulled on one of the wires that connect from the KPA3 to 
the circuit breaker and apparently the wire crimp was not great, as 
the wire pulled out.  I figured that was the problem and 
reattached/soldered the wire to the crimp connector, however this 
didn't solve the problem.  I was still measuring higher than normal 
resistances from the powerpole connector to the circuit 
breaker.  Checking the schematic, I determined that there wasn't 
anything in the path that should have resistance greater than a few 
milliohms.  I removed the rear bottom cover to get a better look at 
the power entry.  While continuously monitoring the resistance from 
the powerpole to the PA, I squeezed the motherboard-KPAIO3-KPA3 
sandwich.  The resistance came back to normal!  I removed the 
single screw holding the KPAIO3 and again squeezed the 
combination.  12V is routed through two sets of multiple Berg stick 
type connectors from the main board up to the PA board.  Although I 
could not feel any movement, that is, the boards appeared to have 
been properly seated, the slight movement of the compression appears 
to have dramatically reduced the contact resistance.  All I can say 
is that there must have been some oxidation on the contacts and the 
slight movement eliminated it.  All appears to be well now, as I 
operated part of the Russian DX Contest this weekend with no loss of 
power or error messages.


At 3/15/2009 10:43 AM, Matt Zilmer wrote:
I was 'inside' #24 anyway and saw this posting.  Measured the DC
resistance across the CB.  I can't measure any resistance with the
Fluke DVM.

When keyed down on TUNE at 50W, I see no drop across the CB.  Sounds
like the contact suface is corroded or contaminated on yours.  Better
replace it.  At least that's easy to do, and Elecraft should help you
out on this.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:36:47 -0400, you wrote:

 All of a sudden this morning, I started getting an error message on
 my K3, ERR 12V.  Then it scrolled Check Circuit Breaker, which I
 assume was the PA circuit breaker.  The radio would not transmit
 until power cycled and the power level was reset to below 12W.  I am
 not convinced that it is a thermal issue, although it could be.  I
 monitored the PA temp and it doesn't have a direct
 correlation.  Temps are in the high 30's to low 40's.  I removed the
 top cover and inspected the circuit breaker.  There seems to be
 significant IR drop (10s of mv) across it even when not transmitting,
 so I am wondering if maybe the circuit breaker is failing.  Has
 anyone seen anything like this before?
 

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[Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V

[Ed K1EP]

All of a sudden this morning, I started getting an error message on 
my K3, ERR 12V.  Then it scrolled Check Circuit Breaker, which I 
assume was the PA circuit breaker.  The radio would not transmit 
until power cycled and the power level was reset to below 12W.  I am 
not convinced that it is a thermal issue, although it could be.  I 
monitored the PA temp and it doesn't have a direct 
correlation.  Temps are in the high 30's to low 40's.  I removed the 
top cover and inspected the circuit breaker.  There seems to be 
significant IR drop (10s of mv) across it even when not transmitting, 
so I am wondering if maybe the circuit breaker is failing.  Has 
anyone seen anything like this before?

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - ERR 12V

[Matt Zilmer]

I was 'inside' #24 anyway and saw this posting.  Measured the DC
resistance across the CB.  I can't measure any resistance with the
Fluke DVM.

When keyed down on TUNE at 50W, I see no drop across the CB.  Sounds
like the contact suface is corroded or contaminated on yours.  Better
replace it.  At least that's easy to do, and Elecraft should help you
out on this.

73,
matt W6NIA



On Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:36:47 -0400, you wrote:

All of a sudden this morning, I started getting an error message on 
my K3, ERR 12V.  Then it scrolled Check Circuit Breaker, which I 
assume was the PA circuit breaker.  The radio would not transmit 
until power cycled and the power level was reset to below 12W.  I am 
not convinced that it is a thermal issue, although it could be.  I 
monitored the PA temp and it doesn't have a direct 
correlation.  Temps are in the high 30's to low 40's.  I removed the 
top cover and inspected the circuit breaker.  There seems to be 
significant IR drop (10s of mv) across it even when not transmitting, 
so I am wondering if maybe the circuit breaker is failing.  Has 
anyone seen anything like this before?

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