[Elecraft] Low power board in K3S - extra low?
Hi gang, When I bought my K3S line (all kits) 2.5 years ago I was one of those who screwed up and didn’t put the lock washer on the bottom transistors like it said in big bold letters. As a result, I blew those transistors, or maybe something else on the board. It was replaced (reconditioned board) but the new one didn’t work at full output on the upper bands (10-20 meters). Worked fine on 40 where I operate 98% of the time. The alignment program never made it past 15 meters. Today I found the same basic results except the max output is now around 80 watts on 40 and 80. So, I tightening the screws on the transistors and, the test now goes from top to bottom and every band has at least 50 watts now. But it’s still topping off at 80 watts at best. The RD15HVF1, what appears to be the drivers, looks to be under $10 each. I think I’d like to try changing those out. But I wanted to pass it by you guys to get some advice first. Tips, tricks, does and don’ts. Am I even barking up the right tree here? I know, I’m an idiot for not reading the instructions better the first time. 73 Dave, AI7R PS - bought my K3S line on the last day of my prostate cancer radiation treatments. Over two years later there is no sign of it! Guys, get tested!! Silent keys we don’t need. __ 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] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
56" for the original cable is quite long. What gauge cable are you using? Russ, N3CO Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android On Tue, Jun 25, 2019 at 10:05 AM, Everett via Elecraft wrote: Hi Jim, You brought up a good point that I had not thought of and that is the voltage drop at the K3S itself. So I set up the voltage reading a the VFO B window and noticed that the voltage had dropped down to 12.1V when I keyed down, but the power supply said 13.7V at key down. So I shortened the power cable, by 32" and now it is 24" long. Now I see 13.1V at VFO B window and 100 watt on 160 meters and 105 watts on 6 meters. I increased the power supply voltage to 14V and now I see 13.3V at VFO B window, on key down and now 105 watts out on 160 and 110 out on 6 meters. So to make a long story short, the K3S will put out over 100 watts on 160 and 6 meters if your power supply voltage is at 13.8 volts and you keep the power cord short. The additional 32" of power cord dropped the voltage by 1 volt on key down. Everett N4CY In a message dated 6/25/2019 7:50:32 AM Central Standard Time, hamsh...@n4st.com writes: I see the same output powers on my K3S. Key down voltage is 13.4 volts on the VFO B display at maximum power out. Elecraft offered to upgrade my PA chain for $100, but I'm not concerned about ~1dB and is within spec for 6m anyway. Glad that diode is in there. I tested its function once. _ 73, Jim - N4ST -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2019 08:31 To: EVERETT SHARP ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters Everett, What is your power supply voltage during transmit at 100 watts as measured with the Alternate VFO B display? With a solid 13.8 volt power supply voltage, you should see no lower than 12.7 volts (there is a diode drop inside the K3). If lower, check the connections in the power cable for tightness. The K3 power cable should run direct from the power supply. Rigrunner and other DC power distribution boxes can be reason for excessive voltage drop. You can increase the power supply voltage up to above 14 volts to help - do not exceed 15 volts. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/24/2019 6:51 PM, EVERETT SHARP via Elecraft wrote: > I have three K3S and over the week-end I connected each of them to my Bird watt meter, with a Dummy load. Each of K3S were updated to the current Firmware and each had the 5 and 50 watt calibrations run. > > What I found was all 3 showed from 80 to 90 watts output on 160 meters > and on 6 meters I saw 75 to 90 watts. All other bands showed > typically > 105 to 110 watts. However, one of the K3S showed exactly 100 watts on all bands except for the lower power on 160 and 6 meters. > __ 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 hamsh...@n4st.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 eru...@yahoo.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] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
Hi Jim, You brought up a good point that I had not thought of and that is the voltage drop at the K3S itself. So I set up the voltage reading a the VFO B window and noticed that the voltage had dropped down to 12.1V when I keyed down, but the power supply said 13.7V at key down. So I shortened the power cable, by 32" and now it is 24" long. Now I see 13.1V at VFO B window and 100 watt on 160 meters and 105 watts on 6 meters. I increased the power supply voltage to 14V and now I see 13.3V at VFO B window, on key down and now 105 watts out on 160 and 110 out on 6 meters. So to make a long story short, the K3S will put out over 100 watts on 160 and 6 meters if your power supply voltage is at 13.8 volts and you keep the power cord short. The additional 32" of power cord dropped the voltage by 1 volt on key down. Everett N4CY In a message dated 6/25/2019 7:50:32 AM Central Standard Time, hamsh...@n4st.com writes: I see the same output powers on my K3S. Key down voltage is 13.4 volts on the VFO B display at maximum power out. Elecraft offered to upgrade my PA chain for $100, but I'm not concerned about ~1dB and is within spec for 6m anyway. Glad that diode is in there. I tested its function once. _ 73, Jim - N4ST -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2019 08:31 To: EVERETT SHARP ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters Everett, What is your power supply voltage during transmit at 100 watts as measured with the Alternate VFO B display? With a solid 13.8 volt power supply voltage, you should see no lower than 12.7 volts (there is a diode drop inside the K3). If lower, check the connections in the power cable for tightness. The K3 power cable should run direct from the power supply. Rigrunner and other DC power distribution boxes can be reason for excessive voltage drop. You can increase the power supply voltage up to above 14 volts to help - do not exceed 15 volts. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/24/2019 6:51 PM, EVERETT SHARP via Elecraft wrote: > I have three K3S and over the week-end I connected each of them to my Bird watt meter, with a Dummy load. Each of K3S were updated to the current Firmware and each had the 5 and 50 watt calibrations run. > > What I found was all 3 showed from 80 to 90 watts output on 160 meters > and on 6 meters I saw 75 to 90 watts. All other bands showed > typically > 105 to 110 watts. However, one of the K3S showed exactly 100 watts on all bands except for the lower power on 160 and 6 meters. > __ 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 hamsh...@n4st.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] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
I see the same output powers on my K3S. Key down voltage is 13.4 volts on the VFO B display at maximum power out. Elecraft offered to upgrade my PA chain for $100, but I'm not concerned about ~1dB and is within spec for 6m anyway. Glad that diode is in there. I tested its function once. _ 73, Jim - N4ST -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2019 08:31 To: EVERETT SHARP ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters Everett, What is your power supply voltage during transmit at 100 watts as measured with the Alternate VFO B display? With a solid 13.8 volt power supply voltage, you should see no lower than 12.7 volts (there is a diode drop inside the K3). If lower, check the connections in the power cable for tightness. The K3 power cable should run direct from the power supply. Rigrunner and other DC power distribution boxes can be reason for excessive voltage drop. You can increase the power supply voltage up to above 14 volts to help - do not exceed 15 volts. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/24/2019 6:51 PM, EVERETT SHARP via Elecraft wrote: > I have three K3S and over the week-end I connected each of them to my Bird watt meter, with a Dummy load. Each of K3S were updated to the current Firmware and each had the 5 and 50 watt calibrations run. > > What I found was all 3 showed from 80 to 90 watts output on 160 meters > and on 6 meters I saw 75 to 90 watts. All other bands showed > typically > 105 to 110 watts. However, one of the K3S showed exactly 100 watts on all bands except for the lower power on 160 and 6 meters. > __ 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 hamsh...@n4st.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] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
Everett, What is your power supply voltage during transmit at 100 watts as measured with the Alternate VFO B display? With a solid 13.8 volt power supply voltage, you should see no lower than 12.7 volts (there is a diode drop inside the K3). If lower, check the connections in the power cable for tightness. The K3 power cable should run direct from the power supply. Rigrunner and other DC power distribution boxes can be reason for excessive voltage drop. You can increase the power supply voltage up to above 14 volts to help - do not exceed 15 volts. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/24/2019 6:51 PM, EVERETT SHARP via Elecraft wrote: I have three K3S and over the week-end I connected each of them to my Bird watt meter, with a Dummy load. Each of K3S were updated to the current Firmware and each had the 5 and 50 watt calibrations run. What I found was all 3 showed from 80 to 90 watts output on 160 meters and on 6 meters I saw 75 to 90 watts. All other bands showed typically 105 to 110 watts. However, one of the K3S showed exactly 100 watts on all bands except for the lower power on 160 and 6 meters. __ 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] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
Well I have a K3/10 and KXPA100 with fw vers 5.60 (yeah I need to update). K3/10 gets 10w on 14-MHz and 8w on 50-MHz. KXPA gives 100w on 14-MHz and 80w on 50-MHz using a Bird43 meter with a Bird dummy load. Into an antenna power is dependent on match (as one would expect). The KXPA only needs about 5.6w drive for full output on 14-MHz but requires full 8w drive on 50-MHz. Overdriving causes the 3-dB attenuator to switch on. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@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] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
From the K3S manual dated 2016: TRANSMITTER * Output Power K3S/100: 0.1 W –100 W typ. Suggested max from 51-52 MHz, 85 W; 52-54, 70 W. K3S/10 (or K3S/100 with PA bypassed): 0.1 W –12 W, HF-10 m; 8 W max on 6 m. XVTR OUT: HF, -10 to +1.8 dBm; at 472 kHz (630 m), -3 dBm (see pg. 41). K144XV: ~10 W, 144-148 MHz. Note: K3S/100 output can be set up to 110 W. However, IMD and spurious products are specified at 100 W, the recommended maximum (lower on 6 m; see above). I'd say 90 Watts on 6 meters meets the specification. My K3S puts out 100 Watts on 160 and 93 Watts on 6 (50.125) into a Palstar dummy load. Mark, WB9CIF -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of John Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2019 00:11 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters Everett, I saw a similar thing when I sent my K3 in for updating. It came back with an indicated power out of 90 watts max, while it went in to the shop showing 106 watts max. It was explained me that since it met all specs, 90 watts was good. I don't like it but that's what I was left with. 73. John. On 24/06/2019 3:51 p.m., EVERETT SHARP via Elecraft wrote: > I have three K3S and over the week-end I connected each of them to my Bird > watt meter, with a Dummy load. Each of K3S were updated to the current > Firmware and each had the 5 and 50 watt calibrations run. > > What I found was all 3 showed from 80 to 90 watts output on 160 meters > and on 6 meters I saw 75 to 90 watts. All other bands showed > typically > 105 to 110 watts. However, one of the K3S showed exactly 100 watts on all > bands except for the lower power on 160 and 6 meters. > > I did check one of the K3S before doing the current Firmware update and saw > no difference before and after the up date on 160 and 6 meter power output. > > Does anyone have any idea as to why I am seeing the lower outputs on 160 and > 6 meters. > > Everett N4CY > > __ > 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 > ve7...@telus.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 markmus...@outlook.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] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
Everett, I saw a similar thing when I sent my K3 in for updating. It came back with an indicated power out of 90 watts max, while it went in to the shop showing 106 watts max. It was explained to me that since it met all specs, 90 watts was good. I don't like it but that's what I was left with. 73. John. On 24/06/2019 3:51 p.m., EVERETT SHARP via Elecraft wrote: I have three K3S and over the week-end I connected each of them to my Bird watt meter, with a Dummy load. Each of K3S were updated to the current Firmware and each had the 5 and 50 watt calibrations run. What I found was all 3 showed from 80 to 90 watts output on 160 meters and on 6 meters I saw 75 to 90 watts. All other bands showed typically 105 to 110 watts. However, one of the K3S showed exactly 100 watts on all bands except for the lower power on 160 and 6 meters. I did check one of the K3S before doing the current Firmware update and saw no difference before and after the up date on 160 and 6 meter power output. Does anyone have any idea as to why I am seeing the lower outputs on 160 and 6 meters. Everett N4CY __ 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 ve7...@telus.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
[Elecraft] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
I have three K3S and over the week-end I connected each of them to my Bird watt meter, with a Dummy load. Each of K3S were updated to the current Firmware and each had the 5 and 50 watt calibrations run. What I found was all 3 showed from 80 to 90 watts output on 160 meters and on 6 meters I saw 75 to 90 watts. All other bands showed typically 105 to 110 watts. However, one of the K3S showed exactly 100 watts on all bands except for the lower power on 160 and 6 meters. I did check one of the K3S before doing the current Firmware update and saw no difference before and after the up date on 160 and 6 meter power output. Does anyone have any idea as to why I am seeing the lower outputs on 160 and 6 meters. Everett N4CY __ 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] Low power out, ERR TXG when trying to calibrate power
Just to update on this thread: repeating the calibration on 10MHz with 13.8V applied does get to 4/6W indicated on the VFO B display, but on tapping XMIT, still gives ERR TXG (D=228 or thereabouts on the main bit of the display). I'll drop Elecraft an email. 73, Rob, M0VFC On 18 April 2017 at 13:07, Don Wilhelm [via Elecraft] < ml-node+s365791n7629474...@n2.nabble.com> wrote: > Rob, > > I would try running the TX Gain Calibration with a higher voltage power > source - at least 13.8 volts. > > If it still fails, contact Elecraft support. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-power-out-ERR-TXG-when-trying-to-calibrate-power-tp7629471p7629508.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] Low power out, ERR TXG when trying to calibrate power
Rob, I would try running the TX Gain Calibration with a higher voltage power source - at least 13.8 volts. If it still fails, contact Elecraft support. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/18/2017 5:55 AM, M0VFC wrote: Hi folks, My KX3 seems to have developed a low output power problem. All used to be fine, but over the weekend I noticed it now only gives ~6W maximum on CW despite a good SWR indication. I have reproduced this into a dummy load (1.1:1 SWR) and checked DC input voltage (11.2V key down, external 3S LiPo). Additionally, if I engage the ATU, it no longer seems able to find a good match, even into a dummy load. Bypassing the ATU results in an indicated 1.1:1 SWR, and removing the ATU module does not fix the low output power problem. If I run the manual TX power calibration (set power to 6W and hold TUNE), the VFO B display reaches about 5.4W then stays there. Tapping TX to stop the procedure results in ERR TXG being shown. Doing the same at 4W results in maximum output power of about 3.2W, from memory, and a similar ERR TXG error. This is true on all HF bands. __ 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
[Elecraft] Low power out, ERR TXG when trying to calibrate power
Hi folks, My KX3 seems to have developed a low output power problem. All used to be fine, but over the weekend I noticed it now only gives ~6W maximum on CW despite a good SWR indication. I have reproduced this into a dummy load (1.1:1 SWR) and checked DC input voltage (11.2V key down, external 3S LiPo). Additionally, if I engage the ATU, it no longer seems able to find a good match, even into a dummy load. Bypassing the ATU results in an indicated 1.1:1 SWR, and removing the ATU module does not fix the low output power problem. If I run the manual TX power calibration (set power to 6W and hold TUNE), the VFO B display reaches about 5.4W then stays there. Tapping TX to stop the procedure results in ERR TXG being shown. Doing the same at 4W results in maximum output power of about 3.2W, from memory, and a similar ERR TXG error. This is true on all HF bands. Any thoughts on where to look? Many thanks, Rob, M0VFC -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-power-out-ERR-TXG-when-trying-to-calibrate-power-tp7629471.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
[Elecraft] Low power on 20M band once ATU is installed
I just built a new K1 and had some problems with the output power. To make a long story short I ended up having to lower the values of R5 and R11... This brought the power levels up on the 40 M band from 1.5 to 6.5 Watts and on the 20 M band from 0.5 to 5.5 Watts. Figured all was well now until I installed the new ATU For some reason my output power on the 20M band into a 50 Ohm dummy load is only around 0.7 Watts now with the ATU installed. If I remove it - it goes back up to normal! Any ideas? Thanks, Michael n2zdb __ 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] Low power KX1
Richard, The power from the basic KX1 is good - excellent work there. You apparently have something awry in the KXAT1 (it looks good on 30 meters, but the other bands have problems). Look the KXAT1 over for soldering problems - solder bridges, inadequately heated solder connections (reflow with a soldering temperature of 750 degF), and properly stripped and tinned toroid leads. Good analysis on the dummy load. On 1/17/2016 4:11 PM, Richard wrote: Thank you Don and Ray, The information proved valuable. Just pushing around on the toroids made a change so I knew I had a bad connection somewhere. With minor surgery I was able to reheat the joints, and without the ATU board installed I have 40 to 48 VPP across the bands. I also found that my dummy load was highly inductive, going over 5 to 1 @ 14Mhz. (using a rigexpert AA-30) I made a new one that came out at 51ohms resistive. I think I have something attenuating the signal in the ATU board, as after it, in both cal and tune modes I have quite a drop in signal. Results No tuner tuner in cal tuner in tune 3 51v 25 20 7 48v 30 27 1046v 45 45 1440v 27 19 In the test modes, I can hear each relay click. And in cal mode they look like they bypass by shorting the inductors, so I am lost. My electronic skill is at "I wish I had a lot more" Any and all help is appriciated. Thank you in advance. Richard -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3...@embarqmail.com] Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2016 2:11 AM To: rich...@inparadise.us; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low power KX1 Richard, Take a careful look at the Low Pass Filter board for the KXB3080 option. Count the turns. Each time the wire passes through the toroid core is one turn. Make certain you have the correct number of turns. That LPF is the downfall of many builders. In addition, count the turns on T1 - the ame thing applies. Also on the same toroids, be certain the leads were well stripped and tinned. Look at the solder side. If you can see a ring around the lead, that lead was not adequately stripped and tinned. You should be able to see a small bit of tinned lead on the component side of the board. The LPF board should be *exactly* like that shown in the KXB3080 option manual illustrations. There is no room for exceptions. Be certain the green lead of L2 is oriented away from red lead #4. You will need an external QRP wattmeter to properly calibrate the wattmeter in the KXAT1, but if you have a good 50 ohm dummy load, you can use your 'scope to measure the RF voltage across it. Use a 10X probe on the 'scope and measure the peak to peak voltage. If the dummy load is sealed, use a T adapter to gain access to the center conductor. The power is the square of the peak to peak voltage divided by 400. Derivation of that formula is "left to the student". 73, Don W3FPR On 1/16/2016 8:53 PM, Richard wrote: From: Richard [mailto:rich...@inparadise.us] Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:50 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net' Subject: Low power KX1 I am very new to the world of CW. Several months ago I built a KX1. Once I was able to receive with it, I built the 30-80 band set, and once it was installed and working, I built the ATU. With the ATU was the first time I was able to measure power. I am only getting .4W out of internal, and 1W with a 13 volt power supply. So I did the power modification changing the resistors, and now I get .6 internal and 2W with 13V. I could sure use some advice. I do not have a bridge or watt meter. I do have a good scope Can I measure the signal voltage across 50 ohms? Thank you in advance. Richard __ 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 w3...@embarqmail.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 w3...@embarqmail.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.htm
[Elecraft] Low power KX1
Hello Richard, Can you get full power output without the installation of the KXAT1? If yes, they can concentrate your trouble shoot on the KXAT1 only. Below is an extract from my review in eham. "The tiny LPF1 pcb of KXB3080 is to be situated in the tight space formed between the C46-C49& C54 area of KX1 and R3-R4 & C10 area of KXAT1. Therefore, Page 3 of KXAT1 manual, R3, R4& C10 should be soldered on the component side and cut flush on the other side". See whether there are component leads from the KXAT1 touch the KX1 components. 73 Johnny VR2XMC 寄件人︰ Richard 收件人︰ Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 傳送日期︰ 2016年01月18日 (週一) 5:11 AM 主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Low power KX1 Thank you Don and Ray, The information proved valuable. Just pushing around on the toroids made a change so I knew I had a bad connection somewhere. With minor surgery I was able to reheat the joints, and without the ATU board installed I have 40 to 48 VPP across the bands. I also found that my dummy load was highly inductive, going over 5 to 1 @ 14Mhz. (using a rigexpert AA-30) I made a new one that came out at 51ohms resistive. I think I have something attenuating the signal in the ATU board, as after it, in both cal and tune modes I have quite a drop in signal. Results No tuner tuner in cal tuner in tune 3 51v 25 20 7 48v 30 27 10 46v 45 45 14 40v 27 19 In the test modes, I can hear each relay click. And in cal mode they look like they bypass by shorting the inductors, so I am lost. My electronic skill is at "I wish I had a lot more" Any and all help is appriciated. Thank you in advance. Richard -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3...@embarqmail.com] Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2016 2:11 AM To: rich...@inparadise.us; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low power KX1 Richard, Take a careful look at the Low Pass Filter board for the KXB3080 option. Count the turns. Each time the wire passes through the toroid core is one turn. Make certain you have the correct number of turns. That LPF is the downfall of many builders. In addition, count the turns on T1 - the ame thing applies. Also on the same toroids, be certain the leads were well stripped and tinned. Look at the solder side. If you can see a ring around the lead, that lead was not adequately stripped and tinned. You should be able to see a small bit of tinned lead on the component side of the board. The LPF board should be *exactly* like that shown in the KXB3080 option manual illustrations. There is no room for exceptions. Be certain the green lead of L2 is oriented away from red lead #4. You will need an external QRP wattmeter to properly calibrate the wattmeter in the KXAT1, but if you have a good 50 ohm dummy load, you can use your 'scope to measure the RF voltage across it. Use a 10X probe on the 'scope and measure the peak to peak voltage. If the dummy load is sealed, use a T adapter to gain access to the center conductor. The power is the square of the peak to peak voltage divided by 400. Derivation of that formula is "left to the student". 73, Don W3FPR On 1/16/2016 8:53 PM, Richard wrote: > From: Richard [mailto:rich...@inparadise.us] > Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:50 PM > To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net' > Subject: Low power KX1 > > > I am very new to the world of CW. Several months ago I built a KX1. Once I > was able to receive with it, I built the 30-80 band set, and once it was > installed and working, I built the ATU. With the ATU was the first time I > was able to measure power. I am only getting .4W out of internal, and 1W > with a 13 volt power supply. So I did the power modification changing the > resistors, and now I get .6 internal and 2W with 13V. > > I could sure use some advice. I do not have a bridge or watt meter. I do > have a good scope Can I measure the signal voltage across 50 ohms? > > Thank you in advance. > > Richard > __ > 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 w3...@embarqmail.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.ht
Re: [Elecraft] Low power KX1
Thank you Don and Ray, The information proved valuable. Just pushing around on the toroids made a change so I knew I had a bad connection somewhere. With minor surgery I was able to reheat the joints, and without the ATU board installed I have 40 to 48 VPP across the bands. I also found that my dummy load was highly inductive, going over 5 to 1 @ 14Mhz. (using a rigexpert AA-30) I made a new one that came out at 51ohms resistive. I think I have something attenuating the signal in the ATU board, as after it, in both cal and tune modes I have quite a drop in signal. Results No tuner tuner in cal tuner in tune 3 51v 25 20 7 48v 30 27 1046v 45 45 1440v 27 19 In the test modes, I can hear each relay click. And in cal mode they look like they bypass by shorting the inductors, so I am lost. My electronic skill is at "I wish I had a lot more" Any and all help is appriciated. Thank you in advance. Richard -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3...@embarqmail.com] Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2016 2:11 AM To: rich...@inparadise.us; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low power KX1 Richard, Take a careful look at the Low Pass Filter board for the KXB3080 option. Count the turns. Each time the wire passes through the toroid core is one turn. Make certain you have the correct number of turns. That LPF is the downfall of many builders. In addition, count the turns on T1 - the ame thing applies. Also on the same toroids, be certain the leads were well stripped and tinned. Look at the solder side. If you can see a ring around the lead, that lead was not adequately stripped and tinned. You should be able to see a small bit of tinned lead on the component side of the board. The LPF board should be *exactly* like that shown in the KXB3080 option manual illustrations. There is no room for exceptions. Be certain the green lead of L2 is oriented away from red lead #4. You will need an external QRP wattmeter to properly calibrate the wattmeter in the KXAT1, but if you have a good 50 ohm dummy load, you can use your 'scope to measure the RF voltage across it. Use a 10X probe on the 'scope and measure the peak to peak voltage. If the dummy load is sealed, use a T adapter to gain access to the center conductor. The power is the square of the peak to peak voltage divided by 400. Derivation of that formula is "left to the student". 73, Don W3FPR On 1/16/2016 8:53 PM, Richard wrote: > From: Richard [mailto:rich...@inparadise.us] > Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:50 PM > To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net' > Subject: Low power KX1 > > > I am very new to the world of CW. Several months ago I built a KX1. Once I > was able to receive with it, I built the 30-80 band set, and once it was > installed and working, I built the ATU. With the ATU was the first time I > was able to measure power. I am only getting .4W out of internal, and 1W > with a 13 volt power supply. So I did the power modification changing the > resistors, and now I get .6 internal and 2W with 13V. > > I could sure use some advice. I do not have a bridge or watt meter. I do > have a good scope Can I measure the signal voltage across 50 ohms? > > Thank you in advance. > > Richard > __ > 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 w3...@embarqmail.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
[Elecraft] Low power KX1
Hello Richard, Please have a look of my review : http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3586 There are some construction hints. 73 Johnny VR2XMC 寄件人︰ Richard 收件人︰ Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 傳送日期︰ 2016年01月17日 (週日) 9:53 AM 主題︰ [Elecraft] Low power KX1 From: Richard [mailto:rich...@inparadise.us] Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:50 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net' Subject: Low power KX1 I am very new to the world of CW. Several months ago I built a KX1. Once I was able to receive with it, I built the 30-80 band set, and once it was installed and working, I built the ATU. With the ATU was the first time I was able to measure power. I am only getting .4W out of internal, and 1W with a 13 volt power supply. So I did the power modification changing the resistors, and now I get .6 internal and 2W with 13V. I could sure use some advice. I do not have a bridge or watt meter. I do have a good scope Can I measure the signal voltage across 50 ohms? Thank you in advance. Richard __ 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 vr2...@yahoo.com.hk __ 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] Low power KX1
Richard, Take a careful look at the Low Pass Filter board for the KXB3080 option. Count the turns. Each time the wire passes through the toroid core is one turn. Make certain you have the correct number of turns. That LPF is the downfall of many builders. In addition, count the turns on T1 - the ame thing applies. Also on the same toroids, be certain the leads were well stripped and tinned. Look at the solder side. If you can see a ring around the lead, that lead was not adequately stripped and tinned. You should be able to see a small bit of tinned lead on the component side of the board. The LPF board should be *exactly* like that shown in the KXB3080 option manual illustrations. There is no room for exceptions. Be certain the green lead of L2 is oriented away from red lead #4. You will need an external QRP wattmeter to properly calibrate the wattmeter in the KXAT1, but if you have a good 50 ohm dummy load, you can use your 'scope to measure the RF voltage across it. Use a 10X probe on the 'scope and measure the peak to peak voltage. If the dummy load is sealed, use a T adapter to gain access to the center conductor. The power is the square of the peak to peak voltage divided by 400. Derivation of that formula is "left to the student". 73, Don W3FPR On 1/16/2016 8:53 PM, Richard wrote: From: Richard [mailto:rich...@inparadise.us] Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:50 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net' Subject: Low power KX1 I am very new to the world of CW. Several months ago I built a KX1. Once I was able to receive with it, I built the 30-80 band set, and once it was installed and working, I built the ATU. With the ATU was the first time I was able to measure power. I am only getting .4W out of internal, and 1W with a 13 volt power supply. So I did the power modification changing the resistors, and now I get .6 internal and 2W with 13V. I could sure use some advice. I do not have a bridge or watt meter. I do have a good scope Can I measure the signal voltage across 50 ohms? Thank you in advance. Richard __ 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 w3...@embarqmail.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
[Elecraft] Low power KX1
From: Richard [mailto:rich...@inparadise.us] Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:50 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net' Subject: Low power KX1 I am very new to the world of CW. Several months ago I built a KX1. Once I was able to receive with it, I built the 30-80 band set, and once it was installed and working, I built the ATU. With the ATU was the first time I was able to measure power. I am only getting .4W out of internal, and 1W with a 13 volt power supply. So I did the power modification changing the resistors, and now I get .6 internal and 2W with 13V. I could sure use some advice. I do not have a bridge or watt meter. I do have a good scope Can I measure the signal voltage across 50 ohms? Thank you in advance. Richard __ 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] low power on SSB
Perhaps the update set the mike gain from the MIC SEL menu from the high gain to the low gain value. See MIC SEL on page 55 of the manual. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 11/1/2015 3:07 PM, Dennis Teal wrote: After doing most recent firmware update —CW gives normal out put but low out pout on SSB using mic. Suspect a setting is wrong any ideas?? __ 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
[Elecraft] low power on SSB
After doing most recent firmware update —CW gives normal out put but low out pout on SSB using mic. Suspect a setting is wrong any ideas?? Dennis Teal, D.C. teal...@att.net E-mail Confidentially Notice The documents accompanying this e-mail contain confidential and protected health information from the offices of Dennis Teal, D.C. 582 Teal Run Livingston, Texas 77351. This information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named in this e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of e-mail is prohibited. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify us by telephone at 936-327-5572 immediately. Please return or destroy any e-mail received in error. __ 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] Elecraft[low power] We span the Atlantic
Hi I am Tom Meier wife (K7zz). Tom died last Saturday. I would greatly appricate you removing him from your email list. Thank you Kathy Meier On Mon, Aug 12, 2013 at 2:43 AM, Doug Turnbull wrote: > Dear OMs and Yls, > >Okay the subject line is rather "hoaky" but I write to tell you that > a wet string sometimes works.Brought up in the sixties on radio, I > remember the bunkum adverts for the Gotham Vertical. Two months ago I > worked a South Carolina station using a KX3 and AlexLoop inside his room > and > this impressed me a good bit.I have a KX3 waiting for me in Connecticut > and was looking for a portable antenna to use with it. I still doubted > the > AlexLoop would be an adequate antenna. > > Tonight using a friend's AlexLoop inside the shack I worked across > the > pond thirteen times between 19:36 and 21:52 using 9 Watts from the K3. > This antenna measuring just under a meter in diameter was sitting on my > easy > chair. I am pretty impressed and you can take it Hugh that I will > purchase > one for my self. This antenna collapses into a case 41 x 27 x 9 cm in > size > and weighs perhaps 1 kg with the case. Surely a long wire out the window > would out perform the AlexLoop (magnetic loop antenna) but it is not always > possible to drop a quarter wave length out the window.I am not saying > these QSOs all came easily but many answered on my first call but of course > it was near the end of the contest and replies were becoming harder to > obtain.I believe the AlexLoop with my KX3 is going to prove fun while > visiting the USA. > > > >States and Provinces worked during WAE: > > VY2ZM NS > > N8BJQ OH > > K1LZ MA > > W2LK NY > > NY4ANC > > AA3BPA > > VE3AT ON > > K1RX NM > > K3WW PA > > KE9KI IN > > W1EQ CT > > NB1N MA > > K3WI MD > > > > All of this was done on 20M CW earlier I was on 17M and worked six EU > stations in a short period of time. I have also managed two QSOs on 30M. > The antenna works. It is not near the equal of a 14AVQ with single ground > rod but my need is to be able to make CW QSOs when away from home. The > power limit for the antennas between ten and twenty watts. I would think > no more that ten watts for data modes and perhaps it is better to stay to > ten watts maximum when on CW. > >Normally from my home QTH in Ireland I run the K3 at 65W to a 4 > element SteppIR up 80 feet. I run 1500W now allowed in EI for contests. > There is no comparison between capabilities. This morning I found nothing > on 20M with the Alex loop and then went down to 30M to search out a couple > of QSOs. It is never the case that 20M is dead with the SteppIR but the > AlexLoop can travel with me on a plane and I can make QSOs and keep my fist > active. QRP is 5W but QRP into a Yagi is not the same as 9W into an indoor > AlexLoop.When one has worked most of the DX entities currently active > this adds a bit of zest. > > > > 73 Doug EI2CN > > > > > > > > __ > 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] Elecraft[low power] We span the Atlantic
Dear OMs and Yls, Okay the subject line is rather "hoaky" but I write to tell you that a wet string sometimes works.Brought up in the sixties on radio, I remember the bunkum adverts for the Gotham Vertical. Two months ago I worked a South Carolina station using a KX3 and AlexLoop inside his room and this impressed me a good bit.I have a KX3 waiting for me in Connecticut and was looking for a portable antenna to use with it. I still doubted the AlexLoop would be an adequate antenna. Tonight using a friend's AlexLoop inside the shack I worked across the pond thirteen times between 19:36 and 21:52 using 9 Watts from the K3. This antenna measuring just under a meter in diameter was sitting on my easy chair. I am pretty impressed and you can take it Hugh that I will purchase one for my self. This antenna collapses into a case 41 x 27 x 9 cm in size and weighs perhaps 1 kg with the case. Surely a long wire out the window would out perform the AlexLoop (magnetic loop antenna) but it is not always possible to drop a quarter wave length out the window.I am not saying these QSOs all came easily but many answered on my first call but of course it was near the end of the contest and replies were becoming harder to obtain.I believe the AlexLoop with my KX3 is going to prove fun while visiting the USA. States and Provinces worked during WAE: VY2ZM NS N8BJQ OH K1LZ MA W2LK NY NY4ANC AA3BPA VE3AT ON K1RX NM K3WW PA KE9KI IN W1EQ CT NB1N MA K3WI MD All of this was done on 20M CW earlier I was on 17M and worked six EU stations in a short period of time. I have also managed two QSOs on 30M. The antenna works. It is not near the equal of a 14AVQ with single ground rod but my need is to be able to make CW QSOs when away from home. The power limit for the antennas between ten and twenty watts. I would think no more that ten watts for data modes and perhaps it is better to stay to ten watts maximum when on CW. Normally from my home QTH in Ireland I run the K3 at 65W to a 4 element SteppIR up 80 feet. I run 1500W now allowed in EI for contests. There is no comparison between capabilities. This morning I found nothing on 20M with the Alex loop and then went down to 30M to search out a couple of QSOs. It is never the case that 20M is dead with the SteppIR but the AlexLoop can travel with me on a plane and I can make QSOs and keep my fist active. QRP is 5W but QRP into a Yagi is not the same as 9W into an indoor AlexLoop.When one has worked most of the DX entities currently active this adds a bit of zest. 73 Doug EI2CN __ 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] Low Power on K2
Dave, There is no single answer to low power out on the K2. The problem could be anywhere in the Transmit chain. Turn to the Appendix E section on the manual and use the RF probe (parts came with the K2 kit) to walk through the Transmit Signal Tracing steps being diligent about the setup instructions. The first test point where the RF Voltage is significantly lower than the Expected value is the output of the problem stage. Once that stage is located, we can help with detailed troubleshooting. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/26/2013 7:21 AM, DaveVK wrote: Hi folk, I've dusted off my K2 and decided to QRP OP on CW now the bands are up and running. The RX is perfect and filters alignments and freq cal is spot on, or near perfect. Since I've had this radio the Max power output on 20 - 10m has been well below 10watts. In fact I can only get 5 watts on 10m and about 10wats on 20m with the CAL CURRENT setting all the way up to 3.5amps. At 2.00 AMP setting the radio only puts out 3 watts. So something is amiss. I notice other people having the same issue and wonder if they ever got the issue fixed? Cheers, Dave. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-Power-on-K2-tp7569145.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 __ 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] Low Power on K2
Hi folk, I've dusted off my K2 and decided to QRP OP on CW now the bands are up and running. The RX is perfect and filters alignments and freq cal is spot on, or near perfect. Since I've had this radio the Max power output on 20 - 10m has been well below 10watts. In fact I can only get 5 watts on 10m and about 10wats on 20m with the CAL CURRENT setting all the way up to 3.5amps. At 2.00 AMP setting the radio only puts out 3 watts. So something is amiss. I notice other people having the same issue and wonder if they ever got the issue fixed? Cheers, Dave. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-Power-on-K2-tp7569145.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
[Elecraft] Low Power on 160
Hi Phil, I believe you have the 10W K3. While testing the replacement of 1st mixer on main RX with a 2T H-Mode Mixer on a K3, following the TX calibration routine, all positive from 1.8 to 50MHz, on the 100W PA, (5W and 50W routine) while testing each band on a dummy load at full power, we discovered that on 80m we could not go more than 65W, while all the other bands were at least 100W RF out. Maybe you have the same problem as us. We believe there could be a wrong component in the Low Pass Filter, maybe a coil or a capacitor or both. The K3 RF Board Appendix B circuit diagram does not report components value for the Low Pass Filters. We have requested Elecraft support for components data so we can check if there maybe a wrong component(s) assembled. The K3 owner, IZ8DBJ, never used 80 and 160m bands so he could not discover that when purchased. This is K3 S/N 01757. If there is a wrong component assembled the repair will be very easy. 73 Gian I7SWX Message: 8 Date: Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:43:36 -0500 From: Phil Theis Subject: [Elecraft] Low Power on 160 To: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" Message-ID: <4ede2a18.5020...@k3tuf.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed All bands produce full power except 160 meters. K3 (352) into a Bird dummy load When I tap TUNE the power is 7 watts. When I increase the power knob the reading indicates increase in power, but no actual power increase, then after a second the reading returns to 7 watts. I hope there is something simple that I am missing. Thanks for help. 73, Phil K3TUF __ 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] Low Power on 160
All bands produce full power except 160 meters. K3 (352) into a Bird dummy load When I tap TUNE the power is 7 watts. When I increase the power knob the reading indicates increase in power, but no actual power increase, then after a second the reading returns to 7 watts. I hope there is something simple that I am missing. Thanks for help. 73, Phil K3TUF __ 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] low power on 6 meters
Hello Bob, I did not see anything on the reflector that answered your question. You should be able to get the full 100 watts out of the K3 on six meters without any problem. Have you done the TX gain calibration? In any case I would call support and see what they say. I get over 100 watts out and this is through an old Alpha 78 amp (not on) to either the dummy load or the antenna. Good luck. Bob W6VY __ 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] low power on 6 meters
The relays in most amps are open frame and definitely not designed for six meters. Mine is an aftermarket kit designed for an AL600 and modified by me to work on a boat anchor Dentron Clipperton L amplifier. I am just offering a suggestion about what might be causing the problem, not looking for a solution from someone. The elegant solution is to buy a KPA-500 that is designed to go with the K3 instead of using a Boat Anchor designed to work with a TS-520 or an FT-101. The easy solution is to turn on the KAT-3 or to not look at the SWR on the K3. The other solution is to disconnect the coax from the AMP and put in a barrel connector. As for me, I have another 500 buro QSLs to answer today, so I must be getting out. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: Edward R. Cole To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sun, July 17, 2011 12:36:48 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] low power on 6 meters Willis writes: "The input circuit is bypassed by the relay so the only thing in the?path is the relay, coax connectors?and the wires.? I think it is the wires.?" Craig Buck writes: "I notice high swr when my AL572 is in the antenna circuit - even when turned off.? When I hook the coax directly to the K3, the swr is 1:1. Haven't figured out why except maybe there is a low pass filter built in the amp that is in line all the time.?" I would ask if the relays inside the amps are coaxial relays or open-frame dc relays? I have seen that very common use in HF amps. So it works up to 30-MHz but SWR is high on 50-MHz. Well perhaps you have heard the VHFers refer to HF as the "dc bands"? Manufacturers try to "cheap-out" by using dc relays that are not constant impedance and that works OK on HF, for the most part. But when wavelength becomes shorter so that physical dimensions of relays and "wires" become elements of transmission lines they are no longer 50-ohm impedance. This IS why VHFers use high-quality coaxial relays in their home-built amplifiers with bypass lines of RG-58 or even RG-8. Look inside and see if the relays are "good ole dc relays"? I have a Mirage A1015G 150w 6m amp and guess what the impedance is when in bypass? SWR=1.4 even when I have a 50-ohm termination connected to the output of the amplifier. Connect the termination directly to the coax line that connects K3 to Mirage and SWR=1.0 Fortunately, I have an antenna tuner for 160-6m and I tweak out the mismatch when Mirage is off-line. Input to the Mirage when on-line is 1.5 so I tune the input using the antenna tuner. The antenna SWR= 1.06 so the Mirage is happy without need of the tuner. Suspect those relays! If the bypass is simple buss wire that too will not match well at VHF. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@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 __ 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] low power on 6 meters
Willis writes: "The input circuit is bypassed by the relay so the only thing in the?path is the relay, coax connectors?and the wires.? I think it is the wires.?" Craig Buck writes: "I notice high swr when my AL572 is in the antenna circuit - even when turned off.? When I hook the coax directly to the K3, the swr is 1:1. Haven't figured out why except maybe there is a low pass filter built in the amp that is in line all the time.?" I would ask if the relays inside the amps are coaxial relays or open-frame dc relays? I have seen that very common use in HF amps. So it works up to 30-MHz but SWR is high on 50-MHz. Well perhaps you have heard the VHFers refer to HF as the "dc bands"? Manufacturers try to "cheap-out" by using dc relays that are not constant impedance and that works OK on HF, for the most part. But when wavelength becomes shorter so that physical dimensions of relays and "wires" become elements of transmission lines they are no longer 50-ohm impedance. This IS why VHFers use high-quality coaxial relays in their home-built amplifiers with bypass lines of RG-58 or even RG-8. Look inside and see if the relays are "good ole dc relays"? I have a Mirage A1015G 150w 6m amp and guess what the impedance is when in bypass? SWR=1.4 even when I have a 50-ohm termination connected to the output of the amplifier. Connect the termination directly to the coax line that connects K3 to Mirage and SWR=1.0 Fortunately, I have an antenna tuner for 160-6m and I tweak out the mismatch when Mirage is off-line. Input to the Mirage when on-line is 1.5 so I tune the input using the antenna tuner. The antenna SWR= 1.06 so the Mirage is happy without need of the tuner. Suspect those relays! If the bypass is simple buss wire that too will not match well at VHF. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@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
Re: [Elecraft] low power on 6 meters
> I notice high swr when my AL572 is in the antenna circuit - even > when turned off. When I hook the coax directly to the K3, the swr > is 1:1. Haven't figured out why except maybe there is a low pass > filter built in the amp that is in line all the time. Many of these amplifiers use open frame relays and long connecting wires for the T/R (bypass) switching function. The inductance of the wires/long relay contacts causes a significant impedance bump on six meters (and to a lesser extent on 10 meters). If you want to to resolve the problem connect a small capacitor from the "bypass wire" (the connection between the two normally closed relay contacts) to ground/chassis. You will need to experiment - or use a trimmer - the capacitor value will be small, typically less than 10 pF. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 7/17/2011 11:35 AM, K4ia wrote: > I notice high swr when my AL572 is in the antenna circuit - even when turned > off. When I hook the coax directly to the K3, the swr is 1:1. Haven't > figured out why except maybe there is a low pass filter built in the amp that > is in line all the time. > > Craig Buck > > On Jul 17, 2011, at 11:07 AM, WILLIS COOKE wrote: > >> Bob, do you have an amplifier in line on 6 meters? I have noticed that my >> Clipperton L absorbs about 15 watts on 6 meters even when it it turned off. >> It >> does not do this on the lower bands. You can easily find out by taking the >> connectors loose on the amp and replacing with a short barrel connector. May >> not be your problem, but it is mine. >> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke >> K5EWJ& Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart >> >> >> >> >> >> From: Robert Garceau >> To: Elecraft >> Sent: Sun, July 17, 2011 6:11:59 AM >> Subject: [Elecraft] low power on 6 meters >> >> I have seen this issue posted before, but no answers that I can see. >> >> >> >> I have a K3 and the output is no more than 52 watts with an swr of >> 1.23..sometime get it up to 62. >> >> >> >> Now I have the KPA500 and using 40 watts to exite the amp, I get just a tad >> over 425 watts. >> >> >> >> Don't think I want to push it over 40 watts. And to be honest there probably >> isn't much difference between 425 and 500, but would like to know why I >> can't get the 100 like I should.. >> >> >> >> Bob, W1EQ >> >> >> >> __ >> 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 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
Re: [Elecraft] low power on 6 meters
The input circuit is bypassed by the relay so the only thing in the path is the relay, coax connectors and the wires. I think it is the wires. I have no such difficulty on 10 meters. My amp is the Dentron Clipperton L with the AD5X QSK mod. The connecting wires are about 2.5 inches long. The QSK mod works great on low bands when the amp is on. The relay noise is less than the fan noise and it has survived several thousand QSOs with no problem other than 6 meters. The Dentron is the predecessor to the AL572 with the same tube lineup and a bit more compact layout. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: K4ia To: WILLIS COOKE Cc: Elecraft Reflector Sent: Sun, July 17, 2011 10:35:19 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] low power on 6 meters I notice high swr when my AL572 is in the antenna circuit - even when turned off. When I hook the coax directly to the K3, the swr is 1:1. Haven't figured out why except maybe there is a low pass filter built in the amp that is in line all the time. Craig Buck On Jul 17, 2011, at 11:07 AM, WILLIS COOKE wrote: > Bob, do you have an amplifier in line on 6 meters? I have noticed that my > Clipperton L absorbs about 15 watts on 6 meters even when it it turned off. > It > > does not do this on the lower bands. You can easily find out by taking the > connectors loose on the amp and replacing with a short barrel connector. May > not be your problem, but it is mine. > Willis 'Cookie' Cooke > K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart > > > > > > From: Robert Garceau > To: Elecraft > Sent: Sun, July 17, 2011 6:11:59 AM > Subject: [Elecraft] low power on 6 meters > > I have seen this issue posted before, but no answers that I can see. > > > > I have a K3 and the output is no more than 52 watts with an swr of > 1.23..sometime get it up to 62. > > > > Now I have the KPA500 and using 40 watts to exite the amp, I get just a tad > over 425 watts. > > > > Don't think I want to push it over 40 watts. And to be honest there probably > isn't much difference between 425 and 500, but would like to know why I > can't get the 100 like I should.. > > > > Bob, W1EQ > > > > __ > 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 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] low power on 6 meters
I notice high swr when my AL572 is in the antenna circuit - even when turned off. When I hook the coax directly to the K3, the swr is 1:1. Haven't figured out why except maybe there is a low pass filter built in the amp that is in line all the time. Craig Buck On Jul 17, 2011, at 11:07 AM, WILLIS COOKE wrote: > Bob, do you have an amplifier in line on 6 meters? I have noticed that my > Clipperton L absorbs about 15 watts on 6 meters even when it it turned off. > It > does not do this on the lower bands. You can easily find out by taking the > connectors loose on the amp and replacing with a short barrel connector. May > not be your problem, but it is mine. > Willis 'Cookie' Cooke > K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart > > > > > > From: Robert Garceau > To: Elecraft > Sent: Sun, July 17, 2011 6:11:59 AM > Subject: [Elecraft] low power on 6 meters > > I have seen this issue posted before, but no answers that I can see. > > > > I have a K3 and the output is no more than 52 watts with an swr of > 1.23..sometime get it up to 62. > > > > Now I have the KPA500 and using 40 watts to exite the amp, I get just a tad > over 425 watts. > > > > Don't think I want to push it over 40 watts. And to be honest there probably > isn't much difference between 425 and 500, but would like to know why I > can't get the 100 like I should.. > > > > Bob, W1EQ > > > > __ > 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 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] low power on 6 meters
Bob, do you have an amplifier in line on 6 meters? I have noticed that my Clipperton L absorbs about 15 watts on 6 meters even when it it turned off. It does not do this on the lower bands. You can easily find out by taking the connectors loose on the amp and replacing with a short barrel connector. May not be your problem, but it is mine. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: Robert Garceau To: Elecraft Sent: Sun, July 17, 2011 6:11:59 AM Subject: [Elecraft] low power on 6 meters I have seen this issue posted before, but no answers that I can see. I have a K3 and the output is no more than 52 watts with an swr of 1.23..sometime get it up to 62. Now I have the KPA500 and using 40 watts to exite the amp, I get just a tad over 425 watts. Don't think I want to push it over 40 watts. And to be honest there probably isn't much difference between 425 and 500, but would like to know why I can't get the 100 like I should.. Bob, W1EQ __ 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] low power on 6 meters
I have seen this issue posted before, but no answers that I can see. I have a K3 and the output is no more than 52 watts with an swr of 1.23..sometime get it up to 62. Now I have the KPA500 and using 40 watts to exite the amp, I get just a tad over 425 watts. Don't think I want to push it over 40 watts. And to be honest there probably isn't much difference between 425 and 500, but would like to know why I can't get the 100 like I should.. Bob, W1EQ __ 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] low power output after air travel - resolved
Dale, The circuit breaker handles only the PA supply, the rest of the K3 is protected with a resettable fuse inside the K3. So yes, just the CB or its connections could have caused your symptoms. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/26/2011 1:28 PM, Dale Long wrote: > > > It could have been many things or a combination of things, but my best guess > is the CB or the connectors on the power cord were not making secure > connection. However in that case I think there would be no power to the > radio. > > __ 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] low power output after air travel - resolved
Thanks for each suggestion, I followed them all, and my K3 now has full output. Tried cleaning and re-seating contacts, and following 12V sources. Also straightened some bent pins, and recrimped some connections. Not sure what was the problem, but may have been the circuit breaker. the switch in the CB seems a little loose and I don't feel a "click" when I push it. Perhaps it is faulty, or perhaps I needed to push it harder and longer. It could have been many things or a combination of things, but my best guess is the CB or the connectors on the power cord were not making secure connection. However in that case I think there would be no power to the radio. Thanks again for all your suggestions 73 Dale - N3BNA __ 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] low power output
Just back from Honduras where I enjoyed the kind hospitality of HR2J and his lovely wife. His K3 worked flawlessly. Unfortunately I had lots of travel and health problems, and my K3 may have been damaged in transit. My K3 only transmits up to 12 watts and has an error message ( 12V error), even thought the PS is putting out 14 volts. Is there something I can do to troubleshoot my rig? Thanks Dale - N3BNA __ 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] Low power output
Chip, What tools do you have available for measuring RF voltage? RF Probe, oscilloscope with 10X probe?, or none. How certain are you that your reference wattmeter is correct? Many can be in error by as much as 20% of the full scale reading. On a 20 watt scale, that is 4 watts - not very good when measuring QRP levels. I am not saying you do not have a problem, but if I am to help, I need to know the details about how you are doing the measurements. Do you have the KXB3080 installed? Please let me know your tools for measuring RF voltage and I can guide you further. If you have none, are you willing to build an RF probe? 73, Don W3FPR On 12/26/2010 6:47 PM, ae5ka wrote: > With 13.0 volts at the input jack (from a bench supply), and 12.7 volts on > the circuit board's + bus, I am only reading 1.4 watts maximum power output > into a 50 ohm dummy load. I haven't found a problem using the > troubleshooting guide, voltages at Q1, Q4, Q5, and Q6 are where they are > supposed to be. T1 and L3 look OK to me - but if I'm a sub-par winder can > that lead to lower output? > > I have the resistors for the higher power output mod, but I'm trying to rule > out build problems first. > > Any additional ideas? > > Thanks, > Chip __ 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] Low power output
With 13.0 volts at the input jack (from a bench supply), and 12.7 volts on the circuit board's + bus, I am only reading 1.4 watts maximum power output into a 50 ohm dummy load. I haven't found a problem using the troubleshooting guide, voltages at Q1, Q4, Q5, and Q6 are where they are supposed to be. T1 and L3 look OK to me - but if I'm a sub-par winder can that lead to lower output? I have the resistors for the higher power output mod, but I'm trying to rule out build problems first. Any additional ideas? Thanks, Chip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-power-output-tp5868479p5868479.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
Re: [Elecraft] Low-Power (5W) Watt Meter Calibration
Do you mean that the K3 thinks the output level is at 5W but the Bird thinks it is at 4W? Or do you mean that the K3 and the Bird both think the output level is 4W? If the former, then you can do a calibration of the K3 wattmeter if you are certain that the Bird is accurate. This procedure is described in the manual. If the latter (or something else!), then please contact support. 73, Lyle KK7P > ...calibrate the Low-Power (5W) Tune power reading according to the manual > and I am not able to get the output up to 5W. According to the Bird Watt > Meter, it will only go as high as 4W, __ 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] Low-Power (5W) Watt Meter Calibration
Hi, I just finish setting up another K3 and all went well, however, I was trying to calibrate the Low-Power (5W) Tune power reading according to the manual and I am not able to get the output up to 5W. According to the Bird Watt Meter, it will only go as high as 4W, not a big issue, but wondering if anyone can shed some light on this. The 50 Watt calibration was not an issue. Any input or advice would be appreciated. Thanks Bob __ 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] Low Power Out
I was operating on 80M this evening and noticed that I wasn't getting full power out. Sometimes if I transmitted a carrier, I would get 120W and then it would jump down to 80W. I don't believe it is RF feedback, bad antenna, etc. What I did notice is that in the TX GN HP menu setting for each band, I get a number, such as 24 or 15. But on 80M (where the problem is), I get a setting of "Pr80 24". I haven't seen the indication "Pr80" before on the TX GN HP menu. What does that mean? I am using the new beta 2.76. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power RTTY Output
...Do I use O.C. or +5V for the FSK setting? The K3 would like to be driven with an open collector. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power RTTY Output
The LINE IN has a hardware attenuator so that soundcard outputs won't be set to very low levels. This is to help protect against noise pickup on LINE IN. If the DXP-38 can't drive the K3 LINE INPUT, then you either need to boost the signal or use a mic input with proper precautions for ground loop isolation, etc. The DXP-38 may have an option via internal jumper to increase its output level. My DXP-38 and its manual are outside my lab at the moment so I can't easily check this. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power RTTY Output
Nelson Moyer wrote: When I connect my Hal DXP38 AF Out to the K3 Line In, I get a maximum of 20 watts RF output, even when the TX Level pot on the DXP38 is set for maximum output, MIC SEL is set to Line In, PWR is set to 100 watts, and Line is set to 60 (max setting available). I see no ALC bars. OK, so you're not supplying enough audio. When I connect the DXP38 AF Out to the rear mic jack, I get 100 watts RF output and 6 ALC bars with MIC SEL set for rP.L, PWR set for 100 watts, and the mic gain set to 15. Now you are supplying enough audio. Apparently the K3 Line In is designed to support sound card digital inputs, Yes. so if you're using an external box for AFSK RTTY, you may have to use the rear mic input to get full RF power output. I didn't try the front mic input, but presumably it would be the same as the rear mic input. If your external box is designed to drive a mic-level input, then it needs to be connected to a mic input. If you only have the line-level input available, you might have to look at an audio pre-amp to bring the level up. I reported the low power problem using Line In for RTTY to Wayne a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't get a response. I'm curious about why there is such a difference between the maximum achievable RF output on RTTY when using the line input (max line gain of 60 for 20 watts RF and no ALC indication) vs. the rear mic input (mic gain at 15 for 100 watts RF and 6 bars of ALC). The output level from the DXP38 is the same to both ports, so obviously, the K3 Line In has a much lower maximum level than the Mic In. Is this something that can be addressed in a software upgrade? It's not an RF level issue - it's an AF drive level issue. I'm sure the mic input on the K3 goes through a pre-amp that the line-level input does not. I don't know if there's any room for more gain in the line in or not, but the real answer is to either use the Hal box with the mic input as it was designed to be used, or use an external pre-amp, IMO. ~Iain / K6IAM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power RTTY Output
Your conclusions are right-on. Because so many more of us use soundcards than DXP38s (which were designed to plug into mic jacks) I hope there will be no firmware change forthcoming. Two different source levels, 2 different inputs. You have 2 mic jacks so you can have your mic on one and the DXP38 on the other. 73 - Monty K2DLJ Apparently the K3 Line In is designed to support sound card digital inputs, so if you're using an external box for AFSK RTTY, you may have to use the rear mic input to get full RF power output. I didn't try the front mic input, but presumably it would be the same as the rear mic input. I reported the low power problem using Line In for RTTY to Wayne a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't get a response. I'm curious about why there is such a difference between the maximum achievable RF output on RTTY when using the line input (max line gain of 60 for 20 watts RF and no ALC indication) vs. the rear mic input (mic gain at 15 for 100 watts RF and 6 bars of ALC). The output level from the DXP38 is the same to both ports, so obviously, the K3 Line In has a much lower maximum level than the Mic In. Is this something that can be addressed in a software upgrade? Nelson, KU0A ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low Power RTTY Output
When I connect my Hal DXP38 AF Out to the K3 Line In, I get a maximum of 20 watts RF output, even when the TX Level pot on the DXP38 is set for maximum output, MIC SEL is set to Line In, PWR is set to 100 watts, and Line is set to 60 (max setting available). I see no ALC bars. When I connect the DXP38 AF Out to the rear mic jack, I get 100 watts RF output and 6 ALC bars with MIC SEL set for rP.L, PWR set for 100 watts, and the mic gain set to 15. Apparently the K3 Line In is designed to support sound card digital inputs, so if you're using an external box for AFSK RTTY, you may have to use the rear mic input to get full RF power output. I didn't try the front mic input, but presumably it would be the same as the rear mic input. I reported the low power problem using Line In for RTTY to Wayne a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't get a response. I'm curious about why there is such a difference between the maximum achievable RF output on RTTY when using the line input (max line gain of 60 for 20 watts RF and no ALC indication) vs. the rear mic input (mic gain at 15 for 100 watts RF and 6 bars of ALC). The output level from the DXP38 is the same to both ports, so obviously, the K3 Line In has a much lower maximum level than the Mic In. Is this something that can be addressed in a software upgrade? Nelson, KU0A ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power out on 6 meters
Dave Mine gives very close to the expected power on 6m: 5W set, output 4.7W 50W set, output 52W 100W set, output 99W 120W set, output 119W Measured on an LP100... 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 -- After doing the full calibration multiple times (Synthesizer/Wattmeter/TX Gain/ and TCXO) I find that I have lower than expected power output on 6m. Firmware is 1.78 and I have the rig set to transmit through the 2.8 KHz filter. With the K3's power set to 100 watts I'm seeing 66.3 watts output to a dummy load on my LP-100A wattmeter. Set to 120 watts I see a maximum of 76 watts. Is this normal behavior? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power out on 6 meters
I'm getting 100 watts out with 100 watts requested, 120 watts out with 120 watts requested. 73, Ken K3IU K0EKL wrote: After doing the full calibration multiple times (Synthesizer/Wattmeter/TX Gain/ and TCXO) I find that I have lower than expected power output on 6m. Firmware is 1.78 and I have the rig set to transmit through the 2.8 KHz filter. With the K3's power set to 100 watts I'm seeing 66.3 watts output to a dummy load on my LP-100A wattmeter. Set to 120 watts I see a maximum of 76 watts. Is this normal behavior? Thanks. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power out on 6 meters
After doing the full calibration multiple times (Synthesizer/Wattmeter/TX Gain/ and TCXO) I find that I have lower than expected power output on 6m. Firmware is 1.78 and I have the rig set to transmit through the 2.8 KHz filter. With the K3's power set to 100 watts I'm seeing 66.3 watts output to a dummy load on my LP-100A wattmeter. Set to 120 watts I see a maximum of 76 watts. Is this normal behavior? Thanks. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power on 10 Meters
That is absolutely right Don. I was playing with it several different ways, and using the tune button and the manual tuner you could really see it jump when you got it "dialed in". The output of the power meter on the K2 was considerably more sensitive than the meter on the tuner, and was able to "peak" the setting looking at that. Worked great. Once I had seen your post, then tried that, and saw the numbers that I was getting, I was confident I had nothing to worry about. David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 Don Wilhelm wrote: Dave, That is an excellent method of achieving a 1:1 SWR with an unknown (or questionable) dummy load. Thanks for the reminder. Just be aware that the SWR=1 condition is frequency sensitive - the tuner must be retuned if the frequency or band is changed. 73, Don W3FPR David Wilburn wrote: If all else is well, then consider how you are measuring it. As Don has pointed out before, the internal power meter expects a 50 ohm load. After trying several configuration that showed 6w on 10m, I checked the dummy loads. All three were showing 1.2 swr with an analyzer. I then connected to my MFJ-949E with internal dummy load, and I connected so that the manual controls were in line, and adjusted for minimum SWR while hitting the tune button. When I did this and used the internal power meter, it showed 12w. None of my measurement setups were perfect, I was mainly looking at the spread of the readings. But when I used the setup described above, all my readings, on all bands, were above 12w. When read with external power meters, they fluctuated quite a bit more. David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 William M. Spaulding, SR wrote: Folks, I'm having a real struggle getting 6 to 7 WATTS on 28 Mhz while all other all other bands come up with a number well in excess of 10 Watts. Has anyone experienced this problem and was able to solve it? I'm suspecting low pass filters that are not coordinated to the 10 Meters Caps, if you can get my drift. I can't come up with a reason for this. In fact, it may make 10 Meters useless for some modes. Help? Bill NA7Y ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power on 10 Meters
Dave, That is an excellent method of achieving a 1:1 SWR with an unknown (or questionable) dummy load. Thanks for the reminder. Just be aware that the SWR=1 condition is frequency sensitive - the tuner must be retuned if the frequency or band is changed. 73, Don W3FPR David Wilburn wrote: If all else is well, then consider how you are measuring it. As Don has pointed out before, the internal power meter expects a 50 ohm load. After trying several configuration that showed 6w on 10m, I checked the dummy loads. All three were showing 1.2 swr with an analyzer. I then connected to my MFJ-949E with internal dummy load, and I connected so that the manual controls were in line, and adjusted for minimum SWR while hitting the tune button. When I did this and used the internal power meter, it showed 12w. None of my measurement setups were perfect, I was mainly looking at the spread of the readings. But when I used the setup described above, all my readings, on all bands, were above 12w. When read with external power meters, they fluctuated quite a bit more. David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 William M. Spaulding, SR wrote: Folks, I'm having a real struggle getting 6 to 7 WATTS on 28 Mhz while all other all other bands come up with a number well in excess of 10 Watts. Has anyone experienced this problem and was able to solve it? I'm suspecting low pass filters that are not coordinated to the 10 Meters Caps, if you can get my drift. I can't come up with a reason for this. In fact, it may make 10 Meters useless for some modes. Help? Bill NA7Y ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power on 10 Meters
If all else is well, then consider how you are measuring it. As Don has pointed out before, the internal power meter expects a 50 ohm load. After trying several configuration that showed 6w on 10m, I checked the dummy loads. All three were showing 1.2 swr with an analyzer. I then connected to my MFJ-949E with internal dummy load, and I connected so that the manual controls were in line, and adjusted for minimum SWR while hitting the tune button. When I did this and used the internal power meter, it showed 12w. None of my measurement setups were perfect, I was mainly looking at the spread of the readings. But when I used the setup described above, all my readings, on all bands, were above 12w. When read with external power meters, they fluctuated quite a bit more. David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW K2 #5982 William M. Spaulding, SR wrote: Folks, I'm having a real struggle getting 6 to 7 WATTS on 28 Mhz while all other all other bands come up with a number well in excess of 10 Watts. Has anyone experienced this problem and was able to solve it? I'm suspecting low pass filters that are not coordinated to the 10 Meters Caps, if you can get my drift. I can't come up with a reason for this. In fact, it may make 10 Meters useless for some modes. Help? Bill NA7Y ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power on 10 Meters
Bill, The most common cause of low output on 10 meters is T2 - be certain it is wound exactly like the illustration in the manual (except for the number of turns in the illustrations which may or may not be correct). The second thing is T4 - be certain it is wound as instructed in the manual. Thirdly, check the low pass filter for the correct number of turns on the toroids and check the capacitors. On the 10 meter band, spread the turns of the low pass filter inductors as much as you possibly can. 73, Don W3FPR William M. Spaulding, SR wrote: Folks, I'm having a real struggle getting 6 to 7 WATTS on 28 Mhz while all other all other bands come up with a number well in excess of 10 Watts. Has anyone experienced this problem and was able to solve it? I'm suspecting low pass filters that are not coordinated to the 10 Meters Caps, if you can get my drift. I can't come up with a reason for this. In fact, it may make 10 Meters useless for some modes. Help? Bill NA7Y ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low Power on 10 Meters
Folks, I'm having a real struggle getting 6 to 7 WATTS on 28 Mhz while all other all other bands come up with a number well in excess of 10 Watts. Has anyone experienced this problem and was able to solve it? I'm suspecting low pass filters that are not coordinated to the 10 Meters Caps, if you can get my drift. I can't come up with a reason for this. In fact, it may make 10 Meters useless for some modes. Help? Bill NA7Y ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power with K2/100
Hi all, It turns out that pin 17 on U2 has an undefined voltage. When NOT selected that band (40/30M) it must be 12V. I measure 7V. The input for this switch is pin 2 at U2 Here I measure 0V (=good) and goes HI (5V) when selected So U1 is working well Will heading tomorrow for a new U2 Peter Don Wilhelm schreef: Peter, The fastest way to determine if you have a problem with the Low Pass Filter in the KPA100 is to check it with an antenna analyzer. Disconnect the small coax to the K2 RF board and terminate it with a 50 ohm (51 is OK) resistor. Power only the base K2 (the ribbon cable must be connected). Then switch the K2 to the band of interest and connect the antenna analyzer to the SO239 antenna jack and sweep the band. If the SWR in the band is about 1:2, then the Low Pass filter for that band is OK. If something is wrong, you will see a much higher SWR. An analysis of the sweep results along with a look at the schematic of the relay contacts should reveal whether you have a bad relay. 73, Don W3FPR Peter wrote: Hi After a few years of good service,I have a problem with the K2 output. I have the K2 with K2/100. The barefoot K2 put full power out on all bands via the bnc connector When I connect the K2/100 with PA off with the menu there will be low power on the ant connector on the higher bands (15/12/10 meter). Since 10/12/15 are combined, I suspect the bandpass filter I tested from TP2 and ANT. out and see NO interruption when change to an other band. All C's, L's and solders look good. So I guess there will a bad relais thats stay ON when I go to 10/12/15M The relais in the BPF are N.O. when not selected, right? If so, I can measure between de N.O. and COMMON to see if the connection goes away Futher more, there is 12V at U2 (pin 14 18,17,16,15,14) when the relais in NOT selected. If selected the needs pin good down to 0V, right? Any other thing to look at? Peter PC2A ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power with K2/100
Peter, The fastest way to determine if you have a problem with the Low Pass Filter in the KPA100 is to check it with an antenna analyzer. Disconnect the small coax to the K2 RF board and terminate it with a 50 ohm (51 is OK) resistor. Power only the base K2 (the ribbon cable must be connected). Then switch the K2 to the band of interest and connect the antenna analyzer to the SO239 antenna jack and sweep the band. If the SWR in the band is about 1:2, then the Low Pass filter for that band is OK. If something is wrong, you will see a much higher SWR. An analysis of the sweep results along with a look at the schematic of the relay contacts should reveal whether you have a bad relay. 73, Don W3FPR Peter wrote: Hi After a few years of good service,I have a problem with the K2 output. I have the K2 with K2/100. The barefoot K2 put full power out on all bands via the bnc connector When I connect the K2/100 with PA off with the menu there will be low power on the ant connector on the higher bands (15/12/10 meter). Since 10/12/15 are combined, I suspect the bandpass filter I tested from TP2 and ANT. out and see NO interruption when change to an other band. All C's, L's and solders look good. So I guess there will a bad relais thats stay ON when I go to 10/12/15M The relais in the BPF are N.O. when not selected, right? If so, I can measure between de N.O. and COMMON to see if the connection goes away Futher more, there is 12V at U2 (pin 14 18,17,16,15,14) when the relais in NOT selected. If selected the needs pin good down to 0V, right? Any other thing to look at? Peter PC2A ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power with K2/100
Hi After a few years of good service,I have a problem with the K2 output. I have the K2 with K2/100. The barefoot K2 put full power out on all bands via the bnc connector When I connect the K2/100 with PA off with the menu there will be low power on the ant connector on the higher bands (15/12/10 meter). Since 10/12/15 are combined, I suspect the bandpass filter I tested from TP2 and ANT. out and see NO interruption when change to an other band. All C's, L's and solders look good. So I guess there will a bad relais thats stay ON when I go to 10/12/15M The relais in the BPF are N.O. when not selected, right? If so, I can measure between de N.O. and COMMON to see if the connection goes away Futher more, there is 12V at U2 (pin 14 18,17,16,15,14) when the relais in NOT selected. If selected the needs pin good down to 0V, right? Any other thing to look at? Peter PC2A ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Low power out on 10M
Jim, There are 3 stages of RF amplification in the transmit chain between the W6 jumper and the LPF, you will have to refine the search a bit - right now, all I can say with certainty is that the problem lies between W6 and the LPF. I would suggest checking all the components in the base circuit of Q7 and Q8 as well as those components associated with Q5 and Q6 - particularly the capacitor values. Make RF Voltage measurements at the base and collector of Q6 and the bases of Q7/8 (and collector of Q7/8 if you are using a 'scope with a 10x probe) with the requested power set for 10 watts and see where it falls off (compare 10 meters to 20 meters as you had been doing). Once you determine the point where the gain drops drastically on 10 meters, you can zero in on the problem quickly. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > Yeah, I know this subject has been kicked around for a > while, but none the > less. When I built the K2, I had no trouble getting the 10W > out on 10M. > > 1) I have rewound T2 and elevated it above the board 1/16 inch. > > 2) Band Power at W6 Measured output. >20 -33 DBM 2.0 WATTS >10 -29.3 DBM 2.0 WATTS > > From the above measurements it seems that at this level the > drive at W6 and > the power out of the Low Pass filter at the antenna connection > are tracking > fairly well. > > 3) Band Power at W6 Measured output. >20 -26.3 DBM 10W >10 -26.7 DBM 5W > > The drive is still up there, but whoa nellie! What happened > to the output? > This is where 10M flattens out. You can ask for more power, but it just > isn't there. Back in the old days, I would start replacing empty state > devices. > > I have checked the components around the 10/12M Low Pass > Filter and all > seem correct. > > Anybody seen this and got a suggestion.? > > Jim, W4ATK > > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Low power out on 10M
I'm clueless but can offer an observation for you to laugh at and ignore. On 10 meters, -29.3 DBM yields 2.0 watts while -26.7 yields 5 watts. The change in drive level is about 3 dB which is twice the power so that looks like what I'd expect. On 20, the change is about 6 dB or 4x power and you show 2 watts going to 10. Again, it is in line with expectations. - Keith KD1E - -Original Message- From: "Jim" Rogers, W4ATK 2) Band Power at W6 Measured output. 20 -33 DBM 2.0 WATTS 10 -29.3 DBM 2.0 WATTS 3) Band Power at W6 Measured output. 20 -26.3 DBM 10W 10 -26.7 DBM 5W ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power out on 10M
Yeah, I know this subject has been kicked around for a while, but none the less. When I built the K2, I had no trouble getting the 10W out on 10M. 1) I have rewound T2 and elevated it above the board 1/16 inch. 2) Band Power at W6 Measured output. 20 -33 DBM 2.0 WATTS 10 -29.3 DBM 2.0 WATTS From the above measurements it seems that at this level the drive at W6 and the power out of the Low Pass filter at the antenna connection are tracking fairly well. 3) Band Power at W6 Measured output. 20 -26.3 DBM 10W 10 -26.7 DBM 5W The drive is still up there, but whoa nellie! What happened to the output? This is where 10M flattens out. You can ask for more power, but it just isn't there. Back in the old days, I would start replacing empty state devices. I have checked the components around the 10/12M Low Pass Filter and all seem correct. Anybody seen this and got a suggestion.? Jim, W4ATK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
Don Wilhelm wrote: > In your original probelm description, you did not state how much power the > K2 display was indicating - and I would tend to believe it indicated that > the power was near the requested power value. Think it was indicating HIGH actually. If I remember right, set at 5W, it was indicating 7W, and I was measuring 1.1W. I'll admit I'm not 100% sure, I didn't make enough notes. I could reproduce it tonight if you like? I've not stripped and buried the ropey old bit to make earth radials yet! > recall that a > shorted transmission line will look like an open circuit at the end opposite > the short when it is a quarter wavelength (or multiple) long (and look like > a short at the near end at a frequency where it is a half wavelength long), Very true. I guess I could theoretically locate a fault by making measurements at various frequencies, plotting graphs, and spotting mins and maxes :-) The old ropey bit was allegedly used for 10base2 networking in the past, so SHOULD have been 50ohm, but what would be the expected behaviour if it was actually 75ohm cable, and how could I prove if it was? It's not as simple as measuring resistance of it, is it? -- "Nosey" Nick Waterman, G7RZQ, K2 #5209. #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] Don't throw your computer out the window. Throw Windows out of your computer. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
Nick, In your original probelm description, you did not state how much power the K2 display was indicating - and I would tend to believe it indicated that the power was near the requested power value. Of course, the actual power was not that high, but since the base K2 uses an RF probe type detector to determine the power output level, it only responds to the RF Voltage present, not the actual power. If the effective impedance at the K2 end of the cable was high, the RF voltage would also be high there, resulting in a lower actual power output than the K2 micropressor thinks is present. Bottom line, the RF probe detector can only report the power output properly when the load resistance is known (and athe K2 assumes that is 50 ohms)- in your case, because of the bad coax, the actual load resistance was unknown, and the K2s calculation of output power would be invalid. Hopefully that helps with your understanding of what was happening. I would believe that your cable could have had high resistance connections (likely corroded), but almost anything could have been possible since the electrical characteristics of transmission lines is not straightforward at RF because it depends on the frequency and the electrical length - recall that a shorted transmission line will look like an open circuit at the end opposite the short when it is a quarter wavelength (or multiple) long (and look like a short at the near end at a frequency where it is a half wavelength long), and in between it will appear electrically as an inductor or a capacitor. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > Doesn't quite qualify for the "stupid mistakes" thread, but another > "stupid question that's not stupid unless you fail to answer it"... > Please educate me... > > I can understand why the power at the DL1 end was low, but why was the > current drawn on the supply at the K2 end so low? If the dodgy old co-ax > had any sort of resistive loss, I'd imagine the K2 would still be trying > just as hard to pump out 5W or 10W, drawing just as much supply juice? > > Is my dodgy cable more shorted, or more open than it should be, or is > this some other effect? > > Thanks in advance, and hopefully you get a chance to scoff at me after I > scoffed at you for pointing out ohm's law as applied to human bodies and > different mains voltages ;-) > > -- > "Nosey" Nick Waterman, G7RZQ, k2 #5209. > #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] > It is ten o'clock; do you know where your processes are? > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
Don Wilhelm wrote: > With both low power out and low current drawn, there is clearly not enough > energy being developed by one of the transmit stages. OK, this is kinda annoying, and kinda good news. [...] > Once you have localized the problem to one stage, we can help you localize > the component at fault. Right, I've sussed it. the "component at fault" was the one between the K2 and the DL1. I was using a stupidly long bit of antique co-ax. Seemed like a good idea at the time - it was all I had, no other connectors, no other patch leads, and I didn't fancy my chances of successfully removing the connector from one end and making a 2m patch lead out of my 25m lead. :-/ I've now obtained a newer, nicer, cleaner, 2m lead, and I get the expected 5W or 10W at the other end (slightly more actually, but not enough to worry about). Doesn't quite qualify for the "stupid mistakes" thread, but another "stupid question that's not stupid unless you fail to answer it"... Please educate me... I can understand why the power at the DL1 end was low, but why was the current drawn on the supply at the K2 end so low? If the dodgy old co-ax had any sort of resistive loss, I'd imagine the K2 would still be trying just as hard to pump out 5W or 10W, drawing just as much supply juice? Is my dodgy cable more shorted, or more open than it should be, or is this some other effect? Thanks in advance, and hopefully you get a chance to scoff at me after I scoffed at you for pointing out ohm's law as applied to human bodies and different mains voltages ;-) -- "Nosey" Nick Waterman, G7RZQ, k2 #5209. #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] It is ten o'clock; do you know where your processes are? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
Nick, Read that paragraph with the undertanding that the most important shared circuits are the PLL Reference oscillator, the VCO, and the BFO stages - and they are also measured with the RF Probe even for receiver testing - the VCO and BFO should also be tested for correct frequency using CAL FCTR. Yes, the Bandpass filters, T/R switch, and Low Pass Filters are also shared, but they will be tested with a signal 'the other way 'round' during the steps indicated under Transmit Signal Tracing. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > do the Transmitter Signal Tracing steps detailed in the Troubleshooting > > Appendix of the K2 manual. > > That seems to involve testing RX first, because of the shared circuitry, > which unfortunately seems to require 0.14V from a signal generator, and > my only signal generator is the Elecraft XG1, producing 50uV. :-( > > Is it possible/sensible to test the shared circuits the other way > 'round, whilst transmitting into DL1? > > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
Don Wilhelm wrote: > With both low power out and low current drawn, there is clearly not enough > energy being developed by one of the transmit stages. That's what I figured... or something confusing the power meter into thinking it's kicking out far more than it really is (EG set to 5W, it pretends it's producing about 7W, but is actually producing about 1W according to DL1+DMM) > If you have not already, build up the RF Probe that came with the K2 kit and done > do the Transmitter Signal Tracing steps detailed in the Troubleshooting > Appendix of the K2 manual. That seems to involve testing RX first, because of the shared circuitry, which unfortunately seems to require 0.14V from a signal generator, and my only signal generator is the Elecraft XG1, producing 50uV. :-( Is it possible/sensible to test the shared circuits the other way 'round, whilst transmitting into DL1? -- "Nosey" Nick Waterman, G7RZQ, k2 #5209. #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] Corduroy pillows: They're making headlines! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
Jim, Of course you are correct - Nick did not mention that he had the ATU installed, and since it is a newly built K2, I ASSUMED it was not - shame on me!! If the ATU is installed, pressing TUNE and DISPLAY at the same time will produce full power output. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > Don and Nick, > > Doesn't the K2 drop the power to 2 watts during tune? Or am I thinking > of a K2 with the ATU? > I know that I was bitten by this once - I thought something was wrong > with my K2 when I was > trying to tune it up with a new antenna and I had a power meter in > line. I had set the K2 to 5 > watts and it was only putting out 2 watts in tune. > > Jim > W4BQP > > Don Wilhelm wrote: > > >Nick, > > > >With both low power out and low current drawn, there is clearly > not enough > >energy being developed by one of the transmit stages. > > > >If you have not already, build up the RF Probe that came with > the K2 kit and > >do the Transmitter Signal Tracing steps detailed in the Troubleshooting > >Appendix of the K2 manual. Once you locate the stage where the > RF Voltage > >level is significantly lower than that which is expected, the > problem will > >be just before that stage. > > > >Once you have localized the problem to one stage, we can help > you localize > >the component at fault. > > > >73, > >Don W3FPR > > > > > > > >>-Original Message- > >> > >>K2 #5209, Set at 5W, TUNE, I'm drawing only 1.0A, and should expect 1.3 > >>to 1.6. Similarly, set at 10W TUNE, I'm drawing 1.02A, not 1.8 to 2. I'm > >>pretty sure I'm not putting out the power I should be, and DL1+DMM also > >>implies I'm only putting out about 2-4W, not 5-10. This would be at > >>7100kHz during 40m TX alignment. Is there some way to calibrate the > >>power output using DL1 and my DMM, or have I built something wrong? > >> > >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.9/216 - Release Date: 12/29/2005 > > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
Don and Nick, Doesn't the K2 drop the power to 2 watts during tune? Or am I thinking of a K2 with the ATU? I know that I was bitten by this once - I thought something was wrong with my K2 when I was trying to tune it up with a new antenna and I had a power meter in line. I had set the K2 to 5 watts and it was only putting out 2 watts in tune. Jim W4BQP Don Wilhelm wrote: Nick, With both low power out and low current drawn, there is clearly not enough energy being developed by one of the transmit stages. If you have not already, build up the RF Probe that came with the K2 kit and do the Transmitter Signal Tracing steps detailed in the Troubleshooting Appendix of the K2 manual. Once you locate the stage where the RF Voltage level is significantly lower than that which is expected, the problem will be just before that stage. Once you have localized the problem to one stage, we can help you localize the component at fault. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- K2 #5209, Set at 5W, TUNE, I'm drawing only 1.0A, and should expect 1.3 to 1.6. Similarly, set at 10W TUNE, I'm drawing 1.02A, not 1.8 to 2. I'm pretty sure I'm not putting out the power I should be, and DL1+DMM also implies I'm only putting out about 2-4W, not 5-10. This would be at 7100kHz during 40m TX alignment. Is there some way to calibrate the power output using DL1 and my DMM, or have I built something wrong? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
Nick, With both low power out and low current drawn, there is clearly not enough energy being developed by one of the transmit stages. If you have not already, build up the RF Probe that came with the K2 kit and do the Transmitter Signal Tracing steps detailed in the Troubleshooting Appendix of the K2 manual. Once you locate the stage where the RF Voltage level is significantly lower than that which is expected, the problem will be just before that stage. Once you have localized the problem to one stage, we can help you localize the component at fault. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > K2 #5209, Set at 5W, TUNE, I'm drawing only 1.0A, and should expect 1.3 > to 1.6. Similarly, set at 10W TUNE, I'm drawing 1.02A, not 1.8 to 2. I'm > pretty sure I'm not putting out the power I should be, and DL1+DMM also > implies I'm only putting out about 2-4W, not 5-10. This would be at > 7100kHz during 40m TX alignment. Is there some way to calibrate the > power output using DL1 and my DMM, or have I built something wrong? > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power draw, low power out?
K2 #5209, Set at 5W, TUNE, I'm drawing only 1.0A, and should expect 1.3 to 1.6. Similarly, set at 10W TUNE, I'm drawing 1.02A, not 1.8 to 2. I'm pretty sure I'm not putting out the power I should be, and DL1+DMM also implies I'm only putting out about 2-4W, not 5-10. This would be at 7100kHz during 40m TX alignment. Is there some way to calibrate the power output using DL1 and my DMM, or have I built something wrong? -- "Nosey" Nick Waterman, G7RZQ, building k2#5209. #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] Design simplicity: It was developed on a shoe-string budget. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power version of solar controller
Hi I have a quantity of circuit boards for a early version of my solar controller. This controller uses the same chip and design as the controller I currently sell except it will only handle 1.5 amps and does not have the circuit to turn off the charge indicator LED when the solar panel is supplying less than 11.5 volts. This controller can handle solar panels up to about 25 watts and would be ideal for use with one or two Volkswagen panels or one of the small 5-10 watt trickle charge panels sold by Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. This would be plenty of power to charge a 2-10 amp hour SLA battery for use on a QRP K2, K1 or KX1. With a 35 amp hour gel cell battery and a 15-25 watt panel you could run a K2/100 several hours per day with no other source of power. The controller kit includes a fiberglass silk screened and solder masked circuit board and all parts on the board, assembly instructions and schematic. There is a terminal block for easy connection to your panel and battery. The circuit does not generate any RF noise and uses a precision voltage regulator IC and a 45 amp power FET to control the charging current. I am selling these kits for $16 including postage con US while quantity lasts. When these are gone I will not make any more of this version although the 200 watt version I will continue to supply at $30 Check or money order only. Sorry no credit cards or PayPal Don Brown 19132 Falls Creek Drive Flint, Texas 75762 Thanks Don ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] low power
I have now reached the first step in the final tuning if the k-2 The rec. is working fine, The tx. has 2w out when 2 is requested, and 4w when 4 is requested.. when10w is req, it drops back to around 4.2w .L 1 & L 2 is peaked. checked T1 - T4 all look correct. voltage on finals OK. Help for the area to look in. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power on 20/17
YES !!! Received my KPA100 CAP KIT Upgrade and now installed... very easy. Now I have a full 100W on 20M instead of 85W and the current is now in the range... Thanks Elecraft !!! == Jean-François Ménard / VA2VYZ == ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
AW: [Elecraft] Low power on 20m using the KPA100 option
Dear all,
I have got the answer from Elecraft that C80 and C81 in the KPA100 driver
section should be increased to 5600 pF. I had
already soldered 2 additional 4700 pF caps parallel to C80 & C81, which cured
the problem for me. I will reduce the
capacity of C80 and C81 down to 5600 pF later.
Vy 73 de Martin, DL6KMR
-Ursprüngliche Nachricht-
Von: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Im Auftrag von Renardy, Martin
{GY-E~Mannheim}
Gesendet: Montag, 6. Juni 2005 12:43
An: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Betreff: [Elecraft] Low power on 20m using the KPA100 option
Dear all,
last weekend I finished the KPA100 option, which is causing a little problem.
Everything Is running well except power on 20m, where I just reach 50 Watts.
The QRP output is not affected, so I am quite shure that the RF path to the
antenna
through the LPF is ok. Just to be shure I have checked all inductivities and
capacities of the 20m filter. They are ok including the used core types of the
inductivities.
Somehow I am getting the impression, that on 20m the PA doesn't get sufficient
driver Power. My signal reports on 20m have been ok, except the "missing
50Watt". This issue
drives me realy crasy, because everything else is working ufb.
Any suggestions?
vy 73 de Martin, DL6KMR
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
AW: [Elecraft] Low power on 20m using the KPA100 option
Hallo Vic,
Many thanks for the info. I thnink I am dealing with issue number 2).
By now I am quite shure that the driver part of KPA100 option is
draining power on 20/30m avoiding the last stage to reach full
Power.
I am going to ask Gary.
Regards
Martin
-Ursprüngliche Nachricht-
Von: Vic Rosenthal [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Gesendet: Montag, 6. Juni 2005 13:49
An: Renardy, Martin {GY-E~Mannheim}
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Betreff: Re: [Elecraft] Low power on 20m using the KPA100 option
Renardy, Martin wrote:
> last weekend I finished the KPA100 option, which is causing a little
> problem. Everything Is running well except power on 20m, where I just
> reach 50 Watts.
>
> The QRP output is not affected, so I am quite shure that the RF path
> to the antenna through the LPF is ok. Just to be shure I have checked
> all inductivities and capacities
> of the 20m filter. They are ok including the used core types of the
> inductivities.
If you are getting 10 watts output when you set the power control to 10
watts, check the current draw at this power level by tapping Display.
You should be drawing less than 3 amperes in this condition. Check also
at 11 watts, with the KPA100 on. It shouldn't be much higher. If it
is, you may have problem (2) below.
I found two problems in my K2/100 which caused slightly (in my case)
reduced output on 20 meters:
1) the bandpass filter tuning trimmers were both at maximum capacity.
Adding a few pf in parallel with them allowed the QRP portion of the K2
to develop more drive for the KPA100 with less current draw.
2) There is a known issue with some new KPA100s that the amplifier
requires abnormally high drive on 20 and sometimes 30 meters. This
causes high current draw in the low-power stage and inability to reach
full output. Gary at Elecraft was helpful to me about this
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>.
--
73
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno, CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power on 20m using the KPA100 option
Vic Rosenthal wrote: If you are getting 10 watts output when you set the power control to 10 watts, check the current draw at this power level by tapping Display. You should be drawing less than 3 amperes in this condition. Check also at 11 watts, with the KPA100 on. It shouldn't be much higher. I should have said 'with the power control set to 100 watts', not 11 watts. -- 73 Vic, K2VCO Fresno, CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low power on 20m using the KPA100 option
Renardy, Martin wrote: last weekend I finished the KPA100 option, which is causing a little problem. Everything Is running well except power on 20m, where I just reach 50 Watts. The QRP output is not affected, so I am quite shure that the RF path to the antenna through the LPF is ok. Just to be shure I have checked all inductivities and capacities of the 20m filter. They are ok including the used core types of the inductivities. If you are getting 10 watts output when you set the power control to 10 watts, check the current draw at this power level by tapping Display. You should be drawing less than 3 amperes in this condition. Check also at 11 watts, with the KPA100 on. It shouldn't be much higher. If it is, you may have problem (2) below. I found two problems in my K2/100 which caused slightly (in my case) reduced output on 20 meters: 1) the bandpass filter tuning trimmers were both at maximum capacity. Adding a few pf in parallel with them allowed the QRP portion of the K2 to develop more drive for the KPA100 with less current draw. 2) There is a known issue with some new KPA100s that the amplifier requires abnormally high drive on 20 and sometimes 30 meters. This causes high current draw in the low-power stage and inability to reach full output. Gary at Elecraft was helpful to me about this <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. -- 73 Vic, K2VCO Fresno, CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power on 20m using the KPA100 option
Dear all, last weekend I finished the KPA100 option, which is causing a little problem. Everything Is running well except power on 20m, where I just reach 50 Watts. The QRP output is not affected, so I am quite shure that the RF path to the antenna through the LPF is ok. Just to be shure I have checked all inductivities and capacities of the 20m filter. They are ok including the used core types of the inductivities. Somehow I am getting the impression, that on 20m the PA doesn't get sufficient driver Power. My signal reports on 20m have been ok, except the "missing 50Watt". This issue drives me realy crasy, because everything else is working ufb. Any suggestions? vy 73 de Martin, DL6KMR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power on 20m and 30m
Hi John, I recently had a very similar problem. In my case, all bands were putting out over 100 W except I could only get 90 W on 30m into a dummy load. I counted & recounted (& recounted!) the turns of the corresponding toroids and double checked that I hadn't mixed up capacitors in the those low pass filters. Everything checked out so I wasn't sure what to do next. In semi-desperation I recalibrated...and then everything checked out, all bands over 100 W. Before trying that you might first double check that you're getting correct output without the 100 W stage, >= 10 W on 10/12m and >= 15 W on the rest if I recall correctly. Good luck! (And please post your solution when you find it) Mike AB3AP [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > [...] I have completed K2/100 #4891 and my power output on 20m and 30m is > lower than expected : 80 watts on 30m and 55 watts on 20m. Power > output on all other bands is as expected. The receiver sounds OK on > all bands. > > Any suggestions please? > > Thanks > > John, G4IRN. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low Power on 20m and 30m
I have a problem that another couple of posters seem to have too, however I am not sure what the solution is or if there is anything else that I should check. I have completed K2/100 #4891 and my power output on 20m and 30m is lower than expected : 80 watts on 30m and 55 watts on 20m. Power output on all other bands is as expected. The receiver sounds OK on all bands. Any suggestions please? Thanks John, G4IRN. - Email provided by http://www.ntlhome.com/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low power in tune with ssb module
Humble Pie time, I previously sought advice from the list regarding low power output from my K2 in "Tune" mode, and I later found also in CW mode. This only occurred when the SSB module was installed. After much investigation of the SSB module, rechecking component location etc.. I had a relapse to normality from dyslexic mode and found RP3 and 5 were in each others locations. A quick swap back and everything was fine. That explained why my mic gain seemed a bit high too All is well now. I had plenty of opportunity to play over the weekend while the CQ WPX contest was on. I made about 80 contacts (32 countries I think it was) during the contest just playing with the K2, trying different levels of audio compression etc.. and checking the effect on the pile-up busting ability. Often got in first time, the VP8 prefix helps there, but the DX does have to hear it! I built the DSP module on Sunday night and installed it on Monday. That's quite impressive. It'll take me a while to get it set up for my ear I guess. 73 Chris - VP8BKF ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ?
G'day, > No, not twisting. Interleaving is simple. Pass one wire through each > hole, then pass the other wire through each hole. Keep alternating > until all the windings are done. As I remember, one winding has more > turns, so start with that wire first. > > This is different from the original manual, which suggests you wind one > layer, then the other. Well this seems overly complicated. What has changed? #1400 has been throbbing at full power 10W+ on 10 metres since day one. Another suggestion I have made is not to try and align the BPF's with the built in power metering. Much easier to get it on the nose with an external analogy meter like the WM-2 or similar. The meter swing is so much easier to interpret than dancing digits. Regards, Mike VP8NO #1400 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ?
On Sep 21, 2004, at 9:34 PM, Tom Mc wrote: I've read this before about interleaving the windings of T-4, but I didn't realize that Gary was "officially" suggesting it. Can someone tell me what "interleaving" means? I must have played hooky that day in class. Is it sort of twisting the wires like on a bi-filar winding? As I recall the space inside of T-4 was really pretty tight to begin with. No, not twisting. Interleaving is simple. Pass one wire through each hole, then pass the other wire through each hole. Keep alternating until all the windings are done. As I remember, one winding has more turns, so start with that wire first. This is different from the original manual, which suggests you wind one layer, then the other. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ?
Hi Bill, I've read this before about interleaving the windings of T-4, but I didn't realize that Gary was "officially" suggesting it. Can someone tell me what "interleaving" means? I must have played hooky that day in class. Is it sort of twisting the wires like on a bi-filar winding? As I recall the space inside of T-4 was really pretty tight to begin with. Thanks Tom WB2QDG When a clock is hungry, does it goes back four seconds? -Original Message- From: Bill Coleman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Larry Dodson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 9:23 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ? On Sep 19, 2004, at 6:27 AM, Larry Dodson wrote: > I wonder if my K2 (Serial # 2424 with latest mods and software) is set > up correctly and would appreciate comments. Output power with CAL > CURR set at 3.0 amps is as below. Increasing CAL CURR to 5 amps makes > little difference. I know that the K2 is basically a 10 watt rig and > I get more on some bands, but the upper bands do not achieve this. > When using the K2 with my KW1000 Linear Amplifier a watt or two makes > a difference. > 80 Meters = 13.0 watts out > 40 Meters = 10.0 watts out > 30 Meters = 12.0 watts out > 20 Meters = 11.0 watts out > 15 Meters = 8.0 watts out > 12 Meters = 9.5 watts out > 10 Meters =7.0 watts out I had this problem, too. Mine didn't affect 15m, but I barely had 10 watts on 12m, and just 9.3 watts at the bottom of 10m, with even less higher in the band. Gary Surrency suggested a number of things. The first thing is to re-align the transformers for 17/15m and 12/10m. Make sure they ware well peaked according to the manual. This got half a watt on 10m. Next was to re-wind T4, the binocular core in the output of the finals. Orignally, I had wound it according to the instructions, but since then they suggested the white and green winding be interleaved on the core. At this point, I got 9.9 watts at the bottom of 10m, and had little more to try. Make sure T2 and T1 are wound neatly and spaced slightly off the board. That will improve high-band performance as well. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ?
On Sep 19, 2004, at 6:27 AM, Larry Dodson wrote: I wonder if my K2 (Serial # 2424 with latest mods and software) is set up correctly and would appreciate comments. Output power with CAL CURR set at 3.0 amps is as below. Increasing CAL CURR to 5 amps makes little difference. I know that the K2 is basically a 10 watt rig and I get more on some bands, but the upper bands do not achieve this. When using the K2 with my KW1000 Linear Amplifier a watt or two makes a difference. 80 Meters = 13.0 watts out 40 Meters = 10.0 watts out 30 Meters = 12.0 watts out 20 Meters = 11.0 watts out 15 Meters = 8.0 watts out 12 Meters = 9.5 watts out 10 Meters =7.0 watts out I had this problem, too. Mine didn't affect 15m, but I barely had 10 watts on 12m, and just 9.3 watts at the bottom of 10m, with even less higher in the band. Gary Surrency suggested a number of things. The first thing is to re-align the transformers for 17/15m and 12/10m. Make sure they ware well peaked according to the manual. This got half a watt on 10m. Next was to re-wind T4, the binocular core in the output of the finals. Orignally, I had wound it according to the instructions, but since then they suggested the white and green winding be interleaved on the core. At this point, I got 9.9 watts at the bottom of 10m, and had little more to try. Make sure T2 and T1 are wound neatly and spaced slightly off the board. That will improve high-band performance as well. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power - 10 meter power limit
Ken, OK, I just checked the docs - you are correct. I do move it up when checking for max power out because I also do a check on the SSB peaks - I have done this so often when setting up K2s that it is simply routine for me. It is not necessary for CW!! 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - Hi: I could be wrong but I think that the power limiting on 10 meters is only active for SSB or Digital modes and not CW. 73, Ken K3IU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power - 10 meter power limit
Hi: I could be wrong but I think that the power limiting on 10 meters is only active for SSB or Digital modes and not CW. 73, Ken K3IU At 09:59 AM 9/19/2004, W3FPR - Don Wilhelm wrote: Tom, If you have version 2.xx firmware, the 10 meter power limit setting will be found in the secondary menu. Check the version 2.xx firmware documentation for details. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - I wasn't aware of a menu entry limiting power. I have seen and used "Hi Cur" for current monitoring/limiting. Can you tell me where the power limiter (and what version of firmware you see it on, perhaps I am using an earlier version. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power - 10 meter power limit
Tom, If you have version 2.xx firmware, the 10 meter power limit setting will be found in the secondary menu. Check the version 2.xx firmware documentation for details. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - I wasn't aware of a menu entry limiting power. I have seen and used "Hi Cur" for current monitoring/limiting. Can you tell me where the power limiter (and what version of firmware you see it on, perhaps I am using an earlier version. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ?
Larry, I wasn't aware of a menu entry limiting power. I have seen and used "Hi Cur" for current monitoring/limiting. Can you tell me where the power limiter (and what version of firmware you see it on, perhaps I am using an earlier version. Thanks Tom, WB2QDG k2 1103 "Today's problems are caused by yesterday's solutions" -Original Message- From: W3FPR - Don Wilhelm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Larry Dodson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Elecraft reflector Date: Sunday, September 19, 2004 9:27 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ? Larry, The K2 is speced for 10 watts out on all bands with a 13.8 volt power supply, and most are capable of about 12 watts on the higher bands (10/12 meters) and 15 watts on 17 meters and below. Recall that there is a menu entry (secondary menu) that sets the power limit on 10 meters - it defaults to 10 watts. If you are checking for maximum power on that band, you may want to temporarily set that value to 15 watts. You could first try repeaking the bandpass filters - the K2 typically has more gain on 40 and 30 meters, so your low 40 meter output gives me suspicion. The most common reason for low power output is T2. T2 should be wound so that the secondary (green wire) is spread over most of the primary turns, and it should be mounted above the board by about 1/16 inch (2mm). You may want to download the latest manual and look at the illustration for T2. Also check T4 - make certain it has the proper number of turns and that it was not wound for maximum efficiency at 5 watts. Last but not least, be certain your wattmeter is correct - many are not, and be certain your dummy load is actually 50 ohms resistive on the band you are investigating. If you have a calibrated 'scope with a frequency limit of 50 MHz or more, you can check the wattmeter by observing the RF voltage across the dummy load. Power can be calculated as the square of the Peak to Peak Voltage divided by 400 for a 50 ohm load (yes, you can do all the peak to RMS conversions and arrive at the same thing - I will leave the proof to the 'student'). An RF probe can also be used to measure the RF voltage, and in that case the probe shows RMS voltage and the power is calculated as V**2/R. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - I wonder if my K2 (Serial # 2424 with latest mods and software) is set up correctly and would appreciate comments. Output power with CAL CURR set at 3.0 amps is as below. Increasing CAL CURR to 5 amps makes little difference. I know that the K2 is basically a 10 watt rig and I get more on some bands, but the upper bands do not achieve this. When using the K2 with my KW1000 Linear Amplifier a watt or two makes a difference. 80 Meters = 13.0 watts out 40 Meters = 10.0 watts out 30 Meters = 12.0 watts out 20 Meters = 11.0 watts out 15 Meters = 8.0 watts out 12 Meters = 9.5 watts out 10 Meters =7.0 watts out ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ?
Larry, The K2 is speced for 10 watts out on all bands with a 13.8 volt power supply, and most are capable of about 12 watts on the higher bands (10/12 meters) and 15 watts on 17 meters and below. Recall that there is a menu entry (secondary menu) that sets the power limit on 10 meters - it defaults to 10 watts. If you are checking for maximum power on that band, you may want to temporarily set that value to 15 watts. You could first try repeaking the bandpass filters - the K2 typically has more gain on 40 and 30 meters, so your low 40 meter output gives me suspicion. The most common reason for low power output is T2. T2 should be wound so that the secondary (green wire) is spread over most of the primary turns, and it should be mounted above the board by about 1/16 inch (2mm). You may want to download the latest manual and look at the illustration for T2. Also check T4 - make certain it has the proper number of turns and that it was not wound for maximum efficiency at 5 watts. Last but not least, be certain your wattmeter is correct - many are not, and be certain your dummy load is actually 50 ohms resistive on the band you are investigating. If you have a calibrated 'scope with a frequency limit of 50 MHz or more, you can check the wattmeter by observing the RF voltage across the dummy load. Power can be calculated as the square of the Peak to Peak Voltage divided by 400 for a 50 ohm load (yes, you can do all the peak to RMS conversions and arrive at the same thing - I will leave the proof to the 'student'). An RF probe can also be used to measure the RF voltage, and in that case the probe shows RMS voltage and the power is calculated as V**2/R. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - I wonder if my K2 (Serial # 2424 with latest mods and software) is set up correctly and would appreciate comments. Output power with CAL CURR set at 3.0 amps is as below. Increasing CAL CURR to 5 amps makes little difference. I know that the K2 is basically a 10 watt rig and I get more on some bands, but the upper bands do not achieve this. When using the K2 with my KW1000 Linear Amplifier a watt or two makes a difference. 80 Meters = 13.0 watts out 40 Meters = 10.0 watts out 30 Meters = 12.0 watts out 20 Meters = 11.0 watts out 15 Meters = 8.0 watts out 12 Meters = 9.5 watts out 10 Meters =7.0 watts out ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power ?
Larry: I haven't measured my K2 output power for a while, but I recall I can get 10 Watts out on 10 meters and at least 15 on 80 meters when I'm using a 13.8 volt power supply. A 12 volt gelcell doesn't allow for full output, especially at the higher frequencies. If you are using 13.8 volts, you might try to go through the alignment procedure one more time. With your readings, it's hard to imagine there is much wrong with the rig. Of course, you also need to be fairly confident your power meter is accurate at these levels. 73's John AA0VE Larry Dodson wrote: I wonder if my K2 (Serial # 2424 with latest mods and software) is set up correctly and would appreciate comments. Output power with CAL CURR set at 3.0 amps is as below. 40 Meters = 10.0 watts out 30 Meters = 12.0 watts out 20 Meters = 11.0 watts out 15 Meters = 8.0 watts out 12 Meters = 9.5 watts out 10 Meters =7.0 watts out ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Low Power ?
I wonder if my K2 (Serial # 2424 with latest mods and software) is set up correctly and would appreciate comments. Output power with CAL CURR set at 3.0 amps is as below. Increasing CAL CURR to 5 amps makes little difference. I know that the K2 is basically a 10 watt rig and I get more on some bands, but the upper bands do not achieve this. When using the K2 with my KW1000 Linear Amplifier a watt or two makes a difference. 80 Meters = 13.0 watts out 40 Meters = 10.0 watts out 30 Meters = 12.0 watts out 20 Meters = 11.0 watts out 15 Meters = 8.0 watts out 12 Meters = 9.5 watts out 10 Meters =7.0 watts out Thanks in advance for your advice - Larry (G0IKE) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
