[Elecraft] K3 Strange problem
This is a new (but not my first k3). It has the KPA3, KAT3, KRX3, KXV3A and P3. I have 2 antennas connected to the KAT3. Ant1 is a beam, Ant2 is an 88’ long dipole fed with ladder line to an Elecraft 4:1 balun then with coax to the rig. The KAT3 normally tunes it 1:1 on 80/40/30/20, which are the only bands I use it on. Today on the 30m band I heard a dx station working a pileup up. I pushed AB,Split and Sub. When I keyed the K3 to call the DX, I got the HIGH SWR message. Now when I tap ATU TUNE, the SWR maxes out, power out drops, the relays go crazy, it tunes to 2:1, power goes to whatever I have it set for and tuning stops. It only does this on 30m. It tunes to 1:1 on the other bands. If I switch to ANT1 on 30m it tunes to 1:1.3. Same with ANT1, SPLIT and SUB selected. My K2 with KAT100 tunes the same antenna to 1:1 on 30m. I’ve had this antenna up for several years and it works as well as you would expect, it’s only about 35 feet in the air. Yesterday it did this same thing, but after trying to locate the source of the problem for awhile, I powered down and disconnected everything from the back of the K3. Then moved the K3 to a different location because I wanted to bypass the antenna switch and hook directly to the coax coming from the balun. With just the antenna and power supply connected I tried the antenna on 30m and continued getting 2:1 SWR. But, this is strange, I placed the K3 back to its normal location, reconnected everything and when I tuned the dipole on 30m it went to 1:1. I had a qso with it on 30m last night and the swr was fine. Today it was fine until I went AB, SPLIT and SUB to call the DX. Then I keyed and got the HIGH SWR again. That’s where I am now. It shows full power out even though SWR is at 2:1. I can’t duplicate the problem on any of the other bands. The K3 is only a few weeks old. I can’t remember if I was ever able to do an ANT TUNE after doing SPLIT/SUB on 30m, probably not. I have the Auxilary antenna connected to the BNC. KRX3 in Config is set to Ant=Atu. I’ve tried everything I can think of. Why did it go HIGH SWR the first time I used the SUB rcvr? I did the memory clear for the KAT3 but it made no difference. I hope someone can help me. Thanks, __ 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] K3 Strange Problem
Don't forget the 'quality of PL259 plugs' issue that's has been mentioned on here before. A while ago I nearly pulled my amp apart to check the input relay to see if that was the cause of my intermittent 'Hi SWR' and no rx signal problem. Problem was an intermittent mating of the PL259 centre pin in the socket barrel; either the pin was slightly undersize or the barrel had previously been expanded by a PL259 with too much solder on the pin. 73, Stewart, GW0ETF Rick Bates wrote: Good catch Don. And it should be noted that not all PL-259 mate properly if the outer shaft of the SO-239 (or barrel connector) is too short. It should be seated, tight and with no movement in any direction. Though I don't use pliers; I just crank on it and check them periodically. Rick WA6NHC -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm Loose PL-259s can cause symptoms like that. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Strange-Problem-tp6953840p6954574.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] k3 Strange Problem
Guy and Don made the right call. Thanks, I was off on a tangent and not the right one for sure. I have another 88' foot long dipole which we use for our CW station at Field Day. So I strung it up in a temporary location and bypassed the other dipole as a test. No more HIGH SWR message. It tunes right to 1:1. So now I have to lower the problem dipole and give it a thorough checkout. If I don't see something right away I can jusdt string up the FD dipole to get going again. Thanks, Guy, Don and others for pushing me down the right road. 73, Joe k4nvj __ 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] K3 Strange Problem
On Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 9:24 PM, Joe Ford k4...@yahoo.com wrote: ... I'll take down the ant and inspect it.But it works fine on all the other bands. Tunes with no problems all other bands. The KAT100 tunes but the KAT3 doesn't? Tuning all bands using a single antenna is always dicey somewhere.Success is NOT guaranteed, but fortunate. You are often operating at the fringe of a tuner's range on one band or another. The KAT 100 and KAT3 are not the same tuners, have different coils, different tradeoffs, and different firmware to drive it. Though the ranges are approximately the same, give the two units an impedance at the far fringe, and one or the other may not be able tune it properly. Change any of the coax lengths after the tuner, INCLUDING THOSE INSIDE THE K3, by switching, exchange, or whatever, and what just barely got tuned the last time by the same tuner may not now tune. Though this may not be your problem at all, a friend of mine was having troubles of this mysterious sort. Eventually he discovered that he had not soldered either the braid OR the center conductor on a PL259. It worked for YEARS before it finally started getting intermittent. Another ham had a balun that was gradually going bad and overheating, apparently shorting some turns and causing mysterious changes in SWR. He discovered that because during a QRO contest it caught fire and completely shorted out. Actually his wife discovered it looking out the window at the tower out in the field, and came and told him his tower was on fire. The way to validate and check out one of these compromise antennas, is to run it when it is brand new and working spiffy. SWEEP the MFJ CONTINUOUSLY from the bottom of the lowest band to the top of the highest band. Note the actual resonances you find along the way. Write down those frequencies, the R at those resonant frequencies, and the 2:1 SWR points above and below all of those resonances. Entirely possible that all of the resonances are outside the ham bands. Keep these figures as a reference. When you have trouble, repeat the measurements. IF there is trouble in the antenna, those readings will change. If the coax gets waterlogged, the 2:1 SWR points will broaden out significantly and the R values at resonance will likely change. If something gets broken the resonances will all move on you. If you have an AIM 4170 as your analyzer, just sweep it from 0.5 to 30 MHz and save the file. You can then import it and have an onscreen compare between the old and new readings. 73, Guy. __ 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] K3 Strange Problem
Guy, Thanks for the tips. My coax jumpers are some I bought from a company I don't remember exactly which one. It was one that I saw recommended somewhere. Unfortunately the PL259s are crimped on but they seem to work okay. Just to be sure, when I was troubleshooting the problem I replaced the jumper with no change. I can't remember if I traded with the K2. I might have. I need to change the coax anyway because I need them to be a little longer. If I can find someone who sells good quality with soldered PL259s I'll probably order them, otherwise I'll just make my on. I lowered the dipole, looked it over but didn't see anything except the ends a rusting a little where they are tied to the insulators. Unfortunately it doesn't hang free and clear. I have lots of trees. I tried to reroute it where it would be more in the clear. Then I put it back up and it performs the same. I guess the next step is to replace it with the other dipole that tested okay. When I did the test I just hung the dipole between 2 trees. I did not hang it where the problem dipole is so it was not a 100% valid test. I'll try switching the 2 and see what happens. At least the test confirmed the switch and balun are okay. Thanks for the suggestion about recording the swr across the antenna bandwidth when it is new. I can plot a little graph and save it for future use. Even for my beam which is not new it will be a good thing to have. Joe k4nvj From: Guy Olinger K2AV olin...@bellsouth.net To: Joe Ford k4...@yahoo.com Cc: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net; w3...@embarqmail.com w3...@embarqmail.com Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 3:49 PM Subject: Re: K3 Strange Problem On Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 9:24 PM, Joe Ford k4...@yahoo.com wrote: ... I'll take down the ant and inspect it.But it works fine on all the other bands. Tunes with no problems all other bands. The KAT100 tunes but the KAT3 doesn't? Tuning all bands using a single antenna is always dicey somewhere.Success is NOT guaranteed, but fortunate. You are often operating at the fringe of a tuner's range on one band or another. The KAT 100 and KAT3 are not the same tuners, have different coils, different tradeoffs, and different firmware to drive it. Though the ranges are approximately the same, give the two units an impedance at the far fringe, and one or the other may not be able tune it properly. Change any of the coax lengths after the tuner, INCLUDING THOSE INSIDE THE K3, by switching, exchange, or whatever, and what just barely got tuned the last time by the same tuner may not now tune. Though this may not be your problem at all, a friend of mine was having troubles of this mysterious sort. Eventually he discovered that he had not soldered either the braid OR the center conductor on a PL259. It worked for YEARS before it finally started getting intermittent. Another ham had a balun that was gradually going bad and overheating, apparently shorting some turns and causing mysterious changes in SWR. He discovered that because during a QRO contest it caught fire and completely shorted out. Actually his wife discovered it looking out the window at the tower out in the field, and came and told him his tower was on fire. The way to validate and check out one of these compromise antennas, is to run it when it is brand new and working spiffy. SWEEP the MFJ CONTINUOUSLY from the bottom of the lowest band to the top of the highest band. Note the actual resonances you find along the way. Write down those frequencies, the R at those resonant frequencies, and the 2:1 SWR points above and below all of those resonances. Entirely possible that all of the resonances are outside the ham bands. Keep these figures as a reference. When you have trouble, repeat the measurements. IF there is trouble in the antenna, those readings will change. If the coax gets waterlogged, the 2:1 SWR points will broaden out significantly and the R values at resonance will likely change. If something gets broken the resonances will all move on you. If you have an AIM 4170 as your analyzer, just sweep it from 0.5 to 30 MHz and save the file. You can then import it and have an onscreen compare between the old and new readings. 73, Guy. __ 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] K3 Strange Problem
There is nothing wrong with crimped connectors if done properly. Is this an antenna that was working fine and then stopped on one band with absolutely no changed in the shack or coax etc? What band is out of whack...I apologize for missing most of this thread. Mike W0MU J6M CQ WW DX CW Contest 2011 J6/W0MU November 21 - December 1 2011 W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net On 11/2/2011 6:55 PM, Joe Ford wrote: Guy, Thanks for the tips. My coax jumpers are some I bought from a company I don't remember exactly which one. It was one that I saw recommended somewhere. Unfortunately the PL259s are crimped on but they seem to work okay. Just to be sure, when I was troubleshooting the problem I replaced the jumper with no change. I can't remember if I traded with the K2. I might have. I need to change the coax anyway because I need them to be a little longer. If I can find someone who sells good quality with soldered PL259s I'll probably order them, otherwise I'll just make my on. I lowered the dipole, looked it over but didn't see anything except the ends a rusting a little where they are tied to the insulators. Unfortunately it doesn't hang free and clear. I have lots of trees. I tried to reroute it where it would be more in the clear. Then I put it back up and it performs the same. I guess the next step is to replace it with the other dipole that tested okay. When I did the test I just hung the dipole between 2 trees. I did not hang it where the problem dipole is so it was not a 100% valid test. I'll try switching the 2 and see what happens. At least the test confirmed the switch and balun are okay. Thanks for the suggestion about recording the swr across the antenna bandwidth when it is new. I can plot a little graph and save it for future use. Even for my beam which is not new it will be a good thing to have. Joe k4nvj From: Guy Olinger K2AVolin...@bellsouth.net To: Joe Fordk4...@yahoo.com Cc: Elecraftelecraft@mailman.qth.net; w3...@embarqmail.comw3...@embarqmail.com Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 3:49 PM Subject: Re: K3 Strange Problem On Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 9:24 PM, Joe Fordk4...@yahoo.com wrote: ... I'll take down the ant and inspect it.But it works fine on all the other bands. Tunes with no problems all other bands. The KAT100 tunes but the KAT3 doesn't? Tuning all bands using a single antenna is always dicey somewhere.Success is NOT guaranteed, but fortunate. You are often operating at the fringe of a tuner's range on one band or another. The KAT 100 and KAT3 are not the same tuners, have different coils, different tradeoffs, and different firmware to drive it. Though the ranges are approximately the same, give the two units an impedance at the far fringe, and one or the other may not be able tune it properly. Change any of the coax lengths after the tuner, INCLUDING THOSE INSIDE THE K3, by switching, exchange, or whatever, and what just barely got tuned the last time by the same tuner may not now tune. Though this may not be your problem at all, a friend of mine was having troubles of this mysterious sort. Eventually he discovered that he had not soldered either the braid OR the center conductor on a PL259. It worked for YEARS before it finally started getting intermittent. Another ham had a balun that was gradually going bad and overheating, apparently shorting some turns and causing mysterious changes in SWR. He discovered that because during a QRO contest it caught fire and completely shorted out. Actually his wife discovered it looking out the window at the tower out in the field, and came and told him his tower was on fire. The way to validate and check out one of these compromise antennas, is to run it when it is brand new and working spiffy. SWEEP the MFJ CONTINUOUSLY from the bottom of the lowest band to the top of the highest band. Note the actual resonances you find along the way. Write down those frequencies, the R at those resonant frequencies, and the 2:1 SWR points above and below all of those resonances. Entirely possible that all of the resonances are outside the ham bands. Keep these figures as a reference. When you have trouble, repeat the measurements. IF there is trouble in the antenna, those readings will change. If the coax gets waterlogged, the 2:1 SWR points will broaden out significantly and the R values at resonance will likely change. If something gets broken the resonances will all move on you. If you have an AIM 4170 as your analyzer, just sweep it from 0.5 to 30 MHz and save the file. You can then import it and have an onscreen compare between the old and new readings. 73, Guy. __ 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:
[Elecraft] K3 Strange problem
Mine is a new (but not my first) K3. It has the KPA3, KAT3, KRX3, KXV3A, and P3. I have 2 antennas connected to the KAT3. Ant1 is a beam. Ant2 is an 88' long dipole fed with ladder line to an Elecraft 4:1 balun then coax to then K3. The KAT3 normally tunes it close to 1:1 on 80/40/30/20m, the only bands I use it on. A few days ago, I heard a DX station working a pileup on 30m. I pushed AB, Split, then Sub. When I keyed the K3 to call the DX I got the HIGH SWR message. Now whenever I tap ATU TUNE, the SWR maxes out, the relays go crazy and it tunes to about 2:1 and power goes to the what I have it set for (100 watts for 100 watts). It only does this on 30m. It tunes near or on 1:1 on the other bands. My K2 with KAT100 tunes the same antenna to 1:1 on 30m. I've had this antenna up for several years and it has always worked well, its up about 35 ft. So this is unusual. It will tune ANT 1 to 1:1. Only ANT 2 is a problem. It has gone into this mode, HIGH SWR then only tune to 2:1 twice, 2 times. After the first time I tried all different things but nothing changed. Until, somehow I got iit back to a normal ANT TUNE. Then it tuned fine until I did SPLIT then SUB. Again I get the HIGH SWR and will not tune. Has anyone else seen this problem, or have any ideas? Thanks, Joe K3# 5858 K2#4155 K1#764 __ 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] K3 Strange problem
On 11/1/2011 1:51 PM, Joe Ford wrote: A few days ago, I heard a DX station working a pileup on 30m. I pushed AB, Split, then Sub. When I keyed the K3 to call the DX I got the HIGH SWR message. Now whenever I tap ATU TUNE, the SWR maxes out, the relays go crazy and it tunes to about 2:1 and power goes to the what I have it set for (100 watts for 100 watts). It only does this on 30m. Make sure you haven't selected ANT2 [or the antenna you don't use]. Exact problem for me. ANT selection is remembered on a per band basis and I had somehow gotten ANT2 selected on 30m. Very embarrassing since Wayne was on the phone with me to help. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org __ 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] k3 strange problem
Thanks, Fred. But no I was on the right antenna. I tried all kinds of things. And a couple of times I got back to where it was tuning normally, but as soon as I turned on the sub-receiver and tried to transmit, I would get the HIGH SWR message and after that if I did a tune it would not go below about 2:1. Really strange. Joe __ 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] K3 Strange problem
Probably not the best thing to assume first that the trouble is in the rig. Odds are really against you. Antenna is outside, subject to all kinds of strain that can part conductors, even inside insulation so you can't see it, getting water in coax, pulled around by the wind, etc, etc, ad nauseum. Presume it's the antenna first, and make sure you don't have an end across a branch, broken connection to one side of doublet, a shield of the coax that has lost connection to the PL259 barrel, center conductor lost contact with the PL259 pin, etc. RULE OUT the antenna system first. That would be everything beyond the PL259 that plugs into the K3. Ten to one odds it's outside in the antenna. At least ten to one. 73, Guy. On Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 4:51 PM, Joe Ford k4...@yahoo.com wrote: Mine is a new (but not my first) K3. It has the KPA3, KAT3, KRX3, KXV3A, and P3. I have 2 antennas connected to the KAT3. Ant1 is a beam. Ant2 is an 88' long dipole fed with ladder line to an Elecraft 4:1 balun then coax to then K3. The KAT3 normally tunes it close to 1:1 on 80/40/30/20m, the only bands I use it on. A few days ago, I heard a DX station working a pileup on 30m. I pushed AB, Split, then Sub. When I keyed the K3 to call the DX I got the HIGH SWR message. Now whenever I tap ATU TUNE, the SWR maxes out, the relays go crazy and it tunes to about 2:1 and power goes to the what I have it set for (100 watts for 100 watts). It only does this on 30m. It tunes near or on 1:1 on the other bands. My K2 with KAT100 tunes the same antenna to 1:1 on 30m. I've had this antenna up for several years and it has always worked well, its up about 35 ft. So this is unusual. It will tune ANT 1 to 1:1. Only ANT 2 is a problem. It has gone into this mode, HIGH SWR then only tune to 2:1 twice, 2 times. After the first time I tried all different things but nothing changed. Until, somehow I got iit back to a normal ANT TUNE. Then it tuned fine until I did SPLIT then SUB. Again I get the HIGH SWR and will not tune. Has anyone else seen this problem, or have any ideas? Thanks, Joe K3# 5858 K2#4155 K1#764 __ 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] K3 Strange problem
I agree fully with Guy. Most problems of that nature are an antenna problem. If you have an antenna analyzer, connect it to the PL-259 that you normally connect to the K3 - do not add or subtract any coax. Then read the impedance (R and jX, not just SWR). If it is extremely high or extremely low, that is your problem. The fact that one tuner used to match it says nothing about another tuner's capability, nor how the antenna is behaving at this point in time. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/1/2011 7:00 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Probably not the best thing to assume first that the trouble is in the rig. Odds are really against you. Antenna is outside, subject to all kinds of strain that can part conductors, even inside insulation so you can't see it, getting water in coax, pulled around by the wind, etc, etc, ad nauseum. Presume it's the antenna first, and make sure you don't have an end across a branch, broken connection to one side of doublet, a shield of the coax that has lost connection to the PL259 barrel, center conductor lost contact with the PL259 pin, etc. RULE OUT the antenna system first. That would be everything beyond the PL259 that plugs into the K3. Ten to one odds it's outside in the antenna. At least ten to one. 73, Guy. __ 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] K3 Strange Problem
Guy, Don I don't get the emails just the digest show your emails to me. I agree the antenna should be the first place and in fact I did look at it hanging in the air but I have not lowered it to give it a closer inspection. Unfortunately my antenna analyzer is one MFJ's first and only gives SWR and Resistance. It did not really show anything helpful. Since it is an 88' long dipole it isn't resonant any any of the bands. Here is what is strange about this. I have only had the K3 a few weeks. I did not have a problem tuning on 30m. The first time the problem occurred was when I went SPLIT then turned on the SUB rx. Immediately it gave the HIGH SWR warning. Then I tried tune and got the strange tuning behavior. So I began to trouble shoot the problem. I tried different combinations of settings, etc. The antenna comes in to an antenna switch with one position on the K3 and the other on the K2. I wanted to eliminate the switch and connect directly to the coax coming from the balun. To get to where I could make that connection I had to completely disconnect everything from the back of the K3 and move close enough to reach that coax, thus bypassing the switch. So I did that and when I tried a tune I got the same result, it tuned to the same spot and stopped. No difference. Then I redid all the cables to the rear of the K3. And guess what. This time when I hit tune it went right to 1:1.2 without hardly any relay action. So did some tests, retuning and so forth. It continued to work okay. I even had a qso with a good rst. That was last Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, I came in and tuning on 30m found a dx station working pileup. That is when I went AB, SPLIT and then turned on SUB. As soon as I hit the paddle and it went to transmit, the HIGH SWR message appeared and when I tried ANT TUNE it tuned just like it had before. SWR shows max and RF out shows min while relays are working, then it SWR drops to 1:1.8 to 2 and power out shows 100w (what it is set for). I don't know why the problem went away when it did, I have not been able to duplicate again. d I'll take down the ant and inspect it.But it works fine on all the other bands. Tunes with no problems all other bands. The KAT100 tunes but the KAT3 doesn't? Thanks, guys, for your suggestions. Joe k4nvj __ 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] K3 Strange Problem
Joe, In addition to the antenna check out, try replacing the patch cables from the K3 to the switch as well, you may have an intermittent there or poor bonding to the shield (a common problem, making effective coax connector bonds is a learned art). I think you said you were using a balun to the ladder line. That run of coax to the switch (and K3) should be as short as possible too (some say under ten feet total between tuner and balun, some say shorter). It's all part of the antenna load equation for the tuner and you may have some reaction there. Bypassing the switch (use a barrel connector if you must) eliminates that as a problem source. It could have an open, a short or intermittent (or poor connector). Is the ladder line a reactive length on any band? When you drop the antenna, give the ladder line a look see too. Did a raven do something nasty to the line? What happens when you tune into a dummy load? Is it consistent? Pick one end and work toward the other end, eliminating the possibilities in a logical manner. You'll get there and then can let us know what you find. With me, it's often a DOH! moment. ;-) Rick WA6NHC -Original Message- From: Joe Ford I did not have a problem tuning on 30m. The first time the problem occurred was when I went SNIP I wanted to eliminate the switch and connect directly to the coax coming from the balun. To get to where I could make that connection I had to SNIP Then I redid all the cables to the rear of the K3. And guess what. This time when I hit tune it went right to 1:1.2 without hardly any relay action. So did some tests, retuning and so forth. It continued to work okay. I even had a qso with a good rst. __ 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] K3 Strange Problem
Joe, You results seem to be erratic. Loose PL-259s can cause symptoms like that. Finger tight for PL-259s is not good enough, the connectors must be seated in the notches, and after finger-tightening, must be torqued a bit more with pliers to obtain a secure connection. The connection to the coax shell depends on having them tight. Also check to be certain all PL-259s have good soldering to the braid. That is the cause of many problems that work well one time, but fail the next time it is tried. A bad connection to the shield can (and will) produce a HIGH SWR indication. I am not saying you have exactly the problems I have indicated, but something similar may be present. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/1/2011 9:24 PM, Joe Ford wrote: Guy, Don I don't get the emails just the digest show your emails to me. I agree the antenna should be the first place and in fact I did look at it hanging in the air but I have not lowered it to give it a closer inspection. Unfortunately my antenna analyzer is one MFJ's first and only gives SWR and Resistance. It did not really show anything helpful. Since it is an 88' long dipole it isn't resonant any any of the bands. Here is what is strange about this. I have only had the K3 a few weeks. I did not have a problem tuning on 30m. The first time the problem occurred was when I went SPLIT then turned on the SUB rx. Immediately it gave the HIGH SWR warning. Then I tried tune and got the strange tuning behavior. So I began to trouble shoot the problem. I tried different combinations of settings, etc. The antenna comes in to an antenna switch with one position on the K3 and the other on the K2. I wanted to eliminate the switch and connect directly to the coax coming from the balun. To get to where I could make that connection I had to completely disconnect everything from the back of the K3 and move close enough to reach that coax, thus bypassing the switch. So I did that and when I tried a tune I got the same result, it tuned to the same spot and stopped. No difference. Then I redid all the cables to the rear of the K3. And guess what. This time when I hit tune it went right to 1:1.2 without hardly any relay action. So did some tests, retuning and so forth. It continued to work okay. I even had a qso with a good rst. That was last Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, I came in and tuning on 30m found a dx station working pileup. That is when I went AB, SPLIT and then turned on SUB. As soon as I hit the paddle and it went to transmit, the HIGH SWR message appeared and when I tried ANT TUNE it tuned just like it had before. SWR shows max and RF out shows min while relays are working, then it SWR drops to 1:1.8 to 2 and power out shows 100w (what it is set for). I don't know why the problem went away when it did, I have not been able to duplicate again. d I'll take down the ant and inspect it.But it works fine on all the other bands. Tunes with no problems all other bands. The KAT100 tunes but the KAT3 doesn't? Thanks, guys, for your suggestions. Joe k4nvj __ 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] K3 Strange Problem
Good catch Don. And it should be noted that not all PL-259 mate properly if the outer shaft of the SO-239 (or barrel connector) is too short. It should be seated, tight and with no movement in any direction. Though I don't use pliers; I just crank on it and check them periodically. Rick WA6NHC -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm Loose PL-259s can cause symptoms like that. __ 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] K3: strange problem with HRD and latest FW
No problems here, using also 3.41 and HRD Version 5.0 build 2306. 73 de Roland, DC1RS - K3/100 #1243 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-strange-problem-with-HRD-and-latest-FW-tp3792498p3792654.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] K3: strange problem with HRD and latest FW
tom kenville wrote: Problem has surfaced when running (it seems) with HRD. HRD Ver 5.0 build 2290 Beta In particular CW. Seems that the paddle and straight key are mis-behaving. Skips early part of break in. perhaps the first 20-30 msec ? Example: sending W6TJK is get W6D.. Happens irrespective of TX-test mode, or TX with power to dipole. When I disconnect HRD (ie. press the red X) the keyer now behaves. Do you also find the front panel is slow to respond to some button presses? I think some programs poll the radio far too frequently for information and they are over-taxing the K3's controller. I think HRD is one of them. Is it really necessary to request the current frequency ten times a second? The K3 has an auto-info mode that automatically updates computer software with all the information needed for logging whenever anything changes. There is no need for any logging program to poll the K3 at all, unless it is trying to display every setting of the radio which is what HRD is doing. But why is that necessary when you have the rig in front of you? The reason some HRD users do not appear to have this problem *might* be connected to the baud rate you are using. I would think that using the fastest possible baud rate would minimize the load on the K3 CPU. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-strange-problem-with-HRD-and-latest-FW-tp3792498p3793456.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] K3: strange problem with HRD and latest FW
I flashed the new FW last nite. uC 3.41 dl 2.37 fl 1.04 Problem has surfaced when running (it seems) with HRD. HRD Ver 5.0 build 2290 Beta In particular CW. Seems that the paddle and straight key are mis-behaving. Skips early part of break in. perhaps the first 20-30 msec ? Example: sending W6TJK is get W6D.. Happens irrespective of TX-test mode, or TX with power to dipole. When I disconnect HRD (ie. press the red X) the keyer now behaves. Very disconcerting. I have not changed HRD in some many months. Seems to be OK with N1MM. Mebbe time to go thetaway for logging hmm. -- thanks and 73's Tom Kenville -- W6TJK __ 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] K3 - strange problem
Hi all, When K3 #321 is switched off, it automatically switches on again. No error message, and all other functions seem normal. Of course it stays off when the power supply is removed. Alongside it, K3 #320 (both share the same 13.5v supply) operates as normal... Anyone on the list experience this problem before? 73, Ken ZL1AIH __ 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] K3 - strange problem
Anyone on the list experience this problem before? Yep. Not me, but here is the description of the KPA3 12V sense mod on the Elecraft website: This modification adds a diode to the KPA3 12V sense circuit to hold the voltage to no more than 0.6V when the K3 is turned off. Without it, some K3s refuse to turn off when the POWER button is tapped because the 12V sense circuit does not drop to a low enough level to shut down the K3’s MCU. Checkout the web page at: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm Mark AD5SS On Fri, May 15, 2009 at 7:31 PM, Robert Mccormack zl1...@xtra.co.nz wrote: Hi all, When K3 #321 is switched off, it automatically switches on again. No error message, and all other functions seem normal. Of course it stays off when the power supply is removed. Alongside it, K3 #320 (both share the same 13.5v supply) operates as normal... Anyone on the list experience this problem before? 73, Ken ZL1AIH __ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power
Have you tried setting Config: TXG VCE to 3.0dB? It did not solve the problem. But as I said, at least the recent frimware has been much better. vy 73 de toby ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power
Hello Lyle, I personally am not experiencing the low SSB output on any band, but I am considering going from the 2.7K filters in the K3 and KRX3 (matching filters) to the 2.8K filters. I may be asking for trouble by doing this. Is there any indication as far as you know that the filters may be a part of the 10 meter SSB output power problem? Thanks. Roy Morris W4WFB ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power
...Is there any indication as far as you know that the filters may be a part of the 10 meter SSB output power problem? The problem I have been aware of is the LSB/USB power output difference. That seemed to be confined to 2.7 kHz filters, was related to the center frequency offset, and should be fixed in the latest beta firmware. 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power
I have the 2.8 filter installed so the problem is not limited to the 2.7. Mike/aj9c Lyle Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ...Is there any indication as far as you know that the filters may be a part of the 10 meter SSB output power problem? The problem I have been aware of is the LSB/USB power output difference. That seemed to be confined to 2.7 kHz filters, was related to the center frequency offset, and should be fixed in the latest beta firmware. 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 ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power
Hi Lyle, I do not know if we all might be talking about various ills with similar symptoms. It might be that more than effect might be behind the various observations, imho. What I have, to the best of my memory, observed in various firmware versions is that there is/was a tendency for the K3 to have lower output in SSB on both(?) sidebands than in CW or tune modes. The output is at times 1dB less and at times 6 or more dB lower. This effect is stronger at lower power levels than at higher and usually occurred after changing the power level request while in SSB. This was at times a major fubar, but in the newer versions of the K3 firmware on my K3 (#67) the situation has greatly improved. Because I had sent more than one mail to Elecraft, in the distant past, about this and the situation, at least for me, has been improving, I did not want to harp about it. For example, during our expedition to OY in early July such weirdness only popped up very rarely. I have not tested the newest beta firmware for this (yet). I have the 2.7kHz filter in my K3. vy 73 de toby, dd5fz Lyle Johnson wrote: The problem I have been aware of is the LSB/USB power output difference. That seemed to be confined to 2.7 kHz filters, was related to the center frequency offset, and should be fixed in the latest beta firmware. ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power
Toby Deinhardt wrote: Hi Lyle, I do not know if we all might be talking about various ills with similar symptoms. It might be that more than effect might be behind the various observations, imho. What I have, to the best of my memory, observed in various firmware versions is that there is/was a tendency for the K3 to have lower output in SSB on both(?) sidebands than in CW or tune modes. The output is at times 1dB less and at times 6 or more dB lower. This effect is stronger at lower power levels than at higher and usually occurred after changing the power level request while in SSB. Have you tried setting Config: TXG VCE to 3.0dB? 73 Ian -- Ian J Maude, G0VGS SysOp GB7MBC DX Cluster Member RSGB, GQRP K2 #4044 |K3 #455 ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power
Friends, maybe we have to sort problems with SSB power level to permanent problems and temporary problems. Permanent lower level is possible to cure via VCE gain setting (I suppose hope). Temporary problems are more complicated. I remember my problems with miliwat output levels via KRX3 vith certain version of F/W, when firts (after switching on) SSB TX attempt was 6 - 10dB lower below CW or TUNE level. Just after one dit or dash in CW mode and going back to SSB it was OK, level was like on CW (measured in 2tone test). It was caused by combination of f/w level (maybe corrupted) and using TUN PWR level other then -norm-. Shortly after u/g to 2.10 (if I remember correctly) and switching TUN PWR to -norm- this problem on miliwat output level dissapered. (and now I am using 100mW on ANT port so not checked miliwat KXV3 output intensively during last weeks with newest f/w). Also I am not sure if such kind of temporary problems are also reported with 10W version. (SSB power temporary dropped). Or is it mainly with 100W version? Any other experience with miliwat output? Hope in Elecraft support they are tracking all reports and testing reported behaviour to keep clear picture and plans for possible f/w updates/bug elimination. Maybe will be good to see some more comments from Elecraft support to reduce individual doubts etc... 73! lexa, ok1dst K3/10 #727 Ian Maude napsal(a): Toby Deinhardt wrote: Hi Lyle, I do not know if we all might be talking about various ills with similar symptoms. It might be that more than effect might be behind the various observations, imho. What I have, to the best of my memory, observed in various firmware versions is that there is/was a tendency for the K3 to have lower output in SSB on both(?) sidebands than in CW or tune modes. The output is at times 1dB less and at times 6 or more dB lower. This effect is stronger at lower power levels than at higher and usually occurred after changing the power level request while in SSB. Have you tried setting Config: TXG VCE to 3.0dB? 73 Ian ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power
Temporary problems are more complicated. I remember my problems with miliwat output levels via KRX3 vith certain version of F/W, correction - should be KXV3 my waiting for KRX3 is so intensive :-) L. -dst- ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
I have previously documented the SSB power drop problem to elecraft and understand it's on Wayne's list to resolve. I used the 2-tone test and adjusted the 2-tone peak power to equal CW TUNE power (using an LP-100A). I found three things trigger the SSB power drop: 1) a power change even if you return to the original power; 2) pressing ATU TUNE, and; 3) a band change. On MCU 2.20 the drop was as little as 15% on 160M and as much as 39% on 10M. All these tests were run at 100 watts requested from the K3. And I am using the 2.7 KHz 5-pole filter. I just loaded MCU 2.23 and re-ran the tests. The results are considerably improved. On 160, 80, 40 and 30M's there was no drop at all. The worst band was 12M (20%). The others were 60M (9%), 20M (3%), 17M (5%), 15M (14%), 10M (11%) and 6M (13%). I spot checked these results with voice input and saw the same results thought clearly not as precise and repeatable as the 2-Tone test. In addition the peak powers on USB and LSB were virtually identical (within 1 watt in every case). I'm not positive if this is an accurate indication as the 2-Tone test help text says to use LSB (not USB). In any case this looks like a significant step forward, so we can hope for continured improvement across all the bands. Chuck, AE4CW Lyle Johnson wrote: If you experience this problem (low output on SSB), please check if the other sideband works OK, and note if you are using the 2.7 kHz 5-pole filter or the 8-pole 2.8 kHz filter. Finally, please try the latest beta firmware. 73, Lyle KK7P/7 ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3---Strange-problem-on-10-Meter-SSB-with-power-out-tp668377p674953.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
If this has previously been discussed - please forgive me. This weekend ten meters was open (as much as it could be at the bottom of a cycle) and the 10-10 contest gave me a great opportunity to try out the 10 meter band on my recently completed K3 #1318(latest firmware). All seemed well until I noticed that my power output on SSB was down as indicated on the K3 power meter and where I normally see 100 watt pep output on my tuners average reading meter. So I grabbed my Bird 43 (with PEP option) and a dummy load. Sure enough, only about 50 watts PEP even though the control on the K3 is at 100? Placed the K3 into tune and 95-100 watts out? Go back to SSB and now the PEP power is back where it should be at approx 100 watts PEP. After a few more SSB transmission - low power again(still connected to the Bird and dummy load). This went on for a while as I checked and re-checked all of my mic and comp settings. All other bands worked correctly. Power supply not current limiting, all connections/cables good (connection to my stati o! ! n ground verified), fresh battery in my studio mic, SWR on ten meter antenna below 1.4:1 etc. etc. Took the LPA heat sink bottom cover off to make sure the LPA transistors were making good thermal contact. (I had added a spot of heat sink compound to each transistor during my assy process) There was a clear outline of the TO-220 transistor and an even film of compound indicating good pressure and contact. Put everything back together. Haven't seen the issue again - yet? But I am not convinced I did anything to make it go away? Anyone else had this experience? Rodger N4NRW ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
I saw the same thing too. The problem seemed to be on the other bands also. I got about 70w out but had to turn the mic gain all the way up. This isnt right to have to hit it this hard to get output. I had a local listen to the signal and until the mic gain was all the way he didnt think I sounded normal on the audio. TX VCE was turned up to 2 and then 3 without any difference. Mike/aj9c [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If this has previously been discussed - please forgive me. This weekend ten meters was open (as much as it could be at the bottom of a cycle) and the 10-10 contest gave me a great opportunity to try out the 10 meter band on my recently completed K3 #1318(latest firmware). All seemed well until I noticed that my power output on SSB was down as indicated on the K3 power meter and where I normally see 100 watt pep output on my tuners average reading meter. So I grabbed my Bird 43 (with PEP option) and a dummy load. Sure enough, only about 50 watts PEP even though the control on the K3 is at 100? Placed the K3 into tune and 95-100 watts out? Go back to SSB and now the PEP power is back where it should be at approx 100 watts PEP. After a few more SSB transmission - low power again(still connected to the Bird and dummy load). This went on for a while as I checked and re-checked all of my mic and comp settings. All other bands worked correctly. Power supply not current limiting, all connections/cables good (connection to my sta ti o! ! n ground verified), fresh battery in my studio mic, SWR on ten meter antenna below 1.4:1 etc. etc. Took the LPA heat sink bottom cover off to make sure the LPA transistors were making good thermal contact. (I had added a spot of heat sink compound to each transistor during my assy process) There was a clear outline of the TO-220 transistor and an even film of compound indicating good pressure and contact. Put everything back together. Haven't seen the issue again - yet? But I am not convinced I did anything to make it go away? Anyone else had this experience? Rodger N4NRW ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
#1318(latest firmware). All seemed well until I noticed that my power output on SSB was down as indicated on the K3 power meter and where I normally see 100 watt pep output on my tuners average reading meter. So I grabbed my Bird 43 (with PEP option) and a dummy load. Sure enough, only about 50 watts PEP even though the control on the K3 is at 100? Placed the K3 into tune and 95-100 watts out? Go back to SSB and now the PEP power is back where it should be at approx 100 watts PEP. After a few more SSB transmission - low power again(still connected to the Bird and dummy load). I've seen behaviour much like this with various past versions of the firmware and have reported it to Elecraft, more than once. Recently I have also seen reports here in DL which seem to indicate that this might be only occurring in USB (LSB on 6m). Imho, This is what the latest beta version of the firmware is aiming to fix, so you might want try it out. I hope to be testing it soon to see if helps any on K3 #67. vy 73 de toby ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
I have been having a similar problem on 30m through 160m. Output is fine on CW on all bands. On SSB, I am gettting only about 50 watts on those low bands. It appears to be hardware related, at least in my case. I have been doing a lot of remote troubleshooting with Gary Surrency, and at this point and awaiting my RSA for repair service. 73, John, WA6L williamsonr wrote: If this has previously been discussed - please forgive me. This weekend ten meters was open (as much as it could be at the bottom of a cycle) and the 10-10 contest gave me a great opportunity to try out the 10 meter band on my recently completed K3 #1318(latest firmware). All seemed well until I noticed that my power output on SSB was down as indicated on the K3 power meter and where I normally see 100 watt pep output on my tuners average reading meter. So I grabbed my Bird 43 (with PEP option) and a dummy load. Sure enough, only about 50 watts PEP even though the control on the K3 is at 100? Placed the K3 into tune and 95-100 watts out? Go back to SSB and now the PEP power is back where it should be at approx 100 watts PEP. After a few more SSB transmission - low power again(still connected to the Bird and dummy load). This went on for a while as I checked and re-checked all of my mic and comp settings. All other bands worked correctly. Power supply not current limiting, all connections/cables good (connection to my stati o! ! n ground verified), fresh battery in my studio mic, SWR on ten meter antenna below 1.4:1 etc. etc. Took the LPA heat sink bottom cover off to make sure the LPA transistors were making good thermal contact. (I had added a spot of heat sink compound to each transistor during my assy process) There was a clear outline of the TO-220 transistor and an even film of compound indicating good pressure and contact. Put everything back together. Haven't seen the issue again - yet? But I am not convinced I did anything to make it go away? Anyone else had this experience? Rodger N4NRW ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3---Strange-problem-on-10-Meter-SSB-with-power-out-tp668377p668945.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
Hi John, can you - and the rest of suffering by this problem - put here some more details about your setting: - POWER per Band active? - TUN PWR -nor- or any value defined? Just to have complete picture. Did you try to chenge some settings with some change in behaviour? Thnaks, Lexa, OK1DST WA6L napsal(a): I have been having a similar problem on 30m through 160m. Output is fine on CW on all bands. On SSB, I am gettting only about 50 watts on those low bands. It appears to be hardware related, at least in my case. I have been doing a lot of remote troubleshooting with Gary Surrency, and at this point and awaiting my RSA for repair service. 73, John, WA6L williamsonr wrote: If this has previously been discussed - please forgive me. This weekend ten meters was open (as much as it could be at the bottom of a cycle) and the 10-10 contest gave me a great opportunity to try out the 10 meter band on my recently completed K3 #1318(latest firmware). All seemed well until I noticed that my power output on SSB was down as indicated on the K3 power meter and where I normally see 100 watt pep output on my tuners average reading meter. So I grabbed my Bird 43 (with PEP option) and a dummy load. Sure enough, only about 50 watts PEP even though the control on the K3 is at 100? Placed the K3 into tune and 95-100 watts out? Go back to SSB and now the PEP power is back where it should be at approx 100 watts PEP. After a few more SSB transmission - low power again(still connected to the Bird and dummy load). This went on for a while as I checked and re-checked all of my mic and comp settings. All other bands worked correctly. Power supply not current limiting, all connections/cables good (connection to my stati o! ! n ground verified), fresh battery in my studio mic, SWR on ten meter antenna below 1.4:1 etc. etc. Took the LPA heat sink bottom cover off to make sure the LPA transistors were making good thermal contact. (I had added a spot of heat sink compound to each transistor during my assy process) There was a clear outline of the TO-220 transistor and an even film of compound indicating good pressure and contact. Put everything back together. Haven't seen the issue again - yet? But I am not convinced I did anything to make it go away? Anyone else had this experience? Rodger N4NRW ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
For me this problem exists. ATU bypassed. Pwr to 100w. Everything is nor. Antenna is c31xr swr 1 to 1.1. also testd with dummy load. Alexandr Kobranov [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi John, can you - and the rest of suffering by this problem - put here some more details about your setting: - POWER per Band active? - TUN PWR -nor- or any value defined? Just to have complete picture. Did you try to chenge some settings with some change in behaviour? Thnaks, Lexa, OK1DST WA6L napsal(a): I have been having a similar problem on 30m through 160m. Output is fine on CW on all bands. On SSB, I am gettting only about 50 watts on those low bands. It appears to be hardware related, at least in my case. I have been doing a lot of remote troubleshooting with Gary Surrency, and at this point and awaiting my RSA for repair service. 73, John, WA6L williamsonr wrote: If this has previously been discussed - please forgive me. This weekend ten meters was open (as much as it could be at the bottom of a cycle) and the 10-10 contest gave me a great opportunity to try out the 10 meter band on my recently completed K3 #1318(latest firmware). All seemed well until I noticed that my power output on SSB was down as indicated on the K3 power meter and where I normally see 100 watt pep output on my tuners average reading meter. So I grabbed my Bird 43 (with PEP option) and a dummy load. Sure enough, only about 50 watts PEP even though the control on the K3 is at 100? Placed the K3 into tune and 95-100 watts out? Go back to SSB and now the PEP power is back where it should be at approx 100 watts PEP. After a few more SSB transmission - low power again(still connected to the Bird and dummy load). This went on for a while as I checked and re-checked all of my mic and comp settings. All other bands worked correctly. Power supply not current limiting, all connections/cables good (connection to my stati o! ! n ground verified), fresh battery in my studio mic, SWR on ten meter antenna below 1.4:1 etc. etc. Took the LPA heat sink bottom cover off to make sure the LPA transistors were making good thermal contact. (I had added a spot of heat sink compound to each transistor during my assy process) There was a clear outline of the TO-220 transistor and an even film of compound indicating good pressure and contact. Put everything back together. Haven't seen the issue again - yet? But I am not convinced I did anything to make it go away? Anyone else had this experience? Rodger N4NRW ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
I have the same problem on LSB 40 meters. Oms PY5EG -Original Message- From: Alexandr Kobranov [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subj: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out Date: Mon 4 Aug 2008 14:42 Size: 3K To: WA6L [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Hi John, can you - and the rest of suffering by this problem - put here some more details about your setting: - POWER per Band active? - TUN PWR -nor- or any value defined? Just to have complete picture. Did you try to chenge some settings with some change in behaviour? Thnaks, Lexa, OK1DST WA6L napsal(a): I have been having a similar problem on 30m through 160m. Output is fine on CW on all bands. On SSB, I am gettting only about 50 watts on those low bands. It appears to be hardware related, at least in my case. I have been doing a lot of remote troubleshooting with Gary Surrency, and at this point and awaiting my RSA for repair service. 73, John, WA6L williamsonr wrote: If this has previously been discussed - please forgive me. This weekend ten meters was open (as much as it could be at the bottom of a cycle) and the 10-10 contest gave me a great opportunity to try out the 10 meter band on my recently completed K3 #1318(latest firmware). All seemed well until I noticed that my power output on SSB was down as indicated on the K3 power meter and where I normally see 100 watt pep output on my tuners average reading meter. So I grabbed my Bird 43 (with PEP option) and a dummy load. Sure enough, only about 50 watts PEP even though the control on the K3 is at 100? Placed the K3 into tune and 95-100 watts out? Go back to SSB and now the PEP power is back where it should be at approx 100 watts PEP. After a few more SSB transmission - low power again(still connected to the Bird and dummy load). This went on for a while as I checked and re-checked all of my mic and comp settings. All other bands worked correctly. Power supply not current limiting, all connections/cables good (connection to my stati o! ! n ground verified), fresh battery in my studio mic, SWR on ten meter antenna below 1.4:1 etc. etc. Took the LPA heat sink bottom cover off to make sure the LPA transistors were making good thermal contact. (I had added a spot of heat sink compound to each transistor during my assy process) There was a clear outline of the TO-220 transistor and an even film of compound indicating good pressure and contact. Put everything back together. Haven't seen the issue again - yet? But I am not convinced I did anything to make it go away? Anyone else had this experience? Rodger N4NRW ___ 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 --- message truncated --- ___ 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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
The problem has been consistent across many configuration changes. TUN PWR is set at 100, though I tried it at several settings. Power-per-band is not active. To test, I use the built-in 2-tone generator that you can enable in the configuration menu. That is very handy for testing audio modes. CW provides full and measured power across all bands. On 6m through 20 meters there is full and measured power on voice and data modes. On 30m - 160m there is approximately 50 watts on voice and data modes. Measuring PEP with a scope at the input to the roofing filters with the 2-tone generator and TUNE selected shows approximatey 4V peak on the higher bands and approximately 2.25V peak on the low bands. I would be interested to know the details of other similar problems. Like I said, at this point I am awaiting and RSA for return to the main office for troubleshooting and repair. Thanks, John, WA6L Alexandr Kobranov wrote: Hi John, can you - and the rest of suffering by this problem - put here some more details about your setting: - POWER per Band active? - TUN PWR -nor- or any value defined? Just to have complete picture. Did you try to chenge some settings with some change in behaviour? Thnaks, Lexa, OK1DST WA6L napsal(a): I have been having a similar problem on 30m through 160m. Output is fine on CW on all bands. On SSB, I am gettting only about 50 watts on those low bands. It appears to be hardware related, at least in my case. I have been doing a lot of remote troubleshooting with Gary Surrency, and at this point and awaiting my RSA for repair service. 73, John, WA6L williamsonr wrote: If this has previously been discussed - please forgive me. This weekend ten meters was open (as much as it could be at the bottom of a cycle) and the 10-10 contest gave me a great opportunity to try out the 10 meter band on my recently completed K3 #1318(latest firmware). All seemed well until I noticed that my power output on SSB was down as indicated on the K3 power meter and where I normally see 100 watt pep output on my tuners average reading meter. So I grabbed my Bird 43 (with PEP option) and a dummy load. Sure enough, only about 50 watts PEP even though the control on the K3 is at 100? Placed the K3 into tune and 95-100 watts out? Go back to SSB and now the PEP power is back where it should be at approx 100 watts PEP. After a few more SSB transmission - low power again(still connected to the Bird and dummy load). This went on for a while as I checked and re-checked all of my mic and comp settings. All other bands worked correctly. Power supply not current limiting, all connections/cables good (connection to my stati o! ! n ground verified), fresh battery in my studio mic, SWR on ten meter antenna below 1.4:1 etc. etc. Took the LPA heat sink bottom cover off to make sure the LPA transistors were making good thermal contact. (I had added a spot of heat sink compound to each transistor during my assy process) There was a clear outline of the TO-220 transistor and an even film of compound indicating good pressure and contact. Put everything back together. Haven't seen the issue again - yet? But I am not convinced I did anything to make it go away? Anyone else had this experience? Rodger N4NRW ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3---Strange-problem-on-10-Meter-SSB-with-power-out-tp668377p669476.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 - Strange problem on 10 Meter SSB with power out
If you experience this problem (low output on SSB), please check if the other sideband works OK, and note if you are using the 2.7 kHz 5-pole filter or the 8-pole 2.8 kHz filter. Finally, please try the latest beta firmware. 73, Lyle KK7P/7 ___ 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
