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Cooling Fans

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Cooling Fans

I am the original owner of K3/100 #969, which still works great.

I’ve noticed that recently the cooling fan comes on occasionally even if the radio is on, but not in use (volume down, no transmitting). FP temperature shows 41 C, and PA temperature is at 35 C

This is not at objectionable at all, but made me wonder if this was a cause for concern.

Any ideas?

Tom W4KX

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John Simmons

Re: Cooling Fans

Tom,

Interesting post. I thought this was the case with my K3 also, but i
figured out later that it was the fan in my power supply instead. Poor
hearing!

-de John NI0K

Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote on 7/19/2020 8:41 AM:

> I am the original owner of K3/100 #969, which still works great.
>
> I’ve noticed that recently the cooling fan comes on occasionally even if the radio is on, but not in use (volume down, no transmitting). FP temperature shows 41 C, and PA temperature is at 35 C
>
> This is not at objectionable at all, but made me wonder if this was a cause for concern.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Tom W4KX
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Ronnie Hull

K3 Issue

Good Morning

I purchase a used K3 a couple of weeks ago and received it last thursday. I
hooked it up and it worked GREAT. Used it for SSB and CW contacts on 80M
and ssb on 10M. Shut it down about 8pm last night. Turned it on this
morning, and it has white noise audio but receives no signals at all.
Nothing showing on the S meter either not even noise. NO POWER OUTPUT
either.

Has anyone every seen a sudden failure like this? I'm heartbroken as I am
fearful of a astronomical repair charge from Elecraft and the person I
bought it from is offering no warranty at all and since it was used I
totally understand that part.

Thanks in advance

Ronnie W5SUM

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Ian, NV4C

Re: K3 Issue

First thing I'd check is to verify you have the correct antenna port
selected. I have yet to meet any K3 owner who hasn't made that mistake at
some point, your's truly included. ;-)

73 de,

Ian, NV4C

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020, 12:05 PM <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Good Morning
>
> I purchase a used K3 a couple of weeks ago and received it last thursday.
> I
> hooked it up and it worked GREAT. Used it for SSB and CW contacts on 80M
> and ssb on 10M. Shut it down about 8pm last night. Turned it on this
> morning, and it has white noise audio but receives no signals at all.
> Nothing showing on the S meter either not even noise. NO POWER OUTPUT
> either.
>
> Has anyone every seen a sudden failure like this? I'm heartbroken as I am
> fearful of a astronomical repair charge from Elecraft and the person I
> bought it from is offering no warranty at all and since it was used I
> totally understand that part.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Ronnie W5SUM
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Ronnie Hull

Re: K3 Issue

yes sir.. using antenna port 1 and have it selected. HOWEVER.. I did move the antenna to port 2 and selected that port to no improvement. Same issue

Ronnie

From: Ian Kahn
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 11:09 AM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue

First thing I'd check is to verify you have the correct antenna port selected. I have yet to meet any K3 owner who hasn't made that mistake at some point, your's truly included. ;-)

73 de,

Ian, NV4C

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020, 12:05 PM <[hidden email]> wrote:

Good Morning

I purchase a used K3 a couple of weeks ago and received it last thursday. I
hooked it up and it worked GREAT. Used it for SSB and CW contacts on 80M
and ssb on 10M. Shut it down about 8pm last night. Turned it on this
morning, and it has white noise audio but receives no signals at all.
Nothing showing on the S meter either not even noise. NO POWER OUTPUT
either.

Has anyone every seen a sudden failure like this? I'm heartbroken as I am
fearful of a astronomical repair charge from Elecraft and the person I
bought it from is offering no warranty at all and since it was used I
totally understand that part.

Thanks in advance

Ronnie W5SUM

______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Bill Frantz

Re: K3 Issue

The K3 can get antennas in a bewildering collection of ways. If
the RX antenna switch is on -- and this was my way of getting on
reception -- it might be your problem. The K3 can also send
received signals out on one of the BNC connectors and expect to
get them back on another.

I recommend a careful reading of the manual, perhaps in PDF form
with a search for "antenna". The manual is downloadable from the
Elecraft web site.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/19/20 at 12:10 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

>yes sir.. using antenna port 1 and have it selected. HOWEVER..
>I did move the antenna to port 2 and selected that port to no
>improvement. Same issue

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle
(408)348-7900 | it. | 150 Rivermead
Rd #235
www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy (1999) | Peterborough,
NH 03458

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Ronnie Hull

Re: K3 Issue

ok I'm going to be answering several of your suggestions at once here.

First, when I powered off last night, I used the power button on the K3
itself, I did not kill the power supply first

The sub RX has been turned off and the RX Ant is NOT selected. Ant 1 is
selected and the Antenna IS plugged into the port

The is NO noise shown on the S meter and I have a pretty constant S3 to S5
noise here at my qth.

Regardless of mode selected there is no power output, the display says 0

When I activate the tuner, regardless of band, it shows no SWR, says 5 watts
out, but there is NO POWER OUT of it. It always acts like it is matching, or
sounds like it is.

Ronnie

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Frantz
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 11:40 AM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: Ian Kahn ; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue

The K3 can get antennas in a bewildering collection of ways. If
the RX antenna switch is on -- and this was my way of getting on
reception -- it might be your problem. The K3 can also send
received signals out on one of the BNC connectors and expect to
get them back on another.

I recommend a careful reading of the manual, perhaps in PDF form
with a search for "antenna". The manual is downloadable from the
Elecraft web site.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/19/20 at 12:10 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

>yes sir.. using antenna port 1 and have it selected. HOWEVER.. I did move
>the antenna to port 2 and selected that port to no improvement. Same issue

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle
(408)348-7900 | it. | 150 Rivermead
Rd #235
www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy (1999) | Peterborough,
NH 03458

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Vic Rosenthal

Re: K3 Issue

I suggest that you call Elecraft Support on Monday. I'm sure they have a
diagnostic procedure that they can take you through on the phone. Even
if there IS a failure somewhere, chances are that you can fix it
yourself with their help.

Just guessing, but I suggest you open it and make sure all the small
coax cables to the synthesizers are well seated. Since it was recently
shipped, something could have worked loose.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 19/07/2020 19:53, [hidden email] wrote:

> ok I'm going to be answering several of your suggestions at once
> here.
>
> First, when I powered off last night, I used the power button on the
> K3 itself, I did not kill the power supply first
>
> The sub RX has been turned off and the RX Ant is NOT selected. Ant 1
> is selected and the Antenna IS plugged into the port
>
> The is NO noise shown on the S meter and I have a pretty constant S3
> to S5 noise here at my qth.
>
> Regardless of mode selected there is no power output, the display
> says 0
>
> When I activate the tuner, regardless of band, it shows no SWR, says
> 5 watts out, but there is NO POWER OUT of it. It always acts like it
> is matching, or sounds like it is.
>
> Ronnie
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Bill Frantz Sent: Sunday, July 19,
> 2020 11:40 AM To: [hidden email] Cc: Ian Kahn ; Elecraft
> Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue
>
> The K3 can get antennas in a bewildering collection of ways. If the
> RX antenna switch is on -- and this was my way of getting on
> reception -- it might be your problem. The K3 can also send received
> signals out on one of the BNC connectors and expect to get them back
> on another.
>
> I recommend a careful reading of the manual, perhaps in PDF form with
> a search for "antenna". The manual is downloadable from the Elecraft
> web site.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 7/19/20 at 12:10 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
>> yes sir.. using antenna port 1 and have it selected. HOWEVER.. I
>> did move the antenna to port 2 and selected that port to no
>> improvement. Same issue
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle

> (408)348-7900 | it. | 150 Rivermead Rd
> #235 www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy (1999) | Peterborough,
> NH 03458
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list Home:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
> mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
> email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

kk9v

Re: K3 Issue

In reply to this post by Ronnie Hull

I had the same issue and it was a bad connection on the TMP cables. I just
reseated all of them and all has been OK for me. I hope I didn't just jinx
it.

Mike
KK9V

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 12:54 PM <[hidden email]> wrote:

> ok I'm going to be answering several of your suggestions at once here.
>
> First, when I powered off last night, I used the power button on the K3
> itself, I did not kill the power supply first
>
> The sub RX has been turned off and the RX Ant is NOT selected. Ant 1 is
> selected and the Antenna IS plugged into the port
>
> The is NO noise shown on the S meter and I have a pretty constant S3 to
> S5
> noise here at my qth.
>
> Regardless of mode selected there is no power output, the display says 0
>
> When I activate the tuner, regardless of band, it shows no SWR, says 5
> watts
> out, but there is NO POWER OUT of it. It always acts like it is matching,
> or
> sounds like it is.
>
> Ronnie
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill Frantz
> Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 11:40 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: Ian Kahn ; Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue
>
> The K3 can get antennas in a bewildering collection of ways. If
> the RX antenna switch is on -- and this was my way of getting on
> reception -- it might be your problem. The K3 can also send
> received signals out on one of the BNC connectors and expect to
> get them back on another.
>
> I recommend a careful reading of the manual, perhaps in PDF form
> with a search for "antenna". The manual is downloadable from the
> Elecraft web site.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 7/19/20 at 12:10 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> >yes sir.. using antenna port 1 and have it selected. HOWEVER.. I did
> move
> >the antenna to port 2 and selected that port to no improvement. Same issue
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle
> (408)348-7900 | it. | 150 Rivermead
> Rd #235
> www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy (1999) | Peterborough,
> NH 03458
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

--
Mike Stokes
KK9V
______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Ronnie Hull

Re: K3 Issue FIXED!!!!!

In reply to this post by Vic Rosenthal

First let me thank each and every one of you for your suggestions.
Victor, 4X6GP suggested I check all the small cables going in and out of the
Synthesizers and THERE IT WAS!! One of them was completely out!! Plugged
it back in and all is well!!

Man you guys are great!! Thanks so much for all the help!

Ronnie W5SUM

-----Original Message-----
From: Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 12:00 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue

I suggest that you call Elecraft Support on Monday. I'm sure they have a
diagnostic procedure that they can take you through on the phone. Even
if there IS a failure somewhere, chances are that you can fix it
yourself with their help.

Just guessing, but I suggest you open it and make sure all the small
coax cables to the synthesizers are well seated. Since it was recently
shipped, something could have worked loose.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 19/07/2020 19:53, [hidden email] wrote:

> ok I'm going to be answering several of your suggestions at once
> here.
>
> First, when I powered off last night, I used the power button on the
> K3 itself, I did not kill the power supply first
>
> The sub RX has been turned off and the RX Ant is NOT selected. Ant 1
> is selected and the Antenna IS plugged into the port
>
> The is NO noise shown on the S meter and I have a pretty constant S3
> to S5 noise here at my qth.
>
> Regardless of mode selected there is no power output, the display
> says 0
>
> When I activate the tuner, regardless of band, it shows no SWR, says
> 5 watts out, but there is NO POWER OUT of it. It always acts like it
> is matching, or sounds like it is.
>
> Ronnie
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Bill Frantz Sent: Sunday, July 19,
> 2020 11:40 AM To: [hidden email] Cc: Ian Kahn ; Elecraft
> Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue
>
> The K3 can get antennas in a bewildering collection of ways. If the
> RX antenna switch is on -- and this was my way of getting on reception --
> it might be your problem. The K3 can also send received
> signals out on one of the BNC connectors and expect to get them back
> on another.
>
> I recommend a careful reading of the manual, perhaps in PDF form with
> a search for "antenna". The manual is downloadable from the Elecraft
> web site.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 7/19/20 at 12:10 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
>> yes sir.. using antenna port 1 and have it selected. HOWEVER.. I
>> did move the antenna to port 2 and selected that port to no
>> improvement. Same issue
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle

> (408)348-7900 | it. | 150 Rivermead Rd
> #235 www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy (1999) | Peterborough, NH
> 03458 ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list Home:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
> mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
> email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Cooling Fans

In reply to this post by John Simmons

Hi,

FWIW.

Test conditions measured under the K3 DISP menu:

14.1V
1.38A Sub RX on
PA 32C
FP 40C

PA fans off
PA fans on/off at 36C/35C

Room temp 22C

K3 FP and PA temp sensors calibrated against a laboratory thermometer
adjacent to the K3.

Never really noticed when the PA fans come on in idle conditions due to
PC fan noise.

Regards,

Mike VP8NO

On 19/07/2020 12:15, John Simmons wrote:
> Tom,
>
> Interesting post. I thought this was the case with my K3 also, but i
figured out later that it was the fan in my power supply instead. Poor
hearing!
>
> -de John NI0K
>
> Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote on 7/19/2020 8:41 AM:
>> I am the original owner of K3/100 #969, which still works great.
>>
>> I’ve noticed that recently the cooling fan comes on occasionally
even if the radio is on, but not in use (volume down, no transmitting).
FP temperature shows 41 C, and PA temperature is at 35 C
>>
>> This is not at objectionable at all, but made me wonder if this was
a cause for concern.
>>
>> Any ideas?
>>
>> Tom W4KX

On 19/07/2020 12:15, John Simmons wrote:

> Tom,
>
> Interesting post. I thought this was the case with my K3 also, but i
> figured out later that it was the fan in my power supply instead. Poor
> hearing!
>
> -de John NI0K
>
> Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote on 7/19/2020 8:41 AM:
>> I am the original owner of K3/100 #969, which still works great.
>>
>> I’ve noticed that recently the cooling fan comes on occasionally even
>> if the radio is on, but not in use (volume down, no transmitting). FP
>> temperature shows 41 C, and PA temperature is at 35 C
>>
>> This is not at objectionable at all, but made me wonder if this was a
>> cause for concern.
>>
>> Any ideas?
>>
>> Tom W4KX

Steef PA2A

Re: Cooling Fans

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Tom,

a few weeks ago the PA temperature of my K3 #1184 jumped between 32 and
41 degrees Celsius during receive, and the fans went on and off. The
problem went away after dismantling the K3 completely for another
problem and the fan/temp problem has vanished. Maybe some loose
connector had caused the problem. Monitoring the PA temp can be the
first step to solve the problem.

73s Steef PA2A

>> From: Tom Doligalski <[hidden email]>
>> To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Cooling Fans
>>
>> I am the original owner of K3/100 #969, which still works great.
>>
>> I?ve noticed that recently the cooling fan comes on occasionally even
>> if the radio is on, but not in use >>(volume down, no transmitting).
>> FP temperature shows 41 C, and PA temperature is at 35 C
>>
>> This is not at objectionable at all, but made me wonder if this was a
>> cause for concern.
>>
>> Any ideas?
>>
>> Tom W4KX

Steef PA2A

Re: K3 Issue

In reply to this post by Ronnie Hull

Ronnie,

a few months ago I had the same problem when my K3 #1184 was on for
about an hour. No RX, and no TX output. The KSYN3A synthesizer seemed to
have lost contact with the rest of the K3 and it gave different error
codes. The problem has finally been solved by disassembling the complete
K3 and SUBRX with all of its TMP cables, and I suspect one of these
cables caused the problem. An intermittent contact of the KREF3
reference oscillator could also be the cause.

73s Steef PA2A

> From: Ronnie W5SUM <[hidden email]>
> To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Issue
>
> Good Morning
>
> I purchased a used K3 a couple of weeks ago and received it last
> thursday. I
> hooked it up and it worked GREAT. Used it for SSB and CW contacts on
> 80M
> and ssb on 10M. Shut it down about 8pm last night. Turned it on this
> morning, and it has white noise audio but receives no signals at all.
> Nothing showing on the S meter either not even noise. NO POWER OUTPUT
> either.
>
> Has anyone every seen a sudden failure like this? I'm heartbroken as I
> am
> fearful of a astronomical repair charge from Elecraft and the person I
> bought it from is offering no warranty at all and since it was used I
> totally understand that part.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Ronnie W5SUM

Bill K9YEQ

Re: K3 Issue

In reply to this post by Vic Rosenthal

Before doing that be sure your connections are secured to antenna and it is working.

Have a great day!
Bill

________________________________
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> on behalf of Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 12:00:19 PM
To: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue

I suggest that you call Elecraft Support on Monday. I'm sure they have a
diagnostic procedure that they can take you through on the phone. Even
if there IS a failure somewhere, chances are that you can fix it
yourself with their help.

Just guessing, but I suggest you open it and make sure all the small
coax cables to the synthesizers are well seated. Since it was recently
shipped, something could have worked loose.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 19/07/2020 19:53, [hidden email] wrote:

Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle

> (408)348-7900 | it. | 150 Rivermead Rd
> #235 www.pwpconsult.com<http://www.pwpconsult.com> | - Scott McNealy (1999) | Peterborough,
> NH 03458
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list Home:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
> mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
> email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]
______________________________________________________________
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Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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NK7Z

Re: K3 Issue FIXED!!!!!

In reply to this post by Ronnie Hull

God knows how much they beat the radio in shipping!

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 7/19/20 10:30 AM, [hidden email] wrote:

> First let me thank each and every one of you for your suggestions.
> Victor, 4X6GP suggested I check all the small cables going in and out of
> the Synthesizers and THERE IT WAS!! One of them was completely out!!
> Plugged it back in and all is well!!
>
> Man you guys are great!! Thanks so much for all the help!
>
> Ronnie W5SUM
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP
> Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 12:00 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue
>
> I suggest that you call Elecraft Support on Monday. I'm sure they have a
> diagnostic procedure that they can take you through on the phone. Even
> if there IS a failure somewhere, chances are that you can fix it
> yourself with their help.
>
> Just guessing, but I suggest you open it and make sure all the small
> coax cables to the synthesizers are well seated. Since it was recently
> shipped, something could have worked loose.
>
> 73,
> Victor, 4X6GP
> Rehovot, Israel
> Formerly K2VCO
> CWops no. 5
> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
>
> On 19/07/2020 19:53, [hidden email] wrote:
>> ok I'm going to be answering several of your suggestions at once
>> here.
>>
>> First, when I powered off last night, I used the power button on the
>> K3 itself, I did not kill the power supply first
>>
>> The sub RX has been turned off and the RX Ant is NOT selected. Ant 1
>> is selected and the Antenna IS plugged into the port
>>
>> The is NO noise shown on the S meter and I have a pretty constant S3
>> to S5 noise here at my qth.
>>
>> Regardless of mode selected there is no power output, the display
>> says 0
>>
>> When I activate the tuner, regardless of band, it shows no SWR, says
>> 5 watts out, but there is NO POWER OUT of it. It always acts like it
>> is matching, or sounds like it is.
>>
>> Ronnie
>>
>> -----Original Message----- From: Bill Frantz Sent: Sunday, July 19,
>> 2020 11:40 AM To: [hidden email] Cc: Ian Kahn ; Elecraft
>> Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue
>>
>> The K3 can get antennas in a bewildering collection of ways. If the
>> RX antenna switch is on -- and this was my way of getting on reception
>> -- it might be your problem. The K3 can also send received
>> signals out on one of the BNC connectors and expect to get them back
>> on another.
>>
>> I recommend a careful reading of the manual, perhaps in PDF form with
>> a search for "antenna". The manual is downloadable from the Elecraft
>> web site.
>>
>> 73 Bill AE6JV
>>
>> On 7/19/20 at 12:10 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>
>>> yes sir.. using antenna port 1 and have it selected. HOWEVER.. I
>>> did move the antenna to port 2 and selected that port to no
>>> improvement. Same issue
>>
>> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>
> Bill Frantz        | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle
>> (408)348-7900      | it.                       | 150 Rivermead Rd
>> #235 www.pwpconsult.com |    - Scott McNealy (1999) | Peterborough, NH
>> 03458 ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list Home:
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
>> mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>> email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
>> [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Grant Youngman-2

Re: K3 Issue FIXED!!!!!

Glad to hear you got the problem solved, Ronnie,. A properly seated TMP connector isn’t like to just pop out, even with the rigors of shipping. So it’s a better than even bet it wasn’t properly seated to begin with. If shipping actually did that to a seated TMP connector, you probably would have received a very non-rectangular radio with a forklift tine through the front panel :-)

Grant NQ5T
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Barry Simpson-2

Re: K3 Issue

In reply to this post by Ronnie Hull

It sounds like an antenna connector problem .

Sent from my iPhone

> On 20 Jul 2020, at 02:53, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> ok I'm going to be answering several of your suggestions at once here.
>
> First, when I powered off last night, I used the power button on the K3 itself, I did not kill the power supply first
>
> The sub RX has been turned off and the RX Ant is NOT selected. Ant 1 is selected and the Antenna IS plugged into the port
>
> The is NO noise shown on the S meter and I have a pretty constant S3 to S5 noise here at my qth.
>
> Regardless of mode selected there is no power output, the display says 0
>
> When I activate the tuner, regardless of band, it shows no SWR, says 5 watts out, but there is NO POWER OUT of it. It always acts like it is matching, or sounds like it is.
>
> Ronnie
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Bill Frantz
> Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 11:40 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: Ian Kahn ; Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Issue
>
> The K3 can get antennas in a bewildering collection of ways. If
> the RX antenna switch is on -- and this was my way of getting on
> reception -- it might be your problem. The K3 can also send
> received signals out on one of the BNC connectors and expect to
> get them back on another.
>
> I recommend a careful reading of the manual, perhaps in PDF form
> with a search for "antenna". The manual is downloadable from the
> Elecraft web site.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
>> On 7/19/20 at 12:10 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>
>> yes sir.. using antenna port 1 and have it selected. HOWEVER.. I did move the antenna to port 2 and selected that port to no improvement. Same issue
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle
> (408)348-7900 | it. | 150 Rivermead
> Rd #235
> www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy (1999) | Peterborough,
> NH 03458
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Joe DeVincentis

Re: Cooling Fans

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Personally, I wouldn't be concerned about the radio just yet. There's a couple of other variables to check first.

How's the air flow around the radio?

What's the ambient temp right around the radio (not the room, but right next to the radio)?

Any thing sitting on top of the radio? Heat needs an easy escape.

Any heat generating items near the radio (e.g. incandescent lights)?

BTW, if the fan noise is objectionable, you can replace the fans with Noctua fans that have very similar characteristics and are quieter. I used Noctua NF-A6x25 FLX fans. The specs were almost identical and the fans are quieter.

Here's a post regarding the fan replacement: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Fan-Replacement-td7592075.html <http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Fan-Replacement-td7592075.html>. No modifications to the K3s was needed.

Joe, KO8V

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 09:41, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I am the original owner of K3/100 #969, which still works great.
>
> I’ve noticed that recently the cooling fan comes on occasionally even if the radio is on, but not in use (volume down, no transmitting). FP temperature shows 41 C, and PA temperature is at 35 C
>
> This is not at objectionable at all, but made me wonder if this was a cause for concern.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Tom W4KX

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Cooling Fans

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

I finally had the fans go off sporadically again, while I was monitoring the temperature. At that time conditions were:

Voltage 13.2 V
Current: 1.3 A (second receiver off)
PA 35 C
FP 41 C

This was after the K3 had been “idling” all night, with no transmissions and volume turned down to 0.

These are also the same values that the K3 normally shows…I am to receive a new thermometer later today, and will be calibrating the K3.

Strange!

Tom W4KX

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 2:59 PM, Mike Harris via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> FWIW.
>
> Test conditions measured under the K3 DISP menu:
>
> 14.1V
> 1.38A Sub RX on
> PA 32C
> FP 40C
>
> PA fans off
> PA fans on/off at 36C/35C
>
> Room temp 22C
>
> K3 FP and PA temp sensors calibrated against a laboratory thermometer adjacent to the K3.
>
> Never really noticed when the PA fans come on in idle conditions due to PC fan noise.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mike VP8NO
>
> On 19/07/2020 12:15, John Simmons wrote:
> > Tom,
> >
> > Interesting post. I thought this was the case with my K3 also, but i figured out later that it was the fan in my power supply instead. Poor hearing!
> >
> > -de John NI0K
> >
> > Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote on 7/19/2020 8:41 AM:
> >> I am the original owner of K3/100 #969, which still works great.
> >>
> >> I’ve noticed that recently the cooling fan comes on occasionally even if the radio is on, but not in use (volume down, no transmitting). FP temperature shows 41 C, and PA temperature is at 35 C
> >>
> >> This is not at objectionable at all, but made me wonder if this was a cause for concern.
> >>
> >> Any ideas?
> >>
> >> Tom W4KX
>
> On 19/07/2020 12:15, John Simmons wrote:
>> Tom,
>> Interesting post. I thought this was the case with my K3 also, but i figured out later that it was the fan in my power supply instead. Poor hearing!
>> -de John NI0K
>> Tom Doligalski via Elecraft wrote on 7/19/2020 8:41 AM:
>>> I am the original owner of K3/100 #969, which still works great.
>>>
>>> I’ve noticed that recently the cooling fan comes on occasionally even if the radio is on, but not in use (volume down, no transmitting). FP temperature shows 41 C, and PA temperature is at 35 C
>>>
>>> This is not at objectionable at all, but made me wonder if this was a cause for concern.
>>>
>>> Any ideas?
>>>
>>> Tom W4KX
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]