Elecraft

Dead K3

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Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Dead K3

So I was testing out my new K3 before I take it to J6 next week for a little
DXPedition work. and after about an hour of operation.. it just quit. Dead
as a door nail. has power to the back (checked) but never so much as the
display activating. Any ideas? I SURE don't want to go back to that Flex
3000 that I had so much trouble with on PJ4..

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator

Big Signal Ranch

Staunton, Illinois

email: <mailto:[hidden email]> [hidden email]

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dmb@lightstream.net

Re: Dead K3

If you can, check the resistance across the K3 "12VDC IN" Power Pole
connections (after you've disconnected your Power Supply of course).

On my K3, an internal zener-like diode (D28 on the RF Board) evidently
gave up its life to protect the radio from an overvoltage, and evidently
the failure mode is a short circuit. This diode goes straight to ground
immediately after the 6A inline fuse. I think the fuse is an
auto-resetting fuse, so you can probably assume it is still completing
the circuit for the purposes of your resistance measurement. If you
measure a dead short, the culprit is likely D28.

73, Dale
WA8SRA

On 7/29/2012 6:32 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

> So I was testing out my new K3 before I take it to J6 next week for a little
> DXPedition work. and after about an hour of operation.. it just quit. Dead
> as a door nail. has power to the back (checked) but never so much as the
> display activating. Any ideas? I SURE don't want to go back to that Flex
> 3000 that I had so much trouble with on PJ4..
>
>
>
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>
>
>
> Owner - Operator
>
> Big Signal Ranch
>
> Staunton, Illinois
>
>
>
> email: <mailto:[hidden email]> [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
>

Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: Dead K3

Thanks for the tip... Measured about 995 ohms at the connector, so it
appears D28 is still intact.

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email: [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dale Boresz
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:07 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

If you can, check the resistance across the K3 "12VDC IN" Power Pole
connections (after you've disconnected your Power Supply of course).

On my K3, an internal zener-like diode (D28 on the RF Board) evidently gave
up its life to protect the radio from an overvoltage, and evidently the
failure mode is a short circuit. This diode goes straight to ground
immediately after the 6A inline fuse. I think the fuse is an auto-resetting
fuse, so you can probably assume it is still completing the circuit for the
purposes of your resistance measurement. If you measure a dead short, the
culprit is likely D28.

73, Dale
WA8SRA

On 7/29/2012 6:32 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

> So I was testing out my new K3 before I take it to J6 next week for a
> little DXPedition work. and after about an hour of operation.. it just
> quit. Dead as a door nail. has power to the back (checked) but never
> so much as the display activating. Any ideas? I SURE don't want to
> go back to that Flex
> 3000 that I had so much trouble with on PJ4..
>
>
>
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>
>
>
> Owner - Operator
>
> Big Signal Ranch
>
> Staunton, Illinois
>
>
>
> email: <mailto:[hidden email]> [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
>

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No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date: 07/29/12

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Bill Clarke

Re: Dead K3

Does the display stay dark - but, dimly shows MCU LD in the lower right
corner?

Bill W2BLC

--
IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
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dmb@lightstream.net

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Bill,

Sorry, that's about the only thing that comes to mind that you could try
without some disassembling. I agree, it sounds like D28 is not the
issue. I'd call Elecraft Tech Support tomorrow and I'll bet they can
help you out.

Best wishes for a quick and easy fix!

73, Dale
WA8SRA

On 7/29/2012 7:16 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

> Thanks for the tip... Measured about 995 ohms at the connector, so it
> appears D28 is still intact.
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>
> Owner - Operator
> Big Signal Ranch
> Staunton, Illinois
>
> email: [hidden email]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dale Boresz
> Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:07 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3
>
> If you can, check the resistance across the K3 "12VDC IN" Power Pole
> connections (after you've disconnected your Power Supply of course).
>
> On my K3, an internal zener-like diode (D28 on the RF Board) evidently gave
> up its life to protect the radio from an overvoltage, and evidently the
> failure mode is a short circuit. This diode goes straight to ground
> immediately after the 6A inline fuse. I think the fuse is an auto-resetting
> fuse, so you can probably assume it is still completing the circuit for the
> purposes of your resistance measurement. If you measure a dead short, the
> culprit is likely D28.
>
> 73, Dale
> WA8SRA
>
>
>
>
> On 7/29/2012 6:32 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:
>> So I was testing out my new K3 before I take it to J6 next week for a
>> little DXPedition work. and after about an hour of operation.. it just
>> quit. Dead as a door nail. has power to the back (checked) but never
>> so much as the display activating. Any ideas? I SURE don't want to
>> go back to that Flex
>> 3000 that I had so much trouble with on PJ4..
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>>
>>
>>
>> Owner - Operator
>>
>> Big Signal Ranch
>>
>> Staunton, Illinois
>>
>>
>>
>> email: <mailto:[hidden email]> [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
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date: 07/29/12
>
>

Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Bill Clarke

Nope. Now when I push the power button it does nothing... no relay
clicking... nada... For a while, at least I heard the power relay close...
now nothing.

This is very irritating. I've tried three radios and power supplies in the
last year... to put something together that was a little lighter than
dragging my heavy Icom 756 proII with me... All three (different companies)
have failed either while in service or (in this case) before! In each case,
I spent a lot of money thinking I bought the best that could be had. I just
don't even know what to say. Now don't get me wrong, I have not given up on
the K3 yet... but things don't look good...

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email: [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:30 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

Does the display stay dark - but, dimly shows MCU LD in the lower right
corner?

Bill W2BLC

--
IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date: 07/29/12

______________________________________________________________
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Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by dmb@lightstream.net

Thanks for the help. I already "cc'd" them on the original post so they
will know... and I will be on the phone tomorrow ASAP. The customer service
is excellent. My fear is, leaving on Friday... if it's anything more than
pushing a button/ resetting something/ removing a module... this radio stays
home.

Man the article I'm writing on Island radio is not looking pretty...

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email: [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dale Boresz
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:34 PM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

Bill,

Sorry, that's about the only thing that comes to mind that you could try
without some disassembling. I agree, it sounds like D28 is not the issue.
I'd call Elecraft Tech Support tomorrow and I'll bet they can help you out.

Best wishes for a quick and easy fix!

73, Dale
WA8SRA

On 7/29/2012 7:16 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

> Thanks for the tip... Measured about 995 ohms at the connector, so it
> appears D28 is still intact.
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>
> Owner - Operator
> Big Signal Ranch
> Staunton, Illinois
>
> email: [hidden email]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dale Boresz
> Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:07 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3
>
> If you can, check the resistance across the K3 "12VDC IN" Power Pole
> connections (after you've disconnected your Power Supply of course).
>
> On my K3, an internal zener-like diode (D28 on the RF Board) evidently
> gave up its life to protect the radio from an overvoltage, and
> evidently the failure mode is a short circuit. This diode goes
> straight to ground immediately after the 6A inline fuse. I think the
> fuse is an auto-resetting fuse, so you can probably assume it is still
> completing the circuit for the purposes of your resistance
> measurement. If you measure a dead short, the culprit is likely D28.
>
> 73, Dale
> WA8SRA
>
>
>
>
> On 7/29/2012 6:32 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:
>> So I was testing out my new K3 before I take it to J6 next week for a
>> little DXPedition work. and after about an hour of operation.. it
>> just quit. Dead as a door nail. has power to the back (checked) but
>> never so much as the display activating. Any ideas? I SURE don't
>> want to go back to that Flex
>> 3000 that I had so much trouble with on PJ4..
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>>
>>
>>
>> Owner - Operator
>>
>> Big Signal Ranch
>>
>> Staunton, Illinois
>>
>>
>>
>> email: <mailto:[hidden email]> [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
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date:
> 07/29/12
>
>

Mike WA8BXN

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Measuring the current flow from power supply to radio in receive may give
someone a clue as to what is happening.

73 - Mike WA8BXN
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John Shaw

Re: Dead K3

Is the power supply supplying working properly, supplying voltage within K3
operating range?

73 John ZL1BYZ.

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mike WA8BXN
Sent: Monday, 30 July 2012 12:08
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

Measuring the current flow from power supply to radio in receive may give
someone a clue as to what is happening.

73 - Mike WA8BXN
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

I think that's only for the power amp... but checked...it's engaged.

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email: [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: Elliott Lawrence [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:43 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

How about pushing the breaker button on the back panel? Maybe it tripped?
73
Elliott WA6TLA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dr. William J. Schmidt, II" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Dead K3

> So I was testing out my new K3 before I take it to J6 next week for a
> little
> DXPedition work. and after about an hour of operation.. it just quit.
> Dead
> as a door nail. has power to the back (checked) but never so much as the
> display activating. Any ideas? I SURE don't want to go back to that Flex
> 3000 that I had so much trouble with on PJ4..
>
>
>
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>
>
>
> Owner - Operator
>
> Big Signal Ranch
>
> Staunton, Illinois
>
>
>
> email: <mailto:[hidden email]> [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

-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date: 07/29/12

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

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Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by John Shaw

Yep. Have three different supplies, tried all three (all power my other
radios just fine). I have the scope/ VOM/ current meter on the input now
looking for transients, etc. Nada. No crowbar on the power supply either
(so no short). I'm gonna have a look at that LP fuse now...

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email: [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John Shaw
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 7:19 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

Is the power supply supplying working properly, supplying voltage within K3
operating range?

73 John ZL1BYZ.

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mike WA8BXN
Sent: Monday, 30 July 2012 12:08
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

Measuring the current flow from power supply to radio in receive may give
someone a clue as to what is happening.

73 - Mike WA8BXN
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date: 07/29/12

______________________________________________________________
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vk4tux

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

My guess from your 995 ohm resistance check, is a dead Q2 FDS6375. It will be interesting to see.
I would post the K3 to Elecraft and have it when you get home. Good luck on the trip.

Adrian ... vk4tux

dmb@lightstream.net

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Another possibility is that the /PWR_ON line that biases on Q2 is not
being pulled low by the associated line to the Front Panel board due to
an intermittent connection on connector J30. Maybe try disconnecting and
then reconnecting the Front Panel board from the RF Board.

73, Dale
WA8SRA

On 7/29/2012 6:32 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Bill,

Your "cc" to [hidden email] did not show on what I perceive as
your original post, so you may want to send something separate.
OTOH, since you are in a bit of a hurry (laving on Friday), and support
has to wade through the entire weekend's worth of email, you may do
better to phone 831/763-4211
first thing (8AM) California time - well, leave enough time for Dale
and Howard to settle down to their work positions and have a few sips of
thier morning beverage.

In the meantime, check the obvious - remove the APP from the back of the
K3 and check the voltage with your DMM - there is a possibility that
there is a problem with the DC power cable. If you assembled that power
cable, take a look at the end of it - the blades of the connectors must
be clipped securely over the spring fingers in the housing. If you need
a diagram of how it should look, check figure 29 on page 37 of the XV
transverter assembly manual -
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/Assembly%20Manual%20XV50,144,%20222%20Rev%20D.pdf

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/29/2012 7:48 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

> Thanks for the help. I already "cc'd" them on the original post so they
> will know... and I will be on the phone tomorrow ASAP. The customer service
> is excellent. My fear is, leaving on Friday... if it's anything more than
> pushing a button/ resetting something/ removing a module... this radio stays
> home.
>
> Man the article I'm writing on Island radio is not looking pretty...
>
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>
> Owner - Operator
> Big Signal Ranch
> Staunton, Illinois
>
> email: [hidden email]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dale Boresz
> Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:34 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3
>
> Bill,
>
> Sorry, that's about the only thing that comes to mind that you could try
> without some disassembling. I agree, it sounds like D28 is not the issue.
> I'd call Elecraft Tech Support tomorrow and I'll bet they can help you out.
>
> Best wishes for a quick and easy fix!
>
> 73, Dale
> WA8SRA
>
>
>
> On 7/29/2012 7:16 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:
>> Thanks for the tip... Measured about 995 ohms at the connector, so it
>> appears D28 is still intact.
>>
>>
>> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>>
>> Owner - Operator
>> Big Signal Ranch
>> Staunton, Illinois
>>
>> email: [hidden email]
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email]
>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dale Boresz
>> Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:07 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3
>>
>> If you can, check the resistance across the K3 "12VDC IN" Power Pole
>> connections (after you've disconnected your Power Supply of course).
>>
>> On my K3, an internal zener-like diode (D28 on the RF Board) evidently
>> gave up its life to protect the radio from an overvoltage, and
>> evidently the failure mode is a short circuit. This diode goes
>> straight to ground immediately after the 6A inline fuse. I think the
>> fuse is an auto-resetting fuse, so you can probably assume it is still
>> completing the circuit for the purposes of your resistance
>> measurement. If you measure a dead short, the culprit is likely D28.
>>
>> 73, Dale
>> WA8SRA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 7/29/2012 6:32 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:
>>> So I was testing out my new K3 before I take it to J6 next week for a
>>> little DXPedition work. and after about an hour of operation.. it
>>> just quit. Dead as a door nail. has power to the back (checked) but
>>> never so much as the display activating. Any ideas? I SURE don't
>>> want to go back to that Flex
>>> 3000 that I had so much trouble with on PJ4..
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Owner - Operator
>>>
>>> Big Signal Ranch
>>>
>>> Staunton, Illinois
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> email: <mailto:[hidden email]> [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
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>
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>> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> -----
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>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date:
>> 07/29/12
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: Dead K3

Thanks Don... In my haste, I omitted the "K3" off the front of the
"K3Support" email address on my post... so no telling where it went. My
fault.

I'll get the K3 apart tonight so I can do some troubleshooting from the
schematic. Will determine first if there is power inside the radio and how
far in. Then give support a call in the AM as you suggest.

The unfortunate part is that I spent weeks prepping for this trip and
thought I had everything working perfectly (including the antenna, radio,
and all of the laptop software and interfaces). This will be a full week
for me at work ahead of vacation so I won't have the time to really spend
troubleshooting like I would otherwise.

We will go back in November though...

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ/ PJ4HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email: [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 8:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

Bill,

Your "cc" to [hidden email] did not show on what I perceive as your
original post, so you may want to send something separate.
OTOH, since you are in a bit of a hurry (laving on Friday), and support has
to wade through the entire weekend's worth of email, you may do better to
phone 831/763-4211 first thing (8AM) California time - well, leave enough
time for Dale and Howard to settle down to their work positions and have a
few sips of thier morning beverage.

In the meantime, check the obvious - remove the APP from the back of the
K3 and check the voltage with your DMM - there is a possibility that there
is a problem with the DC power cable. If you assembled that power cable,
take a look at the end of it - the blades of the connectors must be clipped
securely over the spring fingers in the housing. If you need a diagram of
how it should look, check figure 29 on page 37 of the XV transverter
assembly manual -
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/Assembly%20Manual%20XV50,144,%20222%20Rev%20D
.pdf

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/29/2012 7:48 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

> Thanks for the help. I already "cc'd" them on the original post so
> they will know... and I will be on the phone tomorrow ASAP. The
> customer service is excellent. My fear is, leaving on Friday... if
> it's anything more than pushing a button/ resetting something/
> removing a module... this radio stays home.
>
> Man the article I'm writing on Island radio is not looking pretty...
>
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>
> Owner - Operator
> Big Signal Ranch
> Staunton, Illinois
>
> email: [hidden email]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dale Boresz
> Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:34 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3
>
> Bill,
>
> Sorry, that's about the only thing that comes to mind that you could
> try without some disassembling. I agree, it sounds like D28 is not the

issue.
> I'd call Elecraft Tech Support tomorrow and I'll bet they can help you
out.

>
> Best wishes for a quick and easy fix!
>
> 73, Dale
> WA8SRA
>
>
>
> On 7/29/2012 7:16 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:
>> Thanks for the tip... Measured about 995 ohms at the connector, so it
>> appears D28 is still intact.
>>
>>
>> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>>
>> Owner - Operator
>> Big Signal Ranch
>> Staunton, Illinois
>>
>> email: [hidden email]
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email]
>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dale Boresz
>> Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 6:07 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3
>>
>> If you can, check the resistance across the K3 "12VDC IN" Power Pole
>> connections (after you've disconnected your Power Supply of course).
>>
>> On my K3, an internal zener-like diode (D28 on the RF Board)
>> evidently gave up its life to protect the radio from an overvoltage,
>> and evidently the failure mode is a short circuit. This diode goes
>> straight to ground immediately after the 6A inline fuse. I think the
>> fuse is an auto-resetting fuse, so you can probably assume it is
>> still completing the circuit for the purposes of your resistance
>> measurement. If you measure a dead short, the culprit is likely D28.
>>
>> 73, Dale
>> WA8SRA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 7/29/2012 6:32 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:
>>> So I was testing out my new K3 before I take it to J6 next week for
>>> a little DXPedition work. and after about an hour of operation.. it
>>> just quit. Dead as a door nail. has power to the back (checked) but
>>> never so much as the display activating. Any ideas? I SURE don't
>>> want to go back to that Flex
>>> 3000 that I had so much trouble with on PJ4..
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Owner - Operator
>>>
>>> Big Signal Ranch
>>>
>>> Staunton, Illinois
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> email: <mailto:[hidden email]> [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
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> -----
>> No virus found in this message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date:
>> 07/29/12
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2437/5163 - Release Date:
> 07/29/12
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

I was able to do some diagnostic work to determine that D35 is shorted. How
this could happen is a complete mystery? I've never had anything plugged
into J11 (the 12V accessory out jack), so don't quite understand this. The
trace from the end of D34 to RF choke RFC48 is a little over-heated but
still usable (well, I never had plans to use external power for anything so
it won't be a problem). I'll discuss this with tech support in the AM and
this may be as easy as lifting D35 and it's good to go. Maybe...

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email: [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 8:22 PM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead K3

Bill,

Your "cc" to [hidden email] did not show on what I perceive as your
original post, so you may want to send something separate.
OTOH, since you are in a bit of a hurry (laving on Friday), and support has
to wade through the entire weekend's worth of email, you may do better to
phone 831/763-4211 first thing (8AM) California time - well, leave enough
time for Dale and Howard to settle down to their work positions and have a
few sips of thier morning beverage.

In the meantime, check the obvious - remove the APP from the back of the
K3 and check the voltage with your DMM - there is a possibility that there
is a problem with the DC power cable. If you assembled that power cable,
take a look at the end of it - the blades of the connectors must be clipped
securely over the spring fingers in the housing. If you need a diagram of
how it should look, check figure 29 on page 37 of the XV transverter
assembly manual -
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/Assembly%20Manual%20XV50,144,%20222%20Rev%20D
.pdf

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/29/2012 7:48 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

issue.
> I'd call Elecraft Tech Support tomorrow and I'll bet they can help you
out.

Mike Morrow-3

Re: Dead K3

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

> I was able to do some diagnostic work to determine that D35 is shorted. How
> this could happen is a complete mystery? I've never had anything plugged
> into J11 (the 12V accessory out jack), so don't quite understand this.

That is odd. About the only thing one would expect to cause that is an
external power source of reverse polarity connected to J11...but then one
would expect F2 to blow before D35 was destroyed. Strange, especially when
nothing at all has been connected to J11.

But, how are you sure, short of disconnecting one end of D35 and measuring
resistance forward and reverse, that it *is* D35? Shorts anywhere downstream
of D34 would show identical results. C272 could be shorted...a trace in
the path could be shorted...C220 or J11 could be shorted (but then F2 should
blow).

> The trace from the end of D34 to RF choke RFC48 is a little over-heated but
> still usable (well, I never had plans to use external power for anything so
> it won't be a problem). I'll discuss this with tech support in the AM and
> this may be as easy as lifting D35 and it's good to go. Maybe...

Were it mine, there's no doubt what I'd do immediately...cut one lead of D35
and verify that the short is cleared on both sides of D34. If no fault is
detected, apply DC power and see if the radio will power up properly. That
would show no damage has been caused to Q2.

If there is still a ground fault shown, I'd cut D34 to isolate all of the path
to J11. It could be that D35 isn't the problem after all.

In any event, the solution should be trivial and quick since you don't need
to supply anything from J11. Worst case, cut D34 (not D35) to isolate all
possible faults and troubleshoot the short, some time later.

Mike / KK5F
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Jeff Herr

KX3 backlog reduced...

In reply to this post by Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

...wow almost a month worth in a week....almost all march kx3 orders are
done.

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