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Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

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N6SC

Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

Elecraft K3 – The radio just started turning off and shutting down during this weekends contest. No changes have been made to the station in over 6 months so nothing was done that may be suspect. Radio has both 10 and 100 W output, and typically run 40 watts out into an Alpha 8410 for drive. Troubleshooting, I throttled the output back to 10 watts, I can operate no problem and increased it in 5 watt increments. It start shutting the radio down at around 25 watts. Is there something I should try or does it need a trip back into the factory??

Tx

Ron
N6SC

Scott Manthe-2

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

I'd first confirm that the power supply and all of the power supply
connections were good before I started to worry too much.

73,
Scott, N9AA

On 3/3/14 4:43 PM, N6SC wrote:

k6dgw

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by N6SC

Poor choice of wording in the subject. :-) Certainly got *my* immediate
attention.

On 3/3/2014 1:43 PM, N6SC wrote:
> Elecraft K3 – The radio just started turning off and shutting down during
> this weekends contest.

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Mark Bayern

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

> Poor choice of wording in the subject. :-)

Yep. I sorta' stumbled when I saw the topic, then thought, "Wrong
month ... that should have been posted April 1st"

Mark AD5SS

On Mon, Mar 3, 2014 at 5:03 PM, Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Poor choice of wording in the subject. :-) Certainly got *my* immediate
> attention.
>
>
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tnnyswy

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

>>>> Is there something I should try or does it need a
trip back into the factory?? <<<<

Have you tried a Dummy Load?

You do have a Dummy Load ! Do You?

((((73)))) Milverton.

On Monday, March 3, 2014 5:17 PM, Mark Bayern <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Poor choice of wording in the subject. :-)
>
>Yep. I sorta' stumbled when I saw the topic, then thought, "Wrong
>month ... that should have been posted April 1st"
>
>Mark AD5SS
>
>
>
>
>On Mon, Mar 3, 2014 at 5:03 PM, Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> Poor choice of wording in the subject. :-) Certainly got *my* immediate
>> attention.
>>
>>
>______________________________________________________________
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>
>
>

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by N6SC

If its shutting down only when the power level is above 12W I'd pull
the KPA3 and check for the "burned connector" problem - particularly
if the symptoms have been getting progressively worse.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 3/3/2014 4:43 PM, N6SC wrote:

> Elecraft K3 – The radio just started turning off and shutting down during
> this weekends contest. No changes have been made to the station in over 6
> months so nothing was done that may be suspect. Radio has both 10 and 100 W
> output, and typically run 40 watts out into an Alpha 8410 for drive.
> Troubleshooting, I throttled the output back to 10 watts, I can operate no
> problem and increased it in 5 watt increments. It start shutting the radio
> down at around 25 watts. Is there something I should try or does it need a
> trip back into the factory??
>
> Tx
>
> Ron
> N6SC
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Help-Elecraft-Shutting-Down-tp7585057.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:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

bobgarceau

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

I had that problem in St.Croix a few years ago.
Turned out to be a bad power supply.
I could get no higher than 30 watts and then shut down..

Bob Garceau, W1EQ
DXCC Honor Roll
Triple Play Award #5
DXCC Challenge 2149 band/countries
Ex. K1YRP, USA-CA All Counties #342

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2014 8:11 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

If its shutting down only when the power level is above 12W I'd pull the
KPA3 and check for the "burned connector" problem - particularly if the
symptoms have been getting progressively worse.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 3/3/2014 4:43 PM, N6SC wrote:
> Elecraft K3 - The radio just started turning off and shutting down
> during this weekends contest. No changes have been made to the
> station in over 6 months so nothing was done that may be suspect.
> Radio has both 10 and 100 W output, and typically run 40 watts out into an
Alpha 8410 for drive.

> Troubleshooting, I throttled the output back to 10 watts, I can
> operate no problem and increased it in 5 watt increments. It start
> shutting the radio down at around 25 watts. Is there something I
> should try or does it need a trip back into the factory??
>
> Tx
>
> Ron
> N6SC
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Help-Elecraft-Shutting-Down-tp758
> 5057.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:[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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dmb@lightstream.net

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by N6SC

Ron,

If your power supply happens to have a knob to set current-limiting, check
it to be sure that it hasn't accidentally been lowered. I have an Astron
VS-35M sitting beneath the operating desk, and have managed to
unintentionally 'adjust' (downward) the current-limiting with my knee
more times than I would like to admit. It caused exactly the issue that
you describe.

73, Dale
WA8SRA

> Elecraft K3 â The radio just started turning off and shutting down
> during
> this weekends contest. No changes have been made to the station in over 6
> months so nothing was done that may be suspect. Radio has both 10 and 100
> W
> output, and typically run 40 watts out into an Alpha 8410 for drive.
> Troubleshooting, I throttled the output back to 10 watts, I can operate
> no
> problem and increased it in 5 watt increments. It start shutting the radio
> down at around 25 watts. Is there something I should try or does it need
> a
> trip back into the factory??
>
> Tx
>
> Ron
> N6SC
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Help-Elecraft-Shutting-Down-tp7585057.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:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by N6SC

Ron,

Most problems of that nature are not a problem with the K3, but a
problem with the power system.

Check your power supply and the power cord. All connections must be
tight and the PowerPole connector that plugs into the K3 must have the
contact blades fully inserted into the housing. Look at the business
end of the connector - if you can see two metal ends (both the latching
spring and the contact blade), the contact is not latched - push it
further into the housing until it latches behind the spring.
What is the voltage reported by the K3? If it is low, you might have a
problem in your power supply.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/3/2014 4:43 PM, N6SC wrote:

Arie Kleingeld PA3A-2

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by N6SC

Ron,

This sounds like the 12V ERR which is caused bij bad connectors between
the final 100W PA and the rest of the K3.
Older K3's can run into this error (my #1255 also about one year ago).
It can be resolved easily.

73
Arie PA3A

N6SC schreef op 3-3-2014 22:43:

Martin Rath-2

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by N6SC

Hi Ron,

I'm glad I found your email as my K3 (#5426) has been experiencing the same
issues for a couple of days. I did not dismantle it for now to see if it's
related to the burned connector issue as I would like to try it with
another power supply first (and i need to borrow one first from another
ham).

This K3 was used extensively on Reunion Island during 10 days lately as
part of the TO7CC DX Expedition, maybe this has made the issue to appear
now. First I thought that it was related to the power supply but then it
happened at least once when the K3 was on RX. I upgraded the MCU and
DSP1/DSP2 to the latest softwares but that did not resolve the issue.

Let me know if you manage to track your issue down !

Best 73's Martin 9V1RM

On Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 5:43 AM, N6SC <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Elecraft K3 – The radio just started turning off and shutting down during
> this weekends contest. No changes have been made to the station in over 6
> months so nothing was done that may be suspect. Radio has both 10 and 100
> W
> output, and typically run 40 watts out into an Alpha 8410 for drive.
> Troubleshooting, I throttled the output back to 10 watts, I can operate no
> problem and increased it in 5 watt increments. It start shutting the radio
> down at around 25 watts. Is there something I should try or does it need a
> trip back into the factory??
>
> Tx
>
> Ron
> N6SC
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Help-Elecraft-Shutting-Down-tp7585057.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:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

Martin,

One thing to check is the blades in the Anderson PowerPole connector at
the end of the cable.
Peer into the end of the cable - if you see the ends of two metal blades
in either side of the connector, the contact blade has not been fully
seated behind the securing spring - give it a hard push with a screwdriver.

The other thing to check is the tightness of the terminals on the power
supply.

The burned connector inside the K3 will usually only affect power to the
KPA3, and it will usually produce an ERR 12V condition rather than a
shutdown. That problem has been cured some long time ago when the pins
were changed to gold plated type - if you do not have an early K3, that
condition is not likely.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/5/2014 8:17 PM, Martin Rath wrote:

> Hi Ron,
>
> I'm glad I found your email as my K3 (#5426) has been experiencing the same
> issues for a couple of days. I did not dismantle it for now to see if it's
> related to the burned connector issue as I would like to try it with
> another power supply first (and i need to borrow one first from another
> ham).
>
> This K3 was used extensively on Reunion Island during 10 days lately as
> part of the TO7CC DX Expedition, maybe this has made the issue to appear
> now. First I thought that it was related to the power supply but then it
> happened at least once when the K3 was on RX. I upgraded the MCU and
> DSP1/DSP2 to the latest softwares but that did not resolve the issue.
>
> Let me know if you manage to track your issue down !
>
> Best 73's Martin 9V1RM
>
>

Bill-3

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

Early on I had problems with my K3 and sudden death. A little history:
When I bought the K3, I modernized the radio desk with Anderson Power
Poles. Everything was done with Power Poles. A week or so after I got my
K3, it quit in the middle of a QSO. I pushed the POWER switch and it
came right back to life. It continued to work for a day or so, then I
had a similar incident with my 2-meter rig. I came into the shack and it
was off. I am not a believer in coincidences, so I pulled the desk from
the wall. While the desk was moving from the wall, the K3 died again. I
had my answer - something physical, such as wire movement was
interrupting the power to my equipment. I spent an afternoon replacing
the Power Poles with soldered/crimped spade lugs and a proper DC power
panel with threaded posts and nuts etc.

I know how to put the Power Poles on, even have the proper crimping
tool. However, nothing works as well as old fashioned methods. Sure, it
isn't quick - but, I rarely have a need to disconnect anything on my
main radio desk. I still have a few Power Poles in the system - that
came factory produced (not my handy-work) - and they do give me trouble
with the instant on back-up DC system. This weekend they will also get
replaced - then I will toss the rest of that stuff in the trash. I know
there are some wanting to argue the point - so be it - use them in your
station. I choose not to.

Bill W2BLC K-Line
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Martin Rath-2

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Hi Don,

thanks for your always helpfull advise. let me please review the powerpoles
tonight and I will try to follow-up on this topic.

best 73's Martin 9V1RM / F8UKP

On Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 9:33 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Martin,
>
> One thing to check is the blades in the Anderson PowerPole connector at
> the end of the cable.
> Peer into the end of the cable - if you see the ends of two metal blades
> in either side of the connector, the contact blade has not been fully
> seated behind the securing spring - give it a hard push with a screwdriver.
>
> The other thing to check is the tightness of the terminals on the power
> supply.
>
> The burned connector inside the K3 will usually only affect power to the
> KPA3, and it will usually produce an ERR 12V condition rather than a
> shutdown. That problem has been cured some long time ago when the pins
> were changed to gold plated type - if you do not have an early K3, that
> condition is not likely.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 3/5/2014 8:17 PM, Martin Rath wrote:
>
>> Hi Ron,
>>
>> I'm glad I found your email as my K3 (#5426) has been experiencing the
>> same
>> issues for a couple of days. I did not dismantle it for now to see if it's
>> related to the burned connector issue as I would like to try it with
>> another power supply first (and i need to borrow one first from another
>> ham).
>>
>> This K3 was used extensively on Reunion Island during 10 days lately as
>> part of the TO7CC DX Expedition, maybe this has made the issue to appear
>> now. First I thought that it was related to the power supply but then it
>> happened at least once when the K3 was on RX. I upgraded the MCU and
>> DSP1/DSP2 to the latest softwares but that did not resolve the issue.
>>
>> Let me know if you manage to track your issue down !
>>
>> Best 73's Martin 9V1RM
>>
>>
>>
>

Gary Smith-2

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by dmb@lightstream.net

And I have the same power supply and have done exactly the same with
my foot, with the exact same results. I now have the knob locked in
position by a wedge...

Gary
KA1J

> Ron,
>
> If your power supply happens to have a knob to set current-limiting, check
> it to be sure that it hasn't accidentally been lowered. I have an Astron
> VS-35M sitting beneath the operating desk, and have managed to
> unintentionally 'adjust' (downward) the current-limiting with my knee
> more times than I would like to admit. It caused exactly the issue that
> you describe.
>
> 73, Dale
> WA8SRA
>
> > Elecraft K3 âEUR" The radio just started turning off and shutting down
> > during
> > this weekends contest. No changes have been made to the station in over 6
> > months so nothing was done that may be suspect. Radio has both 10 and 100
> > W
> > output, and typically run 40 watts out into an Alpha 8410 for drive.
> > Troubleshooting, I throttled the output back to 10 watts, I can operate
> > no
> > problem and increased it in 5 watt increments. It start shutting the radio
> > down at around 25 watts. Is there something I should try or does it need
> > a
> > trip back into the factory??
> >
> > Tx
> >
> > Ron
> > N6SC
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > View this message in context:
> > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Help-Elecraft-Shutting-Down-tp7585057.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:[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
>

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Martin Rath-2

Re: Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

In reply to this post by Martin Rath-2

Dear all,

Just as a quick feedback : the Alinco DM330MVE was replaced by a much
heavier Diamond GSV-3000 today. So far the issue seems to have gone.

Last night I realised that just slightly touching the DM330MVE resulted in
a voltage drop most of over 5v ... Trying to set in manually to the right
voltage turned out almost impossible. So I'm back from small switching PSU
to old fashioned ones :-)

Thanks to all for your kind advices.

73's Martin 9V1RM / F8UKP

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