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[K1] [KNB1] Noise blanker not detected (three dashes ---)

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Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu

[K1] [KNB1] Noise blanker not detected (three dashes ---)

Hello,

This is my first message to this mailing list, so please be gentle!

During the summer and autumn I built my first ever kit: the K1-2 (#3449) + KAT1. Everything worked surprisingly well (being a first-timer and all), I never had any problems. Until now. It seems that I failed in my “build-without-help” venture :)

A few days ago I completed building the KNB1 option and when I got to the “Initial Test” phase I noticed that in the menu, instead of HI/LO/OFF I can only see three dashes (---). The instructions say that the K1 firmware has not detected the noise blanker module and that a possible cause may be that the U3 was soldered in backwards. I assume that’s a mistake - there is no U3. Just a U1, and it’s soldered properly.

Some details:

- The K1 firmware is revision 109
- The KNB1 PCB is revision Cr
- U1 on KNB1 has a small paper label with “NB 1.02” written on it
- Turning the trimmer C2 on KNB1 does vary the band noise and received signal strength
- There is continuity from KNB1 U1 pins 3/4 to the front panel U1 pin 8 (6R/AUX) - around 182 ohms
- The voltage between KNB1 U1 pin 1 (VDD) and GND is 6.03V
- The voltage between KNB1 U1 pin 5 and GND is 5.59V (this is the 6V switch for the noise blanker)

That’s about as much information as I can think of right now.

Has anyone else encountered the same issue before? At the moment I’m thinking that KNB1 U1 may be defective, but I don’t know how to make sure. I would appreciate some assistance in solving this.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this message!

73,
Bogdan YO8SAW
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Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu

Re: [K1] [KNB1] Noise blanker not detected (three dashes ---)

Hi Ron,

Thanks for your reply!

Yes, the connectors are correctly mated. In fact the available space for the KNB1 module is so tight, I don't even think that it can be offset by one pin. As for the errata, I do have it and I followed its instructions.

I won't write to support just yet, maybe someone will be able to help here.

73,
Bogdan YO8SAW

> On 27 Nov 2016, at 01:51, Ron D'Eau Claire <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hello Bogdan:
>
> You message caused me to perk up because I maintain a lot of the Elecraft manuals, but that one predates my work and I never built the K1. So all I can offer is a couple of possibilities:
>
> 1) Is the module plugged in correctly. Are all the pins mated and the module is not offset leaving one of the end pins hanging outside the connector?
>
> 2) There should have been an errata sheet shipped with your manual. Did you get it, and if so did you follow its instructions? If for some reason you don't have the errata, you can download it here:
> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740022E%20KNB1%20Rev%20C-3.pdf
>
> 3) Don, W3FPR, is an expert on the rigs and may respond to you at any time depending upon his schedule.
>
> 4) Drop an e-mail to [hidden email] Monday if you don't find a solution before then.
>
> Good luck and have fun!
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu
> Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2016 2:54 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] [K1] [KNB1] Noise blanker not detected (three dashes ---)
>
> Hello,
>
> This is my first message to this mailing list, so please be gentle!
>
> During the summer and autumn I built my first ever kit: the K1-2 (#3449) + KAT1. Everything worked surprisingly well (being a first-timer and all), I never had any problems. Until now. It seems that I failed in my “build-without-help” venture :)
>
> A few days ago I completed building the KNB1 option and when I got to the “Initial Test” phase I noticed that in the menu, instead of HI/LO/OFF I can only see three dashes (---). The instructions say that the K1 firmware has not detected the noise blanker module and that a possible cause may be that the U3 was soldered in backwards. I assume that’s a mistake - there is no U3. Just a U1, and it’s soldered properly.
>
> Some details:
>
> - The K1 firmware is revision 109
> - The KNB1 PCB is revision Cr
> - U1 on KNB1 has a small paper label with “NB 1.02” written on it
> - Turning the trimmer C2 on KNB1 does vary the band noise and received signal strength
> - There is continuity from KNB1 U1 pins 3/4 to the front panel U1 pin 8 (6R/AUX) - around 182 ohms
> - The voltage between KNB1 U1 pin 1 (VDD) and GND is 6.03V
> - The voltage between KNB1 U1 pin 5 and GND is 5.59V (this is the 6V switch for the noise blanker)
>
> That’s about as much information as I can think of right now.
>
> Has anyone else encountered the same issue before? At the moment I’m thinking that KNB1 U1 may be defective, but I don’t know how to make sure. I would appreciate some assistance in solving this.
>
> Many thanks for taking the time to read this message!
>
> 73,
> Bogdan YO8SAW
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Don Wilhelm

Re: [K1] [KNB1] Noise blanker not detected (three dashes ---)

In reply to this post by Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu

Bogdan,

I just returned from Thanksgiving holiday/vacation and saw your post.

The indication of "---" in the menu entry indicates that the 6R/AUX
signal line is not allowing the KNB1 firmware to communicate with the K1
main MCU.

I would suggest you check the soldering of RF Board J1 pin 2 and also
pin 2 of the mating connector on the KNB1 board.

Also check to be certain KNB1 R1 is 180 ohms and is inserted into the
correct lead holes and well soldered.

You could try a continuity check between Front Panel J1 pin 8 and the
KNB1 U1 pins 3 and 4 - the resistance should be 180 ohms if all is well.

Double check the orientation of KNB1 U1 - the label used often covers
the device notch on those 8 pin firmware packages making it easy to
insert backwards.

The trimmer on the KNB1 board will work whether or not the KNB1 firmware
is working.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/26/2016 5:53 PM, Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu wrote:

> Hello,
>
> This is my first message to this mailing list, so please be gentle!
>
> During the summer and autumn I built my first ever kit: the K1-2 (#3449) + KAT1. Everything worked surprisingly well (being a first-timer and all), I never had any problems. Until now. It seems that I failed in my “build-without-help” venture :)
>
> A few days ago I completed building the KNB1 option and when I got to the “Initial Test” phase I noticed that in the menu, instead of HI/LO/OFF I can only see three dashes (---). The instructions say that the K1 firmware has not detected the noise blanker module and that a possible cause may be that the U3 was soldered in backwards. I assume that’s a mistake - there is no U3. Just a U1, and it’s soldered properly.
>
> Some details:
>
> - The K1 firmware is revision 109
> - The KNB1 PCB is revision Cr
> - U1 on KNB1 has a small paper label with “NB 1.02” written on it
> - Turning the trimmer C2 on KNB1 does vary the band noise and received signal strength
> - There is continuity from KNB1 U1 pins 3/4 to the front panel U1 pin 8 (6R/AUX) - around 182 ohms
> - The voltage between KNB1 U1 pin 1 (VDD) and GND is 6.03V
> - The voltage between KNB1 U1 pin 5 and GND is 5.59V (this is the 6V switch for the noise blanker)
>

Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu

Re: [K1] [KNB1] Noise blanker not detected (three dashes ---)

Thanks Don, but I have already done these checks and mentioned the results in my first post on this list.

73,
Bogdan YO8SAW

> On 28 Nov 2016, at 02:32, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Bogdan,
>
> I just returned from Thanksgiving holiday/vacation and saw your post.
>
> The indication of "---" in the menu entry indicates that the 6R/AUX signal line is not allowing the KNB1 firmware to communicate with the K1 main MCU.
>
> I would suggest you check the soldering of RF Board J1 pin 2 and also pin 2 of the mating connector on the KNB1 board.
>
> Also check to be certain KNB1 R1 is 180 ohms and is inserted into the correct lead holes and well soldered.
>
> You could try a continuity check between Front Panel J1 pin 8 and the KNB1 U1 pins 3 and 4 - the resistance should be 180 ohms if all is well.
>
> Double check the orientation of KNB1 U1 - the label used often covers the device notch on those 8 pin firmware packages making it easy to insert backwards.
>
> The trimmer on the KNB1 board will work whether or not the KNB1 firmware is working.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 11/26/2016 5:53 PM, Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu wrote:
>> Hello,
>>
>> This is my first message to this mailing list, so please be gentle!
>>
>> During the summer and autumn I built my first ever kit: the K1-2 (#3449) + KAT1. Everything worked surprisingly well (being a first-timer and all), I never had any problems. Until now. It seems that I failed in my “build-without-help” venture :)
>>
>> A few days ago I completed building the KNB1 option and when I got to the “Initial Test” phase I noticed that in the menu, instead of HI/LO/OFF I can only see three dashes (---). The instructions say that the K1 firmware has not detected the noise blanker module and that a possible cause may be that the U3 was soldered in backwards. I assume that’s a mistake - there is no U3. Just a U1, and it’s soldered properly.
>>
>> Some details:
>>
>> - The K1 firmware is revision 109
>> - The KNB1 PCB is revision Cr
>> - U1 on KNB1 has a small paper label with “NB 1.02” written on it
>> - Turning the trimmer C2 on KNB1 does vary the band noise and received signal strength
>> - There is continuity from KNB1 U1 pins 3/4 to the front panel U1 pin 8 (6R/AUX) - around 182 ohms
>> - The voltage between KNB1 U1 pin 1 (VDD) and GND is 6.03V
>> - The voltage between KNB1 U1 pin 5 and GND is 5.59V (this is the 6V switch for the noise blanker)
>>

Don Wilhelm

Re: [K1] [KNB1] Noise blanker not detected (three dashes ---)

Bogdan,

FB, I now see you did check all the paths, sorry, but I was tired after
9 hours on the road!

It sounds like you need to contact Elecraft support. You have
indications of a faulty KNB2 firmware IC.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/28/2016 1:04 AM, Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu wrote:
> Thanks Don, but I have already done these checks and mentioned the results in my first post on this list.
>
> 73,
> Bogdan YO8SAW
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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]

Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu

Re: [K1] [KNB1] Noise blanker not detected (three dashes ---)

Yeah, I was afraid I might have to do that. Oh well, I guess I’ll go ahead and drop Support a few lines and see what they advise. Thanks everyone for your help!

73,
Bogdan YO8SAW

> On 28 Nov 2016, at 14:54, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Bogdan,
>
> FB, I now see you did check all the paths, sorry, but I was tired after 9 hours on the road!
>
> It sounds like you need to contact Elecraft support. You have indications of a faulty KNB2 firmware IC.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 11/28/2016 1:04 AM, Bogdan - Constantin Lazanu wrote:
>> Thanks Don, but I have already done these checks and mentioned the results in my first post on this list.
>>
>> 73,
>> Bogdan YO8SAW
>>
>>
>