[K2] PLL reference test failure

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
3 messages Options
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

[K2] PLL reference test failure

Ilya
Hi Gentlemen!

I'm in progress of assembling my first K2 #7837 and now I'm stuck with PLL
reference oscillator test. Seems that I've already read all previous email
threads regarding similar problems all over the internet - and nothing
helped.

When I just turn on my K2 after some time it's been off - I'm getting the
following figures in PLL reference test (TP3):
- Band + is 12099.1 khz
- Band - is 12086.15 khz

After some time (just a minute or so), the BAND+ value starts drifting
down. Drifting slows down with time, but in 2-3 minutes I'm getting 12070
or smth like that. If I touch RIT/XIT knob - the value drops even lower -
to 12055 or about that.

I repeated the test for may be hundred times already - with fully assembled
case, with/without top/bottom covers, etc.
BAND- value never changes and is absolutely stable.
If I then click BAND- and leave it for a few minutes, then click BAND+
again - drifting start over again from ~12090.
Things only get better (BAND+ gets abt 12104 and keeps stable) when I
connect DMM (voltage) between gnd and D16's cathode.

I've already checked all solderings, RFC14, re-assembled thermistor board,
checked voltages on U5/U6/D16/D17 - everything looks good to me.

Thanks in advance for any ideas...

With regards,
Ilya, R3XA
______________________________________________________________
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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: [K2] PLL reference test failure

Don Wilhelm
Ilya,

I am sorry you are having problems with the PLL Reference Oscillator.
Yes, there have been several reports of this same failure.

First try a small value capacitor (10 to 15pF) from the source of Q19 to
ground.

If that does not correct it, can you obtain a J310 FET locally?  If so,
replace Q19 with it.

The problem seems to be that the J310 FETs in thru-hole format are fast
disappearing from the market, and the last batch purchased by Elecraft
does not operate well at the high frequency end of the PLL Reference
Oscillator.
I am currently testing the J309 as a possible replacement.  The testing
should be completed in the next few days.

One ham with a similar problem wired an SMD J310 on the bottom of the
board with good results - if you cannot find a thru-hole J310, you might
consider that solution.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/27/2018 4:47 AM, Ilya wrote:

> Hi Gentlemen!
>
> I'm in progress of assembling my first K2 #7837 and now I'm stuck with PLL
> reference oscillator test. Seems that I've already read all previous email
> threads regarding similar problems all over the internet - and nothing
> helped.
>
> When I just turn on my K2 after some time it's been off - I'm getting the
> following figures in PLL reference test (TP3):
> - Band + is 12099.1 khz
> - Band - is 12086.15 khz
>
> After some time (just a minute or so), the BAND+ value starts drifting
> down. Drifting slows down with time, but in 2-3 minutes I'm getting 12070
> or smth like that. If I touch RIT/XIT knob - the value drops even lower -
> to 12055 or about that.
>
______________________________________________________________
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]
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: [K2] PLL reference test failure

Ilya
Hi Don!

10pf cap seem to have fixed the problem.
Thanks so much for your help!

And also thanks for the information regarding J310s and J309s! Will be
waiting for your testing results!

73!
Ilya, R3XA

2018-08-27 14:33 GMT+03:00 Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>:

> Ilya,
>
> I am sorry you are having problems with the PLL Reference Oscillator. Yes,
> there have been several reports of this same failure.
>
> First try a small value capacitor (10 to 15pF) from the source of Q19 to
> ground.
>
> If that does not correct it, can you obtain a J310 FET locally?  If so,
> replace Q19 with it.
>
> The problem seems to be that the J310 FETs in thru-hole format are fast
> disappearing from the market, and the last batch purchased by Elecraft does
> not operate well at the high frequency end of the PLL Reference Oscillator.
> I am currently testing the J309 as a possible replacement.  The testing
> should be completed in the next few days.
>
> One ham with a similar problem wired an SMD J310 on the bottom of the
> board with good results - if you cannot find a thru-hole J310, you might
> consider that solution.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 8/27/2018 4:47 AM, Ilya wrote:
>
>> Hi Gentlemen!
>>
>> I'm in progress of assembling my first K2 #7837 and now I'm stuck with PLL
>> reference oscillator test. Seems that I've already read all previous email
>> threads regarding similar problems all over the internet - and nothing
>> helped.
>>
>> When I just turn on my K2 after some time it's been off - I'm getting the
>> following figures in PLL reference test (TP3):
>> - Band + is 12099.1 khz
>> - Band - is 12086.15 khz
>>
>> After some time (just a minute or so), the BAND+ value starts drifting
>> down. Drifting slows down with time, but in 2-3 minutes I'm getting 12070
>> or smth like that. If I touch RIT/XIT knob - the value drops even lower -
>> to 12055 or about that.
>>
>>


--
best regards, from Ilya Semichastnov, R3XA
____________________
contact me:

skype# ilyasemichastnov
______________________________________________________________
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]