Elecraft

K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

Classic

List

Threaded

10 messages Options

Manuel Wilches

K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

Greetings from Argentina.
I am building K2 # 5310
I have purchased all Rework Eliminators (they were a breeze to install, by
the way and are very neat indeed!) and I have all K2 options except 60
meters, i.e. 160mtrs - DSP - NB - K2/100 - SSB.

I have completed part II of the RF board and the "Alignment and Test, Part
II". All values tested, calibrations, voltage measurements etc. were within
the specs indicated in the K2 manual. During assembly of the FP and CB all
tests required were also on target. I have built and used the Frq. probe,
the RF probe and the N0SS probe. I do not have a signal generator or any
other instrumentation. I have a DMM. All my Rework Eliminators are plugged
in.

The problem: the receiver has full noise (as though it worked ok) but when I
connect an antenna (40 meters GP) I do not hear any signals. I heard a CP4
perhaps RST 519. Extremely weak.

I tried N0SS's probe and I pick up a strong signal through all test points
up to C225. I have no signal pick up there nor at C226 or C227. I did not
check W6 and W1 because I did not install those jumpers (I followed the
Rework Eliminators instructions that call for other steps). I do not know if
there is an alternative test point for those. I have been through the usual
checks for bad solders etc.

I have used the proper solder and a controlled temp soldering station.

I would very much appreciate your assistance and guidance. I have had the K2
on for hours now (playing with the keyer) and there has been no change. It
looks great, that is for sure!

Thank you very much
73

Manuel
LU5OM
CT4IK
K2 # 5310

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Don Wilhelm-3

RE: K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

Manuel,

If you can receive a signal with an antenna connected to C225, but not C226,
or 227, your most likely problem is improperly tinned toroid leads on L25 -
but check L26 while you are working in that area.

A quick check is to make a continuity check from the top end of C225 to the
top end of C227 - if you measure much more than zero ohms, the toroids are
not properly tinned and soldered.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> I tried N0SS's probe and I pick up a strong signal through all
> test points
> up to C225. I have no signal pick up there nor at C226 or C227. I did not
> check W6 and W1 because I did not install those jumpers (I followed the
> Rework Eliminators instructions that call for other steps). I do
> not know if
> there is an alternative test point for those. I have been through
> the usual
> checks for bad solders etc.
>
> I have used the proper solder and a controlled temp soldering station.
>
> I would very much appreciate your assistance and guidance. I have
> had the K2
> on for hours now (playing with the keyer) and there has been no
> change. It
> looks great, that is for sure!
>
> Thank you very much
> 73
>
> Manuel
> LU5OM
> CT4IK
> K2 # 5310
>

Manuel Wilches

Re: K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

Many many thanks Don.
I will check that in the morning.
73
Manuel LU5OM

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
To: "Manuel Wilches" <[hidden email]>;
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 12:16 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Manuel Wilches

Re: K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-3

Don:

By the way: when I get to C225 the signal disappears. I have signal through
the junction of D3 & D4. Therefore no signal on C225, C226 and C227.

I checked the toroids and they are ok. I forgot to mention I purchased the
full set of toroids from the "Toroid Guy" and they look impeccable. I might
have ruined some of them with my soldering though...

Let us see if I have this correctly: looking down on the RF board I made a
continuity check from the left side component lead of C225 to the back lead
of C227. Is this correct?

Thank you
73
Manuel
LU5OM

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
To: "Manuel Wilches" <[hidden email]>;
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 12:16 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

> Manuel,
>
> If you can receive a signal with an antenna connected to C225, but not
> C226,
> or 227, your most likely problem is improperly tinned toroid leads on
> L25 -
> but check L26 while you are working in that area.
>
> A quick check is to make a continuity check from the top end of C225 to
> the
> top end of C227 - if you measure much more than zero ohms, the toroids are
> not properly tinned and soldered.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>>
>> I tried N0SS's probe and I pick up a strong signal through all
>> test points
>> up to C225. I have no signal pick up there nor at C226 or C227. I did not
>> check W6 and W1 because I did not install those jumpers (I followed the
>> Rework Eliminators instructions that call for other steps). I do
>> not know if
>> there is an alternative test point for those. I have been through
>> the usual
>> checks for bad solders etc.
>>
>> I have used the proper solder and a controlled temp soldering station.
>>
>> I would very much appreciate your assistance and guidance. I have
>> had the K2
>> on for hours now (playing with the keyer) and there has been no
>> change. It
>> looks great, that is for sure!
>>
>> Thank you very much
>> 73
>>
>> Manuel
>> LU5OM
>> CT4IK
>> K2 # 5310
>>
>

Don Wilhelm-3

RE: K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

Manuel,

Sorry, I had understood (incorrectly) that you had a signal at C225, but if
not, there is something between your good D3, D4 junction and C225 that is
bad.

Check C114, Jumper W1 (or your unmodule at the 160 meter position and the
header), and relay K12. There are no other components in the path (unless
the anode of D4 is shorted to ground or failing to receive voltage through
RFC3 during receive.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> Don:
>
> By the way: when I get to C225 the signal disappears. I have
> signal through
> the junction of D3 & D4. Therefore no signal on C225, C226 and C227.
>
> I checked the toroids and they are ok. I forgot to mention I
> purchased the
> full set of toroids from the "Toroid Guy" and they look
> impeccable. I might
> have ruined some of them with my soldering though...
>
> Let us see if I have this correctly: looking down on the RF board
> I made a
> continuity check from the left side component lead of C225 to the
> back lead
> of C227. Is this correct?
>
> Thank you
> 73
> Manuel
> LU5OM
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Manuel Wilches" <[hidden email]>;
> <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 12:16 AM
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?
>
>
> > Manuel,
> >
> > If you can receive a signal with an antenna connected to C225, but not
> > C226,
> > or 227, your most likely problem is improperly tinned toroid leads on
> > L25 -
> > but check L26 while you are working in that area.
> >
> > A quick check is to make a continuity check from the top end of C225 to
> > the
> > top end of C227 - if you measure much more than zero ohms, the
> toroids are
> > not properly tinned and soldered.
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >>
> >> I tried N0SS's probe and I pick up a strong signal through all
> >> test points
> >> up to C225. I have no signal pick up there nor at C226 or
> C227. I did not
> >> check W6 and W1 because I did not install those jumpers (I followed the
> >> Rework Eliminators instructions that call for other steps). I do
> >> not know if
> >> there is an alternative test point for those. I have been through
> >> the usual
> >> checks for bad solders etc.
> >>
> >> I have used the proper solder and a controlled temp soldering station.
> >>
> >> I would very much appreciate your assistance and guidance. I have
> >> had the K2
> >> on for hours now (playing with the keyer) and there has been no
> >> change. It
> >> looks great, that is for sure!
> >>
> >> Thank you very much
> >> 73
> >>
> >> Manuel
> >> LU5OM
> >> CT4IK
> >> K2 # 5310
> >>
> >
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.0.0/268 - Release Date: 2/23/2006
>
>

J ALBU

Re: K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

In reply to this post by Manuel Wilches

Hi Manuel

Look and re-look for an
incorrectly placed component (or a component with improper orientation) this
is the most common problem
Now in Portuguese...
Ve os componentes pois o mais frequente é teres trocado a posição
(transistors o contrário ou os diodos).

Good luck Manel I'm very proud with you my good friend
GOD bless you

73 de Jose CT1AOZ

----- Original Message -----
From: "Manuel Wilches" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 3:01 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

> Greetings from Argentina.
> I am building K2 # 5310
> I have purchased all Rework Eliminators (they were a breeze to install, by
> the way and are very neat indeed!) and I have all K2 options except 60
> meters, i.e. 160mtrs - DSP - NB - K2/100 - SSB.
>
> I have completed part II of the RF board and the "Alignment and Test, Part
> II". All values tested, calibrations, voltage measurements etc. were
> within the specs indicated in the K2 manual. During assembly of the FP and
> CB all tests required were also on target. I have built and used the Frq.
> probe, the RF probe and the N0SS probe. I do not have a signal generator
> or any other instrumentation. I have a DMM. All my Rework Eliminators are
> plugged in.
>
> The problem: the receiver has full noise (as though it worked ok) but when
> I connect an antenna (40 meters GP) I do not hear any signals. I heard a
> CP4 perhaps RST 519. Extremely weak.
>
> I tried N0SS's probe and I pick up a strong signal through all test points
> up to C225. I have no signal pick up there nor at C226 or C227. I did not
> check W6 and W1 because I did not install those jumpers (I followed the
> Rework Eliminators instructions that call for other steps). I do not know
> if there is an alternative test point for those. I have been through the
> usual checks for bad solders etc.
>
> I have used the proper solder and a controlled temp soldering station.
>
> I would very much appreciate your assistance and guidance. I have had the
> K2 on for hours now (playing with the keyer) and there has been no change.
> It looks great, that is for sure!
>
> Thank you very much
> 73
>
> Manuel
> LU5OM
> CT4IK
> K2 # 5310
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>

Manuel Wilches

K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

Gentlemen: the signals are here!

I had my 160 plug-in Rework Eliminator plugged-in backwards... (my apologies
to Gary and Ken!) I had looked at all headers so many times and it never
looked wrong to me until Don wrote the word "position" in his message. The
good part is, indeed these Rework Eliminators do their job. Now I can go
ahead and install all options with no fear.

Thank you very much indeed Don, Bob, Jim and José for your words of wisdom
and guidance.
I woke up this morning, saw your messages, went to the radio, change de the
Header's position and my faithful GP gave me a lot of signals, and strong
ones too, immediately. What a relief!

Because of the header's position shall I do the whole calibration/alignment
step-by-step (page 60 to page 64) procedure of PART II all over again? I am
also concerned about final adjustments of L34 and L1+L2 as I have to rely on
regular noise to do that. No signal generator here. The 7000 khz weak
internally-generated signal is there.

By the way: my good old childhood friend, José - CT1AOZ, knows my
inabilities to deal with components and soldering irons since we were high
school kids and he has been very worried about me hi hi
Relax Zé...the K2 is coming on with a little help from my friends...Be proud
old chap.

73
Manuel
LU5OM
CT4IK
----- Original Message -----
From: "J ALBU" <[hidden email]>
To: "Manuel Wilches" <[hidden email]>;
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 4:26 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

> Hi Manuel
>
> Look and re-look for an
> incorrectly placed component (or a component with improper orientation)
> this is the most common problem
> Now in Portuguese...
> Ve os componentes pois o mais frequente é teres trocado a posição
> (transistors o contrário ou os diodos).
>
> Good luck Manel I'm very proud with you my good friend
> GOD bless you
>
> 73 de Jose CT1AOZ
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Manuel Wilches" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 3:01 AM
> Subject: [Elecraft] K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?
>
>
>> Greetings from Argentina.
>> I am building K2 # 5310
>> I have purchased all Rework Eliminators (they were a breeze to install,
>> by the way and are very neat indeed!) and I have all K2 options except 60
>> meters, i.e. 160mtrs - DSP - NB - K2/100 - SSB.
>>
>> I have completed part II of the RF board and the "Alignment and Test,
>> Part II". All values tested, calibrations, voltage measurements etc. were
>> within the specs indicated in the K2 manual. During assembly of the FP
>> and CB all tests required were also on target. I have built and used the
>> Frq. probe, the RF probe and the N0SS probe. I do not have a signal
>> generator or any other instrumentation. I have a DMM. All my Rework
>> Eliminators are plugged in.
>>
>> The problem: the receiver has full noise (as though it worked ok) but
>> when I connect an antenna (40 meters GP) I do not hear any signals. I
>> heard a CP4 perhaps RST 519. Extremely weak.
>>
>> I tried N0SS's probe and I pick up a strong signal through all test
>> points up to C225. I have no signal pick up there nor at C226 or C227. I
>> did not check W6 and W1 because I did not install those jumpers (I
>> followed the Rework Eliminators instructions that call for other steps).
>> I do not know if there is an alternative test point for those. I have
>> been through the usual checks for bad solders etc.
>>
>> I have used the proper solder and a controlled temp soldering station.
>>
>> I would very much appreciate your assistance and guidance. I have had the
>> K2 on for hours now (playing with the keyer) and there has been no
>> change. It looks great, that is for sure!
>>
>> Thank you very much
>> 73
>>
>> Manuel
>> LU5OM
>> CT4IK
>> K2 # 5310
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>>
>
>
>
> __________ Información de NOD32 1.1418 (20060224) __________
>
> Este mensaje ha sido analizado con NOD32 Antivirus System
> http://www.nod32.com
>
>

Don Wilhelm-3

RE: K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

Manuel,

No need to re-do the alignment. Later, you will re-peak L1 and L2 in the
transmit mode as a final step which provides a more defined peak than one
can hear in receive. A signal generator will not be required. If you tuned
L34 with the weak 7000 kHz birdie as instructed in the manual, that is
correct, no re-do is necessary.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> I had my 160 plug-in Rework Eliminator plugged-in backwards...
> ...
> Because of the header's position shall I do the whole
> calibration/alignment
> step-by-step (page 60 to page 64) procedure of PART II all over
> again? I am
> also concerned about final adjustments of L34 and L1+L2 as I have
> to rely on
> regular noise to do that. No signal generator here. The 7000 khz weak
> internally-generated signal is there.
>

n6wg

RE: K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

In reply to this post by Manuel Wilches

Hola Manuel
A suggestion. Place a dot of white paint on one
end of each plug-in rework eliminator and a matching
dot on the same end of the receptacle that it plugs
in to. This will ensure that you always plug them in
the correct way.
Good luck and 73
Bob N6WG
The Little Station with Attitude

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Manuel Wilches
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 4:02 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

Gentlemen: the signals are here!

I had my 160 plug-in Rework Eliminator plugged-in backwards... (my apologies
to Gary and Ken!) I had looked at all headers so many times and it never
looked wrong to me until Don wrote the word "position" in his message. The
good part is, indeed these Rework Eliminators do their job. Now I can go
ahead and install all options with no fear.

Thank you very much indeed Don, Bob, Jim and José for your words of wisdom
and guidance.
I woke up this morning, saw your messages, went to the radio, change de the
Header's position and my faithful GP gave me a lot of signals, and strong
ones too, immediately. What a relief!

Because of the header's position shall I do the whole calibration/alignment
step-by-step (page 60 to page 64) procedure of PART II all over again? I am
also concerned about final adjustments of L34 and L1+L2 as I have to rely on
regular noise to do that. No signal generator here. The 7000 khz weak
internally-generated signal is there.

By the way: my good old childhood friend, José - CT1AOZ, knows my
inabilities to deal with components and soldering irons since we were high
school kids and he has been very worried about me hi hi
Relax Zé...the K2 is coming on with a little help from my friends...Be proud
old chap.

73
Manuel
LU5OM
CT4IK
----- Original Message -----
From: "J ALBU" <[hidden email]>
To: "Manuel Wilches" <[hidden email]>;
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 4:26 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Gary Hvizdak

RE: K2 RECEIVER: WHERE ARE THE SIGNALS?

In reply to this post by Manuel Wilches

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the suggestion. However, the solution is actually way
simpler than that. All of our un-modules already have a silk-screened pin 1
indicator adjacent to every male header.

Although the K2 RF board silkscreen lacks a pin one indicator at RF-J14,
when properly installed the text on all of our un-module headers appears
right-side-up when viewing the K2 from the front. This subject is addressed
in our User's Guide.

In spite of these instructions, Ken and I are also considering adding
the annotated image of his K2 #5048 (that's shown on our website) to the
printed documentation that's provided with our kits, to ensure that no one
else runs into a similar problem. That image is at
http://home.cfl.rr.com/garyhvizdak/KI4GGX/unpcbs/Product~Description/Stock~K
2~PCB~Upgrade~Parts~Kits.htm#Annotated_Image_of_5048

73,
Gary, KI4GGX
K2 #4067

Bob wrote ...

A suggestion. Place a dot of white paint on one end of each plug-in rework
eliminator and a matching dot on the same end of the receptacle that it lugs
in to. This will ensure that you always plug them in the correct way.
Good luck and 73
Bob N6WG

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com