K2 after kat2 install Q7 & 8 check

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

K2 after kat2 install Q7 & 8 check

kg7vq01
When I check, both show no resistance reading. Shorted probes read -1`or
zero. I am reading from both the holding bolt and a 2D block to the
collector.

The kat2 instructions say to look for greater the 100 ohms and the k2
manual says to check for a short for proper installation. Infinite
resistance meets these criteria but I'm not sure that's a proper
interpretation.

k2 is second hand No. 01112
firmware 2.04

Thanks for any clarification.
Russ
KG7VQ
______________________________________________________________
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 after kat2 install Q7 & 8 check

Don Wilhelm
Russ,

At first glance it would appear that you have shorted PA transistors (at
least one of them)

To address the problem, the first thing is to order the K2PAKIT from
Elecraft.  It contains matched PA transistors, new PA transistor
mounting hardware if you have the older white standoffs, replacements
for Q11 and Q13 if needed, and a 1/2 watt resistor for replacement of
R50 if your K2 has the older 1/4 watt resistor - there are new thermal
pads for the PA transistors in the kit.

I strongly recommend that you proceed as follows:
1) Remove the heatsink - to keep from losing the PA mounting hardware,
stick a 3/4 inch square of electrical tape over the screwheads - it can
stick to the board and sides of T4.
2) Remove Q7 and Q8.  If you do not have good desoldering tools, cut the
leads near the body of the transistors and remove the leads one at a
time.  Clean up with solder wick and if solder remains in the holes,
heat the solder pads and push it out with a wooden toothpick.
3) With A7 and Q8 removed, do a TUNE while measuring the voltage at the
Q7 or Q8 base solder pads.  The voltage should be between 0.60 and 0.64
volts.  If it is not, replace Q11 and Q13.
4) Once you have established that the base voltage for Q7 and Q8 is in
the correct range, then you are good to install Q7 and Q8.  Use the new
thermal pads and re-install the heatsink.
Before powering on, check the resistance from the Q7 or Q8 collector to
ground.  It will climb as your DMM charges the electrolytic capacitors.
If you see 1500 ohms or more, you should be 'good to go'.

If you still see zero ohms, then remove the heatsink again and check the
thermal pads.  The heatsink could have some chards of metal on it, so
hit it with some sandpaper.  Look for pieces of metal embedded in the
thermal pad material.

You would be wise not to use the internal toothed lockwashers when
reassembling because they can cause metal chips to be released.  You can
use split #4 lockwashers instead, but be certain to tighten them securely.

73,
Don W3FPR


______________________________________________________________
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 after kat2 install Q7 & 8 check

kg7vq01
Thanks Don. That confirms the notion I had about needing the replacement
kit.

Russ

KG7VQ

______________________________________________________________
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 after kat2 install Q7 & 8 check

Don Wilhelm
Russ,

Your statement of "no resistance" is misleading.  Several hams use that
to indicate infinite resistance - because of the way their meter reads
(blank reading) where in other cases, hams use that phrase to indicate
zero ohms.
In the future, be clear and use a numerical value - infinity  is a
numerical value.

The Collector to ground resistance will normally be in the vicinity of
1500 ohms and climb as the meter charges the electrolytic capacitors.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/24/2020 11:35 AM, Russ Edelen wrote:
> Thanks Don. That confirms the notion I had about needing the
> replacement kit.
>
> Russ
>
> KG7VQ
>

______________________________________________________________
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 after kat2 install Q7 & 8 check

kg7vq01
Thanks Don. To clarify the thread, I was reading infinite resistance.

Russ

KG7VQ

On 6/24/2020 9:53 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Russ,
>
> Your statement of "no resistance" is misleading.  Several hams use
> that to indicate infinite resistance - because of the way their meter
> reads (blank reading) where in other cases, hams use that phrase to
> indicate zero ohms.
> In the future, be clear and use a numerical value - infinity  is a
> numerical value.
>
> The Collector to ground resistance will normally be in the vicinity of
> 1500 ohms and climb as the meter charges the electrolytic capacitors.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 6/24/2020 11:35 AM, Russ Edelen wrote:
>> Thanks Don. That confirms the notion I had about needing the
>> replacement kit.
>>
>> Russ
>>
>> KG7VQ
>>
>
______________________________________________________________
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]