K2– loss of sensitivity

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K2– loss of sensitivity

Hans Bonnesen

K2 # 7359 w/ built-in battery.
If I turn on my K2 in the battery state the sensitivity is unexpectedly low. ( with 12.1 volts ). One S-unit local noise.
As soon as I apply the normal charging voltage from the supply (with 13,7volts ) it
suddenly jumps to normal sensitivity. Four S-units local noise.
Is this normal, or could something be done ?


73 de OZ5RB, Hans
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Re: K2– loss of sensitivity

Don Wilhelm-4
Hans,

That is definitely not normal.  The K2 should operate with 11 volts or
less with no reduction in sensitivity.
Much of the K2 receiver operates from the 8 volt regulator output.
Exceptions are the preamplifier, post-mixer amp and the audio amp.
Since you say the S-meter reading is low, that should rule out the audio
amplifier.

I would first check the output of the 8 volt regulator (Control Board
U4) then check the 8R voltage rail both at the collector of Control
Board Q2 and on the RF board.  You can easily check the RF Board 8R
voltage at the anode of D6.  Voltages below 7.6 would indicate a problem.

If the 8R voltages are OK, then focus your attention next on the post
mixer amplifier stage - RF board Q22.  The DC voltages are listed in the
DC Voltage chart in the back of the manual.  That chart is for full 14
volts supplied to the K2, but at lower voltages, the DC voltages should
be proportional.

Since this is a recently assembled K2, look carefully for connections
that are not soldered or poorly soldered.

You may have to do Receive Signal Tracing following the procedure in
Appendix A to determine just which stage is giving the failure.

Good luck with it and 73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/7/2013 8:56 AM, Hans Elfelt Bonnesen wrote:
> K2 # 7359 w/ built-in battery.
> If I turn on my K2 in the battery state the sensitivity is unexpectedly low. ( with 12.1 volts ). One S-unit local noise.
> As soon as I apply the normal charging voltage from the supply (with 13,7volts ) it
> suddenly jumps to normal sensitivity. Four S-units local noise.
> Is this normal, or could something be done ?
>
>

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Re: K2– loss of sensitivity

Mark Bayern
Questions:

1. Is this with a dummy load, or with an antenna connected?

2. Is it possible the extra noise is being generated by the power supply?



Mark  AD5SS





On Sun, Apr 7, 2013 at 8:28 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Hans,
>
> That is definitely not normal.  The K2 should operate with 11 volts or less
> with no reduction in sensitivity.
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Re: K2– loss of sensitivity

daleputnam
I wonder... if the connections are bright and solid... sometimes the poor connection to a battery will do this, under low current draw,(during rx) causing the voltage seen by the load to be under spec. Connections to the battery and radio.

Have a great day,
 
 
--...   ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy
 
 

 > Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2013 09:07:04 -0500

> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> CC: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2– loss of sensitivity
>
> Questions:
>
> 1. Is this with a dummy load, or with an antenna connected?
>
> 2. Is it possible the extra noise is being generated by the power supply?
>
>
>
> Mark  AD5SS
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sun, Apr 7, 2013 at 8:28 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > Hans,
> >
> > That is definitely not normal.  The K2 should operate with 11 volts or less
> > with no reduction in sensitivity.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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