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K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

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Bill Coleman-2

K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

OK, I just assembled this rig a few days after Christmas (I have the best XYL ever), and while I've made hundreds of successful CW contacts, I haven't had anyone hear me on SSB.

When TUNE or key on CW, I get the full 100 watt output.

I believe the microphone works. The VOX trips, I can hear my voice in the monitor, and adjust the ALC and CMP levels easily.

However, when I flip the meter over to SWR / RF and speak, there is only one bar indication on the RF meter. No matter how much I talk / yell into the microphone.

I've been trying to think what might be wrong. I only have the stock 2.7 kHz filter, which I installed at FL3. I have the FLTX SB menu set to FL3. I do not have the rig in TX TEST mode. In TX TEST mode, there is NO bar in the RF meter.

What have I done wrong?

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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Matt Zilmer

Re: K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

Try setting your MIC SEL so that the last character reads 'H' (for
high).

I had the same problem with a Goldline mic a few years back.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:12:19 -0500, you wrote:

>OK, I just assembled this rig a few days after Christmas (I have the best XYL ever), and while I've made hundreds of successful CW contacts, I haven't had anyone hear me on SSB.
>
>When TUNE or key on CW, I get the full 100 watt output.
>
>I believe the microphone works. The VOX trips, I can hear my voice in the monitor, and adjust the ALC and CMP levels easily.
>
>However, when I flip the meter over to SWR / RF and speak, there is only one bar indication on the RF meter. No matter how much I talk / yell into the microphone.
>
>I've been trying to think what might be wrong. I only have the stock 2.7 kHz filter, which I installed at FL3. I have the FLTX SB menu set to FL3. I do not have the rig in TX TEST mode. In TX TEST mode, there is NO bar in the RF meter.
>
>What have I done wrong?
>
>Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
>Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
>Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901
>
>______________________________________________________________
>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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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

In reply to this post by Bill Coleman-2

Bill,

You said you can adjust the ALC and CMP levels, but you did not tell us
the level you adjusted them to.

The proper way to adjust is to set the compression at zero to start,
then increase the mic gain until you see 5 to 7 bars on the ALC meter
(do that in TX TEST so you don't bother fellow hams). Then adjust the
compression to the level you desire.

If you can't get the 5 to 7 bars (7 bars on peaks) then you do not have
enough mic gain. If it is a Heil dynamic mic, you may have to set the
mic gain range to "H" in the menu.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/31/2012 2:12 PM, Bill Coleman wrote:

> OK, I just assembled this rig a few days after Christmas (I have the best XYL ever), and while I've made hundreds of successful CW contacts, I haven't had anyone hear me on SSB.
>
> When TUNE or key on CW, I get the full 100 watt output.
>
> I believe the microphone works. The VOX trips, I can hear my voice in the monitor, and adjust the ALC and CMP levels easily.
>
> However, when I flip the meter over to SWR / RF and speak, there is only one bar indication on the RF meter. No matter how much I talk / yell into the microphone.
>
> I've been trying to think what might be wrong. I only have the stock 2.7 kHz filter, which I installed at FL3. I have the FLTX SB menu set to FL3. I do not have the rig in TX TEST mode. In TX TEST mode, there is NO bar in the RF meter.
>
> What have I done wrong?
>
> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Bill Coleman-2

Re: K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

In reply to this post by Matt Zilmer

Tried that. The Heil Pro-Set with the HC4 crystal element really likes the high setting. It works on the low setting, but you have to crank the Mic gain way up.

As like I said, I can set the Mic and CMP gain and get indications on the ALC and CMP meters, as well as hear myself speak in the monitor.

The problem is NOT that the audio isn't getting into the K3/100 -- the problem is that RF is not coming out.

On Dec 31, 2012, at 2:41 PM, Matt Zilmer <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Try setting your MIC SEL so that the last character reads 'H' (for
> high).
>
> I had the same problem with a Goldline mic a few years back.
>
> 73,
> matt W6NIA
>
> On Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:12:19 -0500, you wrote:
>
>> OK, I just assembled this rig a few days after Christmas (I have the best XYL ever), and while I've made hundreds of successful CW contacts, I haven't had anyone hear me on SSB.
>>
>> When TUNE or key on CW, I get the full 100 watt output.
>>
>> I believe the microphone works. The VOX trips, I can hear my voice in the monitor, and adjust the ALC and CMP levels easily.
>>
>> However, when I flip the meter over to SWR / RF and speak, there is only one bar indication on the RF meter. No matter how much I talk / yell into the microphone.
>>
>> I've been trying to think what might be wrong. I only have the stock 2.7 kHz filter, which I installed at FL3. I have the FLTX SB menu set to FL3. I do not have the rig in TX TEST mode. In TX TEST mode, there is NO bar in the RF meter.
>>
>> What have I done wrong?
>>
>> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
>> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
>> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
>> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Quote: "Boot, you transistorized tormentor! Boot!"
-- Archibald Asparagus, VeggieTales

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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Bill Coleman-2

Re: K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

On Dec 31, 2012, at 2:54 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Bill,
>
> You said you can adjust the ALC and CMP levels, but you did not tell us the level you adjusted them to.
>
> The proper way to adjust is to set the compression at zero to start, then increase the mic gain until you see 5 to 7 bars on the ALC meter (do that in TX TEST so you don't bother fellow hams). Then adjust the compression to the level you desire.

Yes, that's exactly what I did. Using the Heil Pro-Set with the HC4 element, and the mic gain in the "H" range, I end up with a mic gain setting of about 9 or 10, and a CMP gain setting of 25 to get around 10 dB of compression.

> If you can't get the 5 to 7 bars (7 bars on peaks) then you do not have enough mic gain. If it is a Heil dynamic mic, you may have to set the mic gain range to "H" in the menu.

No problem getting bars on the meter.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

Bill,

Then the next logical thing to do is check the filter offset - look on
the filter and set that offset in the menu (or K3 Utility.
The offset is either positive or negative, so if it is marked with a
minus sign, did you perhaps interpret that as a dash?
I can't think of anything else that might give you good CW transmit but
not SSB.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/31/2012 3:06 PM, Bill Coleman wrote:

> On Dec 31, 2012, at 2:54 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Bill,
>>
>> You said you can adjust the ALC and CMP levels, but you did not tell us the level you adjusted them to.
>>
>> The proper way to adjust is to set the compression at zero to start, then increase the mic gain until you see 5 to 7 bars on the ALC meter (do that in TX TEST so you don't bother fellow hams). Then adjust the compression to the level you desire.
> Yes, that's exactly what I did. Using the Heil Pro-Set with the HC4 element, and the mic gain in the "H" range, I end up with a mic gain setting of about 9 or 10, and a CMP gain setting of 25 to get around 10 dB of compression.
>
>> If you can't get the 5 to 7 bars (7 bars on peaks) then you do not have enough mic gain. If it is a Heil dynamic mic, you may have to set the mic gain range to "H" in the menu.
> No problem getting bars on the meter.
>
>
> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Bill Coleman-2

Re: K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

In reply to this post by Bill Coleman-2

On Dec 31, 2012, at 2:12 PM, Bill Coleman <[hidden email]> wrote:

OK. I figure this out.

During the installation of the KREF3 board, I busted C2 off the board while trimming a connector lead. Gary is already working on sending me a replacement.

To verify this was the cause, I carefully tack soldered a small ceramic disc capacitor to the connection points. SSB now works.

Sorry to mess up the list with my stupidity.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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Matt Zilmer

Re: AA4LR K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

In reply to this post by Bill Coleman-2

On Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:08:18 -0700, you wrote:

>Check you have the roofing filter offset entered correctly from the side
>of the 2.7 filter.

On Gary's point, make sure you have the numeric sign set correctly
too. I had a friend over here with similar symptoms. He'd entered a
plus offset when it was a minus (took us a while to find that one!).
>
>Also check REF CAL is accurately done as it can affect the SSB RF output
>too.

Whatever is not working, Elecaft's reputation for stellar support is
well-deserved more than just a reputation.

matt W6NIA
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gary-3

Re: AA4LR K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

A typical 2.7 filter offset will be something like -0.91 or -0.89 with
the negative sign definitely to be included in the menu or filter setup
in the K3 Utility.

--
73, Gary AB7MY

=========
[hidden email]
Elecraft Technical Support

On 12/31/2012 2:37 PM, Matt Zilmer wrote:

> On Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:08:18 -0700, you wrote:
>
>> Check you have the roofing filter offset entered correctly from the side
>> of the 2.7 filter.
> On Gary's point, make sure you have the numeric sign set correctly
> too. I had a friend over here with similar symptoms. He'd entered a
> plus offset when it was a minus (took us a while to find that one!).
>> Also check REF CAL is accurately done as it can affect the SSB RF output
>> too.
> Whatever is not working, Elecaft's reputation for stellar support is
> well-deserved more than just a reputation.
>
> matt W6NIA
>

Bill Coleman-2

Re: AA4LR K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

In reply to this post by Matt Zilmer

On Dec 31, 2012, at 4:37 PM, Matt Zilmer <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Whatever is not working, Elecaft's reputation for stellar support is
> well-deserved more than just a reputation.

Part of the reason I love my Elecraft equipment.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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Bill Coleman-2

Re: AA4LR K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

In reply to this post by gary-3

On Dec 31, 2012, at 4:49 PM, Gary Surrency <[hidden email]> wrote:

> A typical 2.7 filter offset will be something like -0.91 or -0.89 with the negative sign definitely to be included in the menu or filter setup in the K3 Utility.

Mine was -0.79, and entered correctly.

After my kludged replacement for C2 on the KREF3 board, I made several QSOs on 6m SSB, so everything is working.

I see that the replacement KREF3 board has already shipped and should be here later this week. Thanks, Gary!

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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gary-3

Re: AA4LR K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

OK, that is good news and glad it worked with the replacement cap.

--
73, Gary AB7MY

=========
[hidden email]
Elecraft Technical Support

On 1/1/2013 7:26 AM, Bill Coleman wrote:

> On Dec 31, 2012, at 4:49 PM, Gary Surrency <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> A typical 2.7 filter offset will be something like -0.91 or -0.89 with the negative sign definitely to be included in the menu or filter setup in the K3 Utility.
> Mine was -0.79, and entered correctly.
>
> After my kludged replacement for C2 on the KREF3 board, I made several QSOs on 6m SSB, so everything is working.
>
> I see that the replacement KREF3 board has already shipped and should be here later this week. Thanks, Gary!
>
> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901
>
>

Bill Coleman-2

Re: AA4LR K3/100 - SN 7071 - No output on SSB

>
>
> On 1/1/2013 7:26 AM, Bill Coleman wrote:
>> On Dec 31, 2012, at 4:49 PM, Gary Surrency <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> A typical 2.7 filter offset will be something like -0.91 or -0.89 with the negative sign definitely to be included in the menu or filter setup in the K3 Utility.
>> Mine was -0.79, and entered correctly.
>>
>> After my kludged replacement for C2 on the KREF3 board, I made several QSOs on 6m SSB, so everything is working.
>>
>> I see that the replacement KREF3 board has already shipped and should be here later this week. Thanks, Gary!

Received the replacement KREF3 board late last week. Installed it, works like a champ. Ran it all weekend for the ARRL RTTY Roundup.

I returned the broken board today.

If anyone has any doubt, Elecraft has the best customer service.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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