K3 - Help Needed in Chicago Area

[Chuck Teeter KE9CE]

Hello:

I¹m in the process of assembling my K3, and I¹ve run into a problem trying
to configure the reference oscillator.  For some reason, I¹m unable to
receive any kind of signal at all.  I have a windom antenna that I plan to
erect, but at the moment, I just have have it connected to the radio and
then spread out in my shack over bookcases and windows, etc.  I probably
have about 20 ­ 25¹ spread out.  Still, I¹m not receiving anything.  I¹d
like to ask if there is a K3 owner in the Chicago area who could either
allow me to bring my radio there, connect to his antenna, and try to do the
configuration or someone nearby, perhaps with a 40M dipole who could arrange
to broadcast a signal at a specific time, etc.  Ideally, I¹d like to bring
my rig to your shack and try to configure there.  I need to be able to
receive WWV, and I need to be sure that my receiver is functioning properly
before I install the 100Watt amplifier and the fans.  Thanks.

73,
Chuck KE9CE
K3 #4073

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[Cookie]

I had the same problem two years ago, Chuck.  I spent a good bit of time with Gary checking things and ended up sending my K3 to Aptos.  Rene looked at it and had it going in a very short time.  I had spent a lot of time trying to tune things and had things pretty messed up.  My serial number is 1025.  Maybe Gary or Rene will remember what they found and be able to help you.  I still don't know where I went wrong but Rene said there was nothing wrong with the assembly or any of the parts.  Good luck!
 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
K5EWJ




________________________________
From: Charles Teeter <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Mon, June 7, 2010 11:36:02 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Help Needed in Chicago Area

Hello:

I¹m in the process of assembling my K3, and I¹ve run into a problem trying
to configure the reference oscillator.  For some reason, I¹m unable to
receive any kind of signal at all.  I have a windom antenna that I plan to
erect, but at the moment, I just have have it connected to the radio and
then spread out in my shack over bookcases and windows, etc.  I probably
have about 20 ­ 25¹ spread out.  Still, I¹m not receiving anything.  I¹d
like to ask if there is a K3 owner in the Chicago area who could either
allow me to bring my radio there, connect to his antenna, and try to do the
configuration or someone nearby, perhaps with a 40M dipole who could arrange
to broadcast a signal at a specific time, etc.  Ideally, I¹d like to bring
my rig to your shack and try to configure there.  I need to be able to
receive WWV, and I need to be sure that my receiver is functioning properly
before I install the 100Watt amplifier and the fans.  Thanks.

73,
Chuck KE9CE
K3 #4073

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[Chuck Teeter KE9CE]

I had a wonderful tech support session with Dale at Elecraft, and we determined that the receiver appears to be functioning properly.  I've also discovered that there may be a defect with my antenna, so I'm returning that for exchange.  Hopefully, after I get the new antenna and get it in the air, I'll be able to finish the oscillator configuration.  In the meantime, I'm going to install the 100Watt amplifier, run the 50Watt test, and finish all the other odds and ends, including doing some things online.  Thanks for your help.  Of course, if there is a ham in the area who would let me connect at his shack, I would really appreciate it.

Best,
Chuck KE9CE

[Paul DeFelice]

Chuck,

Let me know if you need any help. I'm in Somonauk but I get over to Joliet
at least once a week.

 

73,

Paul K9NU

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[N8XPQ]

Chuck,
 
Have you made sure that your synthesizer has been configured properly? The instructions for this can be found on page 49 in the owners manual.

Synthesizer
This procedure is normally done at assembly time
or by the factory.
• Hold CONFIG and find the CONFIG:VCO
MD menu entry. Set the parameter fully
clockwise to CAL. Exit the menu. The
synthesizer will be tested and calibrated.
• To calibrate the 2nd synthesizer (for the sub
receiver), locate CONFIG:VCO MD and set
the parameter to CAL, tap SUB to turn on the
SUB icon, then exit the menu.

Possibly this may help.

Good luck,

Mike N8XPQ

[Chuck Teeter KE9CE]

Hi, Mike:

Thanks for the suggestion.  Actually, I had done that, and I've done it again just to play safe.

73,
Chuck KE9CE