K3 I/O Caution

[N4BP]

I've been having intermittent computer problems with the K3 connected
ever since installing the K3 on the operating desk.  The ultimate
disaster occurred during the RTTY Roundup when the computer shut itself
off and lost my log with approximately 1100 QSO's.  After making various
attempts to block RF from entering the computer, I ran across what
appears to be the solution.

The DB9M connector on my serial cable used for K3 I/O had the standard
threaded studs installed.  These had to be removed to allow fitting to
the K3 I/O port with its own threaded studs.  With the studs removed,
the connectors mated, but nothing but friction to hold them together.  I
wondered if perhaps the shells were making intermittent contact.  I next
drilled through the connector body where the studs were removed and
inserted a spare pair of thumb screws that were left over from a DB9F
connector.  With these screwed into the K3's threaded studs to secure
the connectors, I've not had any further RF problems with the computer.

--
73,     Bob Patten, N4BP                Plantation, FL

E-Mail :   [hidden email]                Website: http://www.qsl.net/n4bp
SOC #1          ARS #799                QRP ARCI #3412       FISTS #7871
FP #1491                                SMIRK #6625
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[Matt Zilmer]

This worked for me too.  An added tip is one I got from Wayne when
experiencing RF feedback on PSK31:  Seat the two KIO3 rear panel
connector boards (3.5mm fems, and also the RCA / 1/4" phono) so that
there is a slight amount of interference with the screw-on panel. This
allows the grounds for the jacks to make best contact with the 3.5mm
plugs.  It takes a little jiggling to get the fit to come out just
right, but you need the jack bodies (sleeve is ground) to jut out just
a little bit to get proper contact.

matt, W6NIA

On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 08:11:12 -0500, you wrote:

>I've been having intermittent computer problems with the K3 connected
>ever since installing the K3 on the operating desk.  The ultimate
>disaster occurred during the RTTY Roundup when the computer shut itself
>off and lost my log with approximately 1100 QSO's.  After making various
>attempts to block RF from entering the computer, I ran across what
>appears to be the solution.
>
>The DB9M connector on my serial cable used for K3 I/O had the standard
>threaded studs installed.  These had to be removed to allow fitting to
>the K3 I/O port with its own threaded studs.  With the studs removed,
>the connectors mated, but nothing but friction to hold them together.  I
>wondered if perhaps the shells were making intermittent contact.  I next
>drilled through the connector body where the studs were removed and
>inserted a spare pair of thumb screws that were left over from a DB9F
>connector.  With these screwed into the K3's threaded studs to secure
>the connectors, I've not had any further RF problems with the computer.

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[Gilbert Cross]

        This missive caused me to look at my installation also. I found that
the situation was not good. The contacts in the db9m connector made very
minimal contact. In fact the retaining screws would not draw the connectors
together fully and if the connectors were forced together as far as they
would go ,you could then pull on the connector attached to the cable and the
result was you were able to pull the connectors apart by .03 or more but
still evidently making contact but in my mind not a good situation at
all....Also the cable connector could be wiggled somewhat.
        I have made a couple of wire washers from #18 wire and placed them
between the shoulder of the retaining screws and the connector housing, also
I removed the lock washers from under the jack screw nuts. This gave me
another.07 of engagement when the screws were tightened to hold the
connectors together and there is no longer any wiggle of the cable
connector. Works for me until something better comes along.

                        Gil  K8EAG   K3 99


----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Patten" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>;
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 8:11 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 I/O Caution

> I've been having intermittent computer problems with the K3 connected ever
> since installing the K3 on the operating desk.  The ultimate disaster
> occurred during the RTTY Roundup when the computer shut itself off and
> lost my log with approximately 1100 QSO's.  After making various attempts
> to block RF from entering the computer, I ran across what appears to be
> the solution.
>
> The DB9M connector on my serial cable used for K3 I/O had the standard
> threaded studs installed.  These had to be removed to allow fitting to the
> K3 I/O port with its own threaded studs.  With the studs removed, the
> connectors mated, but nothing but friction to hold them together.  I
> wondered if perhaps the shells were making intermittent contact.  I next
> drilled through the connector body where the studs were removed and
> inserted a spare pair of thumb screws that were left over from a DB9F
> connector.  With these screwed into the K3's threaded studs to secure the
> connectors, I've not had any further RF problems with the computer.
>
> --
> 73,     Bob Patten, N4BP                Plantation, FL
>
> E-Mail :   [hidden email]                Website: http://www.qsl.net/n4bp
> SOC #1          ARS #799                QRP ARCI #3412       FISTS #7871
> FP #1491                                SMIRK #6625
> _______________________________________________>

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[M0XDF]

I think you meant Figure 6 on page 10

On 19/1/08 00:45, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]> sent:
> Probably the best way to describe it is to refer you to Figure 10 on page 10
> in the XV Owner's manual available here:
>
> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/XV%20Transverter%20Owner's%20Manual-D.pdf
--
There is a coherent plan in the universe,
though I don't know what it is a plan for.
                                            - Fred Hoyle


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