K3 PA temp widely varying & ERR12v

[N5QQ]

Early this SAT morning gettin gready to play in NAQP code I fired up
both K3's, the logging PC and such. I started double checking SO2R
setup in N1MM when all of a sudden radio #1 (K3 sn 594) flashed the
ERR 12v message, and I think it said CHECK CIRCUIT BREAKER etc. I
looked at circuit breaker and it was not tripped. After a few other
general checks I looked at the PA Temp and it was wildly fluctuating
with readings displayed such as -3 then to +30 then 5 then +35 back to
23 then -4 then +27 and kept this , all the while in just receive
mode. (For reference I looked at radio #2 (K3) and the PA temp was
perfectly steady at 23, just sitting idle in receive mode.)

Are these two issues related? The PA temp fluctuation is my real concern.

As FYI the radio has worked flawlessly the past couple years, but
coincidentally it just came back from the factory having several mods
performed along with a couple new options installed.

I searched and read the reflector's past comments on the more common
ERR12v causes regarding the circuit breaker lugs and the multipin
connector being tin vs gold, etc. I will check these later when I can
open up radio.

Any comments?
Ron
N5QQ
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[Joe Planisky]

Hi Ron,

Yes, I would say they are related.  From the owner's manual section on troubleshooting transmit problems:

"... low voltage may cause an erroneous temperature reading..."

The ERR 12V message also indicates low voltage.

I think you're on the right track checking the circuit breaker lugs, etc., but be sure to check the obvious things first, like measuring the supply voltage, making sure the connections on the power cord are tight, etc.

73
--
Joe KB8AP

On Jan 11, 2011, at 6:42 AM, Ron N5QQ wrote:

> Early this SAT morning gettin gready to play in NAQP code I fired up
> both K3's, the logging PC and such. I started double checking SO2R
> setup in N1MM when all of a sudden radio #1 (K3 sn 594) flashed the
> ERR 12v message,...I looked at the PA Temp and it was wildly fluctuating
> with readings displayed such as -3 then to +30 then 5 then +35 back to
> 23 then -4 then +27 and kept this , all the while in just receive
> mode....

> Are these two issues related? The PA temp fluctuation is my real concern.
>
> ...

> Any comments?
> Ron
> N5QQ

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