K3 Quickest way to access loose AUX RF nut

[K7TV]

Just pulled my K3 off the operating shelf for travel to Field Day.
Discovered that the AUX RF BNC connector is quite loose. Started to loosen
adjoining case panels to tighten the nut, but didn't find a way to easily
get at the nut. Since I don't need this connection for FD, and I don't have
time to spend, I will just defer fixing the problem until I get home.
However, if there is a best way to do the job, without removing the second
RX etc, I'd like to know. Any advice?

 

Thanks and 73,

Erik K7TV

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[mzilmer]

When I was checking the mod instructions out, I discovered the same thing.  While in that area, I did exactly as Ron suggested.  Call it a ten minute job!

Matt Zilmer
Consultant - Product Management Dept.
Magellan Navigation / MiTAC Digital Corp.
Tel: [phone]
Cell: [phone]
Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2012 1:46 PM
To: 'Erik Basilier'; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Quickest way to access loose AUX RF nut

Erik, probably the easiest way to get to the nut is through the KPA100 enclosure. Download the 12DC Power Mod instructions (http://www.elecraft.com/manual/12VDC%20Current%20Modification.pdf ) They show you how to get into the rear panel, by removing the fan panel and
KPA100 module (ignore the instructions about removing the bottom cover).

I bet you can get in and tighten it up and get out all in less than 30 minutes even if working very slowly and carefully.

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----

Just pulled my K3 off the operating shelf for travel to Field Day.
Discovered that the AUX RF BNC connector is quite loose. Started to loosen adjoining case panels to tighten the nut, but didn't find a way to easily get at the nut. Since I don't need this connection for FD, and I don't have time to spend, I will just defer fixing the problem until I get home.
However, if there is a best way to do the job, without removing the second RX etc, I'd like to know. Any advice?



Thanks and 73,

Erik K7TV

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[Cady, Fred]

I just swapped the sub rx from one K3 to another. With the right side
panel removed, the aux BNC is right there and you can use a small 7/16
open-end wrench to tighten the nut.
Cheers and 73,

Fred Cady
"The Elecraft K3: Design, Configuration and Operation"
www.ke7x.com

fcady at ieee dot org

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] [mailto:elecraft-
> [hidden email]] On Behalf Of Erik Basilier
> Sent: Friday, June 22, 2012 11:34 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Quickest way to access loose AUX RF nut
>
> Just pulled my K3 off the operating shelf for travel to Field Day.
> Discovered that the AUX RF BNC connector is quite loose. Started to
> loosen
> adjoining case panels to tighten the nut, but didn't find a way to
> easily
> get at the nut. Since I don't need this connection for FD, and I don't
> have
> time to spend, I will just defer fixing the problem until I get home.
> However, if there is a best way to do the job, without removing the
> second
> RX etc, I'd like to know. Any advice?
>
>
>
> Thanks and 73,
>
> Erik K7TV
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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[K7TV]

Ron, I know what you are referring to. During my aborted attempt I first
removed the long screw, but gave up when I realized that I was up against
the voltage regulators. I put the screws back and packed the radio in a
case. Question: does this mean that I have some loose hardware now relating
to the standoff at the KAT3? The long screw seemed to tighten ok. In other
words, should I open the radio and follow your instructions, or can I be
reasonable confident and be on my way to FD? This is time critical.
Thanks,
Erik

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron D'Eau Claire [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2012 3:06 PM
To: 'Erik Basilier'; [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Quickest way to access loose AUX RF nut

There are two additional complications to removing the right side panel.

1) The top rear screw that secures the panel goes into a 2D fastener, just
like the other corner screws, but it's an extra long screw that goes all the
way through the 2D fastener and into a threaded standoff that is used to
secure the KAT3 or KANT3 board. To replace it correctly so the standoff is
tight against the 2D fastener, you need to:

 --Remove the mounting screw and lock washer holding the KAT3 or KANT3
board.
 --Replace the side panel and tighten the long screw in the 2D fastener.
 --Tighten the standoff against the 2D fastener.
 --Replace the KAT3 or KANT3 board mounting screw and lock washer.

2) The second issue is that there are two screws and nuts mounting two
voltage regulators, U12 and U14 on the side panel for heat sinking. They
must be removed *before* trying to remove the side panel. That's not too
hard if there is no KRX3 sub receiver installed (be aware there are lock
washers and nuts on those screws that must be removed and replaced). If the
sub-receiver is installed you must pull the sub-receiver module out of the
K3 to get to them.

That's why I suggested going in through the rear.  

73, Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
I just swapped the sub rx from one K3 to another. With the right side panel
removed, the aux BNC is right there and you can use a small 7/16 open-end
wrench to tighten the nut.
Cheers and 73,

Fred Cady
"The Elecraft K3: Design, Configuration and Operation"
www.ke7x.com

fcady at ieee dot org

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[DaveL G3TJP]

There was a simple mod devised by dear old Tom Hammond, N0SS (SK) regarding
the complication of the top rear corner securing of the right hand K3 side
panel.  Tom said, simply drill out the thread on the single hole of the 2-D
connector in that corner and then the side panel can be removed by simply
unscrewing the long screw that passes through the 2-D fastener.  I made the
mod and was pleased with he result.

 

73 Dave G3TJP

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[K7TV]

Ron,
Thanks for the quick reply. I was already having daymares about tuner ground
return path, and that is just what you said!
Anyway, it didn't take long to remove the top. I found that the
tuner-to-standoff screw was somewhat tight already, but I am sure I improved
the situation when I applied one screwdriver to that screw from the inside,
while simultaneously applying another screwdriver from the outside to the
long screw. I think I would have been ok, but I feel so much better now!
73,
Erik

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron D'Eau Claire [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2012 4:03 PM
To: 'Erik Basilier'; [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Quickest way to access loose AUX RF nut *TIME
CRITICAL*

That long screw is part of the ground return for the KAT3. If the hardware
is loose people have reported the SWR jumping around as the ground path
resistance varies according to how well the screw threads make contact with
the standoff.

A quick fix might be to remove the top cover. That standoff is right up
against the rear panel lip but if you can get pliers or a wrench on it
simply tighten it against the 2D fastener. Optionally you might push on the
screw that goes through the circuit board to push the standoff up hard
against the 2D and then replace the long screw to hold everything.

As long as it's making solid electrical contact you should have no problems.


Always a last minute panic, Hi!

73, Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----

Ron, I know what you are referring to. During my aborted attempt I first
removed the long screw, but gave up when I realized that I was up against
the voltage regulators. I put the screws back and packed the radio in a
case. Question: does this mean that I have some loose hardware now relating
to the standoff at the KAT3? The long screw seemed to tighten ok. In other
words, should I open the radio and follow your instructions, or can I be
reasonable confident and be on my way to FD? This is time critical.
Thanks,
Erik

______________________________________________________________
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