K3 error during synthesizer calibration

[Tim Tucker]

All,

I just finished up the majority of the build and am attempting to do the
Synthesizer calibration.  It goes through the process and reports ERR VCO
00005.  I've inspected the cables between the KREF and KSYN3 and also the
TCXO installation as suggested by the manual.  I can't find anything wrong.

The other weird thing is that the unit will never completely power down.
When you try to power off, the display clears but stays lit.  If you unplug
the power and plug it back in, the display lights up with no information
displayed.  I don't believe that it 't started doing this until I tried to
calibrate it.

I've got a call in to tech support but while I'm waiting for a call back,
any ideas?

Tim
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[The Smiths]

Is it possible that you didn't put the split lock washer between the stand off and the KSYN board?  I've seen all to many that I've repaired where one of the resistors on the back of the PCB was snapped in half because there wasn't enough clearance for it to fit. Or it was just crushed by the standoff.  Check that one out, it will throw the same error that you're seeing now.

I'll have to put more thought into why your display doesn't turn off, but it sounds more like you have a board plugged in wrong.  Perhaps off by one pin, or have a pin bent.  Check to make sure that all 3 boards are installed correctly on the front panel, and that the panel has been pushed on properly.  Make sure you remove that one screw on the left side near the front as the instructions tell you too.  Otherwise you will either crush Capacitor C76 or not align the pins properly.

Hope this gives you some help.

 

> Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2010 14:02:48 -0700
> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 error during synthesizer calibration
>
> All,
>
> I just finished up the majority of the build and am attempting to do the
> Synthesizer calibration. It goes through the process and reports ERR VCO
> 00005. I've inspected the cables between the KREF and KSYN3 and also the
> TCXO installation as suggested by the manual. I can't find anything wrong.
>
> The other weird thing is that the unit will never completely power down.
> When you try to power off, the display clears but stays lit. If you unplug
> the power and plug it back in, the display lights up with no information
> displayed. I don't believe that it 't started doing this until I tried to
> calibrate it.
>
> I've got a call in to tech support but while I'm waiting for a call back,
> any ideas?
>
> Tim
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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[The Smiths]

Here's more info for you on the subject...
 
Verify that the oscillator can on the
KREF3 is fully plugged in and is not in
backwards. (Make sure you didn't cut the pins too short!)
 
Make sure all internal cables
are plugged in, specifically the cables
between the KREF3 and KSYN3 modules
(synthesizers). As you said they were...
 
Try removing the 2nd
synthesizer (for the sub receiver), and set
CONFIG:KRX3 to NOT INST. If this
eliminates the error, the sub synth may be
defective.
You can also try swapping it
with the main synth to see if it can be
calibrated in this slot.  That one solves a LOT of problems.
You should be able to move the cables over to the Sub board if you have it.

 

> Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2010 14:02:48 -0700
> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 error during synthesizer calibration
>
> All,
>
> I just finished up the majority of the build and am attempting to do the
> Synthesizer calibration. It goes through the process and reports ERR VCO
> 00005. I've inspected the cables between the KREF and KSYN3 and also the
> TCXO installation as suggested by the manual. I can't find anything wrong.
>
> The other weird thing is that the unit will never completely power down.
> When you try to power off, the display clears but stays lit. If you unplug
> the power and plug it back in, the display lights up with no information
> displayed. I don't believe that it 't started doing this until I tried to
> calibrate it.
>
> I've got a call in to tech support but while I'm waiting for a call back,
> any ideas?
>
> Tim
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html