KPA3 in K3S mostly not working

[Carl Yaffey]

When I get my K4 (hopefully May . . .), I currently plan to send in my K3S for repair. I have already talked with support.
The symptoms are:
1) In transmit mode, no power when raising the power above 11 watts. This happens about 90% of the time. So the 100w amp is not totally gone.
2) In receive mode, sound drops considerably when raising the power above 11 watts. This is, of course, coincident with the 100w amp failing.
I haven’t found anything that causes the amp to come and go. Seems random. In can be OK while sending and the suddenly fail.
Also, the transmit calibration fails.

Anyone have this problem? Is there a “fix” without sending in the rig?
73,
Carl Yaffey  K8NU
cyaffey at  gmail.com
614 268 6353, Columbus OH
http://www.carl-yaffey.com
http://www.grassahol.com
http://www.bluesswing.com
Https://www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org
http://www.timbrewolves.carl-yaffey.com
http://www.folkramblers.carl-yaffey.com
Http:www.clintonvillegrass.com


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[Don Wilhelm]

Carl,

Unless you are OK with operating at the 11 watt level and below, I would
ask for an RSA and send in the K3S as soon as you get it.  Turn around
times on repairs are typically 2 to 3 weeks depending on the backlog.

The K4 is not likely to ship until late April or early May, and I don't
know how far down on the order list you may be - I surmise there are a
LOT of pre-orders.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/3/2020 5:34 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote:
> When I get my K4 (hopefully May . . .), I currently plan to send in my K3S for repair. I have already talked with support.
> The symptoms are:
> 1) In transmit mode, no power when raising the power above 11 watts. This happens about 90% of the time. So the 100w amp is not totally gone.
> 2) In receive mode, sound drops considerably when raising the power above 11 watts. This is, of course, coincident with the 100w amp failing.
> I haven’t found anything that causes the amp to come and go. Seems random. In can be OK while sending and the suddenly fail.
> Also, the transmit calibration fails.
>
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[Wes Stewart-2]

I know this doesn't have the non-gold pin problem but I would remove and replace
the KPAIO3A and KPA just to scrub the pins and to make sure everything is seated
properly.

Wes  N7WS

On 2/3/2020 3:34 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote:

> When I get my K4 (hopefully May . . .), I currently plan to send in my K3S for repair. I have already talked with support.
> The symptoms are:
> 1) In transmit mode, no power when raising the power above 11 watts. This happens about 90% of the time. So the 100w amp is not totally gone.
> 2) In receive mode, sound drops considerably when raising the power above 11 watts. This is, of course, coincident with the 100w amp failing.
> I haven’t found anything that causes the amp to come and go. Seems random. In can be OK while sending and the suddenly fail.
> Also, the transmit calibration fails.
>
> Anyone have this problem? Is there a “fix” without sending in the rig?
> 73,
> Carl Yaffey  K8NU
> cyaffey at  gmail.com
> 614 268 6353, Columbus OH
> http://www.carl-yaffey.com
> http://www.grassahol.com
> http://www.bluesswing.com
> Https://www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org
> http://www.timbrewolves.carl-yaffey.com
> http://www.folkramblers.carl-yaffey.com
> Http:www.clintonvillegrass.com
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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[KeithWE6R]

If it is intermittent, then check for the KPA3A not being seated all the
way down (pull Fan panel, 4 screws and inspect).
Or it could be the relay on the KPAIO3A riser board. To confirm; click
above and below 12W a bunch of times, if occasionally the RX comes and
goes, it is that relay.
Components on the KPA3A can make the RX poor, but usually when they
fail, they are not intermittent.
If you send it in, I will make sure it has the current Revisions of the
LPA and KPA. There are new ones since your rig was here in Jan 2017.
Keith WE6R
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