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KX-3 2 Meters, No power output

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Bill k6acj

KX-3 2 Meters, No power output

KX-3 Serial number 2517
Internal or external battery power, same condition.
HF SSB/CW/Digital operation is Fine

No 2 meter RF output on any mode.
I've carefully followed the 2 meter module installation instructions and firmware settings, loaded the latest software as of Friday AM (and again) and cannot measure 2 meter RF at the SMA connector using verified coax and VHF SWR bridge. The power control displays 3 watts but the 'tune' mode displays .1 watt (?). CW, FM, SSB RF does not register on the VHF SWR/Power meter (10 watt setting) however I can hear my CW/FM/SSB signal in a nearby receiver. Receive works fine and all modes on HF work fine. I'm anxious to get this going for the VHF contest.

Bill K6ACJ

Sent from my iPad

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GM4JJJ

Re: KX-3 2 Meters, No power output

Bill,

I have noticed your postings on this matter for sometime and am surprised that nobody has replied (at least publicly). Unfortunately I do not have the internal 2m transverter for my KX3 so cannot help you. It does sound like a hardware problem doesn't it? Not having installed one, I am unaware of the complexities and if there are any particular points to watch out for.

Have you attempted to contact Elecraft support directly either by email or telephone? I hear that they are excellent and would be able to guide you better.

There were a number of beta testers of the 2m module, I am surprised none of them has chipped in with a little help. Can anyone help Bill?

Hope that you get this resolved and do let us know the solution.

73

David Anderson GM4JJJ

> On 13 Jun 2015, at 06:51, BillP <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> KX-3 Serial number 2517
> Internal or external battery power, same condition.
> HF SSB/CW/Digital operation is Fine
>
> No 2 meter RF output on any mode.
> I've carefully followed the 2 meter module installation instructions and firmware settings, loaded the latest software as of Friday AM (and again) and cannot measure 2 meter RF at the SMA connector using verified coax and VHF SWR bridge. The power control displays 3 watts but the 'tune' mode displays .1 watt (?). CW, FM, SSB RF does not register on the VHF SWR/Power meter (10 watt setting) however I can hear my CW/FM/SSB signal in a nearby receiver. Receive works fine and all modes on HF work fine. I'm anxious to get this going for the VHF contest.
>
> Bill K6ACJ
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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GM4JJJ

Re: KX-3 2 Meters, No power output

In reply to this post by Bill k6acj

Bill, I found this info from an earlier posting by Ed in Alaska who was a beta tester.

On some of the early 2M models the printing on the metal shield was backwards to that shown in the manual. I made the mistake of installing my shield per the photo in the manual and got the shield on backwards which partially shorted the output transistor resulting in low RF output (0.3w vs 3.0w). I was one of the field testers so my unit was very early production. MY understanding is that the label issue was remedied in later units.

To be absolutely sure the shield is on correctly you should visually examine the shield to see if the tiny cutout is over the output transistor (this is the one with a tab you secured with a black flat-head screw). You should be able to check it without removal of the shield. Another way to describe it is the cutout is along the side of the shield nearest the edge of the radio case.

73

David Anderson GM4JJJ

Oliver Dröse

Re: KX-3 2 Meters, No power output

In reply to this post by Bill k6acj

Bill,

have you checked that all cables are seated firmly? Pay attention the
connectors need some pressing to make good contact. Also check the small
coax (TRV to SMA) for continuity. Is that okay? Elsewise it might also
be the final transistor has gone south. Contact Elecraft support to
check, they will certainly guide you through a few measurements to
locate the error and take according measures. GL!

73, Olli - DH8BQA
KX3-2M beta tester

Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de

Am 13.06.2015 um 07:51 schrieb BillP:

> KX-3 Serial number 2517
> Internal or external battery power, same condition.
> HF SSB/CW/Digital operation is Fine
>
> No 2 meter RF output on any mode.
> I've carefully followed the 2 meter module installation instructions and firmware settings, loaded the latest software as of Friday AM (and again) and cannot measure 2 meter RF at the SMA connector using verified coax and VHF SWR bridge. The power control displays 3 watts but the 'tune' mode displays .1 watt (?). CW, FM, SSB RF does not register on the VHF SWR/Power meter (10 watt setting) however I can hear my CW/FM/SSB signal in a nearby receiver. Receive works fine and all modes on HF work fine. I'm anxious to get this going for the VHF contest.
>
> Bill K6ACJ
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>