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KX2 KXIO2 RTC Adjustment

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Tim McDonough N9PUZ

KX2 KXIO2 RTC Adjustment

I have a KX2 with the internal tuner and the KXIO2 clock module which I
purchased used and it is long out of warranty. The clock gains a nearly
minute per day in spite of having performed the calibration/adjustment.

Elecraft advised that while they are more than happy to repair it by the
time I pay for labor and shipping both ways it is probably better to buy
a new KXIO2 module which will have a warranty. I can appreciate that and
don't fault them a bit for the price but I'm just wondering if anyone
has a suggestion for a DIY repair. I spend plenty of money on the hobby
but am just wondering if I can get a working internal clock for less
than $80 plus shipping?

Tim -- N9PUZ
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Don Wilhelm

Re: KX2 KXIO2 RTC Adjustment

Tim,

I would suggest trying again to recalibrate it. The recalibration can
be a long process of trial and error with the results measured over
several days.
That is a lot less expensive than buying a new one or sending it to
Elecraft.

I do not expect the long term accuracy of any rig's real time clock to
be correct over a period of days. Even gaining a minute a day is
sufficient for logging during an outing.
Actually, I do not use it, I use the Timex on my wrist for accurate
timekeeping, and it is easier for me than pulling up the RTC display on
the KX2 when doing paper logging.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/25/2018 5:20 PM, Tim McDonough N9PUZ wrote:

> I have a KX2 with the internal tuner and the KXIO2 clock module which I
> purchased used and it is long out of warranty. The clock gains a nearly
> minute per day in spite of having performed the calibration/adjustment.
>
> Elecraft advised that while they are more than happy to repair it by the
> time I pay for labor and shipping both ways it is probably better to buy
> a new KXIO2 module which will have a warranty. I can appreciate that and
> don't fault them a bit for the price but I'm just wondering if anyone
> has a suggestion for a DIY repair. I spend plenty of money on the hobby
> but am just wondering if I can get a working internal clock for less
> than $80 plus shipping?

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Tim McDonough N9PUZ

Re: KX2 KXIO2 RTC Adjustment

Thank you Don and Richard.

The KXIO2 clock is working properly again. I do not know if it was one
of the things below or the combination of all of them but I'll share
what I did in hopes it might help someone else.

My KX2 was purchased used so I do not know if it was assembled by the
original owner or by Elecraft.

Step 1: I removed external power and the internal battery. Then I let
the radio sit for a couple of days so the backup cap could discharge and
things would really be "off".

Step 2: I removed the KXIO2 board using the installation instructions as
a guide. I carefully applied a small amount of DeoxIT "D Series" cleaner
to the contacts on the four headers. (Use VERY little, I could barely
see that I had applied any.) This was in case there might be any small
amount of corrosion that was not visible.

Step 3: I reassembled everything, put the battery back in and connected
external power. Then, I used the KX2 utility program to set the clock to
match my PC with the "calibration value set to "0". I turned the radio off.

Step 4: About a day or so later I compared the two times. The KX2 was a
few seconds fast so I bumped the calibration to "1". Having done all of
that the radio seems to be about a minute fast after a week. Plenty good
enough for me and well within what Elecraft claims it should do.

Tim N9PUZ

On 8/26/2018 11:00 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Tim,
>
> I would suggest trying again to recalibrate it. The recalibration can
> be a long process of trial and error with the results measured over
> several days.
> That is a lot less expensive than buying a new one or sending it to
> Elecraft.
>
> I do not expect the long term accuracy of any rig's real time clock to
> be correct over a period of days. Even gaining a minute a day is
> sufficient for logging during an outing.
> Actually, I do not use it, I use the Timex on my wrist for accurate
> timekeeping, and it is easier for me than pulling up the RTC display
> on the KX2 when doing paper logging.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 8/25/2018 5:20 PM, Tim McDonough N9PUZ wrote:
>> I have a KX2 with the internal tuner and the KXIO2 clock module which
>> I purchased used and it is long out of warranty. The clock gains a
>> nearly minute per day in spite of having performed the
>> calibration/adjustment.
>>
>> Elecraft advised that while they are more than happy to repair it by
>> the time I pay for labor and shipping both ways it is probably better
>> to buy a new KXIO2 module which will have a warranty. I can
>> appreciate that and don't fault them a bit for the price but I'm just
>> wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a DIY repair. I spend plenty
>> of money on the hobby but am just wondering if I can get a working
>> internal clock for less than $80 plus shipping?
>