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KX3 ERR IOA IOB

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Jim Campbell

KX3 ERR IOA IOB

I completed the assembly of my new KX3 yesterday. When turning on the
KX3 I get an immediate ERR IOA d=001. If I tap the Disp/Menu button it
changes to ERR IOB d=001. I have checked the cable between the Control
Panel board and the RF Board several times. A third tap of the Disp/menu
button takes me to the configuration menu.

I had initially installed the ATU, the filter board and the battery
charger and as soon as I turned on the power I saw the error messages. I
had done the configuration to turn on these three accessories. After
removing the three accessories I removed the configuration for them by
changing them to "not inst".

I next updated the microcode for the MCU from 1.26 to 1.27. Errors
remained. Then I did the EEINIT procedure but the errors remained.

The troubleshooting section of the manual shows the ERR IOA and ERR IOB
entries but does not speak to d=001.

I installed the NiMH batteries after I had completed assembly. I
attempted to charge them but the charge voltage went from 10.2 V to 11.4
V over a 16-hour charge cycle. The batteries were obtained from Radio
Shack and were the Enercell 2500 mAh AA cells.

During the assembly I was VERY careful about ESD. I did the assembly on
an anti-static mat and always wore the wrist-strap.

Any help would be much appreciated.

73,

Jim - W4BQP

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mzilmer

Re: KX3 ERR IOA IOB

The 10.2 to 11.4V is about right. I'd suggest you contact support for the IO errors.

Matt Zilmer
Consultant - Product Management Dept.
Magellan Navigation / MiTAC Digital Corp.
Tel: (909) 394-6052
Cell: (909) 730-6552
In status quo voluntas non sufficit

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Campbell
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 8:51 AM
To: elecraft@Elecraft List
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 ERR IOA IOB

I completed the assembly of my new KX3 yesterday. When turning on the
KX3 I get an immediate ERR IOA d=001. If I tap the Disp/Menu button it changes to ERR IOB d=001. I have checked the cable between the Control Panel board and the RF Board several times. A third tap of the Disp/menu button takes me to the configuration menu.

I had initially installed the ATU, the filter board and the battery charger and as soon as I turned on the power I saw the error messages. I had done the configuration to turn on these three accessories. After removing the three accessories I removed the configuration for them by changing them to "not inst".

I next updated the microcode for the MCU from 1.26 to 1.27. Errors remained. Then I did the EEINIT procedure but the errors remained.

The troubleshooting section of the manual shows the ERR IOA and ERR IOB entries but does not speak to d=001.

I installed the NiMH batteries after I had completed assembly. I attempted to charge them but the charge voltage went from 10.2 V to 11.4 V over a 16-hour charge cycle. The batteries were obtained from Radio Shack and were the Enercell 2500 mAh AA cells.

During the assembly I was VERY careful about ESD. I did the assembly on an anti-static mat and always wore the wrist-strap.

Any help would be much appreciated.

73,

Jim - W4BQP

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Jim Campbell

Re: KX3 ERR IOA IOB

I found the problem myself. I really should keep quiet but on the chance
that someone else makes the same error I'll admit to my ineptness.

I opened up the KX3 and looked very carefully around the inside.
Something about the ribbon cable joining the two halves caught my eye.
It was plugged in BACKWARD. I plugged it in the correct way, powered up
the KX3 and no more error.

So if on powering-up your newly self-assembled KX3 you get an ERR IOA,
d=001 followed by an ERR IOB, d=001 check to see if you have your cable
plugged in backward.

I wish everyone in this part of the world a Happy Thanksgiving and
everywhere else a great day.

73,

Jim - W4BQP
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pu2clr

Re: KX3 ERR IOA IOB

In reply to this post by Jim Campbell

Hi,
I have had a similar problem with my KX3 after installing the "KXBC3 Internal NiMH Charger / Real-Time Clock".
I guess I made a mistake when I closed the KX3 cover and I damaged the Flex Cable (E980219).
The KX3 is working fine in the most of the time, however, intermittently I get the messages d=001 followed by ERR IOA, ERR IO B and ERR ACT when I turn on the radio.

To try to solve this problem I have followed all the advices from the KX3 manual (pages 45 and 46).

After doing the advice of the manual, the radio start working again
for hours or days. However, in some case the messages are shown again when I turn on the radio.

Here are some details about this symptom and my procedures:

If I remove the internal ATU and install it again, when I turn on the radio everything starts working well at first time.
So, I can operate with the KX3 all day long. However, if I turn off the radio, wait for few minutes or more and turn it on again, that messages might be displayed.

Also, if I disconnect the Flex Cable and connect it again, with or without internal ATU installed, the radio works well at first time. However, If I turn it off for few minutes or more the symptom might goes back.

Judging by the Manual it is possible that the problem is related with RF Board or Control Panel.

I bought a new cable from Elecraft and now I am waiting for it. I guess it is a good idea before trying other approach.

73.
PU2CLR.
Ricardo.

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: KX3 ERR IOA IOB

Ricardo,

With a damaged flex cable, whatever error messages you receive are
probably due to the damaged cable.
Wait until you have the replacement cable before concluding that other
problem may exist.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/4/2014 6:43 PM, pu2clr wrote:

> Hi,
> I have had a similar problem with my KX3 after installing the "KXBC3
> Internal NiMH Charger / Real-Time Clock".
> I guess I made a mistake when I closed the KX3 cover and I damaged the Flex
> Cable (E980219).
> The KX3 is working fine in the most of the time, however, intermittently I
> get the messages d=001 followed by ERR IOA, ERR IO B and ERR ACT when I turn
> on the radio.
>
> To try to solve this problem I have followed all the advices from the KX3
> manual (pages 45 and 46).
>
> After doing the advice of the manual, the radio start working again
> for hours or days. However, in some case the messages are shown again
> when I turn on the radio.
>
> Here are some details about this symptom and my procedures:
>
> If I remove the internal ATU and install it again, when I turn on the radio
> everything starts working well at first time.
> So, I can operate with the KX3 all day long. However, if I turn off the
> radio, wait for few minutes or more and turn it on again, that messages
> might be displayed.
>
> Also, if I disconnect the Flex Cable and connect it again, with or without
> internal ATU installed, the radio works well at first time. However, If I
> turn it off for few minutes or more the symptom might goes back.
>
> Judging by the Manual it is possible that the problem is related with RF
> Board or Control Panel.
>
> I bought a new cable from Elecraft and now I am waiting for it. I guess it
> is a good idea before trying other approach.
>
>

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pu2clr

Re: KX3 ERR IOA IOB

Hi Don,
I am afraid you are right.
If so, I have no idea how to repair it.
Replacing the RF Board or CP will be a bit complicated from Brazil.
I have tested the demaged cabe with a multimeter and apparently there is no reason for this symptom.
I mean, despite the appearance of the cable, it seems ok.

Anyway, I will keep this group updated about this problem.
Thanks.
PU2CLR,
Ricardo.

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: KX3 ERR IOA IOB

Ricardo,

If the new flex cable does not fix the errors, contact
[hidden email] for further assistance.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/4/2014 9:30 PM, pu2clr wrote:

> Hi Don,
> I am afraid you are right.
> If so, I have no idea how to repair it.
> Replacing the RF Board or CP will be a bit complicated from Brazil.
> I have tested the demaged cabe with a multimeter and apparently there is no
> reason for this symptom.
> I mean, despite the appearance of the cable, it seems ok.
>
> Anyway, I will keep this group updated about this problem.
> Thanks.
> PU2CLR,
> Ricardo.
>

pu2clr

Re: KX3 ERR IOA IOB

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Hi Don and All,

Just to keep you updated about my KX3 problem. Now I put a piece of plastic separating the two side of the box. It was an advice from a friend and a KX3 user.

Anyway, now the behavior of the radio is exactly the same as three months ago when I bought it.

I can hear the relays being activated when I turn on the radio or switch bands.

I am not sure if the problem is solved. I will monitor the radio behavior.

Until next report.

PS: I am still using the original flex cable.

Thanks again for the attention.

73.
Ricardo.