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KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

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David Davis

KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.

I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.

The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.

If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
keyer in some fashion.

I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
like to verify the RF power out.

Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.

Thanks!
David
KG6MTI

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Bill Frantz

Re: KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

It is best to use CW or Tune or even AM to check power output.
If you don't speak into the mic in SSB mode, the output should
be zero, as the carrier is suppressed and with no audio, there
is no side band.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 6/7/16 at 9:49 PM, [hidden email] (David Davis) wrote:

>I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.
>
>I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
>voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
>process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
>speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
>mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.
>
>The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
>the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
>4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.
>
>If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
>the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
>figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
>keyer in some fashion.
>
>I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
>like to verify the RF power out.
>
>Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz | Since the IBM Selectric, keyboards have gotten
408-356-8506 | steadily worse. Now we have touchscreen keyboards.
www.pwpconsult.com | Can we make something even worse?

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

In reply to this post by David Davis

David,

You'll likely get more help if you describe what
is causing you to think you might have an RF out
issue with your KX3.

73, Phil W7OX

On 6/7/16 9:49 PM, David Davis wrote:

> I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.
>
> I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
> voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
> process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
> speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
> mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.
>
> The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
> the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
> 4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.
>
> If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
> the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
> figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
> keyer in some fashion.
>
> I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
> like to verify the RF power out.
>
> Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.
>
> Thanks!
> David
> KG6MTI

______________________________________________________________
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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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thelastdb

Re: KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

In reply to this post by David Davis

David,
Set the radio for 5W in the TUNE menu first. Then press the tune button. I make all of my power measurements with my KX3 set to 5W and TUNE.
John and I use these DL1s extensively. Google KN5L DL1 and read up on the diode characterization and further reading about its use.
72Myron WVØHPrinted on Recycled Data -------- Original message --------From: David Davis <[hidden email]> Date: 6/7/2016 10:49 PM (GMT-07:00) To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 RF out voltage measurements...
I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.

I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.

The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.

If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
keyer in some fashion.

I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
like to verify the RF power out.

Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.

Thanks!
David
KG6MTI

______________________________________________________________
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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Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Message delivered to [hidden email]

David Davis

Re: KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

Phil.

My testing started when I started to realize that I might not have any RF output.

I started to believe this to be the situation when no matter what band or mode I tried I was no longer able to make a contact of any type while working portable.

When I returned home and connected my KX3 back up to my KXPA100 I noticed that no matter what I set the KX3 output too the KXPA100 would effectively not put out anything. The 25w led would barely flicker when I would key up the radio. This caused me to believe the KX3 either had little to no RF output at all or barely enough to be able to drive the KXPA100.

Thanks
David
KG6MTI

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 8, 2016, at 03:31, Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> David,
>
> You'll likely get more help if you describe what is causing you to think you might have an RF out issue with your KX3.
>
> 73, Phil W7OX
>
>> On 6/7/16 9:49 PM, David Davis wrote:
>> I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.
>>
>> I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
>> voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
>> process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
>> speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
>> mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.
>>
>> The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
>> the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
>> 4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.
>>
>> If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
>> the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
>> figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
>> keyer in some fashion.
>>
>> I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
>> like to verify the RF power out.
>>
>> Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.
>>
>> Thanks!
>> David
>> KG6MTI
>

David Davis

Re: KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

In reply to this post by thelastdb

Myron

Thanks for the information. I believe this will help me with what I need to check.

I will also check out your suggested reading it sounds like there is some valuable information there.

Thanks
David
KG6MTI

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 8, 2016, at 06:02, thelastdb <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> David,
>
> Set the radio for 5W in the TUNE menu first. Then press the tune button. I make all of my power measurements with my KX3 set to 5W and TUNE.
>
> John and I use these DL1s extensively. Google KN5L DL1 and read up on the diode characterization and further reading about its use.
>
> 72
> Myron WVØH
> Printed on Recycled Data
> -------- Original message --------
> From: David Davis <[hidden email]>
> Date: 6/7/2016 10:49 PM (GMT-07:00)
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 RF out voltage measurements...
>
> I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.
>
> I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
> voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
> process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
> speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
> mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.
>
> The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
> the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
> 4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.
>
> If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
> the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
> figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
> keyer in some fashion.
>
> I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
> like to verify the RF power out.
>
> Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.
>
> Thanks!
> David
> KG6MTI
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

In reply to this post by David Davis

David,

If you have a dummy load and any sort of Wattmeter
which can measure in 10-20 W range, that should
tell you if you're getting NO power out.

And make sure you have the power out dialed in at
10 watts or so in the KX3, not set to zero.

73, Phil W7OX

On 6/8/16 8:42 AM, David Davis wrote:

> Phil.
>
> My testing started when I started to realize that I might not have any RF output.
>
> I started to believe this to be the situation when no matter what band or mode I tried I was no longer able to make a contact of any type while working portable.
>
> When I returned home and connected my KX3 back up to my KXPA100 I noticed that no matter what I set the KX3 output too the KXPA100 would effectively not put out anything. The 25w led would barely flicker when I would key up the radio. This caused me to believe the KX3 either had little to no RF output at all or barely enough to be able to drive the KXPA100.
>
> Thanks
> David
> KG6MTI
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jun 8, 2016, at 03:31, Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> David,
>>
>> You'll likely get more help if you describe what is causing you to think you might have an RF out issue with your KX3.
>>
>> 73, Phil W7OX
>>
>>> On 6/7/16 9:49 PM, David Davis wrote:
>>> I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.
>>>
>>> I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
>>> voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
>>> process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
>>> speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
>>> mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.
>>>
>>> The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
>>> the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
>>> 4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.
>>>
>>> If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
>>> the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
>>> figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
>>> keyer in some fashion.
>>>
>>> I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
>>> like to verify the RF power out.
>>>
>>> Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>> David
>>> KG6MTI

David Davis

Re: KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

In reply to this post by thelastdb

Myron,

Thank you very much for the information. It helped me check the RF
output on my KX3. I was able to determine that the power output is
exactly where it should be. That is why I really enjoy this mailing
list. There are good people here that always offer great help.

In the end the issue appears to be caused by the ribbon cable that
connects the two halves of the radio. I had opened the radio a few days
before the last time I had used it. I must have knocked the cable loose.
While I was checking the radio I checked the connections of the cable
and it was loose. After I got the radio back together I used your
suggestions and the measurements were perfect.

I also Googled your website. It was like finding a gold mine. There is
all kinds of good information on your site.

Thank you,

David

KG6MTI

On 6/8/16 6:02 AM, thelastdb wrote:

> David,
>
> Set the radio for 5W in the TUNE menu first. Then press the tune
> button. I make all of my power measurements with my KX3 set to 5W and
> TUNE.
>
> John and I use these DL1s extensively. Google KN5L DL1 and read up on
> the diode characterization and further reading about its use.
>
> 72
> Myron WVØH
> Printed on Recycled Data
> -------- Original message --------
> From: David Davis <[hidden email]>
> Date: 6/7/2016 10:49 PM (GMT-07:00)
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 RF out voltage measurements...
>
> I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.
>
> I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
> voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
> process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
> speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
> mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.
>
> The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
> the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
> 4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.
>
> If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
> the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
> figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
> keyer in some fashion.
>
> I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
> like to verify the RF power out.
>
> Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.
>
> Thanks!
> David
> KG6MTI
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

thelastdb

Re: KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

David,

I’m glad you got it resolved.

Myron WV0H
Printed on Recycled Data

From: David Davis
Sent: Wednesday, June 8, 2016 8:58 PM
To: thelastdb; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

Myron,
Thank you very much for the information. It helped me check the RF output on my KX3. I was able to determine that the power output is exactly where it should be. That is why I really enjoy this mailing list. There are good people here that always offer great help.
In the end the issue appears to be caused by the ribbon cable that connects the two halves of the radio. I had opened the radio a few days before the last time I had used it. I must have knocked the cable loose. While I was checking the radio I checked the connections of the cable and it was loose. After I got the radio back together I used your suggestions and the measurements were perfect.
I also Googled your website. It was like finding a gold mine. There is all kinds of good information on your site.
Thank you,
David
KG6MTI

On 6/8/16 6:02 AM, thelastdb wrote:
David,

Set the radio for 5W in the TUNE menu first. Then press the tune button. I make all of my power measurements with my KX3 set to 5W and TUNE.

John and I use these DL1s extensively. Google KN5L DL1 and read up on the diode characterization and further reading about its use.

72
Myron WVØH
Printed on Recycled Data
-------- Original message --------
From: David Davis <[hidden email]>
Date: 6/7/2016 10:49 PM (GMT-07:00)
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 RF out voltage measurements...

I might have an RF out issue with my KX3 but I am not sure how to test it.

I have an Elecraft DL1 and a DMM that I figure I can use to check the RF
voltages and verify the power out. However, I am not sure of the exact
process on how to do this. If I am keying the mic on SSB do I need to
speak into the mic to be able to measure the voltages or just key the
mic with silence? I would assume I need to be speaking into the mic.

The reason I ask this is because if I just key the mic with silence and
the radio set for 10W with a input power supply of 13.5V DC I measure
4.7mv DC at the TP1 on the DL1 unit.

If I speak into the mic I see voltages from 11 - 18V DC from the TP1 on
the DL1 unit. It seems to me that I need to be speaking into the mic. I
figure if I was checking the RF out in CW mode I would need to key the
keyer in some fashion.

I know this seems like an elementary level question but I would really
like to verify the RF power out.

Any information is greatly appreciated in advance.

Thanks!
David
KG6MTI

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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]