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KX3: popping noise in radio speaker

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Edward R Cole

KX3: popping noise in radio speaker

While on my trip in the lower-48 I installed batteries in my KX3 for
the first time (run it off 13.5v PS in the shack).

I noted that there was a regular popping noise at a regular beat
about once per second. I checked battery voltage and saw that is was
below 12v and dropping slowly. I used eight AA batteries which all
tested at 1.53v before installation - brand new out of the
package. 8x1.53 = 12.24v but there is loading so voltage started at
about 11.9v. I noted current was running about 250ma with radio in
SSB and normal volume level. I guess the radio draws pretty hard in receive.

I removed the batteries and radio runs normal with 13.5vdc
applied. I guess using 2.2v lithium or NiHD batteries would work
better. I do not intend to run with internal batteries but wondered
if anyone else has encountered "popping audio" and is it voltage
related? Or is this related to the speaker physical fit issue with
early models of the KX3? Mine is SN 475 (kit).

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: KX3: popping noise in radio speaker

I've not noticed any such sounds, Ed, but my
hearing is not exactly reference standard.

I'm using Eneloop NiMH and have the optional
charger so they can stay in the KX3. So far, so
good -- though I'm usually on 13.8 VDC or an
external battery if available.

Phil w7ox

On 5/10/14, 4:55 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:

> While on my trip in the lower-48 I installed
> batteries in my KX3 for the first time (run it
> off 13.5v PS in the shack).
>
> I noted that there was a regular popping noise
> at a regular beat about once per second. I
> checked battery voltage and saw that is was
> below 12v and dropping slowly. I used eight AA
> batteries which all tested at 1.53v before
> installation - brand new out of the package.
> 8x1.53 = 12.24v but there is loading so voltage
> started at about 11.9v. I noted current was
> running about 250ma with radio in SSB and normal
> volume level. I guess the radio draws pretty
> hard in receive.
>
> I removed the batteries and radio runs normal
> with 13.5vdc applied. I guess using 2.2v
> lithium or NiHD batteries would work better. I
> do not intend to run with internal batteries but
> wondered if anyone else has encountered "popping
> audio" and is it voltage related? Or is this
> related to the speaker physical fit issue with
> early models of the KX3? Mine is SN 475 (kit).
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
> [hidden email]

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: KX3: popping noise in radio speaker

In reply to this post by Edward R Cole

Ed,

Were those good quality, name brand batteries? I have heard similar
popping noises from audio amplifiers caused by batteries with high
series resistance. I have not observed that problem with the KX3, so I
am just suggesting that the problem may have been the batteries.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/10/2014 7:55 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:

> While on my trip in the lower-48 I installed batteries in my KX3 for
> the first time (run it off 13.5v PS in the shack).
>
> I noted that there was a regular popping noise at a regular beat about
> once per second. I checked battery voltage and saw that is was below
> 12v and dropping slowly. I used eight AA batteries which all tested
> at 1.53v before installation - brand new out of the package. 8x1.53 =
> 12.24v but there is loading so voltage started at about 11.9v. I
> noted current was running about 250ma with radio in SSB and normal
> volume level. I guess the radio draws pretty hard in receive.
>
> I removed the batteries and radio runs normal with 13.5vdc applied. I
> guess using 2.2v lithium or NiHD batteries would work better.

Edward R Cole

Re: KX3: popping noise in radio speaker

In reply to this post by Edward R Cole

Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3: popping noise in radio speaker
Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Ed,

Were those good quality, name brand batteries? I have heard similar
popping noises from audio amplifiers caused by batteries with high
series resistance. I have not observed that problem with the KX3, so I
am just suggesting that the problem may have been the batteries.

73,
Don W3FPR
-----------
Don,

Reasonable question but were taken out of new package for install
into the radio. I measured each Duracel AA battery afterward at
1.53v unloaded. Popping ceased with external 13.5vdc applied, with
either internal speaker or external speakers. Since I do not intend
to every use internal batteries, it will remain a curiosity. I will
run it on 13.5v from either home supply, car battery or portable
sealed-acid battery. I'm beyond the age for mountain climbing or
backpacking. Hiking thru airports is enough!

Now awaiting the 2M module for my KX3.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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