RFI on K3s
Locked
123
123
 
|
I'm an old network guy, and have added "elimination of all parallel
conductor cables" to my TODO list in favor of UTP/STP. Bottom Line: I want to quiet my "shack" as much as possible such that any significant RFI has to be external... ______________________ Clay Autery, KY5G MONTAC Enterprises (318) 518-1389 On 6/20/2016 10:51 AM, David Ahrendts wrote: > Gents, that’s my setup also with K3S #10125, and I’m convinced the > Powerwerx SS-30DV is a stable, quiet, top-notch amp recommended by the > fine people a Elecraft (it’s what they use on the road). However, > thanks to some great advice from people here, I have eliminated the > black-red zip cable from all uses in my station. Zip line, or for that > matter, any parallel cable, like monster speaker cable, is highly > susceptible to RFI. This was a lesson from the early days of stringing > telephone cable. The solution: twisted pairs, and even better in 2016, > _shielded_ twisted pairs. So every power cable has been replaced in my > station with shielded twisted pairs, further protected with ferrite > snap-on beads. Even further, I’ve eliminated every switching power > supply nearby. It has helped immensely. > That said, some of those pesky slowly drifting S9+ noise bumps still > live! > > David A., KK6DA, Los Angeles > 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
Dave, you have brought up something I have wondered about for some time. I
have had my kx3 for three plus years and have been on many lists and most everyone wants a smps instead of a small 3 amp linear supply. Radio Shack and many others made these supply's and they are plentiful at Hamfests for 10-20 USD. It seems like a lot of folks operate from home and want a smps . Why, if the weight would not be a factor, do folks want to take a chance on a potentially noisy ps ? I use a big linear supply which also feeds my IC7200 but if the need arises I use a small linear supply. I do have a nice switcher which I do not notice any noise but it is used a bench supply. It is a Alinco something 330. Variable output and has noise shift. Anyway, I don't want to hijack this thread, just wondering. On Monday, June 20, 2016, Dave B via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote: > Cant help thinking, that the charge to discharge "Efficiency" is probably > no better than a good linear PSU, but you do I guess get the "Off grid" > option for EMCOM work.. > > There ARE (RF)quiet SMPS's out there, but not priced in a way that will > suit the average Ham's budget. You get what you pay for. Oh, and they > tend to be large too, due to the filtering. > > Quite honestly, for "Amateur" work, where the rig will usually spend most > of it's life in RX, a linear PSU is just fine. Plus, you can fix them > when things fail. Try that with a modern well suppresed QRO SMPS!.. > > 73. > > Dave G0WBX. > > > ~~~ Original message. > > From: Marc Veeneman<[hidden email]> > To:[hidden email] > Cc:[hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RFI on K3s > Message-ID:<[hidden email]> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > My PowerWerx supply DOES generate those drifting noise spikes, ruining CW > on 80 meters for me. I have yet to find a 13.8 volt switching supply that > can provide 25 quiet amps. I've gone entirely to batteries rather than use > quiet but inefficient linear supplies. > > Now I only have SMPS noise when recharging the batteries. So I leave > that for non-hamming hours. More testing is needed, but I did find one > SMPS for LiFePO4 batteries that seemed RFI free. It's an Optimate brand > product but only produces 5 amps. > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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] > -- Rick, W8ZT Sent from Gmail Mobile ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Clay Autery
FWIW I still have a few issues with RFi, but I've managed to cure two of the
major ones, the rest are a matter of finding time. At present, I'm running an MFJ 1500W auto-tuner which needs a 12V supply for the display, logic and relays. I had a massive drifting "birdie" on 40 metres, but it didn't always appear on the same frequency. I found that it shifted frequency with minor changes in load, caused by using different relays within the tuner. I replaced the switch mode PSU and all is now good. The second major issue was mainly on 2 metres, but there were also sprogs on other bands. This turned out to be a PC PSU which despite an application of ferrite rings, would not lie down! I found that if the PC was put into 'sleep' mode, it would go quiet. I finally replaced the PSU - problem solved. Just a few thoughts on what you might look for. 73, Alan. G4GNX -----Original Message----- From: Clay Autery Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 5:41 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RFI on K3s Marc and Drew, Appreciate the feedback... Checking my PS is my first test. Will power off all circuits except the one to my shack that runs the AC to the PS. Then I'll A/B with radio on battery and on the PS. (PS air-gapped/unplugged when on batt). If it is the PS, I'll try to choke the I/O power leads first before doing anything else. I've a strong feeling it is NOT the SS-30DV... My antenna is an 80m loop outside at 38-40 feet. Fed with 300 ladder to the 6:1 balun. Only 15-20 feet of coax total (LMR240-DB with N-Connectors) direct from balun to radio. Before I do anything beyond IDing culprits, I have to address other shortcomings first: 1) Insufficient service ground, 2) no shack ground, 3) no bond from non-existent shack ground to service ground. :( Knew I should have done those things BEFORE I went OTA... the mic/K3 is a huge distraction from my TO DO list. ;) 73, ______________________ Clay Autery, KY5G MONTAC Enterprises (318) 518-1389 ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Drew AF2Z
LOL! Mine IS one of the newer ones that was originally 14.19 VDC. I
learned where the pot was at HAMCOM, and the first thing I did when I got home was adjust it to provide the K3s 13.8. I am aware that this voided my warranty... I'd rather eat the cost of a new SS-30DV and KNOW I'm feeding the $$$ K3s as close to spec as possible. (yes, I am THAT OCD). ______________________ Clay Autery, KY5G MONTAC Enterprises (318) 518-1389 On 6/20/2016 11:44 AM, Drew AF2Z wrote: > FWIW, the ss-30dv that Elecraft sells is listed at 14.1 VDC. Older > units sold elsewhere were listed at lower output voltage but you can > adjust an internal pot to bring them up to 14.1. t > > 73, > Drew > AF2Z > > ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
Banned User
|
In reply to this post by Alan. G4GNX
How can you detect the drifting if RF if Iyou have to turn off the K-3 and the P3?
Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 20, 2016, at 1:06 PM, G4GNX <[hidden email]> wrote: > > FWIW I still have a few issues with RFi, but I've managed to cure two of the major ones, the rest are a matter of finding time. > > At present, I'm running an MFJ 1500W auto-tuner which needs a 12V supply for the display, logic and relays. I had a massive drifting "birdie" on 40 metres, but it didn't always appear on the same frequency. I found that it shifted frequency with minor changes in load, caused by using different relays within the tuner. I replaced the switch mode PSU and all is now good. > > The second major issue was mainly on 2 metres, but there were also sprogs on other bands. This turned out to be a PC PSU which despite an application of ferrite rings, would not lie down! I found that if the PC was put into 'sleep' mode, it would go quiet. I finally replaced the PSU - problem solved. > > Just a few thoughts on what you might look for. > > 73, > > Alan. G4GNX > > -----Original Message----- From: Clay Autery > Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 5:41 PM > To: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RFI on K3s > > Marc and Drew, > > Appreciate the feedback... Checking my PS is my first test. Will power > off all circuits except the one to my shack that runs the AC to the PS. > Then I'll A/B with radio on battery and on the PS. (PS > air-gapped/unplugged when on batt). > If it is the PS, I'll try to choke the I/O power leads first before > doing anything else. > > I've a strong feeling it is NOT the SS-30DV... My antenna is an 80m > loop outside at 38-40 feet. Fed with 300 ladder to the 6:1 balun. Only > 15-20 feet of coax total (LMR240-DB with N-Connectors) direct from balun > to radio. > > Before I do anything beyond IDing culprits, I have to address other > shortcomings first: 1) Insufficient service ground, 2) no shack ground, > 3) no bond from non-existent shack ground to service ground. :( > Knew I should have done those things BEFORE I went OTA... the mic/K3 is > a huge distraction from my TO DO list. ;) > > 73, > > ______________________ > Clay Autery, KY5G > MONTAC Enterprises > (318) 518-1389 > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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] 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Rick Robinson
On 6/20/2016 12:03 PM, Rick Robinson wrote:
> Why, if the weight would not be a factor, do folks want to take a chance on > a potentially noisy ps ? Because some of us are EXTREMELY limited on space... My entire shack must fit in a cube 4 feet x 3 feet by 8 feet. I suspect there are other reasons, like not wanting to lift/move 30-50 pound components, et al. 73, ______________________ Clay Autery, KY5G MONTAC Enterprises (318) 518-1389 ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Alan. G4GNX
Thanks...
One of my goals is to completely eliminate wall warts in my shack. I planned to use a nice quiet multi-voltage output PS(s) and/or buck/boost converters (or other circuitry) to supply power to every device in the shack.... reducing the clutter/complexity/potential culprits. Now, I am considering modifying that plan to battery(ies) with quiet charger(s) and circuitry to provide required voltages for all devices. Then move out and do the same for the home network, and all other DC devices... ______________________ Clay Autery, KY5G MONTAC Enterprises (318) 518-1389 On 6/20/2016 12:06 PM, G4GNX wrote: > FWIW I still have a few issues with RFi, but I've managed to cure two > of the major ones, the rest are a matter of finding time. > > At present, I'm running an MFJ 1500W auto-tuner which needs a 12V > supply for the display, logic and relays. I had a massive drifting > "birdie" on 40 metres, but it didn't always appear on the same > frequency. I found that it shifted frequency with minor changes in > load, caused by using different relays within the tuner. I replaced > the switch mode PSU and all is now good. > > The second major issue was mainly on 2 metres, but there were also > sprogs on other bands. This turned out to be a PC PSU which despite an > application of ferrite rings, would not lie down! I found that if the > PC was put into 'sleep' mode, it would go quiet. I finally replaced > the PSU - problem solved. > > Just a few thoughts on what you might look for. > > 73, > > Alan. G4GNX ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
Clay,
Where do you find buck/boost converters that are other than switch mode devices? Most all I have seen are similar to switch mode power supplies. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/20/2016 1:21 PM, Clay Autery wrote: > One of my goals is to completely eliminate wall warts in my shack. I > planned to use a nice quiet multi-voltage output PS(s) and/or buck/boost > converters (or other circuitry) to supply power to every device in the > shack.... ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Rick Robinson
I frequently use my KX3 for portable operation after an airplane
trip. A light weight PS is a big plus since I am frequently near the 50 lb (22 Kg) limit. BTW, I have been quite happy with my Pro Audio Engineering PAE-Kx33 power supply, even in rural New Hampshire with the associated very low levels of RFI. 73 Bill AE6JV On 6/20/16 at 10:03 AM, [hidden email] (Rick Robinson) wrote: >most everyone wants a smps instead of a small 3 amp linear >supply. ... It seems like a lot of folks operate from home and >want a smps. >Why, if the weight would not be a factor, do folks want to take a chance on >a potentially noisy ps ? ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | "The only thing we have to | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | fear is fear itself." - FDR | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | Inaugural address, 3/4/1933 | Los Gatos, CA 95032 ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Clay Autery
This thread has lead me to notice the comments on operating voltage. I’ve been having some trouble with my K-3 and the MCU LD message on startup. It was suggested that I monitor the voltage on the rig during operation. I get the 13.5 on receive. But the voltage drops as low as 10.5 on 100 watt transmit. I have an Astron power supply that is rated at 35 amps, very conservative for this usage. I have used it to power 100 watt rigs in the past with no problem.
Is it normal to register voltage as low as I’m seeing on my K-3? The power supply has meters for amps and volts and the voltage indicated during power cycles is unchanged. So it appears the voltage drop is at the rig. I can ever see dimming of the dial light in some situations. I don’t think the power supply is failing since I don’t notice these symptoms with any other rigs. And no, I never use the power supply for more than one rig at a time. Jimmy Walker WA4ILO Macon, GA On Jun 20, 2016, at 1:09 PM, Clay Autery <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote: Mine IS one of the newer ones that was originally 14.19 VDC. I learned where the pot was at HAMCOM, and the first thing I did when I got home was adjust it to provide the K3s 13.8. ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
On Mon,6/20/2016 10:33 AM, James Walker wrote:
> Is it normal to register voltage as low as I’m seeing on my K-3? What you're seeing sounds like IR drop in the DC cable. How long is the DC cable between the K3 and the power supply? What wire gauge? Is there any equipment (like distribution panel) in between? This is a great application for a short length of #10 twisted pair between the PSU and rig. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by James Walker
James -
The first thing I would do is check the voltage at the K3. If you have a long run of cable from your PS, of if you have connectors that are not fully seated, or correctly installed, that would likely result in voltage drop that would be detrimental. Best of luck es 73 de Dave - K9FN On Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 1:33 PM, James Walker <[hidden email]> wrote: > This thread has lead me to notice the comments on operating voltage. I’ve > been having some trouble with my K-3 and the MCU LD message on startup. It > was suggested that I monitor the voltage on the rig during operation. I get > the 13.5 on receive. But the voltage drops as low as 10.5 on 100 watt > transmit. I have an Astron power supply that is rated at 35 amps, very > conservative for this usage. I have used it to power 100 watt rigs in the > past with no problem. > > Is it normal to register voltage as low as I’m seeing on my K-3? The power > supply has meters for amps and volts and the voltage indicated during power > cycles is unchanged. So it appears the voltage drop is at the rig. I can > ever see dimming of the dial light in some situations. I don’t think the > power supply is failing since I don’t notice these symptoms with any other > rigs. And no, I never use the power supply for more than one rig at a time. > > Jimmy Walker > WA4ILO > Macon, GA > > On Jun 20, 2016, at 1:09 PM, Clay Autery <[hidden email]<mailto: > [hidden email]>> wrote: > > Mine IS one of the newer ones that was originally 14.19 VDC. I > learned where the pot was at HAMCOM, and the first thing I did when I > got home was adjust it to provide the K3s 13.8. > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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] > 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Clay Autery
I guess space might be a concern on large current supply's. There are ways
around that but I was mainly thinking qrp level power supply's. On Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 1:15 PM, Clay Autery <[hidden email]> wrote: > On 6/20/2016 12:03 PM, Rick Robinson wrote: > > Why, if the weight would not be a factor, do folks want to take a chance > on > > a potentially noisy ps ? > > Because some of us are EXTREMELY limited on space... My entire shack > must fit in a cube 4 feet x 3 feet by 8 feet. > I suspect there are other reasons, like not wanting to lift/move 30-50 > pound components, et al. > > 73, > > ______________________ > Clay Autery, KY5G > MONTAC Enterprises > (318) 518-1389 > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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] > 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm
Haven't yet... more of a general term to cover devicets/circuits to
change a base voltage out to multiple needed. Many ways to skin that particular cat... ;) 73, ______________________ Clay Autery, KY5G MONTAC Enterprises (318) 518-1389 On 6/20/2016 12:27 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Clay, > > Where do you find buck/boost converters that are other than switch > mode devices? > Most all I have seen are similar to switch mode power supplies. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > 't yet... > On 6/20/2016 1:21 PM, Clay Autery wrote: ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by James Walker
That is woefully unacceptable voltage regulation... you have an issue.
I believe the MAX spread on the K3 is 11-15 VDC IIRC. ______________________ Clay Autery, KY5G MONTAC Enterprises (318) 518-1389 On 6/20/2016 12:33 PM, James Walker wrote: > This thread has lead me to notice the comments on operating voltage. I’ve been having some trouble with my K-3 and the MCU LD message on startup. It was suggested that I monitor the voltage on the rig during operation. I get the 13.5 on receive. But the voltage drops as low as 10.5 on 100 watt transmit. I have an Astron power supply that is rated at 35 amps, very conservative for this usage. I have used it to power 100 watt rigs in the past with no problem. > > Is it normal to register voltage as low as I’m seeing on my K-3? The power supply has meters for amps and volts and the voltage indicated during power cycles is unchanged. So it appears the voltage drop is at the rig. I can ever see dimming of the dial light in some situations. I don’t think the power supply is failing since I don’t notice these symptoms with any other rigs. And no, I never use the power supply for more than one rig at a time. > > Jimmy Walker > WA4ILO > Macon, GA > > On Jun 20, 2016, at 1:09 PM, Clay Autery <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote: > > Mine IS one of the newer ones that was originally 14.19 VDC. I > learned where the pot was at HAMCOM, and the first thing I did when I > got home was adjust it to provide the K3s 13.8. > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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] ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Rick Robinson
Understand... I am conserving/reserving as much space as possible for
amps and amp PS... and TMDE equipment. ______________________ Clay Autery, KY5G MONTAC Enterprises (318) 518-1389 On 6/20/2016 1:19 PM, Rick Robinson wrote: > I guess space might be a concern on large current supply's. There are > ways around that but I was mainly thinking qrp level power supply's. > ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm
I replaced two OLD astrons (over 30 years on each) last summer with a
couple of Powerwerx SS-30DVs and have had no problems with noise at all. Having said that, I should qualify my statement: I have a typical noise level of band noise only. In other words, I receive no noise from local modern conveniences. My antennas are 100 feet from the house. Distance makes a wonderful noise insulator. When I switch to a multi-band dipole fastened to an eave corner of the house - the noise will jump a couple of S units. That is the local modern crap that infests the house. And, that is why my regular antennas are well removed from the house. By the way, those new power supplies do not even cause a problem on the close in antenna. Very quiet. Bill W2BLC K-Line ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by James Walker
Jimmy,
The voltage at your power supply may indeed be OK, but somewhere in the path to the K3, there is a huge resistance. Possible causes: - Lugs not tight at the power supply. Tighten nuts with a wrench. - Wire gauge inadequate for the K3 load on transmit - use #12 or better #10. - Long power leads having too much wire resistance - related to above - use short wire. - Incorrectly assembled Anderson Power Pole connector - look at the end of the housing. If you can see the spring metal locking finger below the contact blade, it is not correctly assembled - push on the contact blade from the rear until the contact blade locks over the spring finger. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/20/2016 1:33 PM, James Walker wrote: > This thread has lead me to notice the comments on operating voltage. I’ve been having some trouble with my K-3 and the MCU LD message on startup. It was suggested that I monitor the voltage on the rig during operation. I get the 13.5 on receive. But the voltage drops as low as 10.5 on 100 watt transmit. I have an Astron power supply that is rated at 35 amps, very conservative for this usage. I have used it to power 100 watt rigs in the past with no problem. > > Is it normal to register voltage as low as I’m seeing on my K-3? The power supply has meters for amps and volts and the voltage indicated during power cycles is unchanged. So it appears the voltage drop is at the rig. I can ever see dimming of the dial light in some situations. I don’t think the power supply is failing since I don’t notice these symptoms with any other rigs. And no, I never use the power supply for more than one rig at a time. > > ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10
Jim ... where does one find #10 twisted pair? Is it shielded? thanks 73 Dwight NS9I On 6/20/2016 12:59 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Mon,6/20/2016 10:33 AM, James Walker wrote: >> Is it normal to register voltage as low as I’m seeing on my K-3? > > What you're seeing sounds like IR drop in the DC cable. How long is > the DC cable between the K3 and the power supply? What wire gauge? Is > there any equipment (like distribution panel) in between? > > This is a great application for a short length of #10 twisted pair > between the PSU and rig. > > 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Clay Autery
Beware ground loops!
73, Scott. K9MA ---------- Scott Ellington --- via iPad > On Jun 20, 2016, at 12:21 PM, Clay Autery <[hidden email]> wrote: > > Thanks... > > One of my goals is to completely eliminate wall warts in my shack. I > planned to use a nice quiet multi-voltage output PS(s) and/or buck/boost > converters (or other circuitry) to supply power to every device in the > shack.... reducing the clutter/complexity/potential culprits. > Now, I am considering modifying that plan to battery(ies) with quiet > charger(s) and circuitry to provide required voltages for all devices. > Then move out and do the same for the home network, and all other DC > devices... > > ______________________ > Clay Autery, KY5G > MONTAC Enterprises > (318) 518-1389 > >> On 6/20/2016 12:06 PM, G4GNX wrote: >> FWIW I still have a few issues with RFi, but I've managed to cure two >> of the major ones, the rest are a matter of finding time. >> >> At present, I'm running an MFJ 1500W auto-tuner which needs a 12V >> supply for the display, logic and relays. I had a massive drifting >> "birdie" on 40 metres, but it didn't always appear on the same >> frequency. I found that it shifted frequency with minor changes in >> load, caused by using different relays within the tuner. I replaced >> the switch mode PSU and all is now good. >> >> The second major issue was mainly on 2 metres, but there were also >> sprogs on other bands. This turned out to be a PC PSU which despite an >> application of ferrite rings, would not lie down! I found that if the >> PC was put into 'sleep' mode, it would go quiet. I finally replaced >> the PSU - problem solved. >> >> Just a few thoughts on what you might look for. >> >> 73, >> >> Alan. G4GNX > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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] 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] |
«
Return to Elecraft
|
1 view|%1 views
| Free forum by Nabble | Edit this page |