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Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

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raroth7

Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

Greg wrote:

> Dick. Any luck on this yet? If not, you may need to adjust the
> spacking of the L1 winding on the SYN board that is attached to the DSP
> shield. If that's the case, when we hear back (please use reply all)
> and Gary or I will send you exactly what to do.
>
> Greg
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Roth" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 4:26 PM
> Subject: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>
>
>> Hi Support--
>>
>> SN 859, here!
>>
>> Here's the FW list and the Activity Log:
>>
>> uC 01.88
>> d1 01.70
>> d2 0.00
>> FL 00.01
>> dr 00.00
>>
>>
>> 19:19:11 K3 Utility Version 1.1.4.1
>> 19:19:12 K3 is running main program. RS232 4800 bps.
>> 19:19:20 Opening connection to ftp.elecraft.com
>> 19:19:22 Available DTBL version is 00.08
>> 19:19:22 Installed DTBL1 version is 00.08
>> 19:19:22 Connected to Elecraft server. Please be patient, this takes a
>> few seconds.
>> 19:19:26 Found file "."
>> 19:19:26 Found file ".."
>> 19:19:26 Found file "DTBL0008.HEX"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "HAUX0169.HEX"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "HAUX0170.HEX"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "HDSP0169.HEX"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "HDSP0170.HEX"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "K3UtilityVersionInfo.txt"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "TBOOT7.HEX"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "hfpf0001.hex"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "hfwnotes.rtf"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "hmcu0187.hex"
>> 19:19:26 Found file "hmcu0188.hex"
>> 19:19:26 Verifying hmcu0188.hex
>> 19:19:27 hmcu0188.hex verification succeeded
>> 19:19:27 Verifying TBOOT7.HEX
>> 19:19:27 TBOOT7.HEX verification succeeded
>> 19:19:27 Verifying HDSP0170.HEX
>> 19:19:28 HDSP0170.HEX verification succeeded
>> 19:19:28 Verifying HAUX0170.HEX
>> 19:19:28 HAUX0170.HEX verification succeeded
>> 19:19:28 Verifying DTBL0008.HEX
>> 19:19:29 DTBL0008.HEX verification succeeded
>> 19:19:29 Verifying hfpf0001.hex
>> 19:19:29 hfpf0001.hex verification succeeded
>> 19:19:29 Copying files to C:\Documents and Settings\Dick
>> Roth\Application Data\Elecraft\K3 Firmware
>> 19:19:30 Copied K3UtilityVersionInfo.txt from Elecraft
>> 19:19:30 Copied 1 files from Elecraft to C:\Documents and
>> Settings\Dick Roth\Application Data\Elecraft\K3 Firmware
>> 19:19:30 Ready
>> 19:19:30 K3 is running main program. RS232 4800 bps.
>> 19:19:42 K3 is running main program. RS232 4800 bps.
>> 19:19:42 Loading firmware from C:\Documents and Settings\Dick
>> Roth\Application Data\Elecraft\K3 Firmware
>> 19:19:42 Setting K3 RS-232 to 38400 bits per second
>> 19:19:43 MCU firmware file hmcu0188.hex verified
>> 19:19:43 Preparing K3 for MCU firmware load
>> 19:19:47 Sending firmware file hmcu0188.hex to MCU
>> 19:21:07 Verifying MCU firmware load
>> 19:21:12 MCU verification succeeded
>> 19:21:12 MCU firmware load is complete
>> 19:21:12 FPF firmware file hfpf0001.hex verified
>> 19:21:12 Erasing flash memory
>> 19:21:16 Sending firmware file hfpf0001.hex to FPF
>> 19:21:48 Verifying FPF firmware load
>> 19:21:48 FPF verification succeeded
>> 19:21:48 FPF firmware load is complete
>> 19:21:48 DSP1 firmware file TBOOT7.HEX verified
>> 19:21:48 DSP1 firmware file HDSP0170.HEX verified
>> 19:21:49 DSP1 firmware file DTBL0008.HEX verified
>> 19:21:50 Sending firmware file TBOOT7.HEX to DSP1
>> 19:21:51 Erasing DSP1 program and table memory
>> 19:21:52 Sending firmware file HDSP0170.HEX to DSP1
>> 19:22:40 Sending firmware file DTBL0008.HEX to DSP1
>> 19:24:10 Waiting for MCU reset to complete
>> 19:24:14 Verifying DSP1 firmware load
>> 19:24:14 DSP1 verification succeeded
>> 19:24:14 DSP1 firmware load is complete
>> 19:24:14 Setting K3 RS-232 to 4800 bits per second
>> 19:24:15 Elapsed time: 273 seconds
>> 19:24:15 Ready
>>
>> There you go!
>>
>> 73,
>> Dick ka1oz
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.9/1416 -
>> Release Date: 5/5/2008 5:11 PM
>>
>>
>
>

Hi Greg--

Yes, I've had luck (I'm not sure that it was skill) in getting my rig
going. I wound up removing the REF and SYN boards and remaking all the
coax connections. I then slipped my business card under each board to
verify clearance between the boards and the shield. When I powered up
again I started hearing traffic. While I was having my problem, the REF
and SYN boards were microphonic. That's why I remade the connections.
After the "repair" the circuits were quiet, the microphonics gone.

Another thing...when performing the VCO cal that led to error messages,
the radio went through each cal step lickety split. Once corrected the
steps were quite drawn out in some cases, but led to a right and proper
conclusion.

Right now I'm listening to the Red Sox. I have never been able to
listen to this station without lots of noise until hearing it with this K3.

ttfn &
--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)
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raroth7

Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

Greg wrote:

{snip}

:24:14 DSP1 verification succeeded

>> 19:24:14 DSP1 firmware load is complete
>> 19:24:14 Setting K3 RS-232 to 4800 bits per second
>> 19:24:15 Elapsed time: 273 seconds
>> 19:24:15 Ready
>>
>> There you go!
>>
>> 73,
>> Dick ka1oz
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.9/1416 -
>> Release Date: 5/5/2008 5:11 PM
>>
>>
>
>

Until yesterday morning, I hadn't gotten past the VCO test. It was
consistent with the following error messages:

E 00005
ERR VCO

E 00255
ERR VC4

I ran the test this morning with no error message, however instead of
clicking along at a very good clip, it began with the word "busy" and
then a slow count up to cal 127 and then to frequency readout normally.
I can now hear traffic (net on 3.905 mc)!

Well then I got home this evening and found the K3 doa. When I push the
"Power" button, there's a bit of a draw on the power supply and I hear a
relay clicking, but the front panel will not light and no functions are
available. I tried going through the Theory in the manual and scoured
the schemagics, but can't figure out the power distribution architecture.

This bums me out since I finally got the REF and SYN to play nice and I
was getting into listening to ssb net traffic (and the ball game).

I have a call in to Aptos, but they're on the other coast and I think
they probably went home (if they have any sense). Does anyone on the
list have any ideas?

ttfn &
--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)
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Greg - AB7R

RE: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

Dick,

Even though the FP LCD does not light up, Do you see anything on the display
like MCU LD?

Greg

-----Original Message-----
From: Dick Roth KA1OZ [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 6:04 PM
To: Greg; Elecraft Reflector
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

Greg wrote:

{snip}

:24:14 DSP1 verification succeeded

Until yesterday morning, I hadn't gotten past the VCO test. It was
consistent with the following error messages:

E 00005
ERR VCO

E 00255
ERR VC4

I ran the test this morning with no error message, however instead of
clicking along at a very good clip, it began with the word "busy" and
then a slow count up to cal 127 and then to frequency readout normally.
I can now hear traffic (net on 3.905 mc)!

Well then I got home this evening and found the K3 doa. When I push the
"Power" button, there's a bit of a draw on the power supply and I hear a
relay clicking, but the front panel will not light and no functions are
available. I tried going through the Theory in the manual and scoured
the schemagics, but can't figure out the power distribution architecture.

This bums me out since I finally got the REF and SYN to play nice and I
was getting into listening to ssb net traffic (and the ball game).

I have a call in to Aptos, but they're on the other coast and I think
they probably went home (if they have any sense). Does anyone on the
list have any ideas?

ttfn &
--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)

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raroth7

Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

Greg wrote:

> Dick,
>
> Even though the FP LCD does not light up, Do you see anything on the display
> like MCU LD?
>
> Greg
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dick Roth KA1OZ [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 6:04 PM
> To: Greg; Elecraft Reflector
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>
>
> Greg wrote:
>> Dick. Any luck on this yet? If not, you may need to adjust the
>> spacking of the L1 winding on the SYN board that is attached to the DSP
>> shield. If that's the case, when we hear back (please use reply all)
>> and Gary or I will send you exactly what to do.
>>
>> Greg
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Roth" <[hidden email]>
>> To: <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 4:26 PM
>> Subject: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>>
>>
>>> Hi Support--
>>>
>>> SN 859, here!
>>>
>>> Here's the FW list and the Activity Log:
>>>
>
> {snip}
>
> :24:14 DSP1 verification succeeded
>>> 19:24:14 DSP1 firmware load is complete
>>> 19:24:14 Setting K3 RS-232 to 4800 bits per second
>>> 19:24:15 Elapsed time: 273 seconds
>>> 19:24:15 Ready
>>>
>>> There you go!
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Dick ka1oz
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.9/1416 -
>>> Release Date: 5/5/2008 5:11 PM
>>>
>>>
>>
>
> Until yesterday morning, I hadn't gotten past the VCO test. It was
> consistent with the following error messages:
>
> E 00005
> ERR VCO
>
> E 00255
> ERR VC4
>
> I ran the test this morning with no error message, however instead of
> clicking along at a very good clip, it began with the word "busy" and
> then a slow count up to cal 127 and then to frequency readout normally.
> I can now hear traffic (net on 3.905 mc)!
>
> Well then I got home this evening and found the K3 doa. When I push the
> "Power" button, there's a bit of a draw on the power supply and I hear a
> relay clicking, but the front panel will not light and no functions are
> available. I tried going through the Theory in the manual and scoured
> the schemagics, but can't figure out the power distribution architecture.
>
> This bums me out since I finally got the REF and SYN to play nice and I
> was getting into listening to ssb net traffic (and the ball game).
>
> I have a call in to Aptos, but they're on the other coast and I think
> they probably went home (if they have any sense). Does anyone on the
> list have any ideas?
>
> ttfn &
> --
> 73,
> Dick ka1oz
> Middleborough, MA
>
> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
> Titan-DX (to come)
>
>

News flash!!! While tilting the radio on its hind feet and pressing the
power button, while attempting to read a possibly unlit LCD, the damn
thing turned on!!

I will not turn it off unless I must until I have performed whatever
adjustment you recommend.

ttfn &

--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)
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Don Rasmussen

Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

In reply to this post by raroth7

Check DC - start at the powerpole.

Elecraft] Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
Dick Roth KA1OZ raroth7 at comcast.net
Thu May 8 21:36:44 EDT 2008

News flash!!! While tilting the radio on its hind
feet and pressing the
power button, while attempting to read a possibly
unlit LCD, the damn
thing turned on!!

I will not turn it off unless I must until I have
performed whatever
adjustment you recommend.

ttfn &

--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
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raroth7

Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

In reply to this post by raroth7

Greg wrote:

> Don made a good point. When you assembled the power pole, did you make sure
> when inserting the pins that you heard a distinct click? If not, they may
> not be completly seated. Try pushing them in more to see if they click.
>
> Greg
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dick Roth KA1OZ [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 6:55 PM
> To: Greg
> Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>
>
> Greg wrote:
>> So Dick...what is it doing now? When the VCO CAL went slowly and the
>> speeding up some toward the end is correct behavior.
>>
>> Are you hearing normal signals now? Have you done the REF CAL and TX Gain
>> CAL?
>>
>> Greg
>
> {snip}
>
> I successfully ran the REF CAL and TX Gain last night while the radio
> was in its glory. Now if I can only turn it on and off when I want
> to...(pardon the whine).
>
> What else can I do to provide hints of the radio's health?
>
>
>
>
> --
> 73,
> Dick ka1oz
> Middleborough, MA
>
> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
> Titan-DX (to come)
>
>

I started with DC. APP connectors are firm in their sockets and no
wiggling causes outages. When I installed the front panel, I was keenly
aware from list traffic that great care had to be taken during this
process. I looked at each connecting point of each connector. I've
also given the baby "therapeutic taps" to see if anything was loose.

If you guys don't mind...its 2317 here and I rise at 0500 to pay the
mortgage, so I'll follow up tomorrow.

ttfn &

--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)
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raroth7

Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

Greg wrote:

> hahahaha... No problem Dick. Good night.
>
> Sounds like you may be OK now. Start using your new rig but let us know
> if the power problem creeps back in.
>
> 73
> Greg
> AB7R
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Roth KA1OZ" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Greg" <[hidden email]>
> Cc: <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 8:20 PM
> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>
>
>> Greg wrote:
>>> Don made a good point. When you assembled the power pole, did you
>>> make sure
>>> when inserting the pins that you heard a distinct click? If not,
>>> they may
>>> not be completly seated. Try pushing them in more to see if they click.
>>>
>>> Greg
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Dick Roth KA1OZ [mailto:[hidden email]]
>>> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 6:55 PM
>>> To: Greg
>>> Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
>>> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>>>
>>>
>>> Greg wrote:
>>>> So Dick...what is it doing now? When the VCO CAL went slowly and the
>>>> speeding up some toward the end is correct behavior.
>>>>
>>>> Are you hearing normal signals now? Have you done the REF CAL and
>>>> TX Gain
>>>> CAL?
>>>>
>>>> Greg
>>>
>>> {snip}
>>>
>>> I successfully ran the REF CAL and TX Gain last night while the radio
>>> was in its glory. Now if I can only turn it on and off when I want
>>> to...(pardon the whine).
>>>
>>> What else can I do to provide hints of the radio's health?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> 73,
>>> Dick ka1oz
>>> Middleborough, MA
>>>
>>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
>>> Titan-DX (to come)
>>>
>>>
>> I started with DC. APP connectors are firm in their sockets and no
>> wiggling causes outages. When I installed the front panel, I was
>> keenly aware from list traffic that great care had to be taken during
>> this process. I looked at each connecting point of each connector.
>> I've also given the baby "therapeutic taps" to see if anything was loose.
>>
>> If you guys don't mind...its 2317 here and I rise at 0500 to pay the
>> mortgage, so I'll follow up tomorrow.
>>
>> ttfn &
>>
>> --
>> 73,
>> Dick ka1oz
>> Middleborough, MA
>>
>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
>> Titan-DX (to come)
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.10/1421 -
>> Release Date: 5/7/2008 5:23 PM
>>
>>
>
>

Well I still have the turn on problem. After I read what I sent you
last, I thought better of taking the front panel connections for
granted, so after I got home from work tonight I removed the front panel
and exercised the various connections and put everything back together.

It wouldn't turn on. So I did some random gefinger poken and just as
randomly the radio turned on.

Let me review what I know about this nuisance:

1. When pushing the "Power" button, I hear a small relay click and my
power supply indicates that the rig is drawing about an amp.

2. However, no panel leds light and there is nothing on the LCD display.

3. No tapping, nudging, or any other "therapeutic" man handling of any
parts appears to improve the situation.

4. And then with a random push of the "Power" button...voila, the radio
comes to life.

5. I reloaded the firmware code a couple of times at least. I'm using
the KUSB adapter from Elecraft and it is running the latest driver from
Prolific.

I don't know what else to mention, but I'm afraid to turn the rig off
because I'm afraid I'll never be able to turn it on again!

ttfn &
--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)
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Post to: [hidden email]
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hf4me

Re: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

Is the power switch itself flakey? 73, Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dick Roth KA1OZ" <[hidden email]>
To: "Greg" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft Reflector"
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 8:59 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

> Greg wrote:
> > hahahaha... No problem Dick. Good night.
> >
> > Sounds like you may be OK now. Start using your new rig but let us know
> > if the power problem creeps back in.
> >
> > 73
> > Greg
> > AB7R
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Roth KA1OZ"

<[hidden email]>

> > To: "Greg" <[hidden email]>
> > Cc: <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
> > Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 8:20 PM
> > Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
> >
> >
> >> Greg wrote:
> >>> Don made a good point. When you assembled the power pole, did you
> >>> make sure
> >>> when inserting the pins that you heard a distinct click? If not,
> >>> they may
> >>> not be completly seated. Try pushing them in more to see if they

click.

> >>>
> >>> Greg
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Dick Roth KA1OZ [mailto:[hidden email]]
> >>> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 6:55 PM
> >>> To: Greg
> >>> Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
> >>> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Greg wrote:
> >>>> So Dick...what is it doing now? When the VCO CAL went slowly and the
> >>>> speeding up some toward the end is correct behavior.
> >>>>
> >>>> Are you hearing normal signals now? Have you done the REF CAL and
> >>>> TX Gain
> >>>> CAL?
> >>>>
> >>>> Greg
> >>>
> >>> {snip}
> >>>
> >>> I successfully ran the REF CAL and TX Gain last night while the radio
> >>> was in its glory. Now if I can only turn it on and off when I want
> >>> to...(pardon the whine).
> >>>
> >>> What else can I do to provide hints of the radio's health?
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> 73,
> >>> Dick ka1oz
> >>> Middleborough, MA
> >>>
> >>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
> >>> Titan-DX (to come)
> >>>
> >>>
> >> I started with DC. APP connectors are firm in their sockets and no
> >> wiggling causes outages. When I installed the front panel, I was
> >> keenly aware from list traffic that great care had to be taken during
> >> this process. I looked at each connecting point of each connector.
> >> I've also given the baby "therapeutic taps" to see if anything was

loose.

> >>
> >> If you guys don't mind...its 2317 here and I rise at 0500 to pay the
> >> mortgage, so I'll follow up tomorrow.
> >>
> >> ttfn &
> >>
> >> --
> >> 73,
> >> Dick ka1oz
> >> Middleborough, MA
> >>
> >> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
> >> Titan-DX (to come)
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> No virus found in this incoming message.
> >> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.10/1421 -
> >> Release Date: 5/7/2008 5:23 PM
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> Well I still have the turn on problem. After I read what I sent you
> last, I thought better of taking the front panel connections for
> granted, so after I got home from work tonight I removed the front panel
> and exercised the various connections and put everything back together.
>
> It wouldn't turn on. So I did some random gefinger poken and just as
> randomly the radio turned on.
>
> Let me review what I know about this nuisance:
>
> 1. When pushing the "Power" button, I hear a small relay click and my
> power supply indicates that the rig is drawing about an amp.
>
> 2. However, no panel leds light and there is nothing on the LCD display.
>
> 3. No tapping, nudging, or any other "therapeutic" man handling of any
> parts appears to improve the situation.
>
> 4. And then with a random push of the "Power" button...voila, the radio
> comes to life.
>
> 5. I reloaded the firmware code a couple of times at least. I'm using
> the KUSB adapter from Elecraft and it is running the latest driver from
> Prolific.
>
> I don't know what else to mention, but I'm afraid to turn the rig off
> because I'm afraid I'll never be able to turn it on again!
>
> ttfn &
> --
> 73,
> Dick ka1oz
> Middleborough, MA
>
> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
> Titan-DX (to come)
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

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raroth7

Re: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

Jim Miller wrote:
> Is the power switch itself flakey? 73, Jim
>
{snip}
>

It doesn't appear to be flaky. Each an every time I press it, there is
a change of state of a relay somewhere in the rig, and each and every
time I press it, the power supply shows a draw of an amp or so. Its
just that each and every time I press the button the rig may or may not
turn on.

--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)
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raroth7

Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log

In reply to this post by raroth7

Greg wrote:

> Try this...
>
> Starting with the power OFF. Turn it ON but HOLD the power button for
> about 10 seconds...till you see MCU LD on the LCD. The LCD will not be
> lit. This is a forced MCU load state. No using your K3 utility program
> in advanced mode, load JUST the MCU file by putting a check just in that
> box, nothing else. Then click on send checked items to K3.
>
> After the MCU file loads and the radio resets, then upload the DSP1, FPF
> and DSP data table files.
>
> Standing by....
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Roth KA1OZ" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 7:00 PM
> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>
>
>> Greg wrote:
>>> hahahaha... No problem Dick. Good night.
>>>
>>> Sounds like you may be OK now. Start using your new rig but let us
>>> know if the power problem creeps back in.
>>>
>>> 73
>>> Greg
>>> AB7R
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Roth KA1OZ"
>>> <[hidden email]>
>>> To: "Greg" <[hidden email]>
>>> Cc: <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
>>> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 8:20 PM
>>> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>>>
>>>
>>>> Greg wrote:
>>>>> Don made a good point. When you assembled the power pole, did you
>>>>> make sure
>>>>> when inserting the pins that you heard a distinct click? If not,
>>>>> they may
>>>>> not be completly seated. Try pushing them in more to see if they
>>>>> click.
>>>>>
>>>>> Greg
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Dick Roth KA1OZ [mailto:[hidden email]]
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 6:55 PM
>>>>> To: Greg
>>>>> Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
>>>>> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Greg wrote:
>>>>>> So Dick...what is it doing now? When the VCO CAL went slowly and the
>>>>>> speeding up some toward the end is correct behavior.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Are you hearing normal signals now? Have you done the REF CAL and
>>>>>> TX Gain
>>>>>> CAL?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Greg
>>>>>
>>>>> {snip}
>>>>>
>>>>> I successfully ran the REF CAL and TX Gain last night while the radio
>>>>> was in its glory. Now if I can only turn it on and off when I want
>>>>> to...(pardon the whine).
>>>>>
>>>>> What else can I do to provide hints of the radio's health?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> 73,
>>>>> Dick ka1oz
>>>>> Middleborough, MA
>>>>>
>>>>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
>>>>> Titan-DX (to come)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> I started with DC. APP connectors are firm in their sockets and no
>>>> wiggling causes outages. When I installed the front panel, I was
>>>> keenly aware from list traffic that great care had to be taken
>>>> during this process. I looked at each connecting point of each
>>>> connector. I've also given the baby "therapeutic taps" to see if
>>>> anything was loose.
>>>>
>>>> If you guys don't mind...its 2317 here and I rise at 0500 to pay the
>>>> mortgage, so I'll follow up tomorrow.
>>>>
>>>> ttfn &
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> 73,
>>>> Dick ka1oz
>>>> Middleborough, MA
>>>>
>>>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
>>>> Titan-DX (to come)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.10/1421 -
>>>> Release Date: 5/7/2008 5:23 PM
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Well I still have the turn on problem. After I read what I sent you
>> last, I thought better of taking the front panel connections for
>> granted, so after I got home from work tonight I removed the front
>> panel and exercised the various connections and put everything back
>> together.
>>
>> It wouldn't turn on. So I did some random gefinger poken and just as
>> randomly the radio turned on.
>>
>> Let me review what I know about this nuisance:
>>
>> 1. When pushing the "Power" button, I hear a small relay click and my
>> power supply indicates that the rig is drawing about an amp.
>>
>> 2. However, no panel leds light and there is nothing on the LCD display.
>>
>> 3. No tapping, nudging, or any other "therapeutic" man handling of any
>> parts appears to improve the situation.
>>
>> 4. And then with a random push of the "Power" button...voila, the
>> radio comes to life.
>>
>> 5. I reloaded the firmware code a couple of times at least. I'm using
>> the KUSB adapter from Elecraft and it is running the latest driver
>> from Prolific.
>>
>> I don't know what else to mention, but I'm afraid to turn the rig off
>> because I'm afraid I'll never be able to turn it on again!
>>
>> ttfn &
>> --
>> 73,
>> Dick ka1oz
>> Middleborough, MA
>>
>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
>> Titan-DX (to come)
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.14/1425 -
>> Release Date: 5/9/2008 12:38 PM
>>
>>
>
>

Well, I've been keeping a low profile for the past couple of days for
fear of waking the poltergeist that kept my K3 from turning on. As of
two days ago the radio has turned on upon command. I've been afraid of
jinxing the situation, but I finally did the last of the assembling and
calibrating. It is now a full fledged 100w K3. I just got notice that
the antenna mount shipped today. I've been using a long wire to
retraining my hearing. I tried loading the wire, but my xyl came
arunnin' to tell me that I'm being received real well on the family TV,
so I went qrt. With any luck I'll have the vertical mounted this
weekend or next and try again with low-pass filter installed.

Thanks for everyone's offers of help. This is a great group to be a
part of.

ttfn &

--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX (to come)
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raroth7

Re: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log >>>Turn on problems

Dick Roth KA1OZ wrote:

> Greg wrote:
>> Try this...
>>
>> Starting with the power OFF. Turn it ON but HOLD the power button for
>> about 10 seconds...till you see MCU LD on the LCD. The LCD will not
>> be lit. This is a forced MCU load state. No using your K3 utility
>> program in advanced mode, load JUST the MCU file by putting a check
>> just in that box, nothing else. Then click on send checked items to K3.
>>
>> After the MCU file loads and the radio resets, then upload the DSP1,
>> FPF and DSP data table files.
>>
>> Standing by....
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Roth KA1OZ"
>> <[hidden email]>
>> To: <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 7:00 PM
>> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>>
>>
>>> Greg wrote:
>>>> hahahaha... No problem Dick. Good night.
>>>>
>>>> Sounds like you may be OK now. Start using your new rig but let us
>>>> know if the power problem creeps back in.
>>>>
>>>> 73
>>>> Greg
>>>> AB7R
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Roth KA1OZ"
>>>> <[hidden email]>
>>>> To: "Greg" <[hidden email]>
>>>> Cc: <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
>>>> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 8:20 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Greg wrote:
>>>>>> Don made a good point. When you assembled the power pole, did you
>>>>>> make sure
>>>>>> when inserting the pins that you heard a distinct click? If not,
>>>>>> they may
>>>>>> not be completly seated. Try pushing them in more to see if they
>>>>>> click.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Greg
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: Dick Roth KA1OZ [mailto:[hidden email]]
>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 6:55 PM
>>>>>> To: Greg
>>>>>> Cc: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
>>>>>> Subject: Re: ERR VCO Problem Activity Log
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Greg wrote:
>>>>>>> So Dick...what is it doing now? When the VCO CAL went slowly and
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> speeding up some toward the end is correct behavior.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Are you hearing normal signals now? Have you done the REF CAL
>>>>>>> and TX Gain
>>>>>>> CAL?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Greg
>>>>>>
>>>>>> {snip}
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I successfully ran the REF CAL and TX Gain last night while the radio
>>>>>> was in its glory. Now if I can only turn it on and off when I want
>>>>>> to...(pardon the whine).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What else can I do to provide hints of the radio's health?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> 73,
>>>>>> Dick ka1oz
>>>>>> Middleborough, MA
>>>>>>
>>>>>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
>>>>>> Titan-DX (to come)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>> I started with DC. APP connectors are firm in their sockets and no
>>>>> wiggling causes outages. When I installed the front panel, I was
>>>>> keenly aware from list traffic that great care had to be taken
>>>>> during this process. I looked at each connecting point of each
>>>>> connector. I've also given the baby "therapeutic taps" to see if
>>>>> anything was loose.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you guys don't mind...its 2317 here and I rise at 0500 to pay
>>>>> the mortgage, so I'll follow up tomorrow.
>>>>>
>>>>> ttfn &
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> 73,
>>>>> Dick ka1oz
>>>>> Middleborough, MA
>>>>>
>>>>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
>>>>> Titan-DX (to come)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.10/1421 -
>>>>> Release Date: 5/7/2008 5:23 PM
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Well I still have the turn on problem. After I read what I sent you
>>> last, I thought better of taking the front panel connections for
>>> granted, so after I got home from work tonight I removed the front
>>> panel and exercised the various connections and put everything back
>>> together.
>>>
>>> It wouldn't turn on. So I did some random gefinger poken and just as
>>> randomly the radio turned on.
>>>
>>> Let me review what I know about this nuisance:
>>>
>>> 1. When pushing the "Power" button, I hear a small relay click and my
>>> power supply indicates that the rig is drawing about an amp.
>>>
>>> 2. However, no panel leds light and there is nothing on the LCD display.
>>>
>>> 3. No tapping, nudging, or any other "therapeutic" man handling of
>>> any parts appears to improve the situation.
>>>
>>> 4. And then with a random push of the "Power" button...voila, the
>>> radio comes to life.
>>>
>>> 5. I reloaded the firmware code a couple of times at least. I'm
>>> using the KUSB adapter from Elecraft and it is running the latest
>>> driver from Prolific.
>>>
>>> I don't know what else to mention, but I'm afraid to turn the rig off
>>> because I'm afraid I'll never be able to turn it on again!
>>>
>>> ttfn &
>>> --
>>> 73,
>>> Dick ka1oz
>>> Middleborough, MA
>>>
>>> K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
>>> Titan-DX (to come)
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.14/1425 -
>>> Release Date: 5/9/2008 12:38 PM
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
> Well, I've been keeping a low profile for the past couple of days for
> fear of waking the poltergeist that kept my K3 from turning on. As of
> two days ago the radio has turned on upon command. I've been afraid of
> jinxing the situation, but I finally did the last of the assembling and
> calibrating. It is now a full fledged 100w K3. I just got notice that
> the antenna mount shipped today. I've been using a long wire to
> retraining my hearing. I tried loading the wire, but my xyl came
> arunnin' to tell me that I'm being received real well on the family TV,
> so I went qrt. With any luck I'll have the vertical mounted this
> weekend or next and try again with low-pass filter installed.
>
> Thanks for everyone's offers of help. This is a great group to be a
> part of.
>
> ttfn &
>

Well it seems that there might be a problem with the front panel. I've
been working with Gary in Support. I've rebuilt the front panel twice
now. I think there is a hardware problem. So I believe that Gary is
going to ship me a new front panel so we can play substitution.

I'll tell you something: stuff breaks. That's why people can make a
living fixing stuff. I am very positively impressed by how Elecraft has
been handling my situation. In the process of figuring out what's going
on, I've had the opportunity to get closer to my K3. Opening and
closing the set was enlightening since it didn't complain that I was
opening and closing. Some stuff loses chassis alignment if you keep the
rig in motion. But the K3 has been keeping itself straight with no racking.

Well, now my new Titan-DX vertical will stand waiting for its partner's
return to duty.

Thanks to everyone who has offered help. This is a great list.

ttfn &

--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

K3/100(Kit) SN 000859
Titan-DX
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