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Re: K3/100 - High power problem

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Robert Mccormack

Re: K3/100 - High power problem

While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts.
Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency.

Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck.

Any help is appreciated.

73, Ken ZL1AIH.

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w0mu

Re: K3/100 - High power problem

Is the KPA100 turned on?

Mike W0MU

W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net

On 12/10/2011 3:09 PM, Robert Mccormack wrote:

> While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts.
> Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency.
>
> Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck.
>
> Any help is appreciated.
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH.
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

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Robert Mccormack

Re: K3/100 - High power problem

In reply to this post by Robert Mccormack

Hi All,

Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still maximum power available.
This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure - the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so nothing has been disturbed.

I've run out of ideas.<G>

73, Ken ZL1AIH

--- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Ron D'Eau Claire <[hidden email]>
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
To: "'Robert Mccormack'" <[hidden email]>, [hidden email]
Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM

Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is
not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the
Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and
calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem.

Good luck!

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem

While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power
cannot be set higher than 12 watts.
Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz
difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency.

Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power
limitation - searched the archives but no luck.

Any help is appreciated.

73, Ken ZL1AIH.

______________________________________________________________
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

w0mu

Re: K3/100 - High power problem

Try running the TX Gain calibration again.

Mike W0MU

W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net

On 12/10/2011 5:07 PM, Robert Mccormack wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still maximum power available.
> This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure - the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so nothing has been disturbed.
>
> I've run out of ideas.<G>
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH
>
>
>
>
> --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> From: Ron D'Eau Claire<[hidden email]>
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
> To: "'Robert Mccormack'"<[hidden email]>, [hidden email]
> Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM
>
> Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is
> not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the
> Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and
> calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack
> Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
>
> While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power
> cannot be set higher than 12 watts.
> Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz
> difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency.
>
> Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power
> limitation - searched the archives but no luck.
>
> Any help is appreciated.
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH.
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

w0mu

Re: K3/100 - High power problem

In reply to this post by Robert Mccormack

I think he means the KPA100.

On 12/10/11 9:06 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> This is a bit more invasive, but a few earlier KPA100 modules had a problem
> with the interface connector to the main RF board that carriers the +13V to
> the KPA500 itself. The pin corroded and heated and, in a few cases, burned.
> I believe the current KPA500's have gold plated connectors. Of course, that
> removed all power from the 100 watt amp.
>
> I'd remove the KPA500 module and inspect the connector. You can reach the
> screws from the top (careful - don't drop the screws or lock washers - they
> can be a chore to retrieve if you don't have a small magnet). Pull the
> module off and look closely at the multipin connector to see if there's any
> sign of overheating or discoloration.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack
> Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 4:07 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
>
> Hi All,
>
> Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still
> maximum power available.
> This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure -
> the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so
> nothing has been disturbed.
>
> I've run out of ideas.<G>
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH
>
>
>
>
> --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> From: Ron D'Eau Claire<[hidden email]>
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
> To: "'Robert Mccormack'"<[hidden email]>, [hidden email]
> Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM
>
> Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is
> not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the
> Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and
> calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack
> Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
>
> While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power
> cannot be set higher than 12 watts.
> Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz
> difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency.
>
> Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power
> limitation - searched the archives but no luck.
>
> Any help is appreciated.
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH.
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Jessie Oberreuter-2

Re: K3/100 - High power problem

In reply to this post by Robert Mccormack

Huh, maybe that was it... My early K3 (#286 IIRC) once generated
smoke while I was running PSK31 at ~40w. I could never find any sad
components, and performance has remained excellent as always.
Admittedly, the wick rarely goes above 20w, so my PA doesn't usually work
very hard, but the next time I have the cover off, I'll take a look at the
connector. -kb7psg.

On Sat, 10 Dec 2011, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> This is a bit more invasive, but a few earlier KPA100 modules had a problem
> with the interface connector to the main RF board that carriers the +13V to
> the KPA500 itself. The pin corroded and heated and, in a few cases, burned.
> I believe the current KPA500's have gold plated connectors. Of course, that
> removed all power from the 100 watt amp.
>
> I'd remove the KPA500 module and inspect the connector. You can reach the
> screws from the top (careful - don't drop the screws or lock washers - they
> can be a chore to retrieve if you don't have a small magnet). Pull the
> module off and look closely at the multipin connector to see if there's any
> sign of overheating or discoloration.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack
> Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 4:07 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
>
> Hi All,
>
> Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still
> maximum power available.
> This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure -
> the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so
> nothing has been disturbed.
>
> I've run out of ideas.<G>
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH
>
>
>
>
> --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> From: Ron D'Eau Claire <[hidden email]>
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
> To: "'Robert Mccormack'" <[hidden email]>, [hidden email]
> Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM
>
> Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is
> not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the
> Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and
> calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack
> Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
>
> While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power
> cannot be set higher than 12 watts.
> Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz
> difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency.
>
> Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power
> limitation - searched the archives but no luck.
>
> Any help is appreciated.
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH.
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>