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Re: K3 Woes

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David Inger-2

Re: K3 Woes

Thanks to Adrian VK4TUX, I checked the display voltage. I was able to coax
the power level up to about 50-watts, at which time the display indicated
+/-9.2-volts; I'm sure this is low enough to shut off the K3. With the same
power supply and cabling and antennas, I am able to run my FT-857D at 100-w,
so I don't think it is the external supply setup that is causing the
problem. I guess it is time for a e-mail to Watsonville.
73 de K6SBA
David in Santa Barbara
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w0mu

Re: K3 Woes

What is the power supply? What does a multimeter say the output is
under load? Is this a switching supply? Some are effected by rf.

W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net:23 or w0mu-1.dnsdynamic.com
Http://www.w0mu.com

On 5/30/2012 8:16 PM, David Inger wrote:

> Thanks to Adrian VK4TUX, I checked the display voltage. I was able to coax
> the power level up to about 50-watts, at which time the display indicated
> +/-9.2-volts; I'm sure this is low enough to shut off the K3. With the same
> power supply and cabling and antennas, I am able to run my FT-857D at 100-w,
> so I don't think it is the external supply setup that is causing the
> problem. I guess it is time for a e-mail to Watsonville.
> 73 de K6SBA
> David in Santa Barbara
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Cady, Fred

Re: K3 Woes

In reply to this post by David Inger-2

Hi,
Can you check the power supply voltage with an external meter to see if
it is showing the same value as the K3 voltmeter? I'd try to check it at
the power supply terminals and then at the K3 by sticking a narrow probe
or pin into the power pole connectors (while running 50 watts if you
can).

73,
Fred

Fred Cady
"The Elecraft K3: Design, Configuration and Operation"

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] [mailto:elecraft-
> [hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Inger
> Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 8:17 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Woes
>
> Thanks to Adrian VK4TUX, I checked the display voltage. I was able to
> coax
> the power level up to about 50-watts, at which time the display
> indicated
> +/-9.2-volts; I'm sure this is low enough to shut off the K3. With the
> same
> power supply and cabling and antennas, I am able to run my FT-857D at
> 100-w,
> so I don't think it is the external supply setup that is causing the
> problem. I guess it is time for a e-mail to Watsonville.
> 73 de K6SBA
> David in Santa Barbara
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Jim Brown-10

Re: K3 Woes

In reply to this post by David Inger-2

On 5/30/2012 7:16 PM, David Inger wrote:
> I checked the display voltage. I was able to coax the power level up to about 50-watts, at which time the display indicated ±9.2-volts;

No question that this indicates something is wrong. What size wire (AWG)
are you using for DC power? How long is it? Include every part of the
wiring between the K3 and the power supply terminals. The DC power lead
should be short and fat -- at least #12, #10 is better, no longer than 3
ft total, and shorter is better. Are you SURE there is no problem at a
connector? FEEL the connectors after you have transmitted for a while
and see if any are warm. What does the K3 voltmeter read when you're
receiving but not transmitting?

As others have suggested, you should measure the voltage while
transmitting with a DC voltmeter, at the power supply terminals, at the
K3 itself, and at any intermediate connecting points. If you don't
have a DC voltmeter, go buy one. Every ham needs a good one. Most of us
have a good one plus a cheapie that we don't mind dropping off the
tower. :) Last I looked I had at least six.

73, Jim K9YC
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