Re: Rising current on Tx (K3)

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Re: Rising current on Tx (K3)

Iain G4SGX
Apologies if this is covered before.

I've just noticed some new behaviour on my K3.

While on 10 RTTY chasing DX, I noticed the current indication on the PSU
rising during a long TX.

I switched to the current meter on the K3.

At the start is was about 15Amps (100W RTTY TX) but soon rose.

On a 20 second TX it rose to about 26 Amps (!) and the Hi Curr error
message came up on screen.

The rig USED to be OK for extended periods of RTTY.

I have not tried on any other bands.


Can anyone explain this behaviour?

Iain G4SGX

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Re: Rising current on Tx (K3)

barry whittemore
I had a similar problem and it was found to be some RFI getting into the power cable. I wound several turns of the power cable around a 2.5 inch ferite toroid and problem solved.

Barry

NF1O
 

> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:00:35 +0100
> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Rising current on Tx (K3)
>
> Apologies if this is covered before.
>
> I've just noticed some new behaviour on my K3.
>
> While on 10 RTTY chasing DX, I noticed the current indication on the PSU
> rising during a long TX.
>
> I switched to the current meter on the K3.
>
> At the start is was about 15Amps (100W RTTY TX) but soon rose.
>
> On a 20 second TX it rose to about 26 Amps (!) and the Hi Curr error
> message came up on screen.
>
> The rig USED to be OK for extended periods of RTTY.
>
> I have not tried on any other bands.
>
>
> Can anyone explain this behaviour?
>
> Iain G4SGX
>
> ---
> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
> http://www.avast.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
     
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Re: Rising current on Tx (K3)

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Iain G4SGX
Iain,

One of the first things to check is the connections to your power
supply.  Be certain they are all tight.
Why?  The K3 attempts to control and maintain the power output using a
closed loop system.
If the power supply voltage drops at the K3 terminals, the current must
increase to maintain the same power level.  Normally, that is good, but
if the power cable or its connections are not capable of maintaining a
good voltage level to the K3, the results will be as you indicated.

This is not the only possible cause of increased current draw, but it is
the first thing to check.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/15/2014 11:00 AM, Iain G4SGX wrote:

> Apologies if this is covered before.
>
> I've just noticed some new behaviour on my K3.
>
> While on 10 RTTY chasing DX, I noticed the current indication on the
> PSU rising during a long TX.
>
> I switched to the current meter on the K3.
>
> At the start is was about 15Amps (100W RTTY TX) but soon rose.
>
> On a 20 second TX it rose to about 26 Amps (!) and the Hi Curr error
> message came up on screen.
>
> The rig USED to be OK for extended periods of RTTY.
>
> I have not tried on any other bands.
>

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Re: Rising current on Tx (K3)

KV5J
In reply to this post by Iain G4SGX
Also anytime you have a power issue it doesn't hurt to do the transmit calibration.


Keith, XE3/K5ENS
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Re: Rising current on Tx (K3)

Iain G4SGX
In reply to this post by Iain G4SGX
Hi Thanks for all the suggestions.

I cannot re-create the effect on any other band but 10M.

I have checked the PSU and its voltage O/P is stable @13.8V ish, (read
on the K3)

Although I shall stick some ferrites on the leads and keep my fingers
crossed, (I am some way from my antenna) I suspect a failing component
under stress, hopefully coax or balun and not a PA component..


Time will tell, thanks for your advice.

73  Iain G4SGX



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Re: Rising current on Tx (K3)

Iain G4SGX
In reply to this post by Iain G4SGX
Hello,

For the sake of future searchers etc, this problem was solved by winding
the 12V PSU lead through a toroid or two, as per one of the suggestions
from the list.

I was surprised as I am well away form my antenna. (Windom)

It seems a few people had this issue on 10M TX and I know remember I may
have had it mobile once or twice.

All makes perfect sense now!



73 Iain
G4SGX




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