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The ERR 12V Message Question

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Joseph M. Durnal

The ERR 12V Message Question

I'm not sure if I am experiencing the KPA3 power connector issue or
not. I've gotten the ERR 12V message twice today. Powering the K3
off and on again will clear the message, but it came back, but cleared
again after a power cycle.

And, as I type this while transmitting some FT8 in the background, it
gave me the error message again. The full Elecraft K3 KPA3 Power
Connector Replacement procedure looks like something I won't have
time to do until next month, is there a quick bandaid I an try until
then? Also, is it safe to use the K3 at 10 watts until I get it
fixed?

Thanks & 73 de Joseph M. Durnal - NE3R
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Dennis Moore

Re: The ERR 12V Message Question

That issue went away for me when I switched to a shorter heavier power
cord. How long/what gauge is your present power cable?

Running 10 watts shouldn't present a problem, not much current draw so
not much loss in the cable/connector.

Dennis NJ6G

On 7/2/2019 18:07, Joseph M. Durnal wrote:

Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: The ERR 12V Message Question

First, check all power connections.   And if your radio is powered
through a DC distribution strip, my suggestion is to not use the strip
for the radio power.   In other words, connect the radio power cable
direct to the power supply.    Also shorten the power cable to be more
convenient and have less voltage drop. It is a law of physics; more
wire, more connections = more resistance = more voltage drop for a given
value of current. Thus Ohms law is E = I x R    {Those power
distribution blocks are most often very problematic, regardless of what
the advertising, or rating, or sales person said.}

As to 10 watts, there is a K3/10 model which is a 10 watt radio.
However, like the 100 watt version it should not be run at 100% power or
otherwise 10 watts for FT-8 for a 10 watt radio.   When you turn the PWR
back to 12 watts or so with a 100 watt radio, you will hear a relay
click. This is the switching of the KPA3 {100 watt amp} out of the
circuit and then LPA is used as the PA. It is rated for 10 watts. I
wouldn't suggesting running it at 10 watts no more than I would suggest
running the KPA3 at 100 watts in the FT-8 mode. About 50% rated power
is a safe value.

As suggestion, remove the covers and remove the KPA3, examine and clean
the power connectors and put it back in the radio. This might solve the
issue and be good for another few months.   Of course replacement of the
power connectors is preferred for long term service.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 7/2/2019 18:07, Joseph M. Durnal wrote:

>> I'm not sure if I am experiencing the KPA3 power connector issue or
>> not. I've gotten the ERR 12V message twice today. Powering the K3
>> off and on again will clear the message, but it came back, but cleared
>> again after a power cycle.
>>
>> And, as I type this while transmitting some FT8 in the background, it
>> gave me the error message again. The full Elecraft K3 KPA3 Power
>> Connector Replacement procedure looks like something I won't have
>> time to do until next month, is there a quick bandaid I an try until
>> then? Also, is it safe to use the K3 at 10 watts until I get it
>> fixed?
>>
>> Thanks & 73 de Joseph M. Durnal - NE3R
>

Drew AF2Z

Re: The ERR 12V Message Question

In reply to this post by Joseph M. Durnal

It's been a while since I did mine but I think disassembly/reassembly
was a significant part of the effort. I did the front panel connector at
the same time as the power connector. The actual removal of the
connectors and soldering new ones went pretty quickly. I'm not sure I'd
want to go through the disassembly for a "quick fix" only to have to do
it again in another month.

You might want to refer to online blogs about the process, or Youtube
videos (if any). Sorry, I don't have the links, but one hint: after you
snip the connectors off the board use an alligator clip to grasp the pin
stubs for desoldering; it's easier than trying to manage it with a pair
of dikes.

73,
Drew
AF2Z

On 07/02/19 21:07, Joseph M. Durnal wrote:

> I'm not sure if I am experiencing the KPA3 power connector issue or
> not. I've gotten the ERR 12V message twice today. Powering the K3
> off and on again will clear the message, but it came back, but cleared
> again after a power cycle.
>
> And, as I type this while transmitting some FT8 in the background, it
> gave me the error message again. The full Elecraft K3 KPA3 Power
> Connector Replacement procedure looks like something I won't have
> time to do until next month, is there a quick bandaid I an try until
> then? Also, is it safe to use the K3 at 10 watts until I get it
> fixed?
>
> Thanks & 73 de Joseph M. Durnal - NE3R
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Re: The ERR 12V Message Question

The problem is in the male and female connectors. I don't think a shorter power cable will do anything. There is no substitute for replacing the connectors.When I had mine act up Elecraft sent me the wrong parts. I had a contest coming up and wouldn't have enough time to get the correct parts. I took the boardout and cleaned the pins (you could see they were discolored and needed replacing).
That worked for the upcoming contest and didn't fail all weekend and for 2 or 3 more weeks then the ERR 12v fault returned. I had received the correct partsshortly after the contest weekend and did the replacement. All has been fine since. That was almost two years ago.
BillK3WJV
p.s. The complete repair took a lot less time than I thought, an afternoon as I recall.

On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, 12:43:08 PM EDT, Drew AF2Z <[hidden email]> wrote:

It's been a while since I did mine but I think disassembly/reassembly
was a significant part of the effort. I did the front panel connector at
the same time as the power connector. The actual removal of the
connectors and soldering new ones went pretty quickly. I'm not sure I'd
want to go through the disassembly for a "quick fix" only to have to do
it again in another month.

You might want to refer to online blogs about the process, or Youtube
videos (if any). Sorry, I don't have the links, but one hint: after you
snip the connectors off the board use an alligator clip to grasp the pin
stubs for desoldering; it's easier than trying to manage it with a pair
of dikes.

73,
Drew
AF2Z

On 07/02/19 21:07, Joseph M. Durnal wrote:

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______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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