assembly manual errata

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assembly manual errata

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Re: assembly manual errata

DK4XL
- Elecraft homepage
  - Manuals and Downloads
    - KX3
      - Assembly manual (from May 15th)
      - Assembly manual errata (from May 21st).

http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm#KX3



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K2 tuning issue

Alan Slusher-2
I have an older K2/10 (serial 868) which has worked very well for years.
Today I suddenly became aware of a problem: I can't change the frequency
using the tuning knob (yes, I did check the frequency lock).
The final frequency number on the display blinks (eg: the "4" in 14301.24)
(happened to have been listening on the 14.300 net) but no number changes
when the frequency knob is turned, and the radio's frequency does not change
either.
No problem with frequency change using direct frequency entry (the two band
buttons followed by the frequency numbers),
and the RIT works just fine.
I did the 456 reset before reading the instructions about saving the CAL FIL
numbers, with the result that I guess I will have to go back through that
procedure (I now have to punch in 14301 and use the RIT to move to 14.301.24
to listen on 14.300, had been spot on before).
The K3 next to it and the Kenwood 430 below it continue to work just fine
off the same two antennas (a vertical and an 80m dipole - both through
tuners).

Does anyone have any idea what I am doing wrong?
Any help would be highly appreciated.

Alan V31FA.

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Re: K2 tuning issue

Don Wilhelm-4
Alan,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I believe you are describing an
encoder failure or an MCU failure at either the ENC A or ENC B inputs.  
It is difficult to say which it may be - the encoder is the single most
expensive component in the K2 and the MCU (Control Board U6) is the
second most expensive.

Replacement/substitution is the best test to determine which of those
two components is failing.
If you can find another ham with a K2, you may be able to try using his
front panel board on your K2 - if it works, then it is the encoder - if
not, then the MCU is the most likely suspect.

If you have not upgraded that K2. you may want to do so at this time,
including the A to B mods (along with the other mods listed in the A to
B instructions, add the Keying Waveshape Mod along with a new set of IF
crystals and new firmware and your early K2 will perform just as well as
a brand new kit.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/15/2012 4:59 PM, Alan Slusher wrote:

> I have an older K2/10 (serial 868) which has worked very well for years.
> Today I suddenly became aware of a problem: I can't change the frequency
> using the tuning knob (yes, I did check the frequency lock).
> The final frequency number on the display blinks (eg: the "4" in 14301.24)
> (happened to have been listening on the 14.300 net) but no number changes
> when the frequency knob is turned, and the radio's frequency does not change
> either.
> No problem with frequency change using direct frequency entry (the two band
> buttons followed by the frequency numbers),
> and the RIT works just fine.
> I did the 456 reset before reading the instructions about saving the CAL FIL
> numbers, with the result that I guess I will have to go back through that
> procedure (I now have to punch in 14301 and use the RIT to move to 14.301.24
> to listen on 14.300, had been spot on before).
> The K3 next to it and the Kenwood 430 below it continue to work just fine
> off the same two antennas (a vertical and an 80m dipole - both through
> tuners).
>
>
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Re: K2 tuning issue

Bill K9YEQ
Or, just send the unit to Don, who is very good at fixing K2's.  He goes way
back to the beginning of the Elecraft startup K2 FT group and does repairs.
If I needed mine repaired and couldn't fix it myself, I would send it to
him.  

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 4:42 PM
To: Alan Slusher
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 tuning issue

Alan,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I believe you are describing an
encoder failure or an MCU failure at either the ENC A or ENC B inputs.  
It is difficult to say which it may be - the encoder is the single most
expensive component in the K2 and the MCU (Control Board U6) is the second
most expensive.

Replacement/substitution is the best test to determine which of those two
components is failing.
If you can find another ham with a K2, you may be able to try using his
front panel board on your K2 - if it works, then it is the encoder - if not,
then the MCU is the most likely suspect.

If you have not upgraded that K2. you may want to do so at this time,
including the A to B mods (along with the other mods listed in the A to B
instructions, add the Keying Waveshape Mod along with a new set of IF
crystals and new firmware and your early K2 will perform just as well as a
brand new kit.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/15/2012 4:59 PM, Alan Slusher wrote:
> I have an older K2/10 (serial 868) which has worked very well for years.
> Today I suddenly became aware of a problem: I can't change the frequency
> using the tuning knob (yes, I did check the frequency lock).
> The final frequency number on the display blinks (eg: the "4" in 14301.24)
> (happened to have been listening on the 14.300 net) but no number changes
> when the frequency knob is turned, and the radio's frequency does not
change
> either.
> No problem with frequency change using direct frequency entry (the two
band
> buttons followed by the frequency numbers),
> and the RIT works just fine.
> I did the 456 reset before reading the instructions about saving the CAL
FIL
> numbers, with the result that I guess I will have to go back through that
> procedure (I now have to punch in 14301 and use the RIT to move to
14.301.24
> to listen on 14.300, had been spot on before).
> The K3 next to it and the Kenwood 430 below it continue to work just fine
> off the same two antennas (a vertical and an 80m dipole - both through
> tuners).
>
>
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Re: K2 tuning issue

Don Wilhelm-4
Bill,

Thanks for that vote of confidence, but Alan is in Belize, so that makes
shipping more complicated (but not impossible).

Yes, I have an assembled and tested Front Panel and an assembled and
tested Control Board that I can substitute for a quick decision about
which board is faulty.  Other operators in this world do not have that
capability immediately at hand.

I have developed a familiarity with the K2 over the years, and my
Electrical Engineering education has given me the fundamentals and the
last 10 years of my working career were involved with designing (and
conducting) test plans to substantiate the specifications of various
pieces of hardware.  That latter experience has given me a lot of
insight into troubleshooting techniques, but has taught me to approach a
problem in a logical manner - in other words, shotgunning a problem may
work, but it is usually easier and quicker to analyze it and produce a
specific correction.  The advantage is that when that is accomplished,
you know it is fixed "right".

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/15/2012 6:16 PM, Bill K9YEQ wrote:

> Or, just send the unit to Don, who is very good at fixing K2's.  He goes way
> back to the beginning of the Elecraft startup K2 FT group and does repairs.
> If I needed mine repaired and couldn't fix it myself, I would send it to
> him.
>
> 73,
> Bill
> K9YEQ
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 4:42 PM
> To: Alan Slusher
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 tuning issue
>
> Alan,
>
> I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I believe you are describing an
> encoder failure or an MCU failure at either the ENC A or ENC B inputs.
> It is difficult to say which it may be - the encoder is the single most
> expensive component in the K2 and the MCU (Control Board U6) is the second
> most expensive.
>
> Replacement/substitution is the best test to determine which of those two
> components is failing.
> If you can find another ham with a K2, you may be able to try using his
> front panel board on your K2 - if it works, then it is the encoder - if not,
> then the MCU is the most likely suspect.
>
> If you have not upgraded that K2. you may want to do so at this time,
> including the A to B mods (along with the other mods listed in the A to B
> instructions, add the Keying Waveshape Mod along with a new set of IF
> crystals and new firmware and your early K2 will perform just as well as a
> brand new kit.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 6/15/2012 4:59 PM, Alan Slusher wrote:
>> I have an older K2/10 (serial 868) which has worked very well for years.
>> Today I suddenly became aware of a problem: I can't change the frequency
>> using the tuning knob (yes, I did check the frequency lock).
>> The final frequency number on the display blinks (eg: the "4" in 14301.24)
>> (happened to have been listening on the 14.300 net) but no number changes
>> when the frequency knob is turned, and the radio's frequency does not
> change
>> either.
>> No problem with frequency change using direct frequency entry (the two
> band
>> buttons followed by the frequency numbers),
>> and the RIT works just fine.
>> I did the 456 reset before reading the instructions about saving the CAL
> FIL
>> numbers, with the result that I guess I will have to go back through that
>> procedure (I now have to punch in 14301 and use the RIT to move to
> 14.301.24
>> to listen on 14.300, had been spot on before).
>> The K3 next to it and the Kenwood 430 below it continue to work just fine
>> off the same two antennas (a vertical and an 80m dipole - both through
>> tuners).
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
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Re: K2 tuning issue

k6dgw
Just send it to Don, no fooling, he'll find the problem!  I've suspected
for some time that his dreams are filled with K2 schematics. :-)  He
found a PLL chip problem in my K2 for me, it came back with a detailed
test report.  I also sent him a problem once which he couldn't find, and
finally sent it back.  Turned out, I should have sent him my mind,
that's where the "problem" was.  Just follow Don's shipping directions
and send it to him.  I'd avoid Belize.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
- www.cqp.org

On 6/15/2012 3:43 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Bill,
>
> Thanks for that vote of confidence, but Alan is in Belize, so that makes
> shipping more complicated (but not impossible).

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KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

Ronald Nutter
Put myself on the waiting list for a KX3.  Hope to have it in the
August/September timeframe.

In the meantime, I am starting to put together a ultra-portable kit that
will allow me to operate from just about anywhere.
Since I will be flying quite a bit at times, I am starting with a
Pelican 1470 case to protect the KX3 and the other items needed for
operation.

Since I may be restricted at times to operating from a hotel room, I
have been looking at a collapsible antenna such as the MFJ-1840T, etc
for each of the bands I may want to work.  Since I hope to be able to
purchase the auto-tuner option by the time my number comes up, I figured
on throwing in a roll of wire for when I can operate outside.  Would
like to see what other options those of you who already have KX3's have
had good luck with.  Depending on conditions/where I will be operating
from, I might switch antennas because I can if for no other reason.

Havent decided on getting the Iambic Paddle or not.  Dont do a lot of
operating on CW but might change that.

Suggestions ?

Ron
KA4KYI

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Re: KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

k6dgw
On 6/15/2012 6:38 PM, Ronald Nutter wrote:

> In the meantime, I am starting to put together a ultra-portable kit that
> will allow me to operate from just about anywhere.
> Since I will be flying quite a bit at times, I am starting with a
> Pelican 1470 case to protect the KX3 and the other items needed for
> operation.

I suggest you join the NA SOTA Yahoo group.  It's open, these are folks
who hike [and at least one runs] up mountains, and there's a wealth of
knowledge about lightweight radio and antennas, and gear to carry it all
in.  See the cc address above.  You may not be outside on your travels,
but there is lots of good info there about field radio away from home.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
- www.cqp.org

SOTA:  Summits On The Air  www.sota.org.uk

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Re: KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

Bill Gerth
In reply to this post by Ronald Nutter
Ron,

I'd strongly recommend getting the KXPD3 paddle.  I did NOT order it  
initially and only ordered it AFTER I got my KX3 (SN 112).  The KXPD3  
is a big improvement over the KX1 paddle which I had already used with  
a friend's KX1 and didn't like.  The light weight and compact size of  
the KXPD3 are bonuses.  I really like it and think it is a great  
addition to the KX3 if you have any thought of using the KX3 in the  
field.  The ability to configure the KX3 to use the KXPD3 as a hand  
key is nice for participating in SKCC events.  It is very easy to use  
as a hand key.

Hope this helps.

73,
BILL
W4RK
KX3 (SN112)


On Jun 15, 2012, at 8:38 PM, Ronald Nutter wrote:

> Put myself on the waiting list for a KX3.  Hope to have it in the
> August/September timeframe.
>
> In the meantime, I am starting to put together a ultra-portable kit  
> that
> will allow me to operate from just about anywhere.
> Since I will be flying quite a bit at times, I am starting with a
> Pelican 1470 case to protect the KX3 and the other items needed for
> operation.
>
> Since I may be restricted at times to operating from a hotel room, I
> have been looking at a collapsible antenna such as the MFJ-1840T, etc
> for each of the bands I may want to work.  Since I hope to be able to
> purchase the auto-tuner option by the time my number comes up, I  
> figured
> on throwing in a roll of wire for when I can operate outside.  Would
> like to see what other options those of you who already have KX3's  
> have
> had good luck with.  Depending on conditions/where I will be operating
> from, I might switch antennas because I can if for no other reason.
>
> Havent decided on getting the Iambic Paddle or not.  Dont do a lot of
> operating on CW but might change that.
>
> Suggestions ?
>
> Ron
> KA4KYI
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

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Re: KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

k6dgw
On 6/15/2012 7:25 PM, Bill Gerth wrote:
> Ron,
>
> I'd strongly recommend getting the KXPD3 paddle.  I did NOT order it
> initially and only ordered it AFTER I got my KX3 (SN 112).

Will a KXPD3 work with my KX1?

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
- www.cqp.org

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Re: KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

Phil Salas
In reply to this post by Ronald Nutter
Take a look at the "Portable Dipole" in the "Articles" section of my website
at www.ad5x.com.  It is the size of a 20-meter dipole, but can provide
resonant 40-10 meter operation.  Very compact, cheap, and works well.  It
has been my portable antenna-of-choice for several years now.

I also show how to replace the Gamma HPS-1a Molex connector with a PowerPole
connector in the "Equipment Modifications section of my website.  I'll be
using the HPS-1a with my KX3 (whenever it arrives).  It is overkill for the
KX3, but I like the size - and I have one.

I did not order the KXPD3 as I have a Begali Traveller Light.  I think I
prefer a key that is not directly attached to the radio, but time will tell.

Phil - AD5X

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Re: KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

Jeff Kinzli N6GQ
In reply to this post by Ronald Nutter
Pretty hard to beat a few lengths of wire (one for a vertical section,
and a few for radials) hung straight off the BNC of the KX3. That way
there's no loss to coax, and you have minimal stuff to carry.

My whole kit (KX3#80, HPS1a, wire, paddle, etc., etc.) all fit in a
small LowePro Edit 140 camera bag, and is well-protected. Hard to make
it much smaller than that, I think.

It's been island hopping with me through the Mediterranean for the
past month with no problems.

YMMV,

73 de SV8/N6GQ

On Fri, Jun 15, 2012 at 6:38 PM, Ronald Nutter
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> Put myself on the waiting list for a KX3.  Hope to have it in the
> August/September timeframe.
>
> In the meantime, I am starting to put together a ultra-portable kit that
> will allow me to operate from just about anywhere.
> Since I will be flying quite a bit at times, I am starting with a
> Pelican 1470 case to protect the KX3 and the other items needed for
> operation.
>
> Since I may be restricted at times to operating from a hotel room, I
> have been looking at a collapsible antenna such as the MFJ-1840T, etc
> for each of the bands I may want to work.  Since I hope to be able to
> purchase the auto-tuner option by the time my number comes up, I figured
> on throwing in a roll of wire for when I can operate outside.  Would
> like to see what other options those of you who already have KX3's have
> had good luck with.  Depending on conditions/where I will be operating
> from, I might switch antennas because I can if for no other reason.
>
> Havent decided on getting the Iambic Paddle or not.  Dont do a lot of
> operating on CW but might change that.
>
> Suggestions ?
>
> Ron
> KA4KYI
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
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Re: KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

Don Butler
In reply to this post by Ronald Nutter
Regarding portable antennas, I have had success with my KX1 and now my
new KX3 S/N125 with a simple random wire and counterpoise attached
directly to the BNC connector using a BNC to dual binding post adapter.
When hiking or backpacking the biggest problem is finding a suitable
tree to support the wire, but when I'm driving I bring my own support
along: a portable tripod and painters pole.  Follow this link:

http://www.udxa.org/gallery/show_thumbs.php?id=28

I made the photos in the above link just a couple days ago . and worked
several stations on 17M that afternoon, including a UA9.


On the other hand, my success when trying to operate from inside hotel
or motel rooms has not been great . I have made QSOs, but it's always
very very difficult ...(I must find a loud Cqing station who no one else
seems to want to work).  I've played with random wires, but there never
seems to be a decent way to drape them around inside a motel room......
So I  use MFJ base loaded telescoping whips (those that have been
marketed for the FT817 . but rather than mounting them directly to the
KX3 I have homebrewed a small base from scrap aluminum and an old
project box..it has an aluminum baseplate with thumscrews for attaching
radials and a bnc connector for the vertical whip . I have made several
successful QSOs using this arrangement indoors . both at home and in
motels . but the going is always tough.  I personally believe the random
wire will always outperform the telescoping whips ... So they are my
choice when I'm outdoors, but the whips are more practically when
indoors.

Don, N5LZ



-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ronald Nutter
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 7:39 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?


Put myself on the waiting list for a KX3.  Hope to have it in the
August/September timeframe.

In the meantime, I am starting to put together a ultra-portable kit that

will allow me to operate from just about anywhere.
Since I will be flying quite a bit at times, I am starting with a
Pelican 1470 case to protect the KX3 and the other items needed for
operation.

Since I may be restricted at times to operating from a hotel room, I
have been looking at a collapsible antenna such as the MFJ-1840T, etc
for each of the bands I may want to work.  Since I hope to be able to
purchase the auto-tuner option by the time my number comes up, I figured

on throwing in a roll of wire for when I can operate outside.  Would
like to see what other options those of you who already have KX3's have
had good luck with.  Depending on conditions/where I will be operating
from, I might switch antennas because I can if for no other reason.

Havent decided on getting the Iambic Paddle or not.  Dont do a lot of
operating on CW but might change that.

Suggestions ?

Ron
KA4KYI

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Re: KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

Niel Wiegand
In reply to this post by Ronald Nutter
Ron,

After using a 58' end fed wire and counterpoise for a while, yesterday I
tried a 20 meter endfed zepp. It needs the KX3 antenna tuner to load up
but seems to work pretty good, even, potentially, on 40, 30, 17 and 10.

Construction details and photos are in my blog at http://w0vlz.blogspot.com/

73,
Niel - W0VLZ



> Put myself on the waiting list for a KX3.  Hope to have it in the
> August/September timeframe.
>
> In the meantime, I am starting to put together a ultra-portable kit that
> will allow me to operate from just about anywhere.
> Since I will be flying quite a bit at times, I am starting with a
> Pelican 1470 case to protect the KX3 and the other items needed for
> operation.
>
> Since I may be restricted at times to operating from a hotel room, I
> have been looking at a collapsible antenna such as the MFJ-1840T, etc
> for each of the bands I may want to work.  Since I hope to be able to
> purchase the auto-tuner option by the time my number comes up, I figured
> on throwing in a roll of wire for when I can operate outside.  Would
> like to see what other options those of you who already have KX3's have
> had good luck with.  Depending on conditions/where I will be operating
> from, I might switch antennas because I can if for no other reason.
>
> Havent decided on getting the Iambic Paddle or not.  Dont do a lot of
> operating on CW but might change that.
>
> Suggestions ?
>
> Ron
> KA4KYI


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Re: KX3 Portable Antennas suggestions ?

Jim Brown-10
In reply to this post by Jeff Kinzli N6GQ
On 6/16/2012 7:46 AM, Jeff Kinzli N6GQ wrote:
> Pretty hard to beat a few lengths of wire (one for a vertical section,
> and a few for radials) hung straight off the BNC of the KX3. That way
> there's no loss to coax, and you have minimal stuff to carry.

RIGHT ON!  The name of the game is efficiency, especially when you're
running QRP.  Remember that loading inductors are lossy, and that end
loading (capacitive hats, etc.) are efficient.

Almost any antenna based on plain ordinary copper wire that's getting
close to a quarter wave (or is at least 1/8 wave) and does something
equally good to provide for return current is going to be a better
solution than almost anything you can buy.  QRP is one hand tied behind
your back. Don't tie the other one with an antenna that has poor efficiency.

There are several telescoping fibre poles, including one made by a
German ham that's a quarter wave on 40M, that you can tape that wire to.
It's a useful option if there are no supports around (like trees or a
building), and I've seen mounting hardware that it can fit into to hold
it vertical, or to mount it to some fixed object (like a railing).

73, Jim K9YC
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