low output after air travel

[Dale Long]

Just back from dxpedition as HQ5A in Honduras.  My K3 may have had some
rough handling both in the airports and in bumpy roads and falling off
pickup trucks.

 

When I put my K3 back in that shack it only shows a maximum of 12 watts
output.It also has an error message "12 volt error" even though my PS is
putting out 14 volts DC.

 

Could this be a setting that needs changed, or are my finals fried.  The
radio worked well before the trip. This wasn't the only problem, this was a
very tough trip in many different ways.

 

Why does my K3 only put out 12 watts?  What can I do to troubleshoot the
problem.

 

Thanks


Dale - N3BNA

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[Scott Ellington]

Dale,

I'll try to get you started, but you may have to contact Elecraft support.

It sounds like the power connection to the power amplifier (KPA3) has a problem.  You only get 12 W because that's the point where the KPA3 switches in.  First, make sure the K3 circuit breaker isn't tripped.  Look at the voltage on the internal meter as you turn up the power.  Does that stay above about 13 V?  If not, check the wiring to the power supply.  Then check the wires on the circuit breaker, which you can get at by just taking the top cover off.  Make sure those wires don't interfere with the fans.

If that doesn't help, you may have a problem with the KPA3 itself, and you'll have to contact Elecraft.

73,

Scott  K9MA


On Feb 25, 2011, at 1:45 PM, Dale Long wrote:

> Just back from dxpedition as HQ5A in Honduras.  My K3 may have had some
> rough handling both in the airports and in bumpy roads and falling off
> pickup trucks.
>
>
>
> When I put my K3 back in that shack it only shows a maximum of 12 watts
> output.It also has an error message "12 volt error" even though my PS is
> putting out 14 volts DC.
>
>
>
> Could this be a setting that needs changed, or are my finals fried.  The
> radio worked well before the trip. This wasn't the only problem, this was a
> very tough trip in many different ways.
>
>
>
> Why does my K3 only put out 12 watts?  What can I do to troubleshoot the
> problem.
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
> Dale - N3BNA
>
>

Scott Ellington
Madison, Wisconsin
USA



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[Cookie]

My previous reply assumed that you did not have a KPA-100 but this message makes
it appear that you do.  I have had some trouble with the plug to the KPA-100. 
In my case just unplugging and resetting the plug fixed the problem for a good
while, but I may need to change the plug eventually.  Also check all the
connectors to the power supply for a bad crimp or a high resistance connection. 
Use a known good volt meter and do not rely on any panel meter in the power
supply.  There are several power connections in the hook up and any one can
present a problem.
 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
K5EWJ




________________________________
From: Dale Long <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Fri, February 25, 2011 1:45:03 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] low output after air travel

Just back from dxpedition as HQ5A in Honduras.  My K3 may have had some
rough handling both in the airports and in bumpy roads and falling off
pickup trucks.



When I put my K3 back in that shack it only shows a maximum of 12 watts
output.It also has an error message "12 volt error" even though my PS is
putting out 14 volts DC.



Could this be a setting that needs changed, or are my finals fried.  The
radio worked well before the trip. This wasn't the only problem, this was a
very tough trip in many different ways.



Why does my K3 only put out 12 watts?  What can I do to troubleshoot the
problem.



Thanks


Dale - N3BNA

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[Buck - k4ia]

My first thought would be that one of the boards worked itself loose.  I
would open it up and check to make sure everything is still seated properly.

Buck
k4ia


On 2/25/2011 2:45 PM, Dale Long wrote:

> Just back from dxpedition as HQ5A in Honduras.  My K3 may have had some
> rough handling both in the airports and in bumpy roads and falling off
> pickup trucks.
>
>
>
> When I put my K3 back in that shack it only shows a maximum of 12 watts
> output.It also has an error message "12 volt error" even though my PS is
> putting out 14 volts DC.
>
>
>
> Could this be a setting that needs changed, or are my finals fried.  The
> radio worked well before the trip. This wasn't the only problem, this was a
> very tough trip in many different ways.
>
>
>
> Why does my K3 only put out 12 watts?  What can I do to troubleshoot the
> problem.
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
> Dale - N3BNA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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[Ralph Parker]

>... my K3... only shows a maximum of 12 watts output.
>It also has an error message "12 volt error"...

I had the same problem.
Ol' #1823 worked flawlessly at PJ6A with 100 watts out for 25k QSOs.
After bringing her home, I had the above problem in EVERY contest.
Gary at K3 support suspected the plugs/sockets between the motherboard,
KPAIO3  and KPA100. Sure enough, they were discoloured, probably from heat.
He suggested changing the plugs or bypassing them as a 'temporary' measure.
He can send you pictures of where to put the jumpers.
To save the motherboard, I elected to use the 'bypass surgery'.
Took about 15 minutes, and solved the problem.
Apparently, the newer models with gold pins don't have this problem.

Ralph, VE7XF

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[Craig WØLV]

My guess is the KPA3 board pins are not making contact.   You need to check to see if the pins are gold and not silver.  If they are silver, that could be the problem.