[Elecraft] Meter readings jumping around

[Don Wilhelm]

David,

If the indication is only changing by 1 or 2 units on the last digit, that
is normal and is caused by the resolution available.

When peaking the filters, yes the output will increase.  If it climbs very
high, just exit TUNE and start enter it again to bring the power down.  Keep
the power low by exiting and re-entering TUNE) when peaking the filters -
you can see the peak more easily if you observe that rule.

Some degree of uncertainly in the S-meter indication is normal - if it
changes by only one bar, that is likely due to the resolution problem - the
real indication likely should be somewhere between the 2 bars, but that does
not exist, so it hits the lower one sometimes and the higher one other
times.  Such is the problem with many digital metering systems unless they
design for low order digit blanking.

OTOH, if the display is just showing random indications, then yes - look for
that elusive bad solder connection.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
> Hi,
> I have got to the stage where the physical construction of the RF board
> on the K2 is complete and it is assembled except for the filter peaking.
>
> I have noticed that the internal meter is jumping around somewhat at
> times, although the analog meter I have in line with the dummy load does
> not.
>
> I noticed that when I applied power on 20 meters, and started tweaking
> L8 and L9 the power went up and up to 8 watts, then when I did it again,
> it was stable at around 2.0. Is that abnormal?
>
> The S meter seems to jump around somewhat; that is, it jumps between two
> adjacent bars (dot mode) on occasion.
>
> I think that there may be a poor solder joint somewhere (historical
> precedent ;-)).
>
>
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