[Elecraft] RS 232 problem

[Frank Van Cleef W1WCG]

I believe someone sent me email today regarding a problem I had with failure of the RS232 in my KPA100 some time ago.  I inadvertently deleted the email before getting a return address or name.

For that person:
The problem I had turned out to be three of the tiny RF chokes plus the MAX chip were destroyed.  I have no idea what happened -- the K2 had been connected to my computer through the RS232 cable for some time, and was use only intermittently.  There came a time when I tried to use software control of the K2, only to find that it no longer worked.  I must assume that there was some transient (perhaps a nearby lightning strike???) that caused enough voltage difference in the cable to do that kind of damage.  Nothing was burnt that could be seen, but the voltages on the MAX1406 were clearly not what they should have been, and ultimately the chokes in both the TX and RX lines were found to be open.  Hope this helps!
If it doesn't answer your question, please return the email....

73, Van W1WCG
K2 #2634/5510
KX1 #306