[Elecraft] Made my first contacts on my K2

[Don Wilhelm]

Matthew,

Glad to hear you found it and now have satisfactory audio.  Enjoy the K2.

73,
Don W3FPR

Matthew Denson wrote:
> Thank you very much Don.
>
> I found exactly what you indicated.  On side of one of the filter option jumpers was basically unsoldered.  I'll tell you, I took a lot of will power to keep from reheating every joint.  "If I missed that one in my inspections ...."
>
> Tracing it down wasn't actually too bad once I checked the S-meter as Don suggests below. 
>
> Well, all is good in K2 land.  I now have audio to spare.  
>
>
>
> Thanks and see you all on the air.
>
> 73, Matthew AE6UP
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com>
> To: Matthew Denson <mdenson at yahoo.com>
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 3:12:00 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Made my first contacts on my K2
>
> Matthew,
>
> Those symptoms are classic for behavior of an unsoldered or poorly 
> soldered conection.  The connection changes to a poor connection when it 
> is warmed slightly.
>
> You may be able to narrow it down by tapping on some of the components.
>
> Take a look at the S-meter while receiving a steady signal (WWV may be a 
> good choice) to see whether there is a change in the S-meter response 
> when the audio volume decreases.  If it does, the problem is in the 
> early stages of the receiver (IF amplifier and toward the antenna), but 
> if the S-meter does not drop, the problem is at the product detector or 
> other stages toward the audio section.
> It also could be the AGC itself that is causing the problem.  Again, the 
> S-meter is an indicator - if the S-meter increases when the audio drops, 
> then the problem is with the AGC.
>
> If you find problems with the AGC or the audio itself, check the control 
> board, and perhaps even reflow the soldering with an iron temperature of 
> 700 to 750 degrees.
> If the problem is with the front end of the receiver (antenna to IF 
> amplifier), then look carefully at the RF board.
>
> Sorry, but in cases like this, I cannot be more specific until you can 
> provide more data.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Matthew Denson wrote:
>   
>> Hi All,
>>
>> Building the K2 was a lot of fun, and now my basic K2 (#6210) is on the air.  I've made contacts with OR and MI from my location here in CA.  Been able to answer CQs on the first try both times.  Really lovely.
>>
>> I do have one thing that is nagging at me.  The audio level seems low.  When I first turn on the rig the level seems right.  I have to turn the AF Gain down to be comfortable.  But after a few minutes (8-10) the audio level drops all at once.  It is still usable but it can't be right.
>>
>> I am going to build the crystal oscillator to do some signal tracing, but wanted to ask if there was a particular place I should look?  I have very little experience with this so use small words. hi hi!
>>
>>   
>>     
>
>
>
>
>
>       ____________________________________________________________________________________
> Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.
> http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ 
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft    
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>
>