[Elecraft] Preamp Problem K2

[Steve & Anne Ray]

Had a strange problem with my K2 S/N 1422, built back in 2000 it appeared
the preamp had gotten blown, in a recent thunderstorm, even though the
antennas were all grounded through the antenna switch and the rig was off.
Anyway I was able to get on the air with the preamp off, but with preamp on
sigs were way down all this past week.  Yesterday, I got around to trouble
shooting the problem, all the voltages were correct on Q21 (the 2N5109
preamp transistor).   So I started to inject a signal at the relay and
everything appears to work again fb, check out reveals the problem has gone
away.   Checked for poor solder connections and all are fine, I think there
must have been the relay for the preamp sticking and just opening up the K2
must have unstuck it.  I really gave the preamp and is working fine.
 
Just wonder if anyone else has had a similar problem?  
 
Just for my own peace of mine, I have started disconnecting the K2 from the
antenna swich, and I have a good relay I plan to use to provide a extra
level of isolation between the K2 and the antenna switch.
 
72,
Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW
EM82ep Warner Robins GA
Elecraft K2 1422 & KPA-100
Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8
http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm