[Elecraft] [K2] RE: KAT100 error
W4HDM
w4hdm at bellsouth.net
Sat Sep 26 23:19:08 EDT 2009
Don I posted these two post on the reflector via the web site and they are
still showing as pending so I am trying to do it through email. If two post
show up . my apologies.
Good morning Don and thanks for the reply.
I ran the test on the K2 into a dummy load. It tunes great on all bands and
the only time I see the HiCUR message is if I max the power out setting.
Actually I think it starts at around 13.8 and above.
So, I pulled the Firmware to re-seat it and low and behold the number 1 slot
doesn't look quite right. I do get continuity from the socket's solder pad
to the pin on the firmware, but perhaps it is not enough?
I will order a new socket today and once that is installed I will go from
there.
If this socket is in fact bad, could it have caused the firmware to go bad
as well ... should I also replace it? I only ask because of the time
involved for any orders to reach me from Elecraft.
Thanks for your help Don, I will post my results once I have replaced the
socket.
POST 2
UPDATE:KAT100 Issue
Removed the 20 pin socket for the firmware and replaced with a new one. Same
problem.
I also received an email from WB4DAD suggesting I try replacing the diodes
at D1 and D2. He said he had a problem with his KAT100 that sounded a lot
like mine and that fixed it for him. I have an email in with Elecraft
support to get their thoughts on this. In the meantime I ordered the diodes
today so I will have them just in case.
Any other thoughts are appreciated.
"73"
Damon
W4HDM
<http://www.w4hdm.camstreams.com/> Live Shack Feed
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NAQCC #3633
K2 #00473
From: Don Wilhelm-4 (via Nabble)
[mailto:ml-user+39068-851166215 at n2.nabble.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 1:37 AM
To: W4HDM
Subject: Re: KAT100 error
Damon,
Thanks for removing the KPA100 from the picture, now we know the problem
is the KAT100 or the base K2. To eliminate the base K2 from suspicion,
test it into a dummy load and see if the HiCUR messages are still present.
While looking for solder problems, first check pin 1 of the KAT100
firmware socket.
What you are describing sounds a lot like a problem with the firmware chip.
73,
Don W3FPR
W4HDM wrote:
> Don,
>
> Ok I removed the KPA100 and connected directly to the K2, I also tested
with
> 2 different jumpers, as well as useing the RF in and the AUX connection.
All
> give the same results:
>
> KAT100's relays sound and the K2 shows 1.0-1 swr. Lights on the KAT100 do
> not light up on tune or TX.
> K2 reduced power on key up (at 10 watts setting and 5 watt setting).
> Occasionally I get a High Current message. Current set at 3.50
>
> I checked the RS232 for continuity and it is OK.
>
> I started doing the test in the KAT100 Manual. When I set the antenna to 2
> and turn off the K2 and then back on I noted the antenna back on ANT 1 I
> also noticed when first powered up the lights on the KAT100 are bright but
> then dim a bit.
>
> Maybe this will point towards the problem?
>
> I suspect I have a bad solder point somewhere in the KAT100.
>
> Don Wilhelm-4 wrote:
>
>> Damon,
>>
>> First, remove the KPA100 from the picture (remove it from the EC2
>> enclosure) and connect the KAT100 directly to the base K2 and see if it
>> works OK - if my suspicion is correct, it will.
>>
>> If the KAT100 checks out, then check 2 things - first diodes D16 and D17
>> in the KPA100 and the short coax you are using between the KPA100 and
>> the KAT100.
>>
>> Let me know what you find.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> W4HDM wrote:
>>
>>> My KAT100 was working fine then developed a problem recently.
>>> For those wondering what happened to my for sale listing this is why I
>>> removed it.
>>>
>>> At first the tune sequence would tune at times and other times it would
>>> stay
>>> at 9.9-1 and the lights would work most of the time. (Using a dummy load
>>> as
>>> well as an antenna)
>>>
>>> I checked the solder connections in the KAT100 and retouched a few. I
>>> noticed no change in behavior. I put the radio away for a few days and
>>> revisited the problem today ....
>>>
>>> Before doing anything I did a SWR Bridge alignment on the KPA100 just to
>>> be
>>> sure nothing had changed. I adjusted for 0 voltage using a DMM as
>>> instructed
>>> in the manual.
>>>
>>> Currently, the tune sequence gives a 1.0-1 reading on the K2 meter but
>>> the
>>> scale lights on the KAT100 do not light up while tuning or when keying.
>>> The
>>> antenna and power lights are working properly.
>>>
>>> When keying 100 watts into a dummy load the power is reduced by various
>>> amounts depending on the band and the K2 shows HI Refl, the same
symptoms
>>> using an antenna.
>>>
>>> Using the menu for tuner readings, after hitting tune in the dummy load,
>>> I
>>> get:
>>>
>>> L00.4
>>> C0.08
>>> nET2
>>> t 197
>>> E243
>>> Init
>>> F1.05
>>> L0-L8 get relay clicks as well as
>>> C0-C8 and
>>> N1-N2
>>>
>>> I am using the The KAT100/KPA100 in their own enclosure.
>>>
>>> Any help on where I should start from here to solve the problem?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Damon
>>>
>>> (Don .. I sent you an email on this when the symptoms first started,
>>> maybe
>>> it was lost in SPAM)
>>>
>>>
>>> -----
>>> W4HDM-DAMON-K2#473
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>
>
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