[Elecraft] ERR 12V on K3

[Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO]

Derek,

This exact failure mode happened to my K3 #888. An interesting commonality 
is the fact that I also run digital modes (WSJT modes on 6 meters, in my 
case) quite a bit. On mine, the failure mode was intermittent, though about 
95% on the "fail" side. (I.e., it would only occasionally work correctly, 
always when it was stone cold, and then would fail again quickly.) The 
problem was traced with the help of Elecraft tech support to a faulty KPAIO3 
board. They sent me one, I swapped it out, and the problem has never 
recurred.

It's possible that running a 100% duty cycle digital mode caused a marginal 
component on the KPAIO3 board to fail, but in any case, I would contact tech 
support and get a KPAIO3 board sent out to you. Bet it fixes the problem. Be 
prepared for a BEAR of an operation replacing this rather 
difficult-to-get-to board. Fun!

Bill W5WVO


--------------------------------------------------
From: "Derek Cohn/WB0TUA" <vibroplex at mindspring.com>
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 8:23 PM
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] ERR 12V on K3

> Hi Everyone,
>
> I'm still learning how to use my K3 and thanks to the help of everyone on 
> this list, I've been able to sprinkle in a few RTTY contacts with my CW.
>
> A couple of days ago, I was on RTTY and ran into a problem.  I'm pretty 
> sure (but not 100% certain) I had cranked the power down so it showed 
> about 50W out on the K3 meter and was yapping away.  I had essentially 
> finished the QSO and tried to send a couple of farewell characters and the 
> transmitter didn't turn on.  I looked at the display and saw ERR 12V 
> displayed.  I got out the manual and read the error could be do to the PA 
> module dropping into bypass mode.  I power cycled the radio, and tried it 
> in CW...I had about 5 watts out.  I think adjusted the power control until 
> I had full power again.  So, I have two questions:
>
> 1) Did I overheat the K3 running it in RTTY to cause the ERR 12V to be 
> displayed?
>
> 2) If I overheated the radio, should that have happened with the output at 
> 50w on the K3 internal meter?
>
> Thanks for any help you guys can give me!
>
> 73,
>
> Derek Cohn
> Morse Telegraph Club - Alton Chapter
> Office UD, Sine DJ
> Amateur Radio Station - WBØTUA
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