[Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem

[Jessie Oberreuter]

      Huh, maybe that was it...  My early K3 (#286 IIRC) once generated
smoke while I was running PSK31 at ~40w.  I could never find any sad
components, and performance has remained excellent as always.
Admittedly, the wick rarely goes above 20w, so my PA doesn't usually work
very hard, but the next time I have the cover off, I'll take a look at the
connector.  -kb7psg.


On Sat, 10 Dec 2011, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> This is a bit more invasive, but a few earlier KPA100 modules had a problem
> with the interface connector to the main RF board that carriers the +13V to
> the KPA500 itself. The pin corroded and heated and, in a few cases, burned.
> I believe the current KPA500's have gold plated connectors. Of course, that
> removed all power from the 100 watt amp.
>
> I'd remove the KPA500 module and inspect the connector. You can reach the
> screws from the top (careful - don't drop the screws or lock washers - they
> can be a chore to retrieve if you don't have a small magnet). Pull the
> module off and look closely at the multipin connector to see if there's any
> sign of overheating or discoloration.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack
> Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 4:07 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
>
> Hi All,
>
> Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still
> maximum power available.
> This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure -
> the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so
> nothing has been disturbed.
>
> I've run out of ideas.<G>
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH
>
>
>
>
> --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire <ron at cobi.biz> wrote:
>
> From: Ron D'Eau Claire <ron at cobi.biz>
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
> To: "'Robert Mccormack'" <zl1aih at xtra.co.nz>, elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM
>
> Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is
> not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the
> Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and
> calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack
> Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
>
> While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power
> cannot be set higher than 12 watts.
> Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz
> difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency.
>
> Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power
> limitation - searched the archives but no luck.
>
> Any help is appreciated.
>
> 73, Ken ZL1AIH.
>
>
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