[Elecraft] New Output Power Issue

[Ian Kahn - Ham]

So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue.  The problem 
appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3.  A big "thank 
you" to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and 
troubleshot.

Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas!

--Ian

Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA  EM74ua
km4ik.ian at gmail.com
K3 #281, P3 #688
HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team

On 12/24/2012 12:22 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote:
> Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the 
> internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the 
> external wattmeter.
>
> If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is 
> reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy.  If in fact the output power is 
> only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna 
> wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 
> wattmeter may need to be calibrated.  If that is the case, you need to 
> go to the menu and adjust it.  But only do this if you are CERTAIN 
> your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the 
> K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration.
>
> BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive.  Might be long runs or light 
> gauge wire or ?  But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter 
> accuracy.
>
> 73,
>
> Lyle KK7P
>
>> It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March 
>> of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from 
>> over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is 
>> .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the 
>> internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load 
>> only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look 
>> normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still 
>> concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other 
>> suggestions?
>
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