[Elecraft] New Output Power Issue

[Bill K9YEQ]

Ian,

I would suggest before suspecting anything in between the power supply,
check the voltage and the power supply terminals before tearing into
anything. You already know the transceiver shows load voltage under load.
If the voltage drops low at the supply then you have the culprit.  If not,
then go to the next connection and then measure it while transmitting. I had
a voltage drop that I didn't like with the supplied power supply cable and
replaced it with a 10 gauge high quality stranded cable.  I took out my
ASTRO Flight current/voltage wattage monitor which had lighter wiring,   I
ran my radio connection to my RigRunner and then measured.  Voltage and
output much improved.  You could start from the rear of the radio, work
toward the power supply, but you at least eliminate it.  I do see a
wiring/connector voltage drop at 20 amps draw from 13.5 volts through my
PowerGate battery backup to the RigRunner which shows a voltage on the Astro
Flight, which I use to monitor voltage coming off the rig runner itself, of
~12 v.  I get CW output at the K3 of 100 watts out as monitored by the W2.  

It also wouldn't hurt to disconnect reconnect all the Andersons if that is
what you are using.  Corrosion potential exists for non-soldered connections
especially in humid conditions.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ian Kahn - Ham
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 12:52 PM
To: Lyle Johnson
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue

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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