[Elecraft] K3 Woes

[Jim Brown]

On 5/30/2012 7:16 PM, David Inger wrote:
> I checked the display voltage. I was able to coax the power level up to about 50-watts, at which time the display indicated ±9.2-volts;

No question that this indicates something is wrong. What size wire (AWG) 
are you using for DC power? How long is it?  Include every part of the 
wiring between the K3 and the power supply terminals. The DC power lead 
should be short and fat -- at least #12, #10 is better, no longer than 3 
ft total, and shorter is better. Are you SURE there is no problem at a 
connector? FEEL the connectors after you have transmitted for a while 
and see if any are warm.  What does the K3 voltmeter read when you're 
receiving but not transmitting?

As others have suggested, you should measure the voltage while 
transmitting with a DC voltmeter, at the power supply terminals, at the 
K3 itself, and at any intermediate connecting points.   If you don't 
have a DC voltmeter, go buy one. Every ham needs a good one.  Most of us 
have a good one plus a cheapie that we don't mind dropping off the 
tower. :)  Last I looked I had at least six.

73, Jim K9YC