[Elecraft] K3 Low Power Amp problems… Fixed by me and David!

[Phil Townsend]

I was trying to do a 5 watt cal but only got 3.5 watts and got an error code...
It was working but now no go.
I called Elecraft and talked to David. After some easy on phone tests...
He said to re bias the the driver(Q2) for and the two output devises (Q4 and Q5). I did that with the help of a simple procedure Dave sent me...
And what do you know... Q4 would not bias. The pot related to Q4 had zero effect.
I called David and he said he suspected a bad output transistor.
Today the 3 transistors in question arrived in the mail. 
So using my brand new Hako Solder sucker Model# 808, removed all of the solder around the pins of Q2, Q4 and Q5. With the solder removed the parts fell out onto the bench! No desolder ribbon, no prying, no pulling, no cutting...just heat the pin/pad, pull the trigger the pump sucks it dry!
And I do mean DRY.
I checked the 3 transistors with the handy dandy M3 transistor checker... Q4 was a dead short....
David of Elecraft...
THANK YOU...

P.S. UPS will be at my door with a Brand new KX3 on tuesday...To bad I have jury duty on tuesday.
So, all is right with my world in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Phil
KF5ROJ

Elecraft... Elegant service!