[Elecraft] KX3 digital modes problem

[Mark Petiford]

Re:  "Using fully charged brand new NiMH batteries the radio simply turns itself off after I turn it
on."

Several possibilities here.  First be sure the battery connector is fully engaging the pins on the circuit board (reference Figure 8 of the KXBC3 Installation and Operation Instructions).  Mine wasn't fully engaged and would occasionally become intermittent.

Second, be sure the cells are good.  Take them out and measure their individual voltages.  They should be within about 0.1v of each other; also, any cells that are below 1.0v should be replaced.  While a faulty cell may be flagged by the KXBC3 charger during charging, it is possible that one of them discharges very quickly after charging is complete.  

Are your cells relatively new and all of the same type?  I was given an old set of 2500mah Ray-O-Vac NiMH cells, and they would discharge while sitting in the KX3 (or on the shelf for that matter) over a few days time causing the same symptoms you are seeing.  Any of the modern "Low Self Discharge" NiMH cells should not exhibit this behavior, and will remain charged for a long period of time

Mark
KE6BB

From: Jim Fitzpatrick<jhfitzpa at wisc.edu>
Sent: ‎Tue, ‎Dec‎ ‎31‎, ‎2013 at ‎1‎:‎01‎ ‎PM
To:  <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 digital modes problem

I recently purchased a KX3. I have made several hundred CW QSOs with it in
the past several months.
 ... 
The other problem has been operating with batteries. Using fully charged
brand new NiMH batteries the radio simply turns itself off after I turn it
on. I have the BAT MIN set at 8.4V. I measure the battery charge at about
11V. This should be enough to keep it running, but it doesn't even after I
have enabled all the power saving measures suggested in the manual. Loading
it up with 8 brand new Duracell AA batteries gives me 12.2V, and it seems to
work fine just as it should. AUTO OFF is set to infinite.

 

I'd appreciate any constructive ideas.

 

Thanks.

 

Jim

WI9WI

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