[Elecraft] K3 Erratic RF Power Drop, comes back up by just tapping top of radio

[Don Wilhelm]

Dean,

A problem that comes and goes with tapping usually indicates a bad 
connection somewhere.
Does it do the same thing when operated into a dummy load?  If it does, 
then there is a definite problem with the K3, but if it operates 
properly into a dummy load, you can first suspect something in the 
antenna/feedline.
Yes, small vibrations in the K3 case can cause similar behavior if there 
is a loose UHF connector on the K3. First step is to check the tightness 
of the UHF connectors.  Finger-tight is not tight enough, give the 
connectors a gentle tug with pliers after you get them finger-tight.

73,
Don W3FPR
On 4/19/2014 1:57 PM, Dean wrote:
> Thanks in advance for your help and ideas.
>
>   
>
> My K3 recently started exhibiting an occasional RF power drop. It drops from
> 100w to sometimes 50w or 30w or lower. Then by tapping the top of the radio
> it goes back to full power.
>
>   
>
> The SWR is stable and normal during all of this, and I verified that the
> main power supply is stable during the event.
>
>   
>
> It seems like it is sometimes brought on by routine heating and cooling.
> Like when I am running RTTY off and on.
>
>   
>
> Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
>
>   
>
> Dean
>
>   
>
>   
>
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