[Elecraft] Help - Elecraft Shutting Down

[Bill W2BLC]

Early on I had problems with my K3 and sudden death. A little history: 
When I bought the K3, I modernized the radio desk with Anderson Power 
Poles. Everything was done with Power Poles. A week or so after I got my 
K3, it quit in the middle of a QSO. I pushed the POWER switch and it 
came right back to life. It continued to work for a day or so, then I 
had a similar incident with my 2-meter rig. I came into the shack and it 
was off. I am not a believer in coincidences, so I pulled the desk from 
the wall. While the desk was moving from the wall, the K3 died again. I 
had my answer - something physical, such as wire movement was 
interrupting the power to my equipment. I spent an afternoon replacing 
the Power Poles with soldered/crimped spade lugs and a proper DC power 
panel with threaded posts and nuts etc.

I know how to put the Power Poles on, even have the proper crimping 
tool. However, nothing works as well as old fashioned methods. Sure, it 
isn't quick - but, I rarely have a need to disconnect anything on my 
main radio desk. I still have a few Power Poles in the system - that 
came factory produced (not my handy-work) - and they do give me trouble 
with the instant on back-up DC system. This weekend they will also get 
replaced - then I will toss the rest of that stuff in the trash. I know 
there are some wanting to argue the point - so be it - use them in your 
station. I choose not to.

Bill W2BLC K-Line