[Elecraft] [K2] Low TX Output on Higher Bands

[Steve Kavanagh]

In the remote chance that someone else is tracking down a similar problem, I eventually tracked this issue down to a bad solder joint at R94 (in the transmit buffer circuitry).  Thanks to Don, W3FPR, for his (now legendary) assistance! 73,Steve VE3SMA
       From: Steve Kavanagh <skavanagh72 at yahoo.ca>
 To: "Elecraft at mailman.qth.net" <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Saturday, November 8, 2014 10:42 AM
 Subject: [K2] Low TX Output on Higher Bands
   
As I proceed with checking the new-to-me (S/N 5133, bare-bones, no options) K2 out, I'm finding that the maximum transmit power output drops markedly as the frequency goes up.  If I set the power to maximum, I can get the following approximate powers (on CW):

80m: 15 W 
40m: 15 W 
30m: 15 W 
20m: 7 W 
17m: 4 W 
15m: 4 W 
12m: 1.5 W 
10m: 1.5 W 

I've done a few rudimentary checks which I won't list in detail here for now. All transmit tests were done into a dummy load with a good SWR and power levels shown on the K2 LCD and an external meter agreed as well as might be expected. 

Do these symptoms sound familiar to any of you, or will I have to start a full troubleshooting process? 

It might be the same as observed by W6ICM ( http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-low-output-tt461601.html).  Are there any other theories?

73,
Steve VE3SMA