[Elecraft] Dreaded ERR 12V Message

Sun May 10 16:37:44 EDT 2015

Don,
This is to provide closure to my problem:

I did locate the new connectors. After dis-assembly of the K3, I found that the 6 pins on P67B on the K3 Main board were discolored.  I replaced the 6 pins as well as the mating 13x2 connector J67B on the KPAIO3 board. Even under magnification, I could not see any discoloration on the P68B connector.  So, I just replaced the 6 pins with the new gold pin connection and not the J68B.  

After 48 hours, including about 100 contacts in the CQ M contest, everything seems to be normal.

I did encounter an problem during dis-assembly:  When trying to remove the two 4-40 pan head screws holding the rear panel to the bottom 2D fasteners, neither screw would budge.  (There were no problems with any other screws).  I even tried my reliable screw extractor, but that didn't work either -- it's like the screws had galled.  I re-assembled the K3 without those two screws, but I will need to order two new 2D connectors and 4-40 pan head screws.

Tnx again for your help.

Gerry, W1GD

-----Original Message-----
From: w1gd <w1gd at aol.com>
To: don <don at w3fpr.com>; elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sun, May 3, 2015 4:56 pm
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dreaded ERR 12V Message

 Tnx Don,   
Actually I did look at the K3 Manual but the breaker has not tripped. Since the KPA3 does work some of the time, I assume it's not a KPA3 short.    

I read this list regularly and I am aware of the connector issue with early K3s including mine.  In fact, I believe that I have the replacement connector because Elecraft sent it to me when I had issues with other connectors.  I have not replaced it since I didn't have this problem before.    

I have already reviewed the replacement instructions -- it does seem like a fair about of dis-assembly is needed to access the connector. While I've done this level of dis-assembly several times before, I was just hoping to avoid it.  As I recall there was also another hard-wired fix, but I'm not sure it's any easier to install.  

I guess I'll go find the new connector.......  

73,  

Gerry, W1GD   

-----Original Message-----    
 From: Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com>    
 To: w1gd <w1gd at aol.com>; elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>    
 Sent: Sun, May 3, 2015 4:29 pm    
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dreaded ERR 12V Message    

Gerry,

There are several reasons for ERR 12V - look in the manual Error chart

for possible activities.
There is another possibility that is not in the
manual.  See

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KPA3%20Power%20Connector%20Replacement.pdf

I
am curious why you said "other than replacing the KPA3 power 
connector" -
unless you have already made that change.

On earlier K3s, gold pins were not
initially used for the 12v power pins 
to the KPA3.  In some cases, the tinned
pins were not sufficient to 
carry the required current.
Elecraft does offer a
KPA3CONMDKT to allow you to change those pins to 
gold plated types.  You may
order that kit from parts at elecraft.com.  I 
recall they are being provided at
no cost.

The kit is not difficult to install, but it does require removing
the 
rear panel from the K3 to gain access and you can expect to spend some

time removing screws.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/3/2015 3:34 PM, Gerry Kersus
via Elecraft wrote:
> While operating 20CW with about 100 watts, my K3 (S/N
1428) suddenly displayed the dreaded ERR 12V  message. The circuit breaker did
not trip. I was not able to operate even at low power until I powered off and
then back on. I was able to operate again, but it would intermittently display
the message again. I was able to operate fine with 10 watts (after powering
off/on) This happened on other bands and on SSB.  I noticed that as I turned the
power level clockwise  while listening that the background noise noticeable
dropped with the power level went over 12 watts. I also occasionally got the
message even while not transmitting.
>
>
> Any other advice (besides
replacing the KPA3 power connector)?
> Thanks,
> Gerry, W1GD
>