[Elecraft] Dreaded ERR 12V Message

[Don Wilhelm]

Gerry,

I am glad it has worked well for you.

Did you install stainless steel screws in the past?  That may be one 
reason for the galling.  Steel into aluminum is not usually a problem, 
but it can be at times - it is worse with stainless steel than with 
regular steel screws.  The black screws are supposed to have a bit of a 
lubricating coating, but it does no harm to give it a little bit more 
lubrication - and I do mean a *little* bit - add a drop to the screw 
threads and blot the excess off with a paper towel, that is all it takes.
When you replace the 2D connectors and the screws, us a tiny drop of oil 
on the threads - remember, you do not want any runoff.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 5/10/2015 4:37 PM, Gerry Kersus via Elecraft wrote:
> 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.
>
>