[Elecraft] K3 Switching to 10W

[Gary Smith]

Don probably gave you the correct answer, he has consistently good 
advice. 

You might though want to also check your Astron, if it is one of the 
ones with adjustable current & voltage, Mine is the VS-35M. The 
adjustment knobs are easy to bump and unexpectedly change the voltage 
or current output. I've bumped mine before and caused my K3 to shut 
down unexpectedly yet the K3 was lit up just fine. 

I now have a piece of tape on the knobs so it won't happen again.

73,

Gary
KA1J

> In the RTTY contest, my K3 is turning off the 100W amp.
> 
> I set the FP Temp to 19C and the PA to Nor. I set the power to 60W output.
> After contesting for a while, I would get a ERR=12V error and the rig would
> shut off the 100W amp. The Circuit Breaker does not open.  I switched out
> Power Cords to make sure one did not develop a short? The K3 Fans would
> occasionally turn on so I know the fans are working.
> 
> My first thoughts are my Astron Switching Power Supply was starting to give
> me problems. Its over 10 years old and maybe it can not keep up.
> 
> To test that, I will need to wait until I can replace with another Power
> Supply.
> 
> Any other suggestions on what to look for?
> 
> Thanks,
> Irwin KD3TB