[Elecraft] K3 ERR 12V problem

[Barry Simpson]

I have an early model K3 s/n 1397 which I built and which I upgraded around
12 months ago with the new synthesizers etc.

It has the second receiver and numerous filters in both receivers.

I have never had a moment's trouble with it since the original build in
around 2009 and since the big upgrade.

However, a couple of weeks ago, I had an ERR 12V message come up in the
middle of a CQ and the rig stopped working. I simply turned it off and back
on again and it seemed to be fixed.

A little earlier today, I was calling CQ on 17m CW using the KPA 500 and
the ERR 12V occurred again.

This time I read the manual and saw that it could be related to the  K3 PA
module.

I powered off the rig again and checked to find that there was some new
firmware which I duly downloaded successfully. I then performed a TX gain
calibration at 5w and 50w and that was successful.

I then did a band by band check of the maximum CW power out. All seemed
normal except for 24.9 MHz where the power out was around 130W - too high.

However, as I was testing on 50.1 MHz the dreaded ERR 12V occurred again
and after a power down and restart the same thing.

Before I enlist the help of Elecraft, can anyone point me in the right
direction to check for a short in the PA module. What should I be looking
at/for ?  The rig has not emitted any smoke nor has there been any burning
smells or unusual noises.

Any pointers would be appreciated before I take the rig apart.

Thanks and 73

Barry Simpson  VK2BJ