[Elecraft] K3 Stops Transmitting

[Bob Wilson, N6TV]

No TX power is a common problem, especially on DXpeditions.  Other than
power supply issues, it is usually one of three things:

   1. Intending to use the BAND button, one holds down the right MODE
   button by mistake, putting the K3 into TX TEST mode.  The "TX" icon
   flashes.  But, since you reported that the TUNE button flashes "0 watts"
   instead of flashing "TX TEST", it's probably something else in this case.
   2. CONFIG:TX INH is set to LO=Inh (visible only when CONFIG:TECH MD is
   ON). CONFIG:TX INH should be OFF unless you're using a lockout circuit that
   depends on the inhibit line.  A "floating" pin 10 on the ACC port can cause
   TX to be intermittently inhibited when CONFIG:TX INH is set to LO=INh.
   When TX is inhibited, the K3 will display "0 Watts" when you press the TUNE
   button.  The "TX" indicator also flashes when the rig is inhibited, similar
   to TX TEST mode.
   3. The most likely cause, which I've seen many times, is that the jumper
   board connecting the subreceiver to the main board in the back left side of
   the K3 has partially pulled out.  This happens almost every time a K3 is
   subject to any kind of strong mechanical stress, such as transport in
   checked luggage.  Make sure the SubRx is firmly seated and the problem
   should disappear.  If you don't have a SubRx, there's still a jumper board
   that must be in place in the same spot.

73,
Bob, N6TV

On Thu, Mar 9, 2017 at 6:38 AM, Dennis <egan.dennis88 at gmail.com> wrote:

> First thing I did- and the first thing I do whenever I have any funny
> happen- is to cycle power.  I did so
> several times.  It still wouldn't transmit.
>
> UE
>
> On 3/9/2017 9:00 AM, Ed Muns wrote:
>
>> When it was not transmitting and you were troubleshooting, did you cycle
>> power?
>>
>> 73,
>> Ed W0YK
>>
>> On Mar 9, 2017 5:54 AM, Dennis <egan.dennis88 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> In the middle of ARRL DX CW, my K3 stopped transmitting.  It did not
>>> shut off, it
>>> would go into transmit and there were small flickers in ALC when the
>>> meter was in
>>> that position, but no power out.  Pushing the TUNE button resulted in
>>> the display
>>> saying "0 watts".  I played with it for several minutes, was
>>> unsuccessful in restoring
>>> any transmit capability, so subbed in the replacement rig and kept going.
>>>
>>> I brought my K3 home, plugged it in, connected a key and a dummy load,
>>> and it
>>> transmitted perfectly.  No problems.  I've used it about 3 hours since,
>>> and there
>>> have been no problems.
>>>
>>> First question, what could have happened to result in the no transmit
>>> state?
>>> I will be using my K3 again this weekend in a contest.  If the problem
>>> happens again, what possible problems should I be looking for? Loose/
>>> intermittent cable attached to the synthesizer?
>>>
>>> Dennis W1UE
>>>
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>>
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