[Elecraft] [K2] PLL reference test failure

[Ilya]

Hi Gentlemen!

I'm in progress of assembling my first K2 #7837 and now I'm stuck with PLL
reference oscillator test. Seems that I've already read all previous email
threads regarding similar problems all over the internet - and nothing
helped.

When I just turn on my K2 after some time it's been off - I'm getting the
following figures in PLL reference test (TP3):
- Band + is 12099.1 khz
- Band - is 12086.15 khz

After some time (just a minute or so), the BAND+ value starts drifting
down. Drifting slows down with time, but in 2-3 minutes I'm getting 12070
or smth like that. If I touch RIT/XIT knob - the value drops even lower -
to 12055 or about that.

I repeated the test for may be hundred times already - with fully assembled
case, with/without top/bottom covers, etc.
BAND- value never changes and is absolutely stable.
If I then click BAND- and leave it for a few minutes, then click BAND+
again - drifting start over again from ~12090.
Things only get better (BAND+ gets abt 12104 and keeps stable) when I
connect DMM (voltage) between gnd and D16's cathode.

I've already checked all solderings, RFC14, re-assembled thermistor board,
checked voltages on U5/U6/D16/D17 - everything looks good to me.

Thanks in advance for any ideas...

With regards,
Ilya, R3XA