[Elecraft] k3 High Current Message on 10 meters

[Gadget Lust]

Hi Don:

Actually, my issue is only on 10M.  It appears that as I transmit, current consumption increases, and I get occasional high current messages.  This is more apparent on long duty cycle modes like RTTY, and at higher power levels (80-100W).  If I watch, I can see current consumption start at 16 amps, and slowly rise to 25-27 amps.  

I performed a TX gain Cal successfully, and that made it a bit more stable (only rising to 20 or 21 amps now), but it still concerns me.  A friend suggested this may be blown coils in the output bandpass filters.  I can wrap new coils if needed, but don’t want to do this if that’s not the problem.

73
Harv
K2PI

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Don Wilhelm
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 9:44 AM
To: Bob Harvey - K2PI; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] k3 High Current Message on 10 meters

Harv,

I did not see the initial post (fault of Nabble vs. the real Elecraft 
reflector), but High Current messages can be caused by a low impedance 
at the antenna connection, or also a fault in the KPA3, like one output 
transistor that is no longer functioning properly.
There are other causes, like incorrect bias to the PA transistors.
Without more specific observations, it is difficult to give a specific 
answer.

Have you tried a TX Gain Calibration on your K3/K3S?  If not, try it.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/19/2018 9:30 AM, Bob Harvey - K2PI wrote:
> John did you ever get an answer to this?  I have a similar situation.
> 
> 73
> Harv
> K2PI
> 
> 
> 
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