[Elecraft] k3 High Current Message on 10 meters

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Check fans and cooling. Make sure airflow is not obstructed. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 19, 2018, at 8:53 AM, Gadget Lust <gadgetlust at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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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