[Elecraft] KX2 KXIO2 RTC Adjustment

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

Thank you Don and Richard.

The KXIO2 clock is working properly again. I do not know if it was one 
of the things below or the combination of all of them but I'll share 
what I did in hopes it might help someone else.

My KX2 was purchased used so I do not know if it was assembled by the 
original owner or by Elecraft.

Step 1: I removed external power and the internal battery. Then I let 
the radio sit for a couple of days so the backup cap could discharge and 
things would really be "off".

Step 2: I removed the KXIO2 board using the installation instructions as 
a guide. I carefully applied a small amount of DeoxIT "D Series" cleaner 
to the contacts on the four headers. (Use VERY little, I could barely 
see that I had applied any.) This was in case there might be any small 
amount of corrosion that was not visible.

Step 3: I reassembled everything, put the battery back in and connected 
external power. Then, I used the KX2 utility program to set the clock to 
match my PC with the "calibration value set to "0". I turned the radio off.

Step 4: About a day or so later I compared the two times. The KX2 was a 
few seconds fast so I bumped the calibration to "1". Having done all of 
that the radio seems to be about a minute fast after a week. Plenty good 
enough for me and well within what Elecraft claims it should do.

Tim N9PUZ

On 8/26/2018 11:00 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Tim,
>
> I would suggest trying again to recalibrate it.  The recalibration can 
> be a long process of trial and error with the results measured over 
> several days.
> That is a lot less expensive than buying a new one or sending it to 
> Elecraft.
>
> I do not expect the long term accuracy of any rig's real time clock to 
> be correct over a period of days.  Even gaining a minute a day is 
> sufficient for logging during an outing.
> Actually, I do not use it, I use the Timex on my wrist for accurate 
> timekeeping, and it is easier for me than pulling up the RTC display 
> on the KX2 when doing paper logging.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 8/25/2018 5:20 PM, Tim McDonough N9PUZ wrote:
>> I have a KX2 with the internal tuner and the KXIO2 clock module which 
>> I purchased used and it is long out of warranty. The clock gains a 
>> nearly minute per day in spite of having performed the 
>> calibration/adjustment.
>>
>> Elecraft advised that while they are more than happy to repair it by 
>> the time I pay for labor and shipping both ways it is probably better 
>> to buy a new KXIO2 module which will have a warranty. I can 
>> appreciate that and don't fault them a bit for the price but I'm just 
>> wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a DIY repair. I spend plenty 
>> of money on the hobby but am just wondering if I can get a working 
>> internal clock for less than $80 plus shipping?
>