[Elecraft] K3 Abnormal Behavior

[kennedyjp]

Thanks Don. I will look at that info also. Essentially I assume it's the same as Frank just posted. You guys are awesome. You would think after 65 years of haming I would get this stuff figured out LOL. Gettin' old ain't for sissies  hi !Thank again guysJim W7OUU Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S9+, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com> Date: 12/2/19  14:09  (GMT-07:00) To: Jim Kennedy <kennedyjp at cableone.net> Cc: elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Abnormal Behavior Jim,With audio data modes (even if you are using SSB instead of DATA A), you must have 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing - that is the NO ALC point for the K3/K3S/KX3/KX2.If you do not have sufficient audio, the K3 will "power hunt" trying to bring the power up to the power that was requested.Sorry that I did not observe that you were using a data mode, or I would have pointed to that first.If your audio level is 'touchy', then likely one or more of the audio controls is at an extreme (not near mid-position).  Refer to the article on my website www.w3fpr.com to see how to set the audio to your best advantage.73,Don W3FPROn 12/2/2019 3:29 PM, Jim Kennedy wrote:> Hi again Don, this morning on a cold start the K3 power indicator tracked with the Bird watt meter. Technically competent and not one to give up easily I continued to trouble shoot almost to the verge of paralysis analysis. I put the K3 on the bench and lashed it up as it were in the station including Tigertronics USB digital interface. Fired it up and again had low power slowly climbing operating in FT8 using the tune tab in the WSJT program to key the rig. Hmmm better check SSB,FM,CW,AM modes. What the "H" I got full output on the Bird 43 !!! Back to TX Data mode. Hit the tune tab in FT8 and power coming up slowly again ?? Something wrong in the TX DATA mode ?? Well as it turns out, somehow the TX audio setting on the Tigertroncis USB interface got reduced and it was a simple matter of not enough transmit audio in TX Data mode. Turned up TX audio on the Tigertronics USB interface less than one division and "voila" full power output. I'm still a little puzzled about the symptoms but for now my K3 is back in operation. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions and help. This is a great group of hams.  Excuse me while I go wipe the egg off my face. Jeesh !>>