[Elecraft] K2: Flaky 160M switching
Jim KO5V
ko5v at earthlink.net
Sat Mar 2 14:30:19 EST 2019
After removing and replacing the heatsink panel to install an SMA connector for an IF-out port,
160M is working intermittently. I think I have narrowed it down to a problem with the antenna's
BNC connector - It appears to be just slightly spaced away from the inside of the back panel,
so when its nut is tightened up, it must be flexing the RF board enough to affect K8. I've loosened
up the 2d connectors, to try and bring the connector/RF board into better alignment with the heatsink
panel, but every time I tighten up the BNC's nut, 160 eventually dies (I listen to the birdie at 2Mhz).
When I switch from a working 160M to 80M and then "tune", 80M gives a "hi-Current" error, and I
measure >20W on my external meter. A second "tune", and 80M is back to normal. Switching back to 160M,
I find the birdie gone (and no power out). Switching to 160M from a higher-frequency band usually finds 160M
working (but not always).
I have touched up the solder joints on all components involved with K8 and the BNC on the RF board, and all
of the joints on the 160M board.
So, I am going to place a shim between the BNC connector, and the heatsink panel and see what happens. Does
anyone have any other suggestions? I'm not sure K8 is bad, but maybe the BNC might be?
Thanks in advance. 73,
Jim KO5V
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