[Elecraft] Problems with KRX3A
Gareth M5KVK
gareth.m5kvk at gmail.com
Thu May 28 15:07:34 EDT 2020
Thanks for the comprehensive reply, Rick.
I'm about to make a start on pretty much the same diagnostic approach. I'll let you all know how I get on.
Gareth, M5KVK
On 28/05/2020, 18:00, "elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net on behalf of Rick Bates, NK7I" <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net on behalf of rick.nk7i at gmail.com> wrote:
Gareth,
The information you have been given is correct but it's a challenge to
wrap ones head around the details, a couple are subtle.
It is ultimately the items you have installed (the tuner, with the
second antenna port) AND the connection of cables to the KRX3 (which
connector source is chosen), THEN the setting in menu (KRX3 = ANT | BNC)
to match those choices.
[The KRX3 will listen to ANT 1 | 2 with a tuner OR will listen to MAIN
(whatever the main RX is using) | BNC; with or without a tuner (I think
that's all inclusive).]
Then, the use of the front panel to engage which feed is in play, based
on the options above (ANT 1 or 2; with a tuner| Main or BNC).
In my case, with a tuner (unused, one port to a KPA1500, the other to a
dummy load) I chose to use the BNC as the RX source for the KRX3, simply
so I cannot transmit into it, ever, and have diversity reception. I can
listen via main or BNC (RX system) and worry less about doing something
stupid like blowing up the RX system and/or finals.
It also means that if I want the main receiver to hear the RX antenna
(but transmit on the transmit antenna) I have to move a cable on the K3
in the back (or provide a antenna switch), both are BNC, one is more
challenging to reach through the maze of wires.
I'm hoping from the comments, that the K4 will be simpler to configure
(on the fly) as most of us need simpler as we age ;-) The most
difficult part is deciding how one will use the tools most effectively,
then put the parts in the right place to meet that/those goal/s.
None of which answers your original question.
I don't mean to be pedantic or insulting; I try to be complete because
it's always the simplest of things that are the most elusive; details
matter.
Assuming that the menu is set to enable a KRX3 and both SYN are showing
expected results based on which SYN is installed (you've done this):
Hearing the rx audio 'rush' noise is a good start (use headphones, don't
mix audio from the main RX); the audio stage is working, now look backwards.
Check the KRX3 filter selection to make sure that (a) the filter (menu)
choice is correct (right filter) and (b) visually confirm the presence
of the filter (DOH!) and (c) is actually IN the slot chosen (menu
setting again). Nothing is automatic, you tell the firmware what and
where filters are installed. (A quick test is to change the filter
bandwidth on the front panel [B SEL or speaker/headphone audio]; note
any audio changes from wide to narrow, if any.)
Then (if no success) I would start with actually seeing how the TMP
cables are connected (you need to know anyway then change if needed to
meet your goals); ARE they in the correct place; testing them along the
way for continuity and shorting; then make sure that each is seated
_fully_ (easy to miss) and correctly (hemostats or very small point
pliers on the cable metal connector, very gently but firmly; tactile
senses cranked up, damage is easy). Do NOT ever pull on the cable itself.
Recheck the menu for the correct source settings again (in particular if
you made changes).
If still no joy, based on your time difference to CA, an email of your
test/findings to the repair team at Elecraft would be the best choice.
Please post your results, good and bad so others can learn too.
73,
Rick NK7I
On 5/28/2020 8:54 AM, Gareth M5KVK wrote:
> Thanks, Clark
> I think I’m going to open her up again and test all the connecting cables.
>
> Never mind, at least I get to use my K2 for a change 😊
>
> Gareth, M5KVK
>
> From: Clark Macaulay <clark.macaulay at gmail.com>
> Date: Thursday, 28 May 2020 at 16:47
> To: Gareth M5KVK <gareth.m5kvk at gmail.com>
> Cc: Mark Musick <markmusick at outlook.com>, "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Problems with KRX3A
>
> Hi, Gareth.
>
> Well...you certainly have a mystery here. I found the documentation in the Elecraft manual on this subject a little hard to follow; the book by Fred Cady on the K3 is better and, if you'd don't have have it, I highly recommend it.
>
> I think you said on a previous post that you can hear the noise of the SUB when enabling it, then you are correct that there is something blocking the signal from the antenna. Assuming the configuration is correct, it might be the cable inside the K3 that feeds the signal to the SUB. When I opened up my K3 a while back to add a filter to the SUB. I noticed that one of the little coax cables entered the SUB at a pinched right angle (at least it was in mine). While I didn't have a problem, it seemed like it could be a problem if I didn't make sure the little connector was firmly inserted.
>
> I'm afraid I'm now beyond my pay grade on this...
>
> On Thu, May 28, 2020 at 11:36 AM Gareth M5KVK <gareth.m5kvk at gmail.com<mailto:gareth.m5kvk at gmail.com>> wrote:
> Thanks Mark
> Sadly, Changing the CONFIG KRX3 to be ANT=ATU makes no difference.
>
> Gareth
>
> On 28/05/2020, 16:08, "Mark Musick" <markmusick at outlook.com<mailto:markmusick at outlook.com>> wrote:
>
> HI Gareth,
> Sorry, I sent my previous e-mail to you before seeing this one.
> You have jogged my memory.
> I still believe KRX3 ANT= ATU is correct, but what jogged my memory Gareth is I believe, and I'll have to check, is that if you have the ATU installed with the two antenna ports you can use the non-transmit port for a receive antenna. In other words if you have the ATU and have ANT1 selected as the transmit antenna you can select ANT2 for receive. It may be that setting is set to ANT2 when it should be ANT1. However, I believe the K3 is smart enough to know that ANT1 is the only one available when there is no ATU installed.
>
> 73,
> Mark, WB9CIF
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net>> On Behalf Of Gareth M5KVK
> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 14:53
> To: Nr4c <nr4c at widomaker.com<mailto:nr4c at widomaker.com>>
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Problems with KRX3A
>
> Hi Bill
> The documentation around this is a bit confusing, but my understanding is that this setting defines where the SUB gets its AUX antenna feed from. It can either be BNC (the Aux RF socket on the back panel), or (if you have the ATU installed and therefore two ANT sockets) it can get it from whichever ANT socket is not being used by MAIN. As I do not have ATU installed, the only option that works is bnc.
>
> I can choose either MAIN or AUX ant for the SUB by pressing RX ANT
>
> Does this make sense?
>
> Gareth, M5KVK
>
> On 28/05/2020, 14:03, "Nr4c" <nr4c at widomaker.com<mailto:nr4c at widomaker.com>> wrote:
>
> Sorry!
>
> KRX3 Ant=bnc does not agree with both on MAIN.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
>
>
> > On May 28, 2020, at 8:54 AM, Gareth M5KVK <gareth.m5kvk at gmail.com<mailto:gareth.m5kvk at gmail.com>> wrote:
> >
> > I spent last evening checking the installation of the KRX3A. I did find one bit of incorrect plumbing (in the cables that connect the KRX3A to the rest of the K3S): however correcting it made no discernible difference.
> >
> > The post-installation setup instructions pass OK and all the CONFIG menu options seem to be correct: though it is difficult to be sure.
> >
> > With SUB on, SUB AF/RF at Max and Main AF at min: I get noise out of the speaker, but no signal: even though A and B are equal and the Main is definitely receiving a signal.
> > CONFIG
> > KRX3 Ant=bnc
> > L-MIX-R A B
> > SPKRS 1
> > SUB AF nor
> >
> > Looks like an email to support is next.
> >
> > Gareth, M5KVK
> >
> > From: Gareth M5KVK <gareth.m5kvk at gmail.com<mailto:gareth.m5kvk at gmail.com>>
> > Date: Tuesday, 26 May 2020 at 16:05
> > To: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft at mailman.qth.net>" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft at mailman.qth.net>>
> > Subject: Problems with KRX3A
> >
> > Hi there
> > I bought a s/h K3S a couple of years ago (SN 10901). It has a KRX3A installed, but I’ve never tried to use it until now. When I enabled the sub receiver this morning, I found I was getting no signal.
> >
> > I’ve checked various CONFIG settings and it’s set to use the MAIN ANT and it’s AF is independent of the K3S. In an attempt to make progress, I reviewed the installation instructions.
> >
> > Item 4, after enabling TECH MD, is Tap DISP and rotate VFO B to display SYN1 and SYN2. I do not see these items. Any idea how to debug this?
> >
> > 73
> >
> > Gareth, M5KVK
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> --
> 73,
>
> Clark, WU4B
> Little Pistol With Wires
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