[Elecraft] P3 Failure, and question

[w4sc]

I had a similar problem.

I purchased a P3 kit in 2015, assembled, and it worked well.  The firmware as received, was a rev behind.  Trying to upgrade via the normal method, was unable to accomplish.  Trying to force an upgrade, was unsuccessful.  Had to return for warranty repair.  The EEPROM was corrupted.

All was OK until about 4 years ago, the P3, occasionally, would not boot up. I received some guidance from one of the engineers, to check a capacitor in the P3 power supply.  If it was a tantalum  (10 uF I believe), it was the incorrect value, and to change to 0.1uf (1206 sized).  After the capacitor change, no more powerup issues.  I believe there was a supply sequencing issue. 

I am looking for the details, and when found, I will post.

Ben W4SC

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