K3 Troubleshooting Tips

From Zerobeat

Also see:

• Firmware - Known problems

• Firmware Error codes

• Firmware problems known to Elecraft, on the list to be fixed

• Firmware problems that have been corrected by Elecraft

• Firmware anomalies that are considered normal

• Test and Calibration in the Kit Building section

• Hardware anomalies that are considered normal

• Hardware Issues that have been corrected by Elecraft

Problem performing the TX Gain Calibration. After setting the power to "exactly 5.0 watts" and holidng TUNE, the power reading on 160 meters only goes to 1.2 watts; when I tap TUNE to exit, VFO B says: ERR TXG. Similar problems on other bands: 1.8 Watts on 80m, 1.4 Watts on 40m, 1.9 Watts on 20m, etc.

• Be sure FLTX is set correctly for ALL modes, by pressing the Mode button for all modes while editing FLTX. You also need to do the FL1 FRQ (or any other FLx setting) for any 5-pole filter that has a written offset value on a small label that is affixed to the side of the crystals. Include the negative value if it is present too, such as -.079 or whatever your 2.7 or other width crystal has.

• I had this problem then I noticed I was out of the US band limits. Try changing frequencies in band and trying again

• Make sure you've selected a filter that is at least 1 khz wide for CW transmit. Otherwise you'll get the ERR TXG message.

• In order to use the ATU and the PA, you need to firstly enable them in the menu, then turn the power switch off and on again. The rig reads in the accessories and will recognize them (I fell for that one with the PA).

• I also tried too hard to set the power levels... Basically once you have calibrated the Wattmeter (and then only if you have an accurate external Wattmeter), you then ignore the menu and external power meters. Just follow the instructions in the manual, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to set levels manually, this is not how you calibrate the power settings the K3 will automatically set the power for you when you select 5 Watts (or 50W on high power) and press the "TUNE" button, this needs to be done on all bands... If you have really fouled up, reset the K3 to the initial start-up conditions by pressing and holding the SHIFT/LO knob while powering up. Don't forget to calibrate the VCO before going on to the power setting.

Problem performing the Reference Oscillator Calibration for 1 ppm device: Method 3 In step 1, I see the 'REF CAL' menu displayed by VFO B, but tapping '1' doesn't change the name off the menu; it merely performs the usual 'tap' function of that switch: A/B.

• The firmware has not been written yet for the 1PPM TCXO3-1 table calibration, so use one of the other two methods for now. It will still be more stable than the standard TCXO3. QRX for a future firmware release to do the table entry.

Do I still need the PA Jumper Block? The latest assembly manual, from the web site, indicates that you will still need the PA Jumper Block to do some initial testing before installing the KPA3.

• Install the KPAIO3. Either it or the simple jumper that is usually there will allow you to run the K3 without the KPA3 installed for the initial tests. With the KPAIO3 (only), set CONFIG:KPA3 to 'PAio nor'. During installation of the KPA3, you will change this CONFIG:KPA3 setting a few times, eventually ending up with it at 'KPA3 nor'.

KPA3 - I installed the KPA3 this morning. Everything looks right but I can't adjust power output beyond 12.0.

• You need to set CONFIG:KPA3 to "PA NOR". Note: Ignore "PA io nor" which looks remarkably similar to "PA nor".

When in mode LSB Mic doesn't adjust mic gain. VFO B displays "TN1 x.x" when I turn the Mic pot. Seems odd.

• Try CONFIG => 2 TONE ... check this to be OFF After that you will be able to adjust mic