|
Re: "Static" on receive
HB
I had similar issues on 2 radios - one being a K3s and the other a IC-7700 that ended up being a switching power supply on the station desk. Changed everything to a linear supply and the issue went away.
Grab a battery and test it. Disconnect everything from the radio that is connected to another device with a power supply (PC, soundcards, amplified speakers, etc) and run your rig on a battery with a mic and antenna connected.
I would also test different pieces of coax and another dummy load if you can - and then make sure the SO-239 on the radio is good and tight. Is your case ground good and tight?
Hank
K4HYJ
|
|
|
|
Re: "Static" on receive
Pete Oesterle <ve3hoh@...>
Does it change when you use a different power supply?
I had a SAMSUNG 1235 switcher supply induce noise into the LPF through the close proximity of the power leads.
Never saw that noise on any other radio except my K3.
Need to shield the power wires from the LPFs or run a cleaner PS.
the other thing it sounds like is similar to the failure of the yaesu Ft857 1st IF filters developing corrosion.
Does it happen with all filters selected?
73 pete ve3hoh/w3
From: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> on behalf of Mark Erbaugh <mark.election@...>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2019 8:53 PM To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io Subject: [Elecraft-K3] "Static" on receive When I connect my K3 to a dummy load, I hear a fair amount of "static." It sort of sounds like lightning crashes. In the past, I have heard this with a loose connection on the antenna feed line, but I've checked all the connections. I even connected the
K3 directly to a dummy load with a short coax jumper, same static. Is there anything I can look for? A loose connection inside the radio (I built it about 4 years ago)? What else should I check? Mark
|
|
|
|
"Static" on receive
When I connect my K3 to a dummy load, I hear a fair amount of "static." It sort of sounds like lightning crashes. In the past, I have heard this with a loose connection on the antenna feed line, but I've checked all the connections. I even connected the K3 directly to a dummy load with a short coax jumper, same static. Is there anything I can look for? A loose connection inside the radio (I built it about 4 years ago)? What else should I check? Mark
|
|
|
|
Unable to "READ" from K3s memory with Memory Utility
Suddenly I am unable to "READ" memories from K3s beyond M3. All memories are still intact in the radio. Utility stops after M3and goes to what appears to be an idle mode.
I tried to print out the "READ" report and error messages but was unable to use copy mode. Any suggestions. K5FX
|
|
|
|
Re: Switching Power Supply for K3s and P3
While I agree Power Pole connections are good {if correctly installed} , remember ever connector and every length of wire adds resistance to the DC power path. A good way to evaluate your system is to measure the total DC voltage drop. Measure between the power supply DC neg terminal and the ground terminal on the back of the radio. Use CW mode, 100 watts, key closed. Anything over 0.5 volts is an indication that a better power distribution method is needed. And if one has 0.5 VDC drop on the neg line, the same amount is likely to exist on the DC pos. Thus a total of 1 volt drop or 7.2%. This is NOT good regulation.
Personally I connect anything that consumes over 1 amp direct to the power supply. I know it is not often convenient to have multiple wires connected to the power supply terminals. By all means, use proper crimped lugs and preferably soldered for the power cables attachment to the power supply. I view the power distribution strips more for convenience as opposed to performance and reliability. 73 Bob, K4TAX.
|
|
|
|
Re: R: [Elecraft-K3] Switching Power Supply for K3s and P3
Jim Shepherd
I use the Meanwell 50 amp powersupply. it is audibly quieter than the Astron RM50 and it is also radio quiet. I put the extendable antenna on my K3s while it was powered by the Astron and then fired up the Meanwell right in front of the K3s and listen with headsets and visually on a 24" LCD SVGA hooked to my P3. I switched on and off the new switching supply while tuned on all the bands...The only thing that showed up was the transient when the PS was turned on and off--It was radio quiet while running. They have come a long way on the design of higher power switching power supplies. There is still some junk for junk prices like the $20 one mentioned by Bob. This one is about $90. Wall Wart supplies are also noisy and I am currently using a 15 amp Meanwell @ 5Vdc to power4 usb and a couple of colored powerpole connections for the 5 Vdc needs in the shack which let me get rid of all the wall warts. You get what you pay for. Jim W6US
|
|
|
|
Re: K3 shows high SWR and folds back power 17M-6M into dummy load
mike z
First I found the 8mHz trap had a bad 3900uuf cap, and one toroid lead had a bad board connection. removed the two parts and jumpered their location. Not much help. Jumpered the board's input directly to the output, figuring it would eliminate the entire tuner board. That cleared it. Have a KANT3 on the way, and that's what I'll stick with.
Only conclusion is a relay or two wasn't working, leaving an "L" or "C" in the circuit. Am I correct in thinking the "bypass" mode is done by leaving the relays in the "off" position? Mike N3PM
|
|
|
|
R: [Elecraft-K3] Switching Power Supply for K3s and P3
IK4EWX
This is a real power supply for the shack. Microset PS135, 35A, linear, well filtered, without fan. Without af and rf noise in the shack. For less cost buy used old heavy TenTec PS. Switching PS are good only for portable operations, and only for the lower weight. Ian IK4EWX
Inviato da Posta per Windows 10
Da: Ray
R&L has a 50 amp switcher for a little over 100$. I use a power pole break out strip and use it to power everything. Ray W8LYJ
|
|
|
|
Re: Switching Power Supply for K3s and P3
Ray
R&L has a 50 amp switcher for a little over 100$. I use a power pole break out strip and use it to power everything.
Ray W8LYJ
|
|
|
|
Re: Switching Power Supply for K3s and P3
Here is a 12V 30 amp supply for under $20.
https://www.amazon.com/eTopxizu-Universal-Regulated-Switching-Computer/dp/B00D7CWSCG/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=12+volt+switching+power+supply&qid=1555855063&s=gateway&sr=8-2 I purchased one just to evaluate. Don't buy it for the ham station nor for any other reason and hope your neighbor does not buy one......... unless you want to hear noise. At the same time, my 3 Astron SS-30M supplies are noise free {measured results} or below receiver noise, except for the fan that switches on and off. 73 Bob, K4TAX
|
|
|
|
Re: Switching Power Supply for K3s and P3
Larry
I have one of those MFJ units as well. Did quite well for a
while. Now it gets hot with no load on it at all. Sumptin
failed! Ran my K3 as well as a variety of mobile gear on it.
Liked the connection arrangement, cigarette lighter etc. Larry W0OGH
On 4/17/2019 4:27 AM, N4KS Ken Stuber
via Groups.Io wrote:
I'm using the MFJ-4230MVP with good success. No RFI issues. Better efficiency and voltage regulation than my 30A Astron linear supply. The fan is temp controlled - never heard it run at high speed.
|
|
|
|
Re: OT - Power Supply Hum
Jim,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I have the same power as you and mine started to hum, so I opened it up and in doing some testing I found one of the bridge rectifiers had opened up, leaving only one working. You might want to check that out. There are two fullwave rectifiers operating in parallel. Everett N4CY
On Apr 19, 2019, at 6:55 PM, Jim - N4ST <newsgroup@jimpricejr.com> wrote:
|
|
|
|
Re: OT - Power Supply Hum
Ware Master
On my linear astron supply I tightened the bolts holding the transformer plates and also replaced the rivets that were holding the transformer to the case with nyloc nuts and bolts. My supply is now silent.
On Apr 19, 2019, at 7:55 PM, Jim - N4ST <newsgroup@jimpricejr.com> wrote:
|
|
|
|
OT - Power Supply Hum
So, I noticed that my +25-year-old Astron 35M had developed a louder hum in the last few months.
Hum was worse on receive than FT8 50-watt transmit, which seemed peculiar. Then I noticed this hum issue was gone if I turned off my portable electric heater. Thinking I was hearing things, I put my fingers on the Astron case and verified by touch the above observations. Moved the electric heater power cord to a different outlet/breaker than the Astron and hum issue was gone. OK, geniuses…any theories? _____________ 73, Jim – N4ST
|
|
|
|
Re: Power Supplies
On Fri, 2019-04-19 at 09:55 -0500, Lee Young wrote:
|
|
|
|
Re: Power Supplies
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
On Fri, 2019-04-19 at 14:35 +0000, Ware Master wrote: Please confirm the site the articles are on the one provided does not work.
|
|
|
|
Re: Power Supplies
Ware Master
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
On Apr 19, 2019, at 10:35 AM, Ware Master <waremaster@...> wrote:
|
|
|
|
Re: Power Supplies
Ware Master
Please confirm the site the articles are on the one provided does not work.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
On Apr 19, 2019, at 10:26 AM, Bill Mader <K8TE.Bill.Mader@...> wrote:
|
|
|
|
Re: Power Supplies
Bill Mader <K8TE.Bill.Mader@...>
Many switching supplies DO NOT have crowbar protection. A friend lost his HF rig (not economical to repair) after his MFJ switcher zapped it with the unregulated Voltage. Repeaterbuilder.com has numerous articles on the subject, mostly about Astron supplies. They are worth reading. Your gear is worth protecting! 73, Bill Mader, K8TE W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 7-15 Sep 2019 Duke City Hamfest BoD www.dukecityhamfest.org 20-22 Sep 2019 President, Albuquerque DX Association
|
|
|
|
Re: KPA500 macros Remote Power OFF
Bill Mader <K8TE.Bill.Mader@...>
Frank, The programming manual is found at: https://ftp.elecraft.com/KPA/Manuals%20Downloads/KPA500%20Programmers%20Ref.pdf . That is on the KPA500 software page. The main manual mentions this on page 17. Additionally, a low pulse on pin 8 of the AUX connector turns the amplifier on or off. See page 25 of the manual. I recommend a thorough read of the manual after updating it with firmware notes. Then, save the file with a new name, perhaps including "Annotated." Adobe Acrobat Reader has this function and Elecraft allows it, unlike the Big 3. 73, Bill Mader, K8TE W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 7-15 Sep 2019 Duke City Hamfest BoD www.dukecityhamfest.org 20-22 Sep 2019 President, Albuquerque DX Association
|
|
|
