Date
1 - 20 of 20
K3 Issues
|
Hi just joined the group, a disabled friend of mine has bought what I think is a K3/100 he has only had it a few days bought used, Ive never used or had any Elecraft equipment so im trying to read up on it, it boots up with an error message as per the photo below, my friend asked me to come round to reinstall the firmware, downloaded the latest software utility and attempted to do just that, it all goes in ok apart from the error below on DSP2, my questions first is there a way without opening up the radio to see what options have been installed, is there any reason why the DSP firmware would fail like this, he said he factory reset the radio so I had a look at the configs and managed to get the ATU back inline and also the 100w Module but the radio doesnt receive anything, the background noise is the same with our without antenna so basically im wondering wheres the best place to start on troubleshooting this for him.
Just as I am typing this it would appear there is now way to attach or embed photos so I will upload them to the photos directory under G0KOM K3 Kind Regards Adrian G0KOM |
|
|
|
Mel Marcus
I hope this is not taken as an insult , but does the display show ANT1, is the antenna plugged into ant 1, dies the display on the right show an A in a box and an arrowhead pointing to it?
also is the indicator (lsb,usb,cw) giving the proper indication for the band and portion of the band shown.
if the ATU shows on the screen have you tapped the atu/tune button to allow the atu to tune the particular freq.
Mel
NE9A
From: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> on behalf of Adrian McGonigle via groups.io <adrian@...>
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 2:38 PM To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> Subject: [Elecraft-K3] K3 Issues Hi just joined the group, a disabled friend of mine has bought what I think is a K3/100 he has only had it a few days bought used, Ive never used or had any Elecraft equipment so im trying to read up on it, it boots up with an error message as per the
photo below, my friend asked me to come round to reinstall the firmware, downloaded the latest software utility and attempted to do just that, it all goes in ok apart from the error below on DSP2, my questions first is there a way without opening up the radio
to see what options have been installed, is there any reason why the DSP firmware would fail like this, he said he factory reset the radio so I had a look at the configs and managed to get the ATU back inline and also the 100w Module but the radio doesnt receive
anything, the background noise is the same with our without antenna so basically im wondering wheres the best place to start on troubleshooting this for him.
Just as I am typing this it would appear there is now way to attach or embed photos so I will upload them to the photos directory under G0KOM K3 Kind Regards Adrian G0KOM |
|
|
|
G4MKP
Adrian,
If you can’t get it working with remote help, happy to look at the radio here at SG19 3DX – not too far from Essex.
Cheers, Tel/G4MKP
From: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> On Behalf Of Adrian McGonigle
Sent: 14 April 2021 20:39 To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io Subject: [Elecraft-K3] K3 Issues
Hi just joined the group, a disabled friend of mine has bought what I think is a K3/100 he has only had it a few days bought used, Ive never used or had any Elecraft equipment so im trying to read up on it, it boots up with an error message as per the photo below, my friend asked me to come round to reinstall the firmware, downloaded the latest software utility and attempted to do just that, it all goes in ok apart from the error below on DSP2, my questions first is there a way without opening up the radio to see what options have been installed, is there any reason why the DSP firmware would fail like this, he said he factory reset the radio so I had a look at the configs and managed to get the ATU back inline and also the 100w Module but the radio doesnt receive anything, the background noise is the same with our without antenna so basically im wondering wheres the best place to start on troubleshooting this for him. |
|
|
|
Jim Brown
An awfully good start is to download and STUDY the Operator Manual and the Assembly Manual. Both are here.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
https://elecraft.com/pages/manuals-downloads A physical view of most installed options can be seen by examining the rear panel for KIO3 (I/O board) and the KXV3 Transverter board. Remove the top cover (top mounting screws), carefully disconnecting and re-commecting the speaker; if you see a large flat shielded module on the top layer, it's probably the second RX. The plug-in roofing filters are below it on the main (lower) circuit board. It's also possible to discover some of the options from the menu system. STUDY the extensive table mid-way through that lists all of the menu settings for each module. If it doesn't say Installed, rotate the Tuning Knob to see if you can set it to Installed. If you can't, it's not there. Other options include the 100W power module, the Antenna tuner, and the broadband RX module (that lets you tune from below the AM broadcast band through HF. There are also upgraded Synth boards (two if you have the 2nd RX). Elecraft rigs have a 2-level menu system. A short push of the Menu button gets the top level, which are things you're most likely to need while operating. The second level is accessed by a Long Push, and includes a Tech Mode setting that opens up system adjustments (like calibrations). Elecraft UI operates on a short-push -- long push operation of buttons for different functions of the same button, and some knobs change function from CW to SSB. One VERY important thing. Elecraft stores its current state into RAM when you turn the power off from the front panel. If you simply remove power externally (turning off the DC supply or disconnecting the DC power, you will LOSE any settings you changed, and when the radio is next turned on, it will revert to the last settings saved with a Power Off from the front panel. If you can't get running any other way, you can use EEINIT from the menu system, and it will revert to a completely neutral state, including all calibrations for power and frequency, so you'll have to repeat those (per the Owner's Manual). Again, STUDY the Owner's Manual. You'll need the Assembly Manual only to figure out how to figure out where modules are and to remove stuff. 73, Jim K9YC On 4/14/2021 12:38 PM, Adrian McGonigle wrote:
Hi just joined the group, a disabled friend of mine has bought what I think is a K3/100 he has only had it a few days bought used, Ive never used or had any Elecraft equipment so im trying to read up on it, it boots up with an error message as per the photo below, my friend asked me to come round to reinstall the firmware, downloaded the latest software utility and attempted to do just that, it all goes in ok apart from the error below on DSP2, my questions first is there a way without opening up the radio to see what options have been installed, is there any reason why the DSP firmware would fail like this, he said he factory reset the radio so I had a look at the configs and managed to get the ATU back inline and also the 100w Module but the radio doesnt receive anything, the background noise is the same with our without antenna so basically im wondering wheres the best place to start on troubleshooting this for him. |
|
|
|
Cant upload pics either so presume im moderated as a new user so will just pop a couple of links to the pics
http://theradioham.com/k3a.jpg http://theradioham.com/k3b.jpg Thanks Adrian |
|
|
|
Yes Mel Ant1 is shown, the ATU tunes fine, there is simply no receive and no change in noise level when antenna plugged in, tested both antenna connections just in case no change.
Adrian G0KOM |
|
|
|
Ray Maxfield
Turn the ATU Off. Ray WA6VAB
From: Adrian G0KOM
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 6:34 PM To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] K3 Issues
Yes Mel Ant1 is shown, the ATU tunes fine, there is simply no receive and no change in noise level when antenna plugged in, tested both antenna connections just in case no change.
|
|
|
|
Ray Maxfield
Picture Show’s your in the FM Mode. Turn Mode to SSB ……. Ray
From: Adrian G0KOM
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 6:33 PM To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] K3 Issues
Cant upload pics either so presume im moderated as a new user so will just pop a couple of links to the pics
|
|
|
|
Michael Kopec
Is the RX ANT on or off? RX on is indicated by a rx icon after the ant 1 icon On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 09:42:35 PM EDT, Ray Maxfield <wa6vab@...> wrote: Turn the ATU Off. Ray WA6VAB
From: Adrian G0KOM
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 6:34 PM To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] K3 Issues
Yes Mel Ant1 is shown, the ATU tunes fine, there is simply no receive and no change in noise level when antenna plugged in, tested both antenna connections just in case no change.
|
|
|
|
Ted VE3TRQ
On Wed, Apr 14, 2021 at 04:30 PM, Adrian G0KOM wrote:
he said he factory reset the radioUnless you have a config backup, this is usually a bad idea. If a factory reset has been done, and you do not have a backup, I suggest contacting Elecraft to see if they can get you the configuration as it left the factory for the serial number radio you have (if it was factory-built). Otherwise, it’s a lot of work, I believe. |
|
|
|
Took the pic straight after it booted up after failing to install the firmware, it showed in FM mode, no idea if thats the way it works, but was in SSB mode when tested, also switched ATU in and out, no difference there is no audible difference when I plug the antenna in the noise floor/level stays the same despite the ATU actually being able to tune the antenna on TX ok if I choose to use the ATU, I actually emailed the previoius owner to see if he had a config file stashed away on his computer but had no reply as yet.
oh and the other question, the RX antenna is off Adrian |
|
|
|
On Thu, Apr 15, 2021 at 03:33 AM, Ted VE3TRQ wrote:
Unless you have a config backup, this is usually a bad idea. If a factory reset has been done, and you do not have a backup, I suggest contacting Elecraft to see if they can get you the configuration as it left the factory for the serial number radio you have (if it was factory-built). Otherwise, it’s a lot of work, I believe.Hi Ted Is that actually a thing, do Elecraft have the original config files for each serial number as it left the factory, if thats the case that would probably save me a ton of time. Adrian G0KOM |
|
|
|
David G3YYD
Adrian
It sounds to me that you have RX failure. It is likely that a PIN diode in the RX path has blown especially as the TX works OK.
73 David G3YYD
From: Elecraft-K3@groups.io <Elecraft-K3@groups.io> On Behalf Of Adrian G0KOM
Sent: 15 April 2021 07:31 To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] K3 Issues
Took the pic straight after it booted up after failing to install the firmware, it showed in FM mode, no idea if thats the way it works, but was in SSB mode when tested, also switched ATU in and out, no difference there is no audible difference when I plug the antenna in the noise floor/level stays the same despite the ATU actually being able to tune the antenna on TX ok if I choose to use the ATU, I actually emailed the previoius owner to see if he had a config file stashed away on his computer but had no reply as yet. |
|
|
|
Joe Subich, W4TV
Does that K3 have a second receiver (KRX3) installed?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
If so, your receive issues may be because cables and/or other connectors were shaken loose in shipment. If not, the lack of DSP2 is expected as there is no second DSP on which to load firmware. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2021-04-15 3:31 AM, Adrian G0KOM wrote:
Took the pic straight after it booted up after failing to install the firmware, it showed in FM mode, no idea if thats the way it works, but was in SSB mode when tested, also switched ATU in and out, no difference there is no audible difference when I plug the antenna in the noise floor/level stays the same despite the ATU actually being able to tune the antenna on TX ok if I choose to use the ATU, I actually emailed the previoius owner to see if he had a config file stashed away on his computer but had no reply as yet. |
|
|
|
Ted VE3TRQ
Is that actually a thing, do Elecraft have the original config files for each serial number as it left the factory, if thats the case that would probably save me a ton of time.I have never had to avail myself of that, as I regularly backup my config, but yes a number of people on this list have reported that they were able to get a configuration with the required calibrations from the factory. |
|
|
|
Hi all
That makes sense about the 2nd receiver Joe, I really dont know what he has done to this I spoke to him today and he said it was receiving ok before he messed about in the menus, hey ho. I have emailed Elecraft to see if I can get a copy of the original factory fresh config also I have taken a couple more pics of the radio http://theradioham.com/k3new.jpg http://theradioham.com/k3new1.jpg http://theradioham.com/k3new2.jpg Adrian G0KOM |
|
|
|
Bob Evans
Adrian,
Since you are getting several ideas, you can tell most folks have "bricked" their K3s at some point or another. I sure did on all three of mine! After you get over the shock of thinking "I killed my radio", it would probably be a good idea to reseat all of the boards or at least press on them to see if there is any wiggle. The long connector between the front panel and the chassis should checked at a minimum. After that, my suggestion would be to check the MENU item that shows if the KRX3 (sub receiver) shows being installed or not. If the menu says it is there but it is not physically present, it seems like you would get the error message "Version number verification failed" and the "ERR DSE" (no response from DSP1 (main RX) or DSP2 (sub RX)). If you actually have a KRX3 installed and the MENU item agrees with that, it is possible that the KRX3 is not seated properly in it's pins or cables have come loose. I've seen (or caused) both in the past! If having a KRX3 installed was NOT originally done when the rig had it's firmware set at the factory, that might also be what's going on. The KRX3 can be tricky to seat properly especially if it is your first time to remove/install the KRX3. Also, plugging in the bayonet cables can be tricky to assure that they are completely seated. MENU item: KRX3 or KRX3A:
set KRX3A to match your selected configuration for the sub receiver’s AUX antenna: ANT=ATU (KAT3) or ANT=BNC (AUX RF jack, rear panel). For details on sub receiver antennas, see pg. 39. You may also need to set up crystal filters for the sub receiver (or even the main RX [ED]) as described on the previous page. (See filter setup page 48 to make sure a filter is in your RX path) I am confident one of the ideas you've received will resolve the problem and will be a great learning experience so you never "brick" the rig again. The K3 is much more fun when you have things set up correctly. I got tired of learning the wrong way to set it up. ;-) Good luck, Bob K5WA |
|
|
|
John Lemay
Certainly no second receiver installed !
John G4ZTR
From: Elecraft-K3@groups.io [mailto:Elecraft-K3@groups.io] On Behalf Of Adrian G0KOM
Hi all |
|
|
|
Yep John def no second receiver installed, that much I now know, slowly getting there, im confident I can get this baby up and running again, I may even become an elecraft convert :-)
Adrian G0KOM |
|
|
|
Sorry, old thread.
Chuck, N0NC |
|
|