Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Elecraft k3 stopped working

The K3 just stopped!
This weekend I hooked up the Elecraft k3 as it was all disconnected when we had the house painted as it had to be moved for safe keeping. I wanted to make sure it still worked with all the computer software and the Alexloop. Software can be a very funny thing in that you really don't have to do anything and for some strange reason it just stops working! I am happy to report that all between the PC and Elecraft K3 is working well. There was one heart stopping moment, it was during a tuning session of  the Alexloop and the rig. I tuned the Alexloop for max receive I then hit the tune button on the K3 with the power on 3 watts the SWR was around 3.1 to 1 so some fine tuning was needed. As I tuned the Alexloop the SWR did a sharp rise and the rig powered off!! I waited for a moment and tried to power the K3 on again and NOTHING! I then checked the incoming power and it was dead. Well I thought better the Astron 20 amp supply taking a hit than the K3. Looking at the Astron supply the lights were on and 13.8 volts was showing on the meter. As I narrowed things down it was a fuse on the power bar that the Astron feeds power to. The K3 was fused at 1 amp at the power bar and not 5 amps and the fuse on the power bar went. After the proper fuse was installed all was well again.
Blown fuse
Last week I was able to purchase for a GREAT price a used very large roll top desk and this is going to be the desk that I use for the radio setup when we move to the condo. Not sure what I am going to do with my 3 monitor setup as it's great having all three. There seems at this point to be room for one monitor and all the radio gear. Whats great about the roll top once  your done all the radio equipment hides away into a nice oak desk. At this point I am brain storming on how to incorporate the other two monitors???
As for radio time Saturday was spent getting the K3 setup and my heart restarted when it powered down. There was a contest going on so the band were very busy but it did give me a change to see how Skimmer works under a contest situation. I can see how this piece of software will give my limited size station some advantages. The picture below is what sold me on the desk, the keyboard tray and the two pull outs.

6 comments:

HamRadioIreland said...

Glad to hear the K3 is in good health Mike !

John Marra said...

Glad to hear it was just a fuse. As far as your monitors, how about swing arms? Then you can stow them when not in use.

VE9KK said...

Good morning Anthony, it sure was a nice surprise to find out it was a simple fuse doing it's job.
Mike

VE9KK said...

Good morning John, I have some swing arms holding my 3 monitors now and I was thinking along the same path. I just have to work on how I am going to mount them to the desk. It's nice having these challenges as it keeps the mind busy. Thanks for stopping by the blog John and taking the time to comment.
Mike

PE4BAS, Bas said...

Hello Mike, I can imagine you worried about the K3. Lucky it was just a simple fuse. Nice desk by the way but indeed a little small for all the radio gear you used to have. Nice challenge though. Hope you keep us informed. 73, Bas

VE9KK said...

Good evening Bas, yes I think from the K3 situation a few more gray hairs grew in. As for the desk I love a challenge and I will keep you posted as to how it goes.
Mike