Elecraft KX3-4M - Manual (Page 10)

10
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode allows you to reduce the added current drain of the 2M or 4M module by up to 50% while
monitoring a frequency with the receiver squelched. The 2M or 4M module is switched off and re-
awakened at intervals to check for any activity on the frequency.
 Hold
M E N U and then select 2M/4M with the VFO knob. The default setting is nor (receiver
always on).
 Use the VFO knob to select the desired time in seconds between checks for a signal:
SLEEP .25,
.50, .75 or 1.0 . For example, SLEEP .50 means the KX3 will wake up and check the frequency for
a signal every half (0.5) second.
Troubleshooting
General KX3 troubleshooting suggestions are included in the KX3 Owner’s manual. The most common
symptoms and their causes relating to the KX3-2M or KX3-4M modules are listed below. If the problem
persists, contact Elecraft Customer Support (page 30) or post a question on the Elecraft e-mail reflector.
Be sure you completed all of the settings under Configuring the KX3 for the KX3-
2M or KX3-4M Module on page 3.
 No FM output: Verify that FM Mode enabled in menu: Hold
M EN U , turn the VFO knob to FM
MODE and turn the VFO knob to On .
 RF Output Decreases After Short Transmission or Poor Receive Sensitivity: Ensure the screw
securing the 2M or 4M module to the KX3 end plate is in place and snug (see Figure 22 on page
28). You will need to open the KX3 as if you were changing batteries to see the screw. This screw
is essential to avoid overheating the power output transistor in the 2M or 4M module. You can
monitor the temperature change while transmitting. Tap
DISPL AY and turn the VFO knob to
display PA.2 in the VFO B area of the LCD. The temperature is shown in Celsius.
 VFO Tuning Noise Heard in Speaker or Phones: Hold
ME NU , turn the VFO knob to VFO NR
(VFO Noise Reduction) and turn the VFO knob to On . Optionally, in the menu set RX SHFT to
8.0 . Even with these settings, there may be very weak noise heard. If your KX3 is equipped with
the KXFL3 roofing filer and was purchased prior to January 2014, check to be sure the KXFL3
board was modified as described in the Elecraft KX3 VFO Tuning Noise Suppression Modification
document available on the Elecraft web site.
 Weak or Distorted Audio in FM Mode: Check for proper microphone gain level. Press the
microphone PTT switch and, while speaking normally into the microphone, adjust the
KEYER/MIC control for 5 or 6 bars indicated on the LCD ALC display as shown in Figure 1. Check
that your deviation matches the receiving station (or repeater). For optimum results the deviation
used at the transmitting station must match the deviation expected by the receiving station. If the
deviation is too low the audio may sound weak. If the deviation is too high, the audio may be
broken up and distorted. See Frequency Deviation on page 6 if you need to adjust the deviation.
 Unable to Access Repeaters: If you are sure you are in a location where your signal should bring
up the repeater, check to ensure you are using the correct PL tone, that the PL tone is enabled for
transmit and that the offset and offset sign are correct (see Repeater Operation starting on page 6).
Be sure the Offset shown on the display (see Figure 1on page 5) is correct for the repeater.