Elecraft KPA3 Power Connector Replacement Manual - Manual

Elecraft • www.elecraft.com • 831-763-4211
Elecraft K3
KPA3 Power Connector Replacement
Revision A Review, April 16, 2012
Copyright © 2012, Elecraft, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Introduction
The connectors furnishing high current to the KPA3 module have failed in certain units. Typically the pins on the
male connectors become overheated, damaging the female connector and reducing power to the KPA3. This
causes an ERR 12V message to appear on the K3s display. Note that this is not the only reason you may see
the ERR 12V message. There are many possible causes. Consult your K3 Owner’s manual for details.
The replacement connectors have gold plated pins to ensure adequate current carrying capacity without future
trouble.
There are two sets of connectors involved. One carries the current from the K3 RF board to the KPAIO3
interface board and the second set carries current from the KPAIO3 board to the KPA3 power amplifier module.
If you are replacing the connectors as a preventative measure, you need change only the male connectors. The
female connectors in the K3 are already gold plated. However, if you have suffered damage as indicated by
discolored pins or other signs of obvious overheating, you must replace the female connectors as well. It is
certain that the female connectors were damaged internally by the heat.
Parts and Tools Required
You will need a temperature-controlled ESD-Safe soldering station, solder, and your normal hand tools such as
needle nose pliers and diagonal cutters. In addition, you will need de-soldering tools such as a solder-sucker or
vacuum de-soldering tool. Some of the connector contacts served with wide circuit traces which act like a heat
sink and may make it difficult to completely remove the solder from the pads with de-soldering wick. A DMM is
needed for checking for shorts.
A kit containing the required parts is available from Elecraft. Order KPA3CONMDKT. It contains the following
parts:
IMAGE DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
ELECRAFT PART
NUMBER
3X2 pin gold male connector P67B and P68B 2 E620255
10X2 right angle gold female connector J68B 1 E980223
13x2 right angle gold female connector J67B 1 E620144
In extreme cases of corrosion or overheating there may be damage to the connectors on the KPAIO3 interface
board (see Figure 18, on pg 10). Female connectors are included to replace them if needed, or you may choose to
replace the KPAIO3 board assembly. A replacement KPAIO3 is not included in the kit, but you can order one
separately if needed. Order E850271 from
[email protected] .