Installing the KPA3 Shield ..........................11 Installing the KPAIO3 Interface Module ......................12 Assembling the Fan Panel ..........................14 Installing the KPA3 Amplifier Module ......................16 Installing the Fan Panel ............................. 16 Replacing the KNB3 Module ..........................18 Replacing the KRX3 Module ..........................18 ...
Elecraft at the time of original order, are not covered by this warranty. If the Elecraft product is being bought indirectly for a third party, the third party's name and address must be provided to Elecraft at time of order to insure warranty coverage.
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage There is no climate or work location where the components of your K3 are safe from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) unless you take specific steps to prevent such damage. Many of the components in your K3 can be damaged by static discharges of only a few volts: far too little for you to notice.
We strongly recommend you take the following anti-static precautions (listed in order of importance) to avoid trouble: Leave ESD-sensitive parts in their anti-static packaging until you install them. The packaging may be a special plastic bag or the component’s leads may be inserted in conductive foam. Parts which are especially ESD-sensitive are identified in the parts list and in the assembly procedures.
CAUTION In addition to taking ESD precautions, be careful not to damage components on either side of the circuit boards when handling them. This is especially true of the KPA3 module because of the weight of the heat sink. ELECRAFT...
Installation Procedure K3 KIT BUILDERS: If you were directed here to install the KPA3 module as part of the initial K3 assembly, begin here to complete the installation. Skip over the steps indicated. Disconnect power and all cables from your K3.
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On the rear of the K3, remove the large blank panel above the GND screw. This panel will not be used again, but the screws will be needed to mount the KPA3 cooling fans. (If you are installing the KPA3 as part of building your K3 kit, this panel may not be installed.).
If your K3 is equipped with the optional KRX3 Subreceiver, you must remove the subreceiver module to install the KPA3 shield. The KRX3 subreceiver module is the “L” shaped metal enclosure shown in Figure 3. The K3 in the figure has a fully-installed KPA3 showing how it fits next to the KRX3 module.
Removing the KNB3 Module KNB3 module must be removed to provide clearance needed to install the KPA3 shield in the following section. Remove the KNB3 module, the standoff, screw and washers from the RF board (see Figure 5). They will be reinstalled later.
Installing the KPA3 Shield Remove the three screws, washers and standoffs (on the bottom of the RF) board shown in Figure 6. Save the lock washers and standoffs. The screws will not be reused. Figure 6. Rear Shield Mounting Screw Locations.
Locate PA Jumper block mounted on RF board connectors P67A and P67B just inside the opening for the fans. Unplug the Jumper Block. Put the Jumper Block in a safe place. You’ll need it if you want to operate the K3 without the KPA3 module installed. Figure 9. Removing PA Jumper Block.
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If you are adding the KPA3 after assembling your K3 from a kit, remove the rear section of the bottom cover (see Figure 2 on page 8) in order to properly support the RF board in the following step.
Assembling the Fan Panel Locate the fan panel and mount the fans as shown in Figures 12 and 13 using 4-40 7/8” black flat head screws and acorn nuts. Note that the appearance of the fans in your kit may differ slightly from those shown. If you purchased the optional Stainless Steel screw kit, use the 4-40, 7/8”...
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Connect a power supply to your K3 and test the fans and KPAIO3 interface control as follows: Press the POWER button to turn the K3 on. Hold to select the Configuration menu, then turn VFO B to KPA3. Normally, the display will C O N F I G indicate NOT INST (not installed).
ANT3 hole in the fan panel. Route the antenna cable along the top of the KPA3 pc board across the opening for the fans and through the opening in the shield near the KIO3 board.
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Position the fan panel you assembled earlier behind the opening at the rear of the K3 and connect the leads as shown in Figure 16. Figure 16. Connecting Fan Panel to K3. Mount the fan panel on the K3 using four 3/16” (4.8 mm) black pan head screws as shown in Figure 17. These are the screws you that originally held the blank panel.
Subreceiver Installation and Operation manual, Auxiliary KRX3 Antenna Input (Optional) section for instructions on how to route this cable across the KPA3 enclosure to reach the KRX3 module. Turn to your KRX3 Subreceiver Installation and Operation manual, Installing the KRX3 Subreceiver Module section to replace the KRX3 module.
Figure 2 may destroy power transistors in your K3! If you removed it earlier, replace the stiffener bar and attach it to the KPA3 shield with two 4-40, 1/4” (6.4mm) zinc pan head screws with #4 inside tooth lock washers as shown in Figure 19.
If you have a Windows, Linux or Macintosh computer with an RS232 interface and cable, and an internet connection, perform the automated TX Gain calibration using the K3 Utility program as follows: Ensure you have the Elecraft K3 Utility Ver. 1.1.12.28 or later on your computer. The utility is available for downloading from the Elecraft web site: www.elecraft.com...
The KPA3 is mounted in the K3 with the circuit side of the board down so that only the heat sink is visible after removing the top cover. Each KPA3 is fully tested at the factory and there are no end user adjustments needed...
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