Logikey K-3 KEYER
20
Troubleshooting
Your K-3 Keyer has been carefully engineered to avoid problems.
Most problems stem from one of two problems - excess power supply voltage, and excess exposure to RF
fields.
If a voltage higher than 14.5 volts is applied, the keyer may or may not survive. Also, the warranty is voided
when excessive voltage is applied. Note that many wall mounted transformer power supplies that claim to
be 12 volts DC put out as much as 17 volts, often with a very high AC component. Such a supply can dam-
age your keyer, and will void the warranty! If there is any doubt at all, measure the output of your proposed
power source with an accurate voltmeter. If you get a reading in excess of 14.5 volts, do not use that sup-
ply!
If the keyer stops working and you suspect that the maximum voltage has been exceeded, first remove the
power from the keyer. Make whatever changes are necessary to insure a proper DC voltage is supplied, then
re-apply power to the keyer. If the keyer does not respond with its "OK", press buttons #1, 3, 4 and 6 down
simultaneously and release. If the keyer still fails to respond, one or more of the chips has been destroyed
and you will need to return the keyer to Idiom Press for repair.
Should excessive RF get into the keyer, it is possible that the CPU will "lock-up" or "crash", even thought the
design uses CMOS circuitry which is well known for RF immunity. Such crashes are easily corrected by press-
ing buttons #1, 3, 4 and 6 down simultaneously and releasing them. However, all settings in memory will be
lost, including stored messages, the speed range setting and the like.
If the problem regularly repeats itself when transmitting on the air, there is a grounding problem some-
where. Make sure all cables are shielded, and that the integrity of the shielding is OK at both ends. Cables
should be as short as possible if you are having RF problems. High SWR's often contribute to excessive RF in
the shack, so addressing an antenna problem may cure the problem. Until the problem is resolved, operat-
ing at reduced power levels may be a temporary "fix." Although they should not be necessary, the user can
put .1 µF capacitors across the paddle base between the dot post and ground, and the dash post and
ground.
For any other problems, write to Idiom Press, P.O. Box 1025, Geyserville, CA 95441. Include a stamped ad-
dressed return envelope and a careful description of the problem. You will receive a prompt response. Also,
Idiom Press will promptly repair non-functioning keyers for a reasonable fixed charge which will be quoted in
response to your inquiry. The fixed charge repair will not apply to keyers which have had over-voltage ap-
plied or have been damaged by lightning strikes near the station. In these cases, quotations for repairs will
be made after receipt of the keyer and examination.
To Next Page
Loading...