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 32) 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
and TO-220 retainer securing the 2M or 4M module to the KX3 end plate is in place and snug (see
Figure 25on page 29). 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
DISPLAY
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.
