[Elecraft] Strange K2 Problem, Continuous Dits on Powerup

[steve]

K2 S/N 1741 with the SSB option has been working fine for the past year, 
until yesterday.  I doubt that there is any connection but about a week ago I 
installed the new firmware and yesterday I built and installed the KAF2.  
Everything had been working with the new firmware.  The audio filter and 
realtime clock installed and tested OK.  
When I put the case back together and applied power it was stuck transmitting 
dits although there was no apparent power output and no paddle was plugged in 
the key jack.  None of the controls on the front panel worked, except the 
power control.  Inserting the paddle plug part way in and applying power 
stopped the continuous dits and returned all the front panel controls but did 
not return functions to normal.  
I am unable to get more than 0.1 watts indicated during tune and the receiver 
is working but has very low sensitivity.  Pushing the paddle plug all the way 
in after power up and sending a string of dahs seemed normal except that 
there was no discernable power output.  Sending a single dit puts the K2 back 
into the continuous dit mode again just like powering up with the paddle plug 
out or all the way in.  I am stumped.

My troubleshooting tools are limited to a DVM.  I have verified that there is 
5 volts on pin 32 of U6 on the Control board and that  the 8V regulator on 
the Control Board is working.  I did a visual inspection of the Control board 
around the two new connectors J1 and J2 but did not see anything suspicious.

Help please, I am suffering K2 withdrawal.

Thanks and 72/73,
Steve Kalafus W9NQP
Phoenix, AZ
stevekalafus@inficad.com