[Elecraft] Audio problem in WPX SSB

[Andy Faber]

Wayne,
  A peculiar audio situation arose using my K3 in Aruba in WPX SSB.  It 
works the same way at home, and isn't a problem I've ever had with any of 
many other radios that I've used in the same contest configuration.

  Here is what happens:  For phone contesting, I my software CQPWIN, which 
plays wav files for DVK usage (as do other programs).  I run the output in 
such a way that when the dvk is playing, the mic is shut off, but the audio 
from the computer goes into the mic connector of the radio.  As soon as it 
stops playing, it disconnects the computer and reconnects the microphone. 
I run it from the computer into a W2IHY iBox for isolation, and the output 
to the radio.  The Mic is a Heil pro-set.

  With the K3, the messages play fine, but after one finishes, if I use the 
mic, the radio starts out at lower power and takes 2-4 seconds to build back 
up to high power.  This is the same whether using the front or rear input 
and whether using high or low gain. Also, the W2IHY box has to be turned up 
to a level that normally would overdrive other radios.

  I tried not using the W2IHY box (ie, running the audio straight from 
either my laptop or my desktop to the radio) with the same result.  It also 
doesn't matter if the radio is using PTT or VOX, or whether it just remains 
in transmit.

  These seems like a some kind of odd impedance issue, but, as I said, it's 
one that has never shown up with Icom-Yaesu or Kenwood radios.

  Any ideas?  I'm using 1.78/1.58 firmware, and the radio was just back to 
you for Rene to do hardware mods (serial number 76).  In all other respects, 
I loved it in the contest.

  73, Andy, AE6Y