[Elecraft] K3 I/O Caution

[Bob Patten]

I've been having intermittent computer problems with the K3 connected 
ever since installing the K3 on the operating desk.  The ultimate 
disaster occurred during the RTTY Roundup when the computer shut itself 
off and lost my log with approximately 1100 QSO's.  After making various 
attempts to block RF from entering the computer, I ran across what 
appears to be the solution.

The DB9M connector on my serial cable used for K3 I/O had the standard 
threaded studs installed.  These had to be removed to allow fitting to 
the K3 I/O port with its own threaded studs.  With the studs removed, 
the connectors mated, but nothing but friction to hold them together.  I 
wondered if perhaps the shells were making intermittent contact.  I next 
drilled through the connector body where the studs were removed and 
inserted a spare pair of thumb screws that were left over from a DB9F 
connector.  With these screwed into the K3's threaded studs to secure 
the connectors, I've not had any further RF problems with the computer.

-- 
73,     Bob Patten, N4BP                Plantation, FL

E-Mail :   n4bp at arrl.net                Website: http://www.qsl.net/n4bp
SOC #1          ARS #799                QRP ARCI #3412       FISTS #7871
FP #1491                                SMIRK #6625