[Elecraft] Re: [FIXED] K2 SN:3222 KPA-100 causing crackling audio on SSB

[David Walker]

Gary,

This evening I set about doing the grounding to the mic socket as you 
suggested.  I got down on 80m this evening and I am told the transmit 
audio is as good as anything any of other radios.  No fuzzyiness, 
distortion, crackling or nasally sound.

I am pretty happy that this issue which has been plaguing me since I 
attached the KPA100 over a year ago appears to have been resolved.  I 
will test other bands tomorrow to make sure all is well on those also.

Many... many... many thanks.  I appreciate your advise enormously.

Regards,

Dave
VK2NA

Gary Surrency wrote:
> Hi David,
> <SNIP>
>
> Is the mic connector grounded? If not already done, the mic connector 
> should be grounded. I do this by removing the left side panel and 
> scraping away enough green solder mask right next to the threaded part 
> of the connector so that I can solder it directly to the PCB ground 
> plane. If you remove the PCB coating about 1/4 of the way around the 
> threaded portion of the mic shell, it’s enough to allow a good 
> soldered connection. A tiny jewelers screwdriver works well for 
> removing the resist. Use the side of a soldering iron tip and enough 
> heat to get the shell hot enough to take solder and then apply solder 
> between the PCB and the bottom edge of the connector shell. Cool the 
> threaded mic connector with a damp rag or sponge when done, so you 
> don't burn yourself on the hot connector.
>
> Also check your station ground for problems, the coax cables, etc.
>
> <SNIP>