[Elecraft] K3s in the Field & Beta 3.10

[Ed K1EP]

Although a good addition for safety and I certainly appreciate the 
addition, it still doesn't prevent the "computer reboot and key the 
radio" problem.  This could happen quite often at a FD if the 
computers are not running on UPSs.  Therefore, as you say, there is 
no substitute for common sense and operating discipline.  Common 
sense being: Do not leave your K3 or any other radio unattended with 
VOX/QSK enabled and connected to a computer keying circuit.

At 4/16/2009 10:36 AM, Gary, VE1RGB wrote:
>For those of you who plan on taking the K3 to Field Day or to similar
>portable station events, I highly recommend that you take advantage of one
>of Wayne's latest options in Beta 3.10 - VOX defaults to OFF upon K3 rig
>turn-on.  That will eliminate the problem we encountered at the Halifax ARC
>at FD 2008 where, while one team was putting the CW station HF antenna
>together, another team was working on the radio/computer logging end of the
>RF transmission path.  Someone who was unfamiliar with the K3 innocently
>booted up a computer attached to #095 which had just been turned ON with VOX
>still on from previous use.  The guys at the antenna end were not impressed
>when the K3 - with no-one touching it or the paddles - started transmitting
>pulses at full power. No-one was hurt and no equipment was damaged and we
>did not cook our MFJ antenna analyzer, but the potential was there for sure.
>
>Anyone who has gone through a FD exercise will understand that the normal
>operating discipline that we all maintain in our own fixed stations, where
>of course none of us would ever allow this to happen (!), sometimes breaks
>down.
>
>             Thanks, Elecraft, for fixing this safety issue.
>             73,
>
>             Gary, VE1RGB