[Elecraft] [K3] RE: K3: Relay noise?

Thu Dec 10 08:27:49 EST 2009

Interestingly you can hear the tick even when in TEST mode. Fortunately it's 
hard to hear above the sidetone. I ordered the new DSP board so while I've 
got the covers off I'll dig around for the noise again. I need something 
better than tubing in the ear.
Steve
N4LQ
N4LQ at carolina.rr.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Christensen" <w9ac at arrl.net>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 5:53 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] RE: K3: Relay noise?


>I recently ran into a similar issue when interfacing an Ameitron QSK-5, K3,
> and SPE 1K amplifier.  Regardless of power through the QSK-5, it produces 
> an
> audible "tick" when keying.  Yes, there are two relays inside the QSK-5
> unit, but neither is the cause.
>
> It turns out that the QSK-5's PIN diodes are being biased with moderately
> high voltage. The ticking sound follows the application of diode bias.  I
> could swear it was the input signaling relay when I tried to localize the
> sound.  Only, the PCB is functioning as an acoustical sound board (akin to 
> a
> piano or violin), amplifying the "tick" produced by the biasing of the PIN
> diodes.   I still don't know the exact ticking mechanism.
>
> I've heard similar effects when using high-voltage transistors.  Anyone 
> who
> has worked extensively with these transistors or high-power PIN diodes 
> care
> to add an explanation?
>
> Paul, W9AC
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "AC7JW" <jreber at thebluezone.net>
> To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 12:40 AM
> Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] RE: K3: Relay noise?
>
>
>>
>> Thanks Steve.
>>
>> It's sure strange that I get the same click whether I run 1 W, or 100 W.
>> I
>> could understand some sort of residual magnetic effect (for lack of a
>> better
>> term) causing some mechanical movement to create the noise if it was only
>> present while running high power, in which case high currents are 
>> present,
>> and thus the potential for a powerful magnetic field. But at 1 watt- 
>> there
>> is something else going on. In any case, I don't think it's a problem-
>> just
>> an annoyance.
>>
>> Jason
>>
>>
>>
>> From: Steve Ellington [via Elecraft]
>> [mailto:ml-node+4143590-665332999 at n2.nabble.com]
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 8:57 PM
>> To: AC7JW
>> Subject: Re: K3: Relay noise?
>>
>>
>>
>> I used some plastic tubing stuck in one ear trying to track it down. I
>> narrowed it down to one relay but it's been at least 6 months ago and I
>> can't recall which one made the noise. I had suggestions to check for
>> loose
>> ferrite chokes along the high current DC line but that wasn't the source.
>> If
>>
>> I happen to remember which relay it was, I'll post it here. 73
>> Steve
>> N4LQ
>> [hidden email]
>> <http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=node&node=4143590&i=0>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "AC7JW" <[hidden email]
>> <http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=node&node=4143590&i=1> >
>> To: <[hidden email]
>> <http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=node&node=4143590&i=2> >
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 9:40 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Relay noise?
>>
>>
>>>
>>> I've followed this thread concerning a QSK clicking noise through all
>>> comments, as well as other similar threads on the list, but it doesn't
>>> appear as if anyone ever came to a firm conclusion as to origin of this
>>> clicking noise. As others have stated, I can hear a very faint 
>>> mechanical
>>> clicking that follows my code when using QSK. It sounds like it's coming
>>> from the KPA100 region, but I can't tell for sure.
>>> Did anyone ever come to a conclusion, or receive any information from
>>> Elecraft?
>>>
>>> Thanks-
>>> Jason AC7JW
>>>
>>>
>>> Steve Ellington wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Is there a mechanical relay that follows keying? I've had my K3 for
>>>> nearly
>>>> a
>>>> year and didn't notice any relay noise until lately. I know the antenna
>>>> TR
>>>> is done by pin diodes but I can now hear the faint click of a small
>>>> relay
>>
>>>> that wasn't there before. I'm using ver. 2.8
>>>> Steve Ellington
>>>> [hidden email]
>> <http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=node&node=4143590&i=3>
>>>>
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>>>
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