[Elecraft] [K3] Intermittent low CW sidetone monitor after transmitting (huh?)

[S Sacco]

OK, here's the story:

I've been having a strange problem with my K3.

I'm using it with an external keyer (don't ask why - it's what I want for
now), and also a footswitch.

I've been on six meters a lot (I'm mentioning this in case the band means
something) - and I've been doing a lot of CQing in CW.  I use a Henry
amplifier, which has clunky, slow T/R relays.  Accordingly, I've got the T/R
delay on the K3 set to go along with that.  To prevent any switching back to
receive on slightly-too-long pauses in my CQ, I usually step on the
footswitch to keep the relays closed during the CQ.

SOMETIMES (but not always), after the CQ is completed, and the K3 goes back
into receive, there is a constant, low-level cw sidetone monitor still being
generated.  It's not as loud as the monitor usually is.  If I tap the paddle
to force it back to transmit again, the low sidetone goes away when it
returns to receive.

I don't recall seeing anyone complain about this.  Any ideas as to cause,
and, more importantly, a solution?

Thanks/73,

Steve
NN4X
EL98jh