[Elecraft] K3 Keying Up For A Split Second When Power Button, IsPushed (Tom W8JI)

[Tom W8JI]

<<
It is not normal behavior for my K3. The red tx light comes 
on for a
split second but there is no amp keying or RF output.
73 Art>>

Art,

Mine has always closed the amplifier relay control line upon 
power up during the period after the power switch is pushed 
"on" and the display illuminates. The K3's red TX light is 
**not** on during that time. it does it any mode, and any 
VOX or PTT setting.

Make sure yours doesn't do the same thing.

I think this would mainly be a problem if someone power the 
amp and radio up at the same time, or powers the amp 
slightly before the radio is turned on. While my amps are 
immune to step-start damage, some systems can be damaged if 
the relay line is pulled low during the amplifier's power-up 
step-start sequence. This damage is a step-start design 
shortfall aggravated by an unusual power up behavior.

It's more annoying to me, since it can't damage the amps I 
have, but it does make me look carefully at meters to be 
sure it isn't transmitting. Especially if I am reloading 
firmware and I have the amplifiers and antenna transfer 
systems all running. :-)

73 Tom