[Elecraft] K3 receiver gain problem

[Vic K2VCO]

On 3/27/2010 9:02 AM, Ron W3ZV wrote:
> I am playing in the contest today. I have had two instances where my
> receiver gain has gone down dramatically. It sounds like I have switched
> to the second antenna with nothing attached. Engaging PTT brings it
> back. I installed the second receiver and DVR a week ago. Has been
> working fine until today. The problem is not reproducible. Happens on
> its own schedule.

Often this kind of problem is caused by an intermittent poor connection somewhere in the 
antenna system, a dirty relay contact if you have any relays in the path, etc. As soon as 
you hit it with a bit of RF, it cleans up and works for a while. But in receive, the 
voltage is so low that it stays in high-resistance mode.

Check the coax connectors, relays if any, etc.

I had the exact symptom about a year ago when I had a balun with a corroded solder connection.
-- 
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/