[Elecraft] K3 clicks on release

[Tom W8JI]

I'm working on duplexing on 160 meters, so I have not checked other bands.

When the key line on the K3 is released, there is a very broad bandwidth 
click on a receiver. This is with a transmit antenna about 1000-3000 feet 
from the RX antenna. I am in a good low noise location.

This click occurs:

1.) with the K3 VOX on or off. That's right, it happens with sidetone only 
and no RF!!

2.) It goes away when I pull the RF output coax from the K3, so it is out 
the antenna port.

3.) The click extends up to around 1980 kHz, and is unaffected by the VFO 
frequency in the K3 (this makes some sense, since no real RF is involved)

 4.) Level increases as I lower RX  frequency from 1980 kHz or so down to 
about 1800 kHz, then it starts rolling off again (but that could likely be 
because I have HP filters for the AM BCB). It is pretty strong at 1800 kHz, 
I'd guess about 40 dB out of noise floor or more.

5.) I hear a similar click when I change bands in the K3 without actually 
transmitting!!! When I hear the K3 relays change something inside going from 
160 to 40, the other outside receivers "pop" and the S meters go over S 9 in 
the pop.

6.) It pops going from 20 meters to 30 meters (either direction), without 
transmitting. This goes away when I take the TX antenna off the K3. The same 
is true for 30 to 40. 40-80, but NOT so much if at all between 80-160.

7.) Some really loud relay in the K3 is clicking when this happens, but the 
same mechanical noise happens going from 160-80 with no radio click.

8.) This happens with VOX on or off on CW.

9.) This happens in SSB mode or any other mode

10.) This happens when I change bands with the memory

11.)  Don't hear it on 80 at all.

12.) on 160 meters, with VOX off on CW mode, I can hear like a loud wide 
phase or composite noise while sending!! With the K3 on 1805 kHz the noise 
is from 1803.6 to about 1806 kHz.  This noise always follows the VFO around, 
while the click does not. Even with no RF output (the VOX is off) I have 
this noise.

I have the latest firmware and reset, etc etc. It did it with old firmware 
that was about a year old. No change.

Any ideas??

73 Tom